20thaug04

Cray are full strength - and are confident derailing Trams

CRAY WANDERERS manager Ian Jenkins has a full strength squad to choose from for their Ryman League Division One clash against neighbours Croydon at Hayes Lane tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.

The game, which is www.kentishfootball.co.uk's Match of the Day will also be covered by Matt Gerrard of BBC Radio Kent (96.7FM)

Jenkins', however, is confident his side can pick up the three points at stake, after Mark Tompkins, a former Cray player and one of his closest friends, played against Croydon for Whyteleafe in midweek, and gave the Cray manager an assessment on Mick Reid's side.

Jenkins said: "Tommo (Mark Tompkins) played for Whyteleafe in midweek and he said Croydon aren't too strong.

He added: "So I am looking for a win.  If we don't win - I will be upset!"

After beating Burgess Hill Town 2-1 on the opening day of the season and drawing Leatherhead 2-2 at Hayes Lane in midweek, despite only having ten men for 70 minutes, following the sending off for former Herne Bay man Leigh Bremner, Jenkins admitted he isn't happy with his team's start to life in the Ryman League, insisting the Wands should have six points in the bag and not four.

He added: "I am not pleased with my start - we should have won on Tuesday.

"I was looking for six points from our first two games."

Striker Lewis Wood is set to make his debut for Southern League Division One East side Erith & Belvedere in their game against Barton Rovers at Park View Road tomorrow, after signing for Barry Lakin's side, after the Deres lost left-winger Sol Henry to Waltham Forest.

With Sam Wood still on holiday - he will be available for the trip to Corinthian-Casuals next Tuesday, Jenkins has received a timely boost that experienced central defender Ian Rawlings is available for selection after recovering from an ankle injury in time.

However, Jenkins played down rumours that holding midfielder John Myatt was set to make the switch from landlords Bromley, after being spotted at Hayes Lane on Tuesday, when his side were playing Ashford Town.

The Cray manager revealed: "John Myatt was there Tuesday watching the game.  However, he hasn't signed.

"He is a good mate of mine and we were talking about old times."

Cray Wanderers  vs  Croydon
Saturday 21st August 2004
Kick Off 3:00pm
The Clive Christian Stadium, Hayes Lane, Bromley