Cray Wanderers 0-4 Ebbsfleet United

CRAY went into the delayed 2007-08 Kent Senior Cup final as massive underdogs, and despite a gallant rearguard action in the sweltering heat they were beaten, as expected, by a superior and fitter Ebbsfleet team.

Due to holidays and pre-season injuries the Wands only had eleven players to call on, and the subs bench remained empty.

Conference giants and FA Trophy holders Ebbsfleet enjoyed most of the early pressure, but Cray almost grabbed an unlikely lead in the 24th minute when Tony Dolby curled in a free-kick from the right, and the ball deflected away after striking the angle of crossbar and post.

Cray's resistance was broken in the 34th minute when a lapse of concentration by 'keeper Grant Hall allowed Luke Moore a gift goal.

Hall showed his mettle afterwards with some fine saves to deny the visitors any further goals until the tiring home defence wilted in the closing stages.

The 'Fleet rattled in three late goals to seal an emphatic victory before a crowd of 648 at Hayes Lane.

It brought disappointment for Cray in their second final of the 2007-08 season - their first was the Ryman Division One South promotion play-off final in early May when they were pipped 1-0 by Tooting & Mitcham.

For manager Ian Jenkins and his team the priority now is to gear up for the new season and to get all of Saturday's missing players back to full fitness in time for Ryman League action starting on 16 August.

Cray have two testing pre-season fixtures lined up away to Needham Market this coming Saturday (3pm) and at Margate on Sunday week (10 August at 2pm).