Waltham Abbey are precariously perched above the Isthmian Division One North relegation zone after a 2-1 loss at Cray Wanderers on Saturday.

Defeat leaves the Abbotts clear of the bottom three by virtue of their goal difference which is 11 better than Wroxham in 22nd.

Cray midfielder Aryan Tajbakhsh had a couple of early sights at goal for the hosts with Christian Assombalonga providing the visitors' threat.

Former Charlton Athletic defender Grant Basey fired Cray in front with a 25-yard free-kick just before the half-hour mark.

Ryan Blackman went close for the Abbotts just before half time, curling narrowly wide of the Wands' goal.

Five minutes after the restart Cray doubled up. Basey's corner was flicked on by Lea Dawson for Ben Hunt to divert home.

That goal woke Abbey up and Darelle Russell forced a good stop from keeper Nick Blue.

With six minutes remaining Abbey did reduce the deficit. Jack Daveney's ball over the top found Assombalonga and he rounded Blue before tucking into the empty net.

The goal proved a consolation only, though.

Abbey host Phoenix Sports on Saturday.