Kentish Football 
A trip to Leiston can't come quick enough for me, says Joe Francis
The Wands travel to Suffolk for their opening Ryman Premier League game of the new season after coming back from Victory Road with a point in the first game of last season.
Francis, 45, admitted that he hates pre-season and cannot wait to contest three points on Saturday.
He said: “A trip to Leiston, it can’t come quick enough for me! You know my thoughts about pre-season, even as a player I never liked pre-season!
“It’s difficult to, I suppose, assess what you want from them. We’ve had some blistering pre-seasons and then the league campaign starts and you’re poor.”
Francis added: “What we’re doing as a leadership team is we’re building towards August the 10th and we keep reminding the players about what is required to be at that level.
“Baring in mind we went to Leiston at the same time last year, they’ve had a very good pre-season. We know they’ve had players come in from Lowestoft and Bury and other local clubs.
“They finished the season very well last year. They had a good second half of the season and they play an attacking formation that’s quick on the break.
“We’re looking to make it a point for us to go there really solid.”
But before Cray Wanderers kick-off their league campaign, they lock horns with landlords Bromley to contest the Bert Durling Trophy at Hayes Lane on Tuesday night (7:45pm)
The Wands go into the game on the back of a 4-1 win away to Kent Invicta League side Lydd Town yesterday, whilst Mark Goldberg’s side suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Ryman Premier League newcomers Dulwich Hamlet
“It’s always a good fixture to have,” said former Bromley midfielder Francis.
“Looking forward to seeing Mark. I know he’s made some significant improvements through pre-season with the players that he’s brought in and I’ve been hearing good things about how they’ve been playing.
“We’re pleased for them because they’re our sister club so to speak. Although there’s rivalry there’s also respect.
“Again, it’s another opportunity to play on this (Hayes Lane) surface against a good side so we’re really looking forward to that to commemorate Burt Durling’s Trophy and to see his wife Joan here.”
Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/craywands
Leiston v Cray Wanderers
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 10th August 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Victory Road, Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4DQ
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd