Cray Wanderers begin their FA Cup campaign for 2023/24 on Saturday afternoon when they entertain Newhaven in the First Qualifying Round at Hayes Lane.
The Wands go into the game having lost all five of their opening Isthmian League Premier Division matches so far, leaving them in 20th place having only scored one goal and conceded ten.
On Bank Holiday Monday Neil Smith’s injury hit side lost 3-0 at Hastings Utd, Jack Holland, Anthony Cook and George Porter were all out injured for the game, which also saw Yahaya Bamba sent off to add to the management team’s selection problems.
Newhaven currently sit seventh in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division table, two levels below Cray, with nine points from five games played, winning two and drawing three.
The Dockers have progressed through two rounds of the FA Cup already to reach this stage defeating Little Common 3-0 and Spelthorne Sports 7-1. Andy Cook & Sean Breach’s side have only lost one competitive game this season, which was in the RUR Cup 1-0 at local rivals Seaford Town.
On Monday Newhaven won 5-0 at AFC Varndeanians in the league with two goals apiece from Callum Connor & Alfie Rogers, plus one from Ian Robinson.
The ingredients for a potential giant killing are all there with an inform Newhaven travelling up from the Sussex coast looking to add to the Cray Wanderers woes, who will be desperate for a turn round in form and the financial boost of a cup run.
Entrance for the game is £12 for adults and £6 for concessions, with an excellent printed programme at £2. Kick off at 3pm.