Our objective at the beginning of September was to get through September unbeaten , says Cray Wanderers' assistant manager Joe Vines

CRAY WANDERERS assistant manager Joe Vines says he wants his side to remain unbeaten during the month of September.

The Wands dropped league points for the first time this season after being held to a 1-1 draw by Whyteleafe at Hayes Lane last night.

Bentley Graham drilled in a free-kick to give Harry Hudson’s side a fifth minute lead but Whyteleafe’s lead lasted only 109 seconds later when Jerome Federico drilled in a rebound after Archie Johnson’s low drive was parried into his path by goalkeeper Tyler McCarthy.

Cray Wanderers remain unbeaten at the summit of the Bostik South East Division table, having collected 19 points from their seven games.

Hastings United are in second-place on 15 points but with a game in hand, while VCD Athletic moved into third on 15 points after coming away from Princes Park with a 2-1 win over bottom-of-the-table side Thamesmead Town last night.

Whyteleafe are in fourth-place on 13 points from their opening six league outings and Hythe Town follow on the same number of points but with a game in hand.

“Our objective at the beginning of September was to get through September unbeaten and we’ve got one game left, we’ve got VCD on Saturday,” said Vines.

“They’ll be a good side. Charlie MacDonald will be doing his best to get one over on us and if we can get through that one unbeaten, we’re not in a bad spot.

“It’s a great start so far. Hastings are a good side, they try to play. I think they will be in and around it.  I think If I’m honest, I think they’re the contenders, we’d like to think we’re the contenders as well but I think Hastings have got all the ingredients. 

“I admire a lot of their players as individuals and they’re doing great things down there, I think they’re a good club.”

Cray Wanderers manager Tony Russell returns to his former club on Saturday and Vines is expecting a tough game against Keith McMahon’s side.

“It’s hard to predict, they’re a good side. I thought they were a good side last year, they’re very unpredictable,” said Vines.

“Keith has brought in some experience, he’s been around a long time. Charlie MacDonald is a consummate professional. 

“If we’re on our A game I think we’ll beat anybody in this league but that means we need to perform.

“It will be nice to have as many players ready for that game as possible,” added Vines, who was without Karl Dent (recovering from a hand operation) Michael Power (slipped disc in his back), Aaron Rhule (ankle) last night.

Visit Cray Wanderers website:  www.cray-wanderers.com

VCD Athletic  v  Cray Wanderers
Bostik South East Division
Saturday 29 September 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN