IAN Jenkins says his Cray side are ready to take the step up to the Ryman Premiership in Saturday’s play-off final against the Met Police.

The Wands booked their place in the end of season finale after Jamie Wood’s goal late in the first half secured a 1-0 semi-final success over Worthing last night.

And Jenkins, who has been Cray’s manager for a decade, believes the time is right for the club he led from the Kent League five years ago to enjoy a new challenge.

He explained: “Saturday will be a massive game for everyone and we are a side who needs to be moving on to the next level.

“I’ve been here for 10 years now and there has been massive progress off the pitch as well as on it.

“The chairman has done brilliantly by securing a new ground and Cray Wanderers are definitely ready for Ryman Premiership football now.

“We can’t afford to stand still.”

Last night’s victory over Worthing was hard earned, but the boss claims his side more than deserved their victory.

Jenkins said: “It was a tough game against a physical side who put us under pressure and spent the first half trying to kick us off the park.

“We coped well with it, though, and Jamie scored a great goal at a crucial time just before the break.

“Worthing had some big lads out there and although they continued to pressurise us a bit in the second half, our back four dealt extremely well with everything thrown at them.”

Now only the Met Police stand between the Wands and promotion and Jenkins is hoping the memory of last year’s 1-0 play-off final defeat at Tooting & Mitcham will inspire his squad this weekend.

He said: “Eight of the 11 who started last night’s game played against Tooting and that is all the motivation they need.

“If we play like we did last night then I can’t see their being much problem, although we know the Met Police will pose a big challenge.

“They’ve beaten us twice in the league already this season but up until then I don’t think we had ever lost a game against them.”

Colin Luckett is rated as doubtful for the big game after picking up an ankle ligament injury.

Cray Wanderers share Bromley’s Hayes Lane ground and the club are hoping football fans from other clubs will turn out in force to give them their backing on the day.

Chairman Gary Hillman said: “Charlton and Crystal Palace are not playing until Sunday and Millwall are away at Carlisle, so Hayes Lane promises to be the best place to watch a football game at 3pm this Saturday.”

Admission is £8 for adults and £4 for pensioners and under-16s.