It's about everybody believing we can win this game and I think we can, says Joe Francis

CRAY WANDERERS assistant manager Joe Francis says every single one of his players must perform if they are to knock Welling United out of The FA Carlsberg Trophy on Sunday.

With Bromley hosting Staines Town in the Third Qualifying Round at Hayes Lane today, the Wands must wait until Sunday to face Jamie Day’s high-flying Wings.

Cray Wanderers go into the game sitting in eleventh-place in the Ryman Premier League table and have to play to their maximum if they are to beat a side that are in fifth-place in the league above, the Blue Square Bet (Conference) South.

“Jamie’s done a fantastic job there.   He still plays and to combine still playing and managing I think is a testament to his ability,” said former Wing Francis.

“He’s finished high in the Conference South this year, only narrowly missing out on promotion, so I think that we’re expecting a really tough game, a really tough game.”

The Wands have already lost to Conference South opposition in the shape of Chelmsford City in The FA Cup this season  - but Francis wants his side to learn from that day.

“It’s about everybody realising and believing that we can win this game – and I think we can,” said Francis.

“We have to pass the ball well, have confidence in each other and take our chances, that’s the main thing.

“We have to seize the opportunity, take the opportunity and I do think as well you just need combinations of players to play well.  You need your two centre halves, they need to perform.  If you’ve got the combination with the right back and the right midfielder, they need to perform.

“You can’t have anybody having an off day. If you do then you have to make changes.”

Welling United will be without former Cray Wanderers midfielder Scott Kinch following his sending-off against Maidenhead United and eight-goal striker Ross Lafayette, 26, has been also ruled out after picking up five yellow cards this season.

Jon Main, 31, could be in line for a start against Ian Jenkins’ side.

The former VCD Athletic, Cray Wanderers, Tonbridge Angels (two spells) and AFC Wimbledon goal-machine could be in for a start at Hayes Lane.

Francis said: “Jon was only with us for sort of six months, but he was prolific.  That will be interesting. Jon’s a good lad and had a great career. We’ll have to keep our eye out for him!”

Francis reflected on his playing career at Welling United with fond memories.

He said: “I had three years’ at Welling. We had a good side and the club was very successful not only in the time that I was there but before and after as well.

“We had a very good side. We finished, I think, sixth in the Conference and had good FA Cup runs and all sorts so it was a good three years’.”

Francis wants the match to be well supported, by saying, “Let’s hope so mate! I hope Welling bring a few supporters’ because they used to back in the day and I know they still support the side well and I hope they bring a few and we have a few turn out and we have a few Bromley supporters’ as well.”

Francis added: “We’re all fully fit.  The only obviously one is (central defender) Joe Vines because Joe badly sprained his ankle last week but it’s not as bad as first thought but he will be missing tomorrow.”

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

Cray Wanderers  v  Welling United
The FA Carlsberg Trophy Third Qualifying Round
Sunday 11^th November 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF