1stnov03

Saturday 01st November 2003

Half time blast from Francis inspires Cray to victory

Cray Wanderers' assistant manager Joe Francis admitted his blast at two players during the half time break inspired them to score a goal each during the second half, to help the Wands beat Thamesmead Town 3-1 in the Go Travel Kent League clash at Hayes Lane, writes Stephen McCartney.

Francis gave the "hairdryer treatment" to Adam Heaslewood and James Taylor during the interval as the league leaders lead 1-0 at the break.

The two players facing Francis' backlash came out with all guns blazing, and scored a goal each to brush aside championship rivals Thamesmead Town.

Francis said: "It was a good win, but not a particular good performance in the first half. In the second half, I thought we played as well as we can, as we have in the last six weeks.

"I thought our two poorest players from the first half, Adam Heaslewood and James Taylor responded and scored two good goals in the second half. I gave them a little bit of a hair dyer treatment at half time, but we were genuinely good all round and everybody played their part."

Cray Wanderers' 3-1 victory has Ian Jenkins' side lead the Kent League table by five points, with second placed Maidstone United having a game in hand.

The top two have to wait until Saturday 17th January for a mouth-watering fixture at Hayes Lane.

Francis admitted Cray will be a professional outfit for the remainder of the season as they defend their championship crown.

He said: "The season hasn't even started yet, we are just getting going. It's just about maintaining standards and taking one game at a time."

Meanwhile, Cray's trip to Ryman League Division One North side Barking & East Ham United, in the second round of the London Senior Cup, will be played next Tuesday 4 November.

Deal Town vs Cray Wanderers, Saturday 1 November 2003 @ Charles Sports Ground, Mill Road, Deal, 3.00pm