PLAY-OFF FINAL SPECIAL: I WANT TO SEND MY BELOVED CRAY UP, SAYS LOYAL SERVANT WOOD

Thursday 30th April 2009

HERO Jamie Wood says he wants to score the winning goal that will send his beloved Cray Wanderers into the Ryman Premier League for the very first time in the club’s proud 150 year history, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 30-year-old, Blackfen based attacker, crushed Worthing’s promotion dream, drilling a world-class left-footed goal past Alan Mansfield on the stroke of half-time to win a nerve-jangling Tuesday night at Hayes Lane.

And victory over Metropolitan Police at Hayes Lane on Saturday will mean this season’s Ryman League Division One South runners-up will deservedly join champions Kingstonian in the top flight of Ryman League football.

The Police have a shocking record at Hayes Lane. They lost to penalties against Bromley in the semi-finals five years ago and were defeated by Cray Wanderers 2-0 last year - two days before the Wands suffered a devastating 1-0 defeat at Tooting & Mitcham United in the final.

Metropolitan Police, meanwhile, are desperate to get over the finishing line, because before Tuesday night’s 1-0 win at Fleet Town was their only victory in the end-of-season play-off lottery.

Let’s hope that record continues in Saturday’s winner-takes-all clash.

Wood’s second goal of the season, was his 117th goal for the club (in 434 appearances) and the nippy pocket dynamo is eager to score the winning goal on Saturday that will send his beloved club up to the highest level that they’ve competed in.

“We’re in the play-off final again, hopefully it’s third time lucky for myself,” Jamie told www.kentishfootball.co.uk , having suffered play-off heartbreak against Horsham five years ago and on the shockingly poor Imperial Fields pitch twelve months ago.

“I think we beat them last year in the semi’s 2-0 and I scored. I always seem to score against Met Police - touch wood (we both touch our heads simultaneously), it should be another one. We win Saturday and we go up.”

Wood has seen it all for Cray Wanderers; playing for the club at their traditional Oxford Road ground in Sidcup, and enjoying winning back-to-back Kent League titles and then winning promotion to the Ryman League five season’s ago.

And there is a sense of pride that he will score the winning goal again to ensure that Ian Jenkins’ side claim the victory that they deserve - in front of a packed Hayes Lane this weekend to clinch promotion so they can look forward to lucrative home games against Tonbridge Angels, Maidstone United and Dartford next season.

“For how much I’ve done with Cray, I’ve played for them in the Kent League when they were struggling down the bottom, we’ve won two Kent League titles and got promotion to the Ryman League,” he reflected.

He added, “I used to play for Cray when we were down Oxford Road and on the sloped pitch. We’ve got plans for a new ground, hopefully I might be around then!

“To be playing in the Ryman Premier for Cray, it will be my 12th year, will be unbelievable. It will be massive!”

Having beaten Alan Mansfield from 25-yards last night, Wood has already pictured his winning goal against a Metropolitan Police side that, well, basically don’t consist of many bobbies.

“I’d love a one-yard top in, if we win the game,” said Jamie. “A one-yard tap in will do me!

“At the end of the day, it’s a Cup Final, it’s winner-takes-all basically. Hopefully it will be us!

Although season tickets for Saturday’s final are NOT valid as it’s ALL PAY on the day, Cray Wanderers have this week announced details of next season’s season ticket prices.

The club have FROZEN prices for next season, despite not yet knowing which division they will be playing when the new season kick’s off in August.

Season tickets, priced at £125 (adults) and £65 (children and concessions), can be purchased from Dave Jackson on 07952 780 603, or in writing to 24 Kidbroke Park Close, Blackheath, London SE3 0EF.

Admission prices for the play-off final have been confirmed at £8 (adults) and £4 (concessions).

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be providing LIVE COVERAGE of this game.

BBC Radio Kent will also be covering the game - details of their coverage is yet to be confirmed.

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

Cray Wanderers v Metropolitan Police

Ryman League Division One South Play-Off Final

Saturday 2nd May 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF