Kentish Football 
I'd be disappointed if we don't get a play-off spot, says Cray Wanderers boss Ian Jenkins
The Wands will lose fifth-place in the table if either Lewes or Hendon win their games tomorrow, but they should reclaim a play-off place with victory over relegation threatened Leatherhead on Sunday afternoon.
Leatherhead are managed by Richard Brady, who quit Ryman League Division One South side Sittingbourne last September, but the Surrey club have struggled all season and today are six points adrift of Harrow Borough, who lost a Ryman Premier League play-off semi-final to Tonbridge Angels at the end of last season.
Cray Wanderers enhanced their play-off aspirations when goals from striker Leigh Bremner and central defender Joe Vines sealed a 2-1 victory away to AFC Hornchurch.
“We played really well to be honest with you,” said Jenkins.
“We went back to how we were playing for most of the season and got our just rewards and three points.
“Joe’s goal was only three minutes to go so not much coming back from them. It’s always nice when anyone scores really.
“Bremner has been scoring in the last two (games), having been left out against Aveley and defensively Joe’s been outstanding and it’s good to see him score his first goal since he’s been back with us.”
Jenkins felt Bremner has bounced back manner, having scored against Hornchurch and coming off the bench to score in a disappointing 1-1 draw at struggling Aveley.
Jenkins said: “It’s nothing to do with his work-rate or commitment for the club. It’s if he scores his goals. When he ain’t scoring it’s disappointing. If he’s scoring there’s no better player, no better centre forward in the division.”
Jenkins has told his side to claim three points against Leatherhead on Sunday to keep their play-off aspirations on track.
If they get promoted then it will be the first time in the club’s illustrious history that they have played Conference South football – and Jenkins has set his sights high.
He said: “Lewes and Hendon can go above us tomorrow if they both win. Playing Leatherhead at home we should take the maximum three points.
“When you play teams down at the bottom, if you get a good start and get a goal early on then it’s hard for them to come back.
“If they keep in the game for a long period of time they’re capable of scoring. There’s no weak sides in the division. We played Aveley the other week and they put up a good account of themselves. We should’ve been out of sight at half-time and it was only 1-0 and they got the reward at the end.
“But we’re not going to take Leatherhead lightly. I know Brades (Richard Brady) quite well and they’ll get them up for it.”
With his side 15 points adrift of league leaders Billericay Town, Jenkins insists he won’t give up on the title.
“We have to play the sides around us as well so if we pick up maximum points against them then we should be firmly in the play-offs – that’s what we’re looking to do,” said Jenkins.
“Until it’s mathematically impossible to reach Billericay at the top then we’ll keep going for it. I think we’re fifteen points behind them with two games in hand. If we win those games and they drop a few more and we keep winning, you can still possibly get top spot.
“If we don’t get a play-off spot from this position I’d be disappointed.
“We’re doing alright. We’ve built on every season since we’ve gone up so that’s what it’s all about. We’ve got a young squad among us now and if we can keep them all together things are looking quite bright.
“It would be brilliant if we can get it (promotion) this year. If not this year we’ll try and get it next year.”
Jenkins added: “We’re good enough to stay in the division we’re in and we’re good enough to do well in the division above. We’ve always done well. We’ve never been involved in relegation in any division we’ve been in for the last ten years’ so we’re looking to go upwards.
“When the new ground hopefully comes around in three or four years’ time, we’ll be settled in Conference football or maybe push for League football – you never know!
Meanwhile, Jenkins takes his side to Wembley – well Wembley’s Vale Farm – next Tuesday to play seventh-placed Hendon – but Kent Hurlimann Football League leaders Herne Bay can reach The FA Carlsberg Vase Final at Wembley Stadium if they beat West Auckland Town in a two-legged semi-final.
Jenkins, who guided Cray Wanderers to The FA Carlsberg Vase Quarter-Finals in 2004 when they were defeated 2-0 by AFC Sudbury at Hayes Lane, wishes Simon Halsey and his players the best of luck for tomorrow’s first-leg clash at Winch’s Field.
He said: “I’ve done a radio interview last Saturday and mentioned it on air. It’s great for Kent that they’re involved in that. No doubt they’re strong enough to go through to the final. They’ve had a good season this year, they’re top of the Kent League.
“You don’t have to get your players’ up for a game like this. It will be nerve wracking for Simon on the line. I’d rather be playing!
“Good luck to them. I hope they do it!”
Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.craywands.co.uk
Cray Wanderers v Leatherhead
Ryman Premier League
Sunday 25th March 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd