PLAY-OFF FINAL SPECIAL: IT’S OUR TURN TO GO UP - JENKINS

Thursday 30th April 2009

CRAY WANDERERS boss Ian Jenkins does not want to go through the gut-wrenching pain of losing another play-off final on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Tooting & Mitcham United striker Paul Vines condemned his former side to another Ryman One South campaign, by scoring the only goal of last season’s final at Imperial Fields.

The pain at the final whistle made Jenkins more determined to clinch promotion this time out, and despite missing out on the title by seven points (with Kingstonian going up automatically), Jenkins, now in his tenth season in charge, is just one win away from leading his beloved club into the Ryman Premier League for the very first time.

“It’s a must-win game, we need to win it to get promoted,” Jenkins told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“Both sides will probably be a bit cagey at first (but) we’re confident, we’re playing well. We finished second in the league so hopefully we can stay here (at Hayes Lane) and put a performance on and play well.”

Jamie Wood’s 117th goal for the club sealed a deserved 1-0 win over physical Worthing in midweek to book their place in Saturday’s winner-takes-all showdown.

“It’s nice to continue the season,” said Jenkins. “Had it ended tonight, how hard is it then? We’ve got presentations to deal with on Saturday night - let’s hope we can get a result and go and have a good drink.”

The pain of last season’s final defeat can still be seen in Jenkins’ eyes and he is eager to banish those bad memories at the weekend.

“I remember Tooting got something (a trophy) last year and I was disappointed watching that,” he recalled.

“I had all the players (with their) arms all around each other so hopefully it’s us this year (that clinch promotion) and Met Police taste a little bit of what we tasted last year.”

Although season tickets for Saturday’s final are NOT valid as it’s ALL PAY on the day, Cray Wanderers have this week announced details of next season’s season ticket prices.

The club have FROZEN prices for next season, despite not yet knowing which division they will be playing when the new season kick’s off in August.

Season tickets, priced at £125 (adults) and £65 (children and concessions), can be purchased from Dave Jackson on 07952 780 603, or in writing to 24 Kidbroke Park Close, Blackheath, London SE3 0EF.

Admission prices for the play-off final have been confirmed at £8 (adults) and £4 (concessions).

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

BBC Radio Kent will also be covering the game - details of their coverage is yet to be confirmed.

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

Cray Wanderers v Metropolitan Police

Ryman League Division One South Play-Off Final

Saturday 2nd May 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF