I went to watch Braintree, they’re joint top for a reason, they’re a very good side, we ain’t bad, we ain’t bad, says Cray Wanderers boss Tony Russell

CRAY WANDERES boss Tony Russell says The FA Trophy is a competition where his players can enjoy themselves.

The Wands extended their impressive unbeaten run to 16 games after thrashing Moneyfields 4-1 at Hayes Lane in the Second Qualifying Round on Wednesday night.

Moneyfields were sitting unbeaten at the top of the Evo-Stik League South-East Division but Mitchell Nelson stabbed home the opening goal of the game inside 15 minutes to give the home side the lead.

Moneyfields striker Ryan Pennery chipped the ball over Nick Blue to level seven minutes into the second half.

Michael Frieter scored before Michael Power slotted in two late penalties, taking his tally for the season to 18 goals, to earn a trip to Braintree Town in the next round tomorrow.

Bradley Quinton’s side are in second-place in the Vanarama National League South table – two levels higher than Cray Wanderers.

The Iron have picked up 10 wins and five draws from their 19 league games, level on points with leaders Dartford, who travel to sixteenth-placed Bostik North side Brentwood Town.

“I’ve made this competition the players’ competition,” said Russell.

“For me and Vinsey (assistant manager Joe Vines), it’s all about the League, that’s what I’m driven by and I want to win League titles and get promotions, that’s what I like to do.

“This is for them.  I’ve managed to get the club to give them a little bit in the pot for them.  I want to make this competition about them.”

Russell travelled to Cressing Road to watch Braintree Town’s 1-1 draw to Truro City on Tuesday night.

“I went to watch them, they’re joint top for a reason, they’re a very good side, we ain’t bad, we ain’t bad," said Russell.

“I tell you what it is going to be, tactically for us to go and win there we’re going to risk getting our bums smacked because I think we’ve got to go at them.  We could beat them by going at them but they’re very good going forward so you could leave yourself open.

“I’ll have a think about it but they’re excellent going forward, they’ve got a few players that I’d love to have, really good quality and they play nice football, so it will be a good game of football. 

“We don’t fear anyone, I certainly don’t fear anyone.

“Bradley Quinton knows how my team’s play. He was Enfield manager when I was at VCD in the Ryman Premier and he knows exactly how we play.  I haven’t changed since I’ve come to Cray, so he’ll know what’s coming but for him he’ll probably look at it as a good draw, they’re at home but for us we’ve been drawn against the second highest side in the competition in terms of levels but let’s get it on, what can possibly go wrong?”

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

Braintree Town  v  Cray Wanderers
The Buildbase FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round
Saturday 25^th November 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Cressing Road Stadium, off Clockhouse Way, Braintree, Essex CM7 3DE