Cray stage benefit match for non-league legend

Thursday 12th April 2007

Cray Wanderers have confirmed that they will stage a benefit match for Gary Abbott, 42, on Tuesday, 8^th May, at Hayes Lane when a Wanderers select will take on a Non-League All Stars XI on behalf of a true non-league legend.

Abbott, one of the most prolific goalscorers in non-League history and proud holder of three England semi-professional international caps, also won Conference `golden boot` awards in a distinguished career playing with Aldershot Town, Barnet, Slough Town, Enfield, Braintree Town and, on more than one occasion, Welling United.

Abbott has shown that, even at the age of 42, he is a striker still capable of notching twenty goals a season and was still a potent force before his injury after coming on as a 55th minute substitute in Cray’s 2-1 home defeat against Maidstone United on 16 January.

Abbott sustained injury to his spinal column and is awaiting further medical consultation after landing awkwardly following jumping for a high ball, but at the moment his playing career prospects are on hold.

He has been cheered by the response from his manager Ian Jenkins and Cray chairman Gary Hillman regarding the offer gladly accepted to play a benefit game for one of the most respected characters ever to have graced the non-League game, and to provide for a future that could well mean retirement from the game he has graced for so long.

Abbott would appreciate to hear from ex-professionals who might wish to turn out to support him in a game that is likely to attract a bumper crowd by making an appearance for the Non-League All Stars side who he hopes will have its manager confirmed for the game shortly and announced.

Gary can be contacted on 0770 373 7502 in the first instance and confirms that he hopes to have a five-a-side game or penalty shoot-outs as a prelude to a game itself that kicks-off at 7.30pm.

Cray Wanderers, who lost 4-0 at home to Ashford Town last night, welcome promotion chasing Dover Athletic to Hayes Lane on Saturday (3pm).

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.craywands.co.uk