Jenkins wants more from his promotion chasing side

CRAY WANDERERS boss Ian Jenkins feels his side’s ten-day break will aid to clear up injuries to key personnel ahead of the all-important clash against Walton & Hersham, writes Stephen McCartney.

A 5-2 home win over Croydon Athletic last Saturday was followed up with a 2-1 win at Dulwich Hamlet three days later and this has propelled the promotion chasing side into second place in the Ryman League Division One South table after eight games - one place above their opponents.

The Wands are without a game this Saturday as Chipstead lock horns with Dunstable Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

However, this gives Jenkins’ side time to prepare fully for their next game, a game that if they win will ensure the Hayes Lane side are serious about promotion.

Goalkeeper Glen Knight (thigh), midfielders Danny Chapman (groin) and Jamie Kempster (hamstring) and striker Shawn Beveney (knee) are currently battling to be fit for the showdown.

Jenkins, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk at 5pm tonight, admitted he’s “chuffed” with his side’s start to this campaign.

Cray are only three points behind leaders Kingstonian in the table, having won five and drawn two of their first eight outings.

“Saturday was a lot easier than Tuesday night,” admitted the long-serving boss.

“I think we got a little bit lucky Tuesday to be honest with us, scoring in the last minute.

“We would have taken it like anyone else. They would have taken it, so I was happy with a last minute goal.”

Jenkins, however, believes the return of his big-four will send out a statement to their promotion rivals that they’re serious to clinch promotion as league champions.

The Wands stalwart has the fire in his belly to ensure his side doesn’t suffer the pain of losing a play-off final again, having seen Tooting & Mitcham United seal promotion with champions Dover Athletic last term - at his expense.

“We’re not really playing that well to be honest with you!” admitted Jenkins.

“We’ve got a few injuries as well so we’re not really at full strength but the position we’re in at the moment is not false but we’re not getting carried away with it.”

A stunning last minute free-kick from substitute Tony Dolby, 34, ensured Jenkins’ men came away from Champion Hill with a vital three points in the bag, against a young and energetic home side.

And Jenkins says he is grateful for the input that Dolby, a former first-teamer with Millwall, and ex-Tonbridge Angels and Hastings United boss, gives.

“He’s been great for me,” said Jenkins. “Pre-season he’s worked really hard. I think he’s got his head around becoming a footballer again, instead of a manager.

“He’s got his rewards the other night, came on as sub with 15-20 minutes to go. When we’ve get set-pieces around the area, he’s got a great left-foot on him. I’ve got no problems with him taking a free-kick, and banging it in.”

Dolby uses his man-management skills to guide players, helping Jenkins and assistant Joe Francis, both on and off the pitch.

“He doesn’t have a say when me and Joe are in there (the dressing room), but you can hear him geeing up the players like any senior player does,” said Jenkins.

“He does pull players aside on the pitch and see him talking to certain individuals. I’ll never take that away from a senior player anyway, someone who’s played at that level, at that standard can always help you with the young players.”

Jenkins explained why Guyana international, Shawn Beveney, 26, isn’t firing on all cylinders at present.

He said: “He’s got a bit of a knee injury and he’s been carrying it for the last couple of games.

“You can see he’s limping away and you won’t see the full potential of Shawn until he comes back fit. He will be out for a couple of weeks so we won’t see his full potential yet.”

Looking forward to his next game, against Walton & Hersham at Hayes Lane on Saturday, 4^th October, Jenkins believes this game will be a cracker.

He said: “They’re up there as well. They’re always hard games against Walton, but as we’re playing quite well at the moment, I’m looking forward to that.”

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