We need the weather to be kind to us, says Cray Wanderers boss Keith Bird

CRAY WANDERERS manager Keith Bird says the wet weather is damaging his new-look side getting used to each other.

The Wands remain rooted to the foot of the Ryman Premier League table after going down to a 3-0 defeat at league leaders Maidstone United last night.

The Stones remain level on points with Dulwich Hamlet after second half goals from Alex Flisher, Jack Parkinson and an injury-time penalty from Zac Attwood left Bird proud of his side’s performance.

Dulwich Hamlet defeated fifth-from-bottom Thamesmead Town, courtesy of second half goals from Nyren Clunis and Erhun Oztumer.

Reflecting on their 23^rd league defeat of the season, the Cray Wanderers boss said: “I think for 80 minutes we lived with them particularly in the first half.

“We came in at half-time and we felt the game could go either way.  We had just as many opportunities to get something out of it as Maidstone did.

“I think Maidstone were the better side, particularly in the last 10-15 minutes.

“I was very pleased with the lads particularly the first half and proud of them for 80 minutes of the 90.”

Cray Wanderers have used 66 players this season, a club record.

They have seventeen games left and their next four games are at Hayes Lane, starting with Saturday’s scheduled game against third-from-bottom East Thurrock United, followed by a visit from Leiston (18 February), Lewes (23^rd) and Hampton & Richmond Borough two days later.

The Essex side have claimed 23 points from 27 games and are three points adrift of safety.

Thamesmead Town have re-signed full-back Jack Hopkins from East Thurrock United and Mead manager Keith McMahon said: “Really pleased to welcome Jack Hopkins back to the Mead – welcome home!”

Cray Wanderers must claim their fifth league win of the season on Saturday if they are to improving their chances of beating the drop.

The club have suffered relegation once, when back in season 1912-13 they were relegated from Kent League Division One to the Second Division.

“We really believe that there is something in there for us in all those seventeen games,” said Bird.

“I think if we can play like that for 80 minutes against a quality side like Maidstone there’s no reason why we can’t get something out of all those seventeen games.

“We don’t have to get something out of all seventeen, that’s the thing, but what we do need to get is five or six wins in quick succession.  If we can get five or six quick wins that gives us a platform and makes the league position very different.”

That is, however, if the Hayes Lane pitch recovers from the wettest winter in 250 years.

Bromley’s home Conference South game against Eastbourne Borough was postponed at 19:00 last night after the match referee deemed the pitch unplayable.

“It’s been difficult getting a run with the amount of cancellations we’ve had,” said Bird.

“We’ve had this new squad that we’ve put together.  In that starting eleven last night there was actually one player that was in the squad not even when we took over in terms of Stav (Alex Stavrinou) so that really is a completely new side that’s playing together.

“What we need is a succession of games and the weather to be kind to us so they can get into a rhythm of playing together.  It’s one thing training together, it’s another thing playing together in a real game so we just need the weather to be kind to us so we can get into a rhythm with the squad.”

Meanwhile, landlords Bromley received some good news this week when central defender Jack Holland, 21, was called up for the England C squad for the trip to Jordan next month.

Non-League’s Three Lions are set to take on the Jordan’s under 23 side on Tuesday, 4 March in the capital city Amman.

“A huge congratulations to Jack, the only player selected from outside The Skrill Premier, from everyone at Bromley Football Club,” said a club statement.

Holland tweeted: “Buzzing to have been called up to the England C team. Thanks for all the messages and a big shout out to the Bromley FC boys.”

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

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.net