Cray Wanderers unbeaten start to the Bostik South-East season continued as the Wands came from behind at half time to record their seventh win in eight games and their fourth on the road at VCD Athletic in a top of the table clash.

The first time this season Cray trailed for a long period of time after going behind to a 3rd minute penalty scored by ex-Wand Charlie MacDonald.  Cray pressed for a leveller in the first half which was not forthcoming but two goals in the first five minutes of the second half turned the game on its head.  Firstly, Freddie Parker coolly slotted home just after the break and then three minutes later Bradley Pritchard was on hand to convert Junior Dadson’s cross.  Parker would later see a penalty saved by Joe Mant but Cray played well enough second half to claim a hard fought three points.

On a warm and very pleasant late September Saturday afternoon on the excellent playing surface at VCD, another exciting game was expected as 1st took on 3rd in a top of the table clash.

It was VCD though who caught Cray a bit cold in the opening minutes and were awarded a penalty after two minutes when the ball was worked from left out to the right to Alex Gaggin who looked to take the ball round the advancing Nick Blue but was brought down by a tackle from the keeper for a penalty.  Charlie MacDonald slotted home the spot kick to make it the perfect start for the home side.

Cray had the bulk of the pressure and opportunities after that with Bradley Pritchard firing just over and Jerome Federico saw a stinging drive pushed round well by Joe Mant.

VCD did threaten on the counter attack and Leon Lalor-Dell was denied by a block from Blue and Gaggin fired into the side netting before half time.

Cray came out second half rejuvenated and within two minutes had levelled when Freddie Parker broke through with a one on one and calmly placed the ball wide of Mant for his second goal in a week.

Parker was then denied by a good save from Mant but in the 50th minute Cray went ahead when Junior Dadson took on Dominic Odusanya down the left and squared the ball across to Prtichard who smashed the ball into the net from seven yards.

The Wands had a chance to add to the lead in the 57th minute when Pritchard was brought down by Odsuanya down the left of the area and a penalty kick was awarded.  Parker though saw his effort well saved by Mant turning the ball round the right post.

VCD hung in the game but Cray played very well second half and Pritchard hit the bar with a looping cross-shot and defended resolutely against a well drilled VCD side.

Cray now go seven points clear at the top of the Isthmian South-East and begin their October fixtures on Saturday when Faversham Town visit Hayes Lane.

Cray Wanderers: Nick Blue, Barney Williams (Capt.), Archie Johnson (Malik Solebo, 80),  Jay Leader, Mitchell Nelson, Bradley Pritchard, Sean Roberts, Tom Phipp, Freddie Parker, Junior Dadson, Jerome Federico (Ben Mundele, 73): Subs: Iffy Onwuachu, Zak Henry, Marcus Evans

Att:  120