Non-league round-up: Cray Valley close in on play-off spot and Welling look set for National League South drop

Cray Valley Paper Mills are in a strong position to claim a play–off place in their first season in the Isthmian League Premier Division after a 2-0 win at Wingate & Finchley on Saturday.

The Millers went ahead after 18 minutes through Denzel Gayle, marking his 300th appearance for the club with the opener.
Danny Waldren extended their lead just before half-time.

Steve McKimm’s side, who won promotion last season after lifting the South East Division title, are four points clear of sixth-placed Chichester City with five games left.

“It was a fantastic performance from start to finish,” said McKimm.

“Everyone gave two points of what they were going to do during the game and most of them did exactly what they said they were going to do.

“That got us to the three points. Wingate play good football and have won five of their last six. It was a tough order but we have stayed strong and scored two good goals.”

Cray host South London rivals Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday.

“We will see what bodies we have got,” said McKimm. “We will be back at it on Monday to think about Dulwich. They have a new management team looking after it and are possibly looking at going full-time. They are going to be difficult to beat and play against.

“If we worry about our own house, everything else will take care of itself.”
Dulwich are eight points above the relegation zone after their third consecutive defeat under Bradley Quinton.

The Champion Hill–based club suffered a 3-0 defeat at league leaders Dartford as 19th-placed Hendon moved one point closer to trying to secure safety following a 1-1 draw at Canvey Island.

Welling United were unable to capitalise on their shock win over National South leaders Worthing the previous weekend as they fell to a 4-1 defeat at Chesham United.

Riccardo Di Trolio netted for the Wings as they pulled the game back level in the 58th minute but Gene Kelley, who scored a brace against Worthing in the 2-0 win, was sent off in the 78th minute for dissent.

Defeat saw Brian Statham’s side drop to 22nd in the table and seven points from safety with five games left to go.

“What a difference a week makes,” said interim boss Statham.

“We had the euphoria last week of beating Worthing. They were really effective and managed the pitch better than we did.

“We could have got something out of that. When you get the equaliser, you feel as though you have a bit of momentum. But we were undone by the red card. It was foul and abusive language by Gene – he is aware of that.

“You can’t afford to do that, regardless of how frustrated you might be.”

Welling take on mid-table Hornchurch on Saturday.

“Until such time as it’s impossible, then of course it’s possible,” said Statham on staying in the league.

“We have to regroup and get over this really quickly. The dressing room is hurt. A fair few people would have expected us to get a result.

“We will need to go again until such time as it’s mathematically impossible.”

Cray Wanderers suffered a defeat for the first time under interim boss Tim O’Shea as play-off pushing Dover Athletic ran out 2-1 winners at Flamingo Park.

Joshua Williams scored for the home side, but George Nikaj and Ruben Soares-Junior netted for Dover to claim all three points.