Kentish Football 
7thsept05
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K's cup clash brings back happy
memories for Francis |
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Cray
Wanderers have had two training sessions to prepare for their
mouth-watering FA Cup first qualifying round tie against former cup
giantkillers and FA Trophy double winners Kingstonian at The Courage
Stadium on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney. In an
EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk,
Cray’s assistant manager Joe Francis reflected on those glory days at
Kingsmeadow, when under former boss Geoff Chapple, he helped the K’s win
the Ryman Premier League title. ”I
won the league with Kingstonian under Geoff Chapple,” said a proud
Francis. “We
had a brilliant side – Colin Luckett, Terry Evans, Matt Crossley, Geoff
Pitcher, Gary Patterson, myself, Eddie Akuamoah – we were the best side
that played in that league. ”It
was a great joy to turn up every week and play in a good side.
The sides I played in at Hayes and Enfield were even better! “Most
of my career was playing in the Conference so you get used to playing with
good players, just like Gary Abbott.” Francis
first played in the same side as the experienced hit-man for two seasons
some fifteen years ago, playing for Welling United and then Enfield, and
their paths have crossed again, at ambitious Ryman League division one
leaders Cray Wanderers. “Gary
has slotted in like he’s been here for years,” admitted Francis. “He’s
different class, a good influence on the team and still a good player. “I
played with Gary fifteen years ago for two years at Welling and Enfield
and he was a joy to play with then. “He’s
a midfield players dream. He
has a great touch, great ability and he will bring the other boys on –
he’s got good young players in our team.” With
such an experienced head on the pitch, Francis is delighted Abbott is
“that additional line of communication.” Cray
go into this game sitting on top of the Ryman League division one table,
winning all their opening four league games. Last
weekend, Cray had to fight for their three points when they came across
Walton Casuals at Hayes Lane. Michael
Power’s first half goal settled the issue. “It
was a hard fought win,” admitted Francis.
“Walton Casuals played well, they are a good side, they passed it
about well. “But
we defended well, never looked like getting breached but Walton Casuals
played some good football and moved us around – compliments to them.” But
what pleased the Ashford based coach the most was picking up all three
points, when last season they would have had to settle for only one. “They
are the sort of games we have to win and maybe last year we did draw that
type of game," he admitted. “That’s
pleasing and we’re top of the table, four wins from four games, which is
what we’d hoped for.” Midfielder
Jamie Kempster (lateral ligaments in his knee) could make a return to
action within three weeks having hobbled off injured in their 2-1 win over
Metropolitan Police last month and Francis admitted Abbott (hamstring)
“maybe came back too early last Saturday but we are a different team
when he plays, offering that experience and communication.” And
former Bromley boss Stuart McIntyre makes his first return to Hayes Lane,
having been replaced at the helm by George Wakeling last December. “When
I left Kingstonian to come back to Bromley the number two was Ian McDonald
and Macca knows his stuff. They’ve had a good start to the season,"
said Francis. “It
will be good to see them do well, as you have an affection for your old
club – but we want to win. It’s
a game we can win and they will also be thinking that. “We
look forward to having Kingstonian at our place as it sounds nice – a
decent team and a big club. “It
will also be good to see Stuart (McIntyre).
I’ve always had a good relationship with Stuart and he likes his
football. “Let’s
hope it’s a decent game and we win,” added Francis.
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