We'll get out of our sticky spot, insists Francis

Monday 23rd November 2009

CRAY WANDERERS assistant manager, Joe Francis, says his side must start “getting their own house in order” ahead of their Kent derby against Maidstone United on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The struggling Wands go into the derby against Trophy heroes Maidstone United in a state of depression as their 3-0 defeat at Ashford Town (Middlesex) leaves them five points from safety.

The Wands have picked up only two points at home in seven games this season and have picked up 12 points from 16 games in total and have only Bognor Regis Town and Billericay Town below them in the Ryman Premier League table.

Maidstone United, meanwhile, return to the scene of their impressive FA Carlsberg Trophy win at the weekend.

A solitary fourteenth minute goal from Shannon O’Donnovan dumped Blue Square South side Bromley out of the competition and the Stones look forward to a home tie against Blue Square Premier side Histon in the next round next month.

Francis, who was speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the match, has challenged his side to stun the Stones and get their season back on track.

“We’re having a bit of a bad time, but (we’re) one win away from turning it around,” he said.

“It will be a very tough game but if you want to put it right, you look towards these games don’t you?

“It’s what you get paid for, that’s what you get paid for, to get out of sticky spots like this, but we’ll come through it!”

When advised that Stones keeper, Jamie Turner, misses the game through family commitments, Francis replied, “We don’t concern ourselves about the other side. We’ve got to get our own house in order.”

Having signed two players on a one-month loan from full-time Blue Square South giants Woking last week, Francis explained why only midfielder Jerome Maledon, 22, made his debut at Ashford Town (Middlesex) at the weekend, leaving striker, Delano Sam-Yorke, 20, on the sidelines.

“Jerome played on Saturday, had a really tidy game, played very well,” said Francis.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t play Delano because we still had two loan players with (defender) John Guest, so hopefully he will be a part of the squad tomorrow. You can only play two loan players.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

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

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Cray Wanderers v Maidstone United

Ryman Premier League

Tuesday 24th November 2009

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF