Francis blames suicidal defending for first half horror show

Wednesday 19th August 2009

CRAY WANDERERS assistant manager Joe Francis has promised changes following his side’s shambolic home defeat to Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels last night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Wands, playing their first ever home game in the Ryman Premier League, were dealt a footballing lesson by Tommy Warrilow’s side during a one-sided first half.

The Angels stormed into the lead inside the opening 48 seconds through Tommy Osborne’s own-goal, directing Jamie Cade’s shot into the roof of his own net.

And when Angels striker, Paul Booth netted a brace inside the opening 25 minutes, a rout was on the cards, as was Cray’s shockingly poor defending.

But to their credit, Cray Wanderers performed much better during the second half, and pulled a goal back on the hour-mark when former Tonbridge striker Michael Power converted Jamie Wood’s centre.

Francis, who described his side’s defending as “suicidal” last night, demands better for the game against Essex cry-babies Billericay Town, which will now be played at Dartford’s Princes Park on Friday night.

“It’s another opportunity, isn’t it?” Francis told www.kentishfootball.co.uk. “We’ve just said (to the players) in there; the first two games that we’ve played our second half performances have done us justice really.

“You can’t give a team a three-goal lead, it’s as simple as that!

“They could’ve had more and I commend Tommy (Warrilow) and his team - I thought they played extremely well first half.”

Francis added: “We’ve got to work harder, work our b*****ks off, and between now and Friday we have to work really hard, concentrate more and have a bit more belief.

“Once the belief goes, the confidence goes. Two average performances that difficult to get back so that’s down to us to improve the players and the players to inspire themselves really.”

Striker Leigh Bremner (ankle) looks set to make his first game of the season against Billericay on Friday night.

“There will be changes for Friday,” promised Francis. “Leigh Bremner’s back in contention for Friday, so he might be part of the squad and the substitute’s that came on tonight, giving us a lift, and that’s why you have a competitive squad so that’s good for any player to know that their place is not guaranteed.”

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.craywands.co.uk

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be bringing LIVE COVERAGE of this game.

Cray Wanderers v Billericay Town

Ryman Premier League

Friday 21st August 2009

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Dartford FC, Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT