WANDERERS LEADER TO

Cray Wanderers went top of the Bostik League Division One South East and maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a hardfought victory at Ashford United.

Michael Power bagged a brace to bury the Nuts and Jay Leader’s continued fine form fuels optimism they can go one better than last term’s third place. The Kent side have claimed five straight wins to start the season, conceding just one goal in the process. Their early dominance was rewarded with the lead on ten minutes - through that man Power, who passed the 100goal mark at the club having signed for them as a 20-yearold. He was played through down the left of the penalty area and finished well into the far corner. Ashford threatened through Lanre Azeez but had far more work to do in their own box. Keeper Sam Mott denied Junior Dadson’s deflected shot, with the winger going on to hit the post later in the half. Cray’s second goal came on the 39th minute when a corner was flicked on into a dangerous area by Mitchell Nelson. Leader was waiting and applied a simple finish from close range to extend the advantage. Goals have been plentiful for Cray in recent times - they scored 113 last season and still missed out on promotion. At one stage, they attracted the spotlight of the national media for being the only side to outscore Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Sensing defensive vulnerability, the hosts kept their patience and carved out a catalogue of second-half chances. Bidding for a fourth victory of the season, United pulled a goal back on 52 minutes through Stefan Cox. United applied plenty of pressure, with Jordan Johnson and Josh Wisson proving threats from set-piece situations. Five minutes from the end Cox went from hero to villain, sent off for an off-the-ball incident that was spotted by the referee and duly punished. Two minutes later Cray sealed the points and put paid to any potential comeback from the home side. Barney Williams’ right wing cross was headed into the net by Power, who once again showed his clinical edge to earn the points.