Sittingbourne are quite direct and physical so we know we will have to be at our best to get a result, says Cray Wanderers assistant manager Joe Vines

CRAY WANDERERS assistant manager Joe Vines says his players have watched a recording of their first league defeat of the season.

 

The Wands went down to a 4-2 defeat to Horsham in Lancing last weekend as the club experienced their first league defeat in 16 outings.

“Horsham were well-deserving of the win,” admitted Vines.

“The first 25 minutes was all Horsham. We knew that they were a very good side. I think that they have recruited incredibly well in the summer and they performed well on the day.

“That being said, I think we could have defended all four goals much better for various reasons.

“We have reviewed, dissected, discussed and deliberated on each of them and we’ve come away with some harsh lessons.

“We did, however, score two wonderfully worked goals and played much better in the second half.

“At 2-2, we had a couple of good chances to go ahead but we got hit against the run of play and it changed the tide of the game once more.

“I’m not under the impression that we are under crisis and I’m sure that we can bounce back from our mini dip in form.

“Horsham will be a team that will run close this year, I am certain of that.”

Cray Wanderers remain top of the Bostik South East Division table with 39 points and they welcome Sittingbourne to Hayes Lane on Sunday afternoon.

Aslan Odev’s side are in the bottom five with 17 points from 15 games and they ended their run of seven defeats oh the bonce by beating Sevenoaks Town 4-1 at Woodstock Park last weekend.

“Sittingbourne is our next focus. We’ve played them once already and it was a very tough game,” added Vines.

“They are quite direct and physical so we know we will have to be at our best to get a result.

“We’ve prepared appropriately and trained well over the last week. We also have good news with injuries and suspensions with a couple of key players close to return.

“We've added to the squad recently with Joe Taylor coming in from Margate and it has been a steep learning curve for him having played in teams with a contrasting style. We may add to the squad again as we continue to fight for the right to be challenging come April/May.

“Christmas is a period that offers challenges with juggling football, family, work and other commitments so we are keen to take each game on its own merit rather than look too far in the future.

“Our aim has remained the same throughout the season so far and will most definitely be the same going forward. We want to win games and put in performances that are worth paying an entrance fee for. I would say that we have been great value for money in that regard thus far.

“We haven't scored as many goals as last year but what we've lost in that regard we've made up with more resolute defensive performances and wins. In a period where there is high turnover of players and managers elsewhere we seem to have good continuity with our squad and staff so we are pleased with how the team are buying into the vision.”

Vines had this message for the Wands faithful.

“I would like to thank the fans for the support so far and wish them a great Christmas and New Year. It would be great to celebrate something with them in April with more than just mince pies.”

Visit Cray Wanderers website:  www.cray-wanderers.com

Cray Wanderers  v  Sittingbourne
Bostik South East Division
Sunday 23 December 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF