Cray Wanderers assistant manager Joe Vines: Worthing have announced the signing of one of our prospects in Kwame Poku when he is still registered with us!

CRAY WANDERERS assistant manager Joe Vines says his players were made to work for their sixteenth league win of the season.

The Wands remain at the summit of the Bostik South East Division table with a 10 point lead on Hastings United after their 2-0 win at East Grinstead Town last weekend.

“East Grinstead gave us some deep thinking for 30 minutes or so with how they set up the side,” reflected Vines.

“It seems that when we watch teams play they have a set way and when they play us they all look at alternative formations or selections to try and outfox us.

“As I mentioned when we last spoke, Matt Longhurst is a clever coach and he made us work for the three points.

“Once we had understood their set-up and made the necessary changes in our thought process the game was relatively straightforward.

“We scored two good goals and managed the game well. Archie Johnson was outstanding for us on the day and put in a really mature performance out on the left. Archie has been unfortunate with a niggling injury more recently but he's got a great attitude toward the game and his application in training is excellent.

“Squad wise we are at bare bones. We are trying to add a couple of bodies but we are struggling to keep hold of the ones we have got.”

Vines revealed Bostik Premier Division side Worthing have made an alleged illegal approach for one of their non-contract youngsters.  Manager Tony Russell posted on Twitter that his club have not received a seven-day approach from the Sussex coast outfit.

Vines said: “I think it's fair to say there is some noise around some of our younger players due to their exploits this season and we even have Worthing announcing the signing of one of our prospects in Kwame Poku when he is still registered with us!”

Vines added: “Shaggy (Michael Power) looks like he could be returning from his long-term back injury soon and we've had positive news on Aaron Rhule and Junior Dadson. The next two weeks could have us looking much stronger with a bit of luck.”

Reflecting on their league position, Vines said: “We've managed to stretch the lead to 10 points. At this stage in time in doesn't mean a great deal. Our focus is on continuing to deliver strong performances and playing our brand of football.

“The resilience of the defence and goalkeeper has been a major factor in our success so far this season, I don't think that they have quite had the credit they deserve.

“When you consider the performances they have put in as a collective I would be shocked to find a better drilled, more self-organised defensive unit at this level or the one above. All of them are really big characters and leaders and we are fortunate to have them.” 

Cray Wanderers welcome eighth-placed VCD Athletic to Hayes Lane tomorrow and The Wands’ former striker, Charlie MacDonald, has scored 18 goals for Keith McMahon’s side.

Vines said: “VCD will pose a problem. We are familiar with many of their players and we've spoken at length about the front three in particular. Charlie McDonald is well known by us and massively well-liked and respected so we will have to be on our game to keep him quiet.

“We know how difficult a game they would have had against Three Bridges physically so that may mean they need to make a few personnel changes. We have worked on a game plan to try and get the result we need to keep moving us forward. We won't be expecting them to roll over without a fight.”

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Cray Wanderers  v  VCD Athletic
Bostik South East Division
Saturday 19 January 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF