Francis wants to avoid defeat at high-flying Hastings

Hastings, managed by former Cray player Tony Dolby, have lost three league games at The Pilot Field, but Francis, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, following his side’s 3-2 win over Margate last Sunday, is expecting a tough game on the seaside.

He said:  “It will be a tough game!  Hastings is a tough place to go, Dobla, we know very well and he’s a good mate of ours and he’s got his team set up.

“If we can go there and get something, it just keeps everything rolling along.”

Francis added: “You go there to win but we’re going to go there not to lose.

“We’ve got to be defensively (strong).  We need to be tighter.  I think that’s because we’re conceding goals.”

Francis praised his side for fighting back from being 2-1 down to stun Margate by winning 3-2 at a rain-drenched Hayes Lane last Sunday.

“If we can stop conceding goals then the confidence will come through for the defenders, but you saw every player, they’re throwing their bodies on the line to protect a lead and that’s what you need.”

Dolby’s side remain in second place in the table, eight points adrift of a Dartford side that have a couple of games in hand over the east Sussex side.

Francis revealed some good news concerning defender Steve Aris (swollen ankle) and midfield playmaker, Ross Lover.

“Chopper (Aris) got done at Wealdstone, a nasty tackle so he’s got a swollen ankle, he’ll be fit for selection and so will Ross, so all off a sudden we’ve got strength-in-depth,” added Francis.

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

Hastings United  v  Cray Wanderers
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 5^th December 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Pilot Field, Elphinstone Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 2AX