Aveley's expectations are as high as ours, says Francis

Friday 14th August 2009

CRAY WANDERERS’ assistant manager Joe Francis is looking forward to travelling to fellow promoted side Aveley tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Wands play their first ever game in the Ryman Premier League at Mill Field and Francis, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the historic game, wants to make sure the game goes swimmingly.

“We’re looking forward to it, everybody is,” he said. “We’re going there to get three points.”

Francis added: “We’ve had them looked at last week and they’re a very organised and strong side. They had a great season last year so the expectations for them, I would imagine, are just as high as ours.”

Long-serving midfielder Jamie Kempster (knee) and hard-working striker, Leigh Bremner (ankle) are still ruled-out through injuries.

Cray Wanderers lock horns with their Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels at Hayes Lane, Bromley next Tuesday, but have been forced to switch venues - and dates - for the home game against Essex boys Billericay Town.

The original league fixture was scheduled for Hayes Lane on Sunday, 23rd August, but thanks to pressure put on the league by Billericay’s chairman Steve Kent, Cray Wanderers have been forced to switch the date - and venue.

The game will now take place next Friday, 21st August, at Dartford’s Princes Park Stadium.

It is hoped that hundreds of Dartford fans will turn out in force to support a club that helped them in their hour of need when Cray opened the doors to Oxford Road, Sidcup when their club reformed and played Kent League football.

However, comments made by Billericay’s chairman will do him or his club any favours.

“We are sympathetic to Cray, and fully understand that they are not happy with the extra cost involved,” he told www.billericaytownfc.co.uk.

“But we had a decision to make; do we do what’s best for Cray or what’s best for Billericay? We chose to do what we believe is best for us and insisted that we do not play on the Sunday.

“I would like to make it clear that our decision was not gamesmanship.”

But Francis refused to be drawn into a slanging match with the Essex club.

He said: “It’s nothing that we can affect as a footballing team. That’s for the people who are in charge of the administration.

“We’re just confident that we can deal with it - we’re looking forward to it.

“We know about Dartford’s ground as we’ve played at it. We’ve got a very good relationship with Dartford and we’re extremely grateful that they can fulfil the fixture for us.”

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

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be bringing LIVE COVERAGE of Cray Wanderers’ games against Tonbridge Angels and Billericay Town.

Aveley v Cray Wanderers

Ryman Premier League

Saturday 15th August 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Mill Field, Mill Road, Aveley, Essex RM15 4SJ