“Alex Hernandez breaks the deadlock just after half-time, giving Cray Wanderers the lead against the run of an even first-half.”
Pivotal
Cray Wanderers
Lewes
Cray Wanderers ground out a narrow but significant win over Lewes, the game's only real talking point arriving two minutes into the second half when Alex Hernandez broke the deadlock. The first 45 minutes had been a cagey, goalless affair with neither side carving out clear chances, suggesting both teams were wary of the cup upset potential given the gulf in league standing. Hernandez's strike changed the complexion of the match entirely, forcing Lewes to chase the game against a Cray Wanderers side content to sit in and protect their lead. With no further goals or cards in the remaining 43 minutes, Cray Wanderers showed the game management needed to see out a cup tie, advancing to the next round and giving their season a much-needed lift after a difficult run of form.
How entertaining was this match?
Cray Wanderers blew a 2-0 lead in stoppage time last week, and now they get an immediate chance at redemption in this FA Cup Qualifying replay. With Lewes riding a six-match unbeaten run, Flamingo Park hosts a winner-takes-all clash where one heartbreak ending will be forgotten and another team's cup dream will end.
