A win over Concord Rangers will lift spirits, says Cray boss Ian Jenkins

Wednesday 24th November 2010

CRAY WANDERERS boss Ian Jenkins says he wants to avoid defeat when he takes his side to bleak Canvey Island for the second time in seven days - this time to face Concord Rangers, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Wands slipped down to sixth place in the Ryman Premier League table after defeats to Canvey Island and Tonbridge Angels in the past week.

Jenkins was forced to throw midfielder Aaron Day in between the sticks against Canvey Island last Saturday as goalkeeper Dave King suffered a back injury during the warm-up and the Kent side went on to lose the game 4-2.

Jenkins handed Charlie Mitten, 36, his debut against Tonbridge Angels last night but the former Welling United stopper couldn’t prevent Chris Piper scoring the only goal of the game after just nine minutes.

Jenkins told www.kentishfootball.co.uk that he wants his side to bounce back against ninth-placed Concord on Saturday.

“We went to Canvey last week so it will be a tough old game,” warned Jenkins.

“I should think the opposition will be the same as Canvey, big and strong and working hard.

“It will be nice to go there and get something out of the game. We’ve had two defeats in the last couple of games so it will be nice to get something out of the game and be positive, whether it’s a draw or a win, just get something out of the game to raise a few spirits, although we ain’t down, it’s always nice to win.”

The Wands welcome FA Cup heroes Dover Athletic to Hayes Lane in the first round of the Kent Senior Cup next Tuesday night - and Jenkins warns supporters that he is likely to make numerous changes against Martin Hayes' side, who welcome League Two side Aldershot Town to Crabble on Saturday, in an SOLD-OUT FA Cup Second Round clash.

“It’s going to be very similar to the League Cup last week against Folkestone, we made nine changes but the squad I’ve got, I’ve got 25 players in there, all quality players that can play for the first team, so I’ll be changing it up a little bit, giving a few people a rest and giving people a bit of game time.”

When asked whether he is taking the Kent Senior Cup seriously, despite expected changes in team personnel, Jenkins replied, “Every Cup, we take seriously at this level. It’s good for the fans as well if you get a Cup run going.

“We’re playing Dover, who are a decent side. We may even get a good crowd over here, there might be a few followers from Dover come up.”

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

Concord Rangers v Cray Wanderers

Ryman Premier League

Saturday 27th November 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Thames Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0HH