2nddec04

Cray aim to knock record breakers AFC Wimbledon off their pedestal

CRAY WANDERERS will be looking to impress when record breakers AFC Wimbledon make their second visit to Hayes Lane in three weeks, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Dons' last visit, watched by around two and a half thousand fans, ended in a 1-1 draw over Cray's landlords Bromley, which set a record with the longest unbeaten league run in English football.

Cray, however, will be looking to end the Surrey side's unbeaten run, and bounce back from their midweek FA Trophy exit at St Albans City.

Ian Jenkins' side twice equalised in the replay at Clarence Park - after drawing 2-2 at Hayes Lane on Saturday with goals from Michael Power and Ross Lover - but the Nationwide South strugglers took full advantage being on home turf, winning the replay 3-2 after extra time.

Jenkins admitted: "Unfortunate to go out, to be honest.

"They dominated the first half, then we got back into it.

"In the second half, after we equalised through Matt Woolf, we were the better side.

"They scored again, and we equalised again through Jamie Kempster."

Jenkins admitted extra time would only bring one goal - and former Dover Athletic man James Millar squandered a chance to score the winner during that period, which would have secured a home tie with Havant & Waterlooville in the third round.

Former Margate striker, Phil Collins, who joined the club from Welling United, sits out the clash against Dave Anderson's side due to a one-match ban.

With their biggest attendance as a Ryman League club expected to fill Hayes Lane to the brim, Cray have announced match arrangements for this high profile fixture.

Supporters are advised to arrive by public transport as car parking spaces at the ground are very limited.

The turnstiles and the bar will open at 1:30pm and the bar will close at 2:45pm.

Admission prices remain at £7 (adults) and £4 (concessions) and supporters are asked to bring the correct money to avoid congestion, and to arrive at the ground earlier than normal to avoid any delay's.

The club are anticipating a gate of around 1500.

The bar will be open after the game but for players and officials only.

Jenkins added: "We are going into the game looking for three points - which will be the most important thing - and looking to break their record run."

If Cray can pull off a victory they will only be seven points behind the league leaders as they look to improve on their sixth place.

However, Jenkins' side have drawn half their 18 league games this season, drawing seven of their nine league fixtures at Hayes Lane this season, but they are more than capable of knocking AFC Wimbledon off their pedestal.


Cray Wanderers v AFC Wimbledon
Ryman League Division One
Saturday 4th December 2004
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hayes Lane, Bromley