CRAY Wanderers manager Ian Jenkins breathed a sigh of relief and gratefully accepted a hard-fought point against Croydon Athletic on Saturday.

The Wands were reduced to nine men after two players were sent off in the second half.

Jamie Wood was given a straight red, while there was a great deal of controversy surrounding Dean Standen’s second yellow.

The striker was given a second caution when the referee over-ruled his linesman’s initial penalty award and, instead, decided to book Standen for diving.

Jenkins underlined the importance of not losing the match and was clearly impressed by the spirit his side showed against the odds.

The manager said: “A few players said the first straight red was a bit harsh, but I didn’t see it.

“With the second, the linesman gave the penalty, but the ref gave a second yellow to Standen for diving and I thought maybe that was a bit harsh too.

“I would have taken that result before the game, actually, as Croydon are a much improved side and have got a bit of money down there now with some top players.

“We played better with 10 men than we did with 11 and after going down to nine men, the result was even better.”

Tonight’s game against the Met Police will be another close encounter at the top of the table.

Jenkins is aware of Cray’s previous run of good results against their opponents and promotion rivals at Hayes Lane and is confident of continuing it this evening.

The boss almost has a full-strength squad to choose from, with only Colin Luckett ruled out after picking up a injury at Croydon.

He added: “After the draw, we have got to pull it out with three points tonight because it will make Saturday's result a good one.

“We have got a fair record against them at home and we are going into the game against the Met Police confident.

“They are one of the teams around us, so it would be nice to get three points.

“Colin Luckett is about the only injury worry we have. He pulled a groin, but other than that we are at full strength.”

Jenkins is determined Cray will continue to fight at the top of the table for the remainder of the campaign and highlighted the Chipstead game on Sunday as an opportunity to boost confidence going into the final three months of the season.

The promotion places will undoubtedly be highly contested, but Jenkins is ready for the challenge.

He explained: “If we win tonight then we are buzzing for Sunday. If results go our way then three points against Chipstead could really take us away from the other teams around us.

“I think we will be there or there abouts all season, I don't think anyone will run away with the top-spot.”