Manager Steve Axam can be proud of his boys efforts this season. After winning the Kent Youth League U16 Central Division last season, they took on the much greater challenge of competing in the KYL U18 Premier Division this season. Games are played on the club's main pitch and the make up of the division has meant considerably more travelling.

They have equipped themselves well, all first year U18's they have certainly shown they can compete at the higher level. The experience gained allowing their development under Steve and his coaches has been invaluable.

They currently sit in 6th place on 28 points from 13 games having won 9, drew 1 and lost just 3. They have games in hand over all the clubs above them. Bromley look to be likely champions. Erith Town and Folkestone Invicta are currently 2nd and 3rd both on 32 points from 15 games.

On Sunday attention turned to the county cup which had reached the semi final stage. It was a battle of the Crays at the Artic Stadium with Cray Wanderers the visitors. Unfortunately for Steve's boys it was not to be going down 2-0 but as always were gracious in defeat.

Attending the game was Charlie Bradford who writes reports for the Non League Chronicles (worth checking out their Facebook page) across a whole range of non league. He is a Wanderers fan but also a frequent visitor to the Artic Stadium. His report and photos are re-produced here. Thank you Charlie.

Charlie Bradford reports on the Cray derby at U18 level…

Cray Valley Paper Mills U18s 0-2 Cray Wanderers U18s

The Merit U18 Kent F.A. Boys Youth Cup Semi Final

Sunday 24th March 2024, 10:30 AM @ The Artic Stadium

Admission - free
Programme or team sheet - no
Attendance - 103 (HC)
Game number 178 of the 2023 / 2024 season

Making the most of a sunny Sunday today’s first point of call was the Cray derby at U18 level in the semi finals of the The Merit U18 Kent F.A. Boys Youth Cup for the right to play Rusthall in the final.

Joining me this morning was Uncle Smiffy and Aardvark Aardvark and we witnessed the young Wands go close when their number 8 crashed a shot off the underside of the bar with the ball bouncing on the line and away.

After Cray Valley’s number 7 almost caught out Cray Wanderers’ goalkeeper with a free kick from wide right, Cray Wanderers took the lead in the 44th minute when their number 7 got tripped by Cray Valley’s goalkeeper before sticking the penalty away.

HT: 0-1.

It got even better for the young Wands in the 49th minute when a free kick was headed home through the goalkeeper’s legs by number 17.

Other than that though not much seemed to happen in the second half with both number 10s going close but with no cigar.

FT: 0-2.

MOTM: Cray Wanderers’ number 7 - tricky and on the scoresheet.

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