I'm really disapointed that we're not pushing for promotion, reflects Ian Jenkins

CRAY WANDERERS boss Ian Jenkins says his side need to win two of their last seven games to maintain their Ryman Premier League status.

The Wands bounced back from a 4-0 home defeat to Kent rivals Margate with a 2-0 win at Bury Town last night to climb into sixteenth-place in the table with 37 points, eight points clear of second-from-bottom side Hastings United.

Reflecting on their Kent derby defeat to Margate on Easter Monday, Jenkins pointed to his goalkeeper Andy Walker being forced off with a shoulder injury.

“Disappointed Monday. We played well though disappointing factor was that at 0-0 Walks gets a serious injury and goes off and Aaron Day goes in goal.

“We played well on the day. I think the scoreline flatters them to be honest with you. 

“We had good enough chances to make the game closer. The Bury game becomes more important because we didn’t pick up anything against Margate and we went up there and performed the way, how we do perform. We should have won by more.”

Jenkins added: “We’ve got quite a good record at Bury, never lost there, drawn two and won one. I was quite comfortable last night. We had a couple of players missing, but the squad’s strong and it was a good performance.”

When asked why his side can’t claim such morale boosting victories at Hayes Lane, Jenkins replied, “Well, we are playing well at home.  A few people have rung me about our home form and things like that. I think we’re playing alright.  We’ve been poor in a couple. We’ve created enough in games. We’ve left in soft goals and haven’t put our chances away.

“But most of the games we’ve played at home we could have drawn or won them. The form ain’t bothering me. The league position bothers you a little bit, but as I said weeks ago if we carry on playing like we are now, we’re going to win games.”

The Wands will be able to plan for Ryman Premier League football again next season if they claim three points over Thurrock on Saturday.

The Essex boys arrive at Hayes Lane sitting in the bottom three, with 29 points from 32 games.

“We’re eight points clear and I know they’ve got three games in hand the pair of them (Thurrock and Hastings) but we’ve got to play one of them on Saturday so that’s still a big game. If we get three points from that one we’ll be safe from relegation but I still think we’re too good to go down.

“I know their manager Mark Stimson quite well. He’ll have them pumped. Their recent form hasn’t been too bad, they’ve won a few and lost a few. 

“On their day, like they did at their place, they’re a good side.  We just have to be aware of that. We have to approach the game to win it and if we do then we’ll be fine.

“There’s seven games, another couple of wins we’ll be fine. I’m not too worried about it (relegation). I think we’ll be alright.”

Jenkins reflected on the season and admitted: “Disappointing. We’ve underachieved with the squad I had and put together at the start of the season and the squad understands that as well.  I just hope those players look at it and have another go next year and stick together.

“At the start of the season I always think play-offs and promotion like any other manager should be. I’m really disappointed that we ain’t pushing for anything like that.”

Former Cray Wanderers goalkeeper Steve Northwood stepped in to take the gloves at Bury Town last night but Jenkins hopes Walker retains his place on Saturday.

Jenkins said: “Walks is back. Northy played in goal last night. He can’t do Saturday’s so Walks should be fit. He’s having treatment today and tomorrow so he should be fit. He done his shoulder, came down heavy on his shoulder. He thought he dislocated it at first but he took a bad whack on it but he’s making progress with the physio so come Saturday he should be alright.

When asked about making plans for next season, Jenkins revealed that he’s shaken hands on a deal with striker Paul Booth, 36, who had only just returned to Maidstone United following a successful loan spell at Hayes Lane during March.

“Yes, we’ve spoken to a few and they’re all interested,” said Jenkins.

“I had a chat with Boothy the other week and he’s gone back to Maidstone and he’s interested in signing next year, so hopefully he’ll come. A lot of players will see that and Boothy’s a good player and a few may stay.  You never know the vultures come out and offer your players a lot of money over the summer and you lose them and you have to rebuild a team.”

Jenkins is running the London Marathon on 21 April to raise over £3,000 for the Breast Cancer Campaign and the manager gave an update on his training schedule.

“It’s going well. I’m probably better off than I was this time last year. The weather’s a nightmare, going running in this sort of weather every day. I’m up there with a better time than last year.

“I want to raise as much money, if not more, than last year.

“I’ve got about £550 online, cash donations I’m up to £400. I got £3,000 overall last year and I’ve got a charity golf day tomorrow that I’ve organised. I’ve invited a few rich people to come to that so hopefully I’ll get a few bob.

“Hopefully I can get the same amount as last year, that’s what I’m looking at.”

Please donate generously at www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/IanJENKOJenkins   

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/craywands

Cray Wanderers  v  Thurrock
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 6^th April 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF