Cray Wanderers 1 v 1 Kingstonian

FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying

CRAY and Ks had to do it all again on Monday after the Wands failed to take their chances at Hayes Lane, writes Jerry Dowlen.

Gary Abbott got his head to two early corner-kicks from Ross Lover but to Ks relief the ball went just over the bar each time.

Lover then spun away into space on the right and surprised keeper Mark Torasco when he floated in an instant cross-shot.

His effort fell short of the target and Ks lunged to get the ball away before Jamie Kempster could reach it.

Cray were not to enjoy the run of the ball during the game.

On 22 minutes Danny Bower tried to clear the ball out of the area with a diving header.

In getting to his feet he tripped Tony Reid and was mortified to see the referee point to the penalty spot.

Martin Lee tucked away the kick to give the visitors the lead.

Lover continued to be Cray's most influential player and put a shot narrowly wide but the Wands' close passing and pretty patterns did not achieve much until two chances came in the 44th and 45th minutes.

Ks headed the first one off the line after Lover's corner and Torasco held Jon Main's shot.

The tempo was faster in the second half as Cray poured on the pressure but had shots blocked on the line after two skilful solo runs by Michael Power from the left.

Power's touch was outstanding but whether from one of his set-ups or from one of the Wands' many free-kicks the equalising goal just would not come.

At long last Cray got a break when the referee spotted an elbow used unfairly on the edge of the box and, with the aid of a big deflection, substitute Drew Watkins drove the free-kick past Torasco in the 80th minute.

The game opened up and raced from end-to-end with Cray going closest to winning when Power's volley was tipped over by Torasco.

Ks had their moments too with substitute Mazin Ahmad breaking powerfully down the right.

From the first of two free-kicks Cray conceded, Lee pinged the base of the near post with a curling shot which was too close for comfort in a nailbiting finish to an exciting and good-spirited cup tie.

Cray: Northwood; Khan;Rawlings; Morris; Bower; Taylor (Watkins, 56); Lover; Kempster; Abbott (Bremner, 74); Main (Wood, 90); Power.

Subs not used: Gray; Hall.

Att: 239.