CAFC Women vs Cray Wanderers – CANCELLED
Carshalton Athletic face off against higher-tier Cray Wanderers on Sunday at Colston Avenue in another pre-season friendly.
Cray Wanderers Women FC
Cray Wanderers Women made an immediate impact in their debut season after forming in 2023, entering the South East Counties Women’s League Kent Division 1 West. The team were crowned league champions in emphatic fashion, sealing the title with a 6–0 win in their final match of the season.
Following their promotion to step six of the women’s football pyramid, the Wands carried that momentum into the 2024/25 campaign, making a strong start to life in the South East Counties League. By September 2024, they had already won their first three games, including an eye-catching 7–0 victory over Tonbridge Foresters, last season’s runners-up.
Cray went on to finish the season in third place, level on 37 points with Tonbridge Angels but just behind on goal difference. Across 18 matches, they recorded 11 wins, 3 draws, and 3 defeats, showing both consistency and attacking strength. Sevenoaks Town took the title with 44 points.
It was a hugely promising campaign for a newly formed side, and one that suggests Cray Wanderers Women are quickly becoming a team to watch in the regional women’s game.
Ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Cray looked sharp in pre-season, delivering big scorelines with an 8–1 win over Parkwood Rangers and an entertaining 7–4 victory against Horsham. These results underline their attacking threat and growing confidence as they prepare for another competitive season.
Team News
Cray Wanderers have strengthened their squad with two exciting additions ahead of the new season.
Chloe Francis joins the club with experience at Millwall and Sutton United, and has hit the ground running in pre-season. The forward has already netted four goals in three games, showcasing her sharp eye for goal and immediate impact in the final third.
Joining her is Storm Arnold, who arrives from Soccer Elite FA. She has also made an impressive start, matching Francis with four goals in three pre-season appearances — a clear sign that Cray’s attacking options have been significantly bolstered.
With both players already finding form, Cray look well-equipped heading into the new campaign.
Pre-Match Analysis
Cray Wanderers Women enter the match following a strong campaign that showcased balance at both ends of the pitch. They scored 57 goals and conceded just 36, placing them comfortably in the top five for both attacking and defensive records in the league.
Notably, their away form proved to be a real strength. On the road, Cray won six, drew one, and lost just twice, making them one of the most effective travelling sides in the division. They also found the net 29 times away from home — the second-highest away goal tally in the league, behind only champions Sevenoaks Town.
With solid numbers both defensively and going forward, and particularly dangerous performances away from home, Cray pose a well-rounded and clinical threat as they head into this fixture.
Key Player
Katie Jackson was a standout performer for Cray Wanderers last season, firmly establishing herself as the team’s key player. With 13 goals and 6 assists, she was central to Cray’s attacking threat, consistently creating and converting chances. Her ability to both score and set up goals makes her a dual threat opponents must closely watch throughout the match.
The Gaffer
Danny Stanton took over as manager of Cray Wanderers Women ahead of the 2025–26 season, following the departure of former manager Dean Jarman earlier that year.
Danny had already made a significant impact at the club through his work with the girls’ programme since its introduction at Flamingo Park in the early 2020s. Under his guidance, the U15s team set an impressive precedent by winning five trophies in the previous season, including success competing against boys’ teams. This success built on earlier achievements at U13 and U14 levels, where his teams secured Kent County Cup victories, as well as an appearance in the Junior Premier League Cup Final against Arsenal two seasons prior.
Having been appointed head of the Women and Girls section in May 2025, Danny’s progression to Women’s First Team manager was a natural step given his proven track record in developing young talent and leading winning sides.
He was joined by assistant manager Claire Goldsmith, a key figure in Cray Wanderers Women since their formation in 2023. Claire captained the side that won the SECWFL Division One West title in their inaugural season. Despite a serious injury, she started the following season in the Premier Division and brought valuable playing experience from her earlier spells with Charlton and Crystal Palace. Together, Danny and Claire aimed to build on the club’s early successes and continue the upward trajectory of Cray Wanderers Women.
Match Details
Date: Sunday, 17 August, 2025
Venue: Colston Avenue
Kickoff: 2:30 pm
Admission: Free
