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RYMAN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE SOUTH—TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2007
MATCH REPORTER: PETE GORINGE
Cray were disappointed to drop two points in the closing stages, especially to a goalscorer named Francis!
This was a classic “game of two halves.” For the first 45 minutes, the Wands were in almost complete command as Ian Jenkins and Joe Francis chose to play a 3-5-2 formation. Wingbacks Arron Day and Colin Luckett found acres of space in the flanks, as Cray’s neat passing game stood out in stark contrast to Worthing’s stuttering long ball approach.
Michael Power was a constant handful for the home defenders. He was twice foiled by sprawling saves from ‘keeper Rikki Banks after making space for himself in the danger area.
The goal that Cray’s dominance warranted arrived after 34 minutes and it was no surprise that its source was the wingbacks. Day swung the ball across the opposite flank where Luckett was allowed time and space before unleashing a thunderous left-foot shot from about 35 yards. The ball swerved and dipped viciously on its way into the net.
This was a superb strike, reminiscent of several Colin scored last year, and an early contender for goal of the season.
Worthing rarely threatened in the first half, although there was a close call for Cray five minutes from the break when Glen Knight was alert to turn a fast near post shot behind for a corner.
The home side made a tactical change at the interval that immediately tightened up the midfield. The Wands no longer enjoyed time on the ball as Worthing’s youngsters began to impose themselves on proceedings.
Nonetheless, Cray nearly doubled their lead on two occasions. On 55 minutes Power headed a driven cross from Luckett narrowly wide and five minutes later Julian Curnow’s goalbound header from Jamie Wood’s cross was brilliantly scrambled away by Banks – a save worthy of his famous namesake.
This was pretty much the last that was seen of the Wands as an attacking force. Worthing piled on the pressure for the rest of the game, as Cray struggled to retain any possession.
There were two goal line clearances and a succession of corners. It was obvious that “a goal was coming” but Cray will be disappointed in the manner that they conceded. With just five minutes remaining, substitute Sam Francis, who made a big impact, rose virtually unchallenged to nod home a left-wing flag-kick.
It was hard to deny that the home side were worth their point. In fact, this was one of those draws that probably satisfied neither side. Cray will be disappointed that the equalizer came so late in the game, whilst Worthing’s performance was for a long period well below what would be expected of self-proclaimed promotion favourites.
Cray Wanderers: Knight, Day, Luckett, Amena, Willy, Royston, Curnow, Chapman, Power, J. Wood (Baker, 69), Stirling (Kempster, 75). Unused subs: Fenwick, L. Wood, Matthews.
Supporters’ MOM: Colin Luckett
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