Chatham Town 2 Cray Wanderers 1

Match 51/13/1078 - Tuesday, 14th January 2014 - Ryman League Cup

Chatham Town (2) 2 May 34, 42
Cray Wanderers (0) 1 Stavrinou 49
Att. 76

Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: £1
Mileage: 32/5,425

On my last visit to Chatham Town it was good to spot a young player with potential and a few weeks later it seems that I was not alone in thinking that Alfie May was set for a higher level than the Ryman North in which he has scored 21 goals in 27 games for the Chats having been leading goalscorer in the Kent League last season with Corinthian.

Conference South leaders, Bromley have swooped to take May to Hayes Lane, although they have allowed Chatham to retain a dual registration. The step-up is going to be a significant one and in all probability the youngster won't be getting that much match time from the outset, so allowing him to continue playing for Chatham whenever he is available is a commonsense decision.

Once again, in this Ryman League Cup Quarter Final tie with Cray Wanderers, at least during the first half, Alfie May was the star turn scoring twice. The first was the result of a fine move that ended with Austin Gacheru supplying the opening for May to score from 15 yards. The second came just before half-time when a ball over the top allowed May to slide it past the on-rushing goalkeeper,

The game looked up for a Cray side that languish at the foot of the Ryman Premier and have recently disposed of the services of their long-standing manager, Ian Jenkins. But the new man in charge, Keith Bird, obviously got into their ears at half-time and they came out and made a real game of it in the second period.

Within five minutes of the restart they pulled a goal back through Alex Stavrinou, who backheeled the ball into the net from close range and they continued to put the home side on the back foot throughout the second half. Morgan Ferrier, a 19-year-old Arsenal youth team product, looked quick and when he planted a shot against the crossbar, the Wands looked more than capable of taking the game to penalties.

It took a couple, one very good, saves from Chats keeper Jack Bradshaw to preserve their lead, but it was the home side that prevailed to earn a semi-final date away at Grays Athletic.

It will be very interesting to watch Alfie May’s development at Bromley and I think there might be another name, Morgan Ferrier, who is worth keeping an eye on.