CRAY Wanderers manager Ian Jenkins is optimistic his side have nothing to fear in the Isthmian Premier Division this season.

Wanderers went down 3-0 on Tuesday evening against Hayes Lane landlords Bromley, although Jenkins was pleased with the performance, especially in the first half.

Goals in the second period from Jay May and Steven Smith added to Jack Holland’s first half opener as Bromley signed off their pre season campaign with a win.

Jenkins explained: “If we play like we did in the first half, we will more than hold our own.

“I felt we were unlucky to go in at half-time one goal down.

“In the second half, we made a few changes and did not really have the strength in depth.”

Jenkins believes Cray will be competitive and although he will be happy with an improvement on last season’s 19th placed finish, the manager does not believe the play-offs are out of the question.

He added: “I expect us to hold our own and will be happy with mid-table.

“But if we have a good run around Christmas, maybe we can aim for the play-off positions.”

Jenkins also praised new signings Ben Frempah and ex-Charlton midfielder Ben Davisson, the latter hitting the angle of post and bar in the first period at Hayes Lane.

The Wands boss also has big expectations from new signing Tommy Whitnell after the striker rejoined the club from Margate.

Jenkins explained: “All the new players have fitted in well against Bromley.

“Frempah and Davisson both did well.

“Tommy is a natural goal scorer, if he is fit and firing we can expect between 20 to 25 goals from him this season.”

Cray’s first game of the new season is away at a Leiston side who finished above Wanderers in 12th place last season.

The sides drew both matches last season and Jenkins is predicting a difficult opener this weekend.

“Leiston came up a couple of seasons ago and are a good strong side, it will be a tough game."

The match at Victory Road kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.

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