Chatham Town 2-0 Cray Wanderers - We're low on confidence at the moment,admits Jenkins

Tuesday 10th November 2009

CHATHAM TOWN 2-0 CRAY WANDERERS
Championship Manager Cup Second Round
Tuesday 10^th November 2009
Mike Green reports from Maidstone Road

CHATHAM TOWN eased into the Third Round of the Championship Manager Cup at the expense of neighbours Cray Wanderers courtesy of a comfortable win at the Maidstone Road Sports ground.

After weathering an early Cray storm, the home side progressed courtesy of first half goals from Michael Scott and skipper Richard Avery, much to the pleasure of boss Alex O'Brien who spoke to www.kentishfootball.co.uk after the game. He said: "I'm delighted with a good performance, but I must admit I was a bit worried after they got at us in the first quarter of an hour as we found our feet.

“That said, I thought that after being so poor on Saturday in the final third on Saturday (in the 0-0 draw with Ashford), tonight we created good chances and I thought that their young keeper was fantastic," - a point that Cray boss Ian Jenkins echoed.

Jenkins, also speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk said: "I'm disappointed with tonight - the performances weren't good enough except for young Jack (Smelt) in goal.

“He saved us and one save in the second half I thought was world class - you can see that its in his blood!"

Smelt's dad is former Charlton keeper Lee Smelt, who would have been proud of his sons performance watching on through the Medway drizzle.

Cray dominated the opening quarter and were unfortunate not to take the lead on 15 minutes.

George Porter beat the offside trap, only to be denied on the very edge of the box by Chats keeper Richard Stroud. But as the ball ran loose it fell to Ross Lover and his first time drive beat Stroud but not Tom Davey who cleared the ball off the line.

And in a way that just highlights the way that Cray's luck is running as their manager agreed.

"Last season, Ross' shot goes in and we win the game. Tonight their defender clears it and it;s cleared!" bemoaned Jenkins.

"We just need a bit of luck in front of goal, as the players confidence is low at the moment. We've got to get some confidence back and get the players believing in themselves again."

And as if to sum the Wanderers luck up, the home side scored on their next attack - and a bizarre goal it was too!

Davey's long cross into the Cray box saw Smelt half punch clear under pressure from Ray Powell. The ball fell to Scott, who coolly back heeled the ball, almost in slow motion over the line.

It was the England youth internationals first goal of the season, and with his final trial for this year at the weekend, what better confidence boost?

Buoyed by the goal, the home side piled forward. Jimmy Lyons released Byron Walker, whose pace took him away from the defence, and only a smart save by Smelt's knees saved the day for Cray.

Then on 31 minutes, Walker was released again - this time he skipped past the keeper only to be forced wide. He kept his composure brilliantly however, and laid the ball back to Powell who skied the ball high into the trees behind the goal.

The home side did deservedly double the lead on 44 minutes as Avery rose effortlessly to head home Mark Green's corner.

On the stroke of half time, Stroud was booked for a block tackle outside of his penalty area, and from the resulting free kick, skipper Mark Willy headed straight at a relieved Chatham keeper.

Twelve minutes into the second half, Powell was denied by a fantastic save from Smelt - Matt Solly played in the former Tonbridge Angels man, and his delicate lob was magnificently tipped over by the back pedalling keeper.

From the corner, Avery again got his header in but this time it flew wide of the right post.

Substitute Justin Ascheri then escaped down the right, and his driven cross was well palmed away by Smelt (with Lee Barnett waiting to pounce). Unfortunately for the keeper, the ball fell to Green whose pile driver from the edge of the box was somehow blocked on the line by Aaron Day.

Cray’s evening went from bad to worse when Lover hobbled off with a calf injury eight minutes from time after Jenkins had used all three of his substitutes - an injury that must now make Lover doubtful for Saturday's important game against fellow strugglers Bognor Regis Town at Hayes Lane.

Solly then had a skidding shot well saved, whilst at the other end Cray sub Leigh Bremner did well to beat two men, before sending a shot high and wide - that really did sum up the visitors night!

It could have been worse for Cray four minutes from time, when Ascheri instigated another sweeping counter attack. This time his pull back was brilliantly dummied by Barnett for Davey to arrive and rifle in a shot that somehow Smelt tipped over.

And from the corner, Scott missed a free header - sending the ball over the bar.

"We knew the first goal was important tonight," Jenkins said afterwards. "And fair play to them for getting it.

“We've made changes tonight, and had a look at a few things, but the important thing now is that we pick ourselves up and get something against Bognor on Saturday.

“It’s an important game as they're one of the teams around us, but its only November so to call it a relegation six pointer is a bit much.

“We'll go away; regroup on Thursday when we've got something special planned and then go again on Saturday!"

O'Brien admitted that whilst delighted for Scott with his goal, performance and England trial at the weekend, he was disappointed that he'd probably be missing an ever important part of his team for Saturday's game with Corinthian Casuals.

"I'm delighted for Scotty don't get me wrong," he said. "But the form he's in at the moment makes it difficult for me to leave him out! The more playing minutes he gets the better he gets. It'll be a shame if we do lose him on Saturday, but after all its every players dream to play for their country so well done him! “I just hope that he comes through it OK as we've a massive few weeks between now and Christmas and I need everyone fit and healthy, if we are to achieve what I think this group can achieve."

Chatham Town: Richard Stroud, David Hall, Tom Davey, Matt Solly, Richard Avery, John Wilfort, Michael Scott, Jim Lyons (Ashley Probets 69), Ray Powell (Lee Barnett 65), Byron Walker (Justin Ascheri 63), Mark Green.
Subs: Brendon Cass, Dean Ruddy

Goals: Michael Scott 25, Richard Avery 44

Booked: Richard Stroud 45, Michael Scott 71, Richard Avery 77

Cray Wanderers: Jack Smelt, Zak Goldsmith, Tommy Tyne, George Porter, Mark Willy (Jamie Wood 46), Steve Aris, Ross Lover, Aaron Day, Shaun Beveney, Robert Hughes (Leigh Bremner 66), Tyrone Sterling (Scott Kinch 61).
Subs: Rob Quinn, Ian Jenkins

Booked: Tommy Tyne 79

Attendance: 94 Referee: Mr Darren Blunden (Dartford)
Assistants: Mr J Lenthorn & Mr A King