We must stay in touch with the leaders, says Francis

JOE FRANCIS says he will have no problems in lifting his side -despite losing the top-of-the-table showdown to Kingstonian today, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Cray Wanderers assistant saw his side lose 4-2 to the league leaders at a bitterly cold Hayes Lane today, with Colin Luckett (penalty) and Leigh Bremner getting on the score sheet.

Francis, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, says he will make changes for the delayed Ryman League Cup Second Round tie at Dulwich Hamlet on Tuesday night - but the team will be raring to go at Merstham on Saturday.

“You have to instil a bit of belief into the boys and be positive because you always get another opportunity,” said Francis. “Our opportunity is next week’s game, to get three points.”

Francis and boss Ian Jenkins will discuss which players will take part in the low-key Ryman League Cup clash at Champion Hill.

“We’ll give people a run out that haven’t had a run-out and just keep people ticking over,” explained Francis.

“It’s quite handy to have a game between now and next Saturday because it keeps people on their toes. It keeps people fit.”

Tenth placed Dulwich Hamlet go into the cup game on the back of a 2-0 home win over Leatherhead today.

Although his side have slipped down one place to third, Cray Wanderers are now four points adrift of Kingstonian - who have two games in hand.

But the Wands face competition from Metropolitan Police, Ashford Town and Sittingbourne, at present, to finish in the play-off’s, if they miss out on the one and only automatic promotion place.

“If you said to me now we’ll end up in the play-off’s, I’d be happy,” said Francis.

“I’d be ecstatic if we’re still in touch with the top of the league come March and April because no league is won on December the 27^th.

Francis - and K’s boss Alan Dowson - both know there is still plenty of football to be played between now and the end of the season and the Kingsmeadow clash on Easter Monday will have a lot more riding on it than today’s game, which attracted the Wands largest home crowd of the season.

“We’re both saying the same thing, it’s just another three points,” admitted Francis.

“They have just lost at home to Sittingbourne on (Sunday), who I must be honest have been one of the best sides we’ve played this year, along with Fleet.

“Dulwich will be dangerous, Godalming and Merstham, where we go next week. They can all play.

“It’s a really evenly matched league so we’re not downhearted. The players are really disappointed but you have to find the words to pick them up.”

Francis is confident that his side will bounce back with a win at Merstham’s Weldon Way ground in seven days time, adding, “If we play like that we’ll get our rewards, simple as that!”

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

Dulwich Hamlet v Cray Wanderers
Ryman League Cup Second Round
Tuesday 30^th December 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD