Cray Wanderers start their FA Cup campaign this weekend with a trip to face a Lewes side who are always difficult to beat at their Dripping Pan ground. 

But Tim O’Shea’s side travel off the back of a stunning 4-1 drubbing of Welling United on Monday afternoon, achieving the result despite having keeper Henry Molyneux sent off.  

Welling finished with ten players as well and the Cray boss knew that his side had given him and exceptional Bank Holiday result. “We were due to play Maldon on the Saturday,” O’Shea reminded us, “but the league called that off late on Friday afternoon because of their ongoing problems.  

“I think I got a call at 4.30 on Friday afternoon which didn’t really leave us any time to organise anything for Saturday which we probably would have done, but in hindsight the rest did the boy good, and they were “gagging” for it on Monday.” 

“They were on a run after they beat Ramsgate, but the fact that we didn’t play we knew that we would have fresh legs but form wise and momentum wise they came into Monday like a stream-train.  

“I think that they came to Flamingo Park looking for another win. Us not playing gave me the chance to go and watch them at the weekend, and I’m glad that I did. Conditions were tough because of the wind and rain, but they came out worthy winners against Ramsgate though Ady (Pennock – the Rams boss) may have thought his side could nick a point late on.” 

“Welling changed a few on Monday; they brought plenty of support with them and I think they came here expecting the three points!” 

“It was a result with regards to the four that we scored that I felt had been coming anyway. We went to Cheshunt first Tuesday of the season – we had fifteen shots on target on the evening, and we probably should have come away with the points handsomely, but we didn’t!” 

“It’s been there and coming and seemed to click second half on Monday. Overall, I don’t think you can begrudge us that sort of win!” 

Turning to the weekend, O’Shea said, “The FA Cup is special there’s no two ways about that! We are going to Lewes at the weekend who themselves have some real momentum at the moment sitting third in our league having just beaten one of the title fancies Eastbourne Borough on Monday afternoon themselves. 

“They had a big crowd and so we’re expecting a big crowd down there but that’s the beauty of the cup, as we will be going there and into the game as we always do looking to try and get the win. I don’t think it’s anything about trying to get them back to our place for a replay so we will travel and hopefully have some decent support travel with us!” 

O’Shea knows the Dripping Pan well after spending a period in charge of the club and recalled, “It was under tough circumstances when I was in charge as their manager. We’re looking forward to it and looking forward to a day out at the seaside!”