Cray Wanderers made it three successive 1-0 wins and produced one of the performances of the season to win at Isthmian Premier league leaders Dover Athletic and end the home side’s eleven game unbeaten run through Nyren Clunis’ 47th minute goal.

In a high intensity game between two sides in form there weren’t too many chances with both defences strong but Cray took the key opportunity just after half time after Nathan Jeche’s shot was saved by Jordan Gillmore but Clunis was on hand to score.  A fine defensive rearguard action secured another three points, making it four unbeaten and a thirteenth clean sheet for Shaun Rowley.  It was also the first ever Wands league win at Dover after three previous odd goal defeats. The Wands stay 16th in the table on 25 points but are only five points behind 5th placed Dartford.

Cray came into the game buoyed by gritty one nil wins at Bowers & Pitsea and at home to Chichester City on Tuesday night but Dover would pose the toughest challenge of the season having a six point lead at the top and possessing the league’s top scorer in George Nikaj with sixteen goals.

For the Wands in the starting lineup there were two new loanees signed on Friday making their debuts.  Central defender Frankie-Jay Moralee in for Tom Bonner and George Penn in midfield for Charlie Edwards. Both Frankie-Jay and George have starred for the Bromley U21s and George played against Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup in November.

Despite a coastal chill the sight of the sun was a welcome sight after two successive away windfests and with the Cray support in good voice the scene was set for an enjoyable afternoon.

Dover showed their confidence with a bright start and in the 2nd minute Ruben Soares-Junior set up Nikaj down the left of the area but Shaun Rowley did well to make a blocked save.

Cray began to settle in the game and the two debutants showed no nerves at all and Cray created their first half chance when Frankie Raymond set up Josh williams for a shot on goal that was blocked.

For Dover, Soares-Junior saw an effort held but Cray came close when from a throw-in down the left the ball came to Clunis who shot wide of the left post.

In the 41st minute Dover came closest yet when down the left a cross from Francis Mampolo was met by the head of Luke Baptiste but Rowley did well to turn the ball over the bar and then blocked from the corner and the follow up driven into the side netting.

The last chance of the half came to Cray when Jeche set up Williams for a near post shot which was held by Gillmore.

The start of the second half saw Cray come out of the traps quickly and in the 47th minute created a well worked opening after Raymond won the ball in midfield and came out to Ike Orji down the right and his ball into the area eventually came to Jeche whose shot was saved but Clunis showed great composure to find space to drill home the rebound.

Dover almost responded three minutes later when Mampolo fired a shot wide of the right post but Cray defended stoutly for the next twenty minutes and were giving a mature performance with all the players putting in a great shift.

For Dover, Baptiste saw a shot deflected wide and did come close in the 70th minute when Baptiste’s header hit the crossbar.

Cray came close to a second goal in the last ten minutes when Williams down the left saw his shot hit the right post.

The last ten minutes saw Cray withstand some incessant pressure mainly from corners but Moralee and Quade Taylor at the back were impressive and Rowley was the epitome of composure in goal.

Despite the home side’s possession they didn’t fashion a clear cut chance and after five additional minutes of added on time Cray saw out the remaining minutes to register a huge three points and move seven points clear of the bottom four on a great afternoon for Neil Smith’s side and now move on to Saturday 21st December and the visit of second placed Billericay Town to Flamingo Park, 3 pm KO. 

Cray Wanderers: Shaun Rowley, Ike Orji, Frankie-Jay Moralee. Quade Taylor, Darion Dowrich, Frankie Raymond, George Penn, Lateef Adaja, Nyren Clunis, Josh Williams, Nathan Jeche (Kenny Coker, 87):  Subs:  Toby King, Bobby Parkes, Freddie Warwick, Nathan Manwearing

Att: 826