Cray Wanderers reach FA Cup first round for first time in 166-year history
Cray Wanderers, London's oldest surviving club, will host League One side Stockport County in their first-ever FA Cup first round appearance after a dramatic qualifying run.
Cray Wanderers are set to play in the FA Cup first round for the first time in their 166-year history, hosting League One's second-placed Stockport County on Sunday at Flamingo Park in a match broadcast live on BBC Two. The club, formed in 1860, is the oldest surviving football club in London and had failed to reach this stage in 77 previous attempts.
The Wands secured their place through a dramatic fourth qualifying round against Bedford Town, which required a replay after a 0-0 draw. In the replay, Bedford led 1-0 in extra time before striker Ade Yusuff, who has scored in all four qualifying rounds, equalised to force a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper JJ Briggs, on loan from Cambridge United, saved two penalties, and teenager Jakob Lowe converted the decisive kick to seal a 4-3 shootout win.
Club captain Frankie Raymond described the achievement as a massive moment for everyone connected with the club, noting its deep history. Cray helped form the Kent League in 1894 and served as a nursery club to Woolwich Arsenal between 1895 and 1907; more recently, the youth setup is where England defender Marc Guehi began at age six. The club currently sits 18th in the Isthmian League Premier Division, the seventh tier, though with games in hand.
Yusuff, a schoolteacher, will spend Friday in the classroom before turning attention to the tie. He said pupils have been excited and proud, and backed himself to continue his scoring run regardless of the opposition. He credited the team's momentum and belief after earlier wins over higher-ranked Maidstone United and Bedford Town.
Cray supporter Mark Hunt refused to rule out an upset, pointing to the lack of a replay, no VAR and the artificial pitch as factors that could help the underdogs. He cited last year's giant-killing as inspiration. The match sold out in five minutes, with about 2,500 fans expected, compared with regular attendances at Flamingo Park that fluctuate between 130 and 900.
Image: BBC London / BBC Sport
