SATURDAY promises to be a big day in the history of Cray Wanderers as they bid to lift their first ever Kent Cup.

Having been founded in 1860, the Wands hold the distinction of being the second oldest football club in the world but have only managed to reach the final of the Kent Cup once during their 148 year history.

That appearance culminated in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Maidstone United in 1900, so it has certainly been a long wait for Cray in their attempts to finally get their hands on the trophy.

Their opponents this Saturday at Hayes Lane are last season's FA Trophy winners Ebbsfleet United and Wands boss Ian Jenkins readily accepts his side will be the underdogs against the Conference full-timers.

He said: "They are really on a high at the moment after lifting the Trophy and will be fitter than us because they train every day.

"We've lost some of our best players during the summer and will be without six other first team regulars because of injuries and the fact some are away on holiday.

"I'm looking to treat it as a pre-season game. It is a hard call for me because we are starting the league season a couple of weeks later and we aren't at our best yet, but obviously this is a cup final and we want to win it."

It seems a long time ago now since Cray trounced landlords Bromley 6-1 in February's semi-final to book their final place but Ebbsfleet's exploits in the Trophy meant the game had to be delayed until now.

Jenkins admits it has cost his side slightly as the likes of Ross Lover have moved on during the summer.

He said: "We have lost a couple of key players and Ross is going to be a big miss for us this season.

"You get on with it though and there have been people who have come in as well.

"It is highly unlikely there will be any more signings now because the best players have usually already joined other clubs by now.

"In this division you need a squad of between 18 to 20 players to compete and I've already got it."

The Hayes Lane turnstiles open at 1.30pm for Saturday's game and Ebbsfleet will parade the FA Trophy before the game, which Cray hope will attract a four-figure crowd.

Admission prices are £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.