The Power and the glory

Long-serving Jenkins has persuaded the striker to return to Hayes Lane, following his recent release from Ryman Premier League side Carshalton Athletic.

Power, who started out at Thamesmead Town, has moved frequently around the circuit, playing for the likes of Bromley, Tonbridge Angels and Margate.

Jenkins, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today, believes the player, nicknamed “Shaggy”, will add quality to the side and assist them clinching promotion into the Ryman Premier League in five games time.

“It’s a nice little bonus to get somebody of his quality back,” said Jenkins. “He knows the situation that we’re in and he will want to get this club promoted.

“He wasn’t playing (for Carshalton Athletic) and as soon as he was released I went in for him because he’s a quality player.”

Chairman Gary Hillman, who was speaking to the club’s website www.craywands.co.uk, was pleased that the club fought off stiff competition to snap up the player.

“He said: “Ian was looking to strengthen the squad for the final push for promotion. Although one of our main rivals for the title was near to signing him, we managed to get him signed before the 5 o’clock deadline.

“I have always felt Shaggy is suited to our style of play and has played his best football for us. He obviously can play at a higher level, so we are really excited he had come home to help with the push for promotion.”

Mr Hillman also spoke about mystery signing, Ugandan international Juma Ibrahim.

“We’ve been hearing good reports and have heard that he’s been watched by a number of professional clubs, so Ian and myself watched him play for the reserves (in their 4-0 win at Dartford in midweek).

“He looked the part but, saying that, so did all eleven players. I don’t think Ian would have any problem in asking any of them to join up with the first team.”

Power, meanwhile, goes straight into the team for Saturday’s game against in-form Corinthian-Casuals at Hayes Lane.

The Tolworth based outfit have collected 13 points from their last five games and Jenkins is wary that his side could come unstuck, just like fifth-placed side Metropolitan Police, who suffered a 1-0 defeat in midweek.

Cray Wanderers, on the other hand, have lost top spot to Kingstonian, albeit on goal-difference, and although the Surrey giants, that's Kingstonian, have a game in hand over the Wands, Jenkins says any one of six sides can still clinch the title.

Speaking about Casuals’ midweek home win over the Police, Jenkins said, “I don’t think it’s a surprise, in the form guide I think they’re in first form, so in the last six games they’re the same as us.

“Obviously, they’ve turned it around, they needed to, to get out of the bottom section so fair play to them.

“It will be a tough game Saturday, we’re not going to take it for granted.”

Jenkins hopes his side don’t suffer in the same way as Kingstonian, who suffered a 1-0 defeat at the start of Casuals’ recent impressive run of form.

“I think the run we went on, those eight wins we had on the bounce, I think any team that played us were looking to beat us just to stop our record,” said Jenkins.

“It’s always tough to beat teams at the bottom as they’re playing for their lives. The ones in midtable are just relaxing and playing their football, not really worrying about their results, and the ones at the top are under pressure as well.”

But he warned, “At this time of the season you’re going to get bad results. It happens at any level.”

Kingstonian (70 points) occupy the only automatic promotion place and Cray Wanderers (70), Fleet Town (68), Worthing (68) and Metropolitan Police (67) follow in the play-off places, with Sittingbourne (66) and Merstham (62) ready to pounce.

So, which side will clinch the title? “I think it’s between the top five, the top six, the ones that are up there at the minute,” replied Jenkins.

“You can’t point your finger at anyone. No-ones really hitting top form at the minute. It’s going to go right down to the wire.

“Saying that though, had we won our last two, which we should have won, we could have been in a right good position, but that’s football for you!”

Reflecting on their last two games, a 2-0 home defeat to struggling Whyteleafe, followed by a 1-1 draw at then leaders Fleet Town, Jenkins said, “The Whyteleafe game two weeks ago, I think, was a little bit of a nervous performance. We expected to win the game, went out there, didn’t score early on, obviously two sucker punches for the goals.

“We bounced back at Fleet, played well, a decent performance, we should’ve won the game. Before they scored we should have been two or three up.

“The players know what we’ve got to do. We’re in a great position to finish top - I don’t want to go through the play-off’s again.

“If you don’t finish in top spot you’re disappointed, because you were in with a shout with five to go.”

With at least 450 minutes of league football remaining, Mr Hillman knows the Wands’ last five games will be the “most important” in their history.

“I feel that the games coming up are some of the most important in our history,” he said. “Having taken 25 from the last 30 points we are in superb form and playing well, but it’s vital that our supporters give us that extra push and give their all as well in all remaining matches.

And he has issued a rallying cry to the club’s supporters to raise their voices and give Jenkins’ side some vocal passionate support, something that is always missing at Hayes Lane.

“The Casuals game this Saturday is massive,” said the chairman. “They have just beaten the Met Police, are in good form and are battling to stay in this League.

“It’s going to be tough. I would say to our supporters, please bring anyone you can. Your mum, nan, mates, etc, to help cheer us on.

“I know Jenko knows it makes a difference when everyone’s positive and pulling together.”

Dean Standen and Scott Kinch, meanwhile, are suspended.

Gary Hillman's quotes are courtesy of www.craywands.co.uk

Cray Wanderers v Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 4^th March 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF