Cray Valley PM are certainly one the sides on everyone’s lips at the moment. After some sterling FA Cup performances against Charlton on national television it’s the Millers into the spotlight, not least their remarkable record of only losing two County Cup ties from around 19 games prior to the replay.
Not only have they being doing well in that competition they’ve also had a great run in the FA Trophy and Saturday was another test for Steve McKimm’s side as National League South Hampton & Richmond Borough were the visitors to the Artic Stadium.
Former Barnet goalkeeping coach Mel Gwinnett is the man in charge at the Beaveree and after a slow start to the season they are really coming to the party and currently sit in the play-off positions. I actually saw the Beavers less than two weeks ago at Tonbridge for a goalless draw, better I hoped for this afternoon.
The content below was originally paywalled.
Both sides made a host of changes, the Millers having played three games a week since early September in all competitions and the Beavers having had a heavy schedule of late and with both managers having relatively small squads it was a good time to rest a few.
A cold and slightly windy afternoon set us off, amidst some dry Saturday weather for a change. The early chances were all for Cray Valley, only a few to trouble Adam Desbois in the Hampton goal but one or two better decisions and the home side would have been in front.
As happens when you play sides from higher levels you have to put chances away, the visitors then settling into their game and took the lead on 24 minutes, Rob Hall’s quick feet saw his pass tapped home by Issac Pitblado.
Ten minutes later the lead was doubled, Hall’s superb free kick delivery was headed from by Dean Inman to give Cray Valley mountain to climb although not yet out of the tie at half time.
Just before the hour mark Hampton added a third, a ball over the top from Inman was met by George Hunt and he ran on to fire past Max Ovenden. Cray Valley were still trying to find a way through and more often that not tried a ball either through the channel or over the top for Kyrell Lisbie to run on to, Denzel Gayle working hard down the right flank first half was getting less joy in the second half.
17 minutes from time Jordan Cheadle turned the ball in from close range and just three minutes later the impressive Alfy Whittingham was sent clean through and slammed the ball past Ovenden for number five.
However, the Millers notched a consolation goal with ten minutes left on the clock, Lisbie receiving a ball over the top, holding off the defenders and a fine finish past Desbois, but the Beavers stormed into the 3rd round and the FA competitions were exited within the space of a few days for Cray Valley.
One big game after another for the home side and finally coming up short against two sets of very good opposition, not disgracing themselves on either occasion despite the heavy scorelines, finding the net when on top is something you have to do especially when you start climbing the levels.
Despite the changes for both sides there were some outstanding players on show, Lisbie was the outlet first half but the visitors certainly did their level best to stop the supply lines after half time, Cem Tumkaya will no doubt have suitors this season as will Sonny Black, Barney Williams his usual dependable self at right back.
Whittingham was everywhere through the Hampton side on the pitch, Inman marshalling the back line and Hall with neat touches around the game but not quite as much influence as he might have liked.
Lots to people to speak to before and after this one, notably Frank May the Cray Valley chairman who co-ordinates the programme that I contribute to every home game as you can see below, great to get his thoughts after Wednesday evening and the experience the club have had.
Knowing Mel Gwinnett, Rob Hall and Jordan Thomas from their Barnet days it was great to see and chat to all three before kick-off and the fact they all still recognised me despite no longer attached to the Bees.
Beers with Steve McKimm and Barry Moore afterwards, two great football people and two great friends, a pleasure to know them both away from the game as well as in it.
Lots more action for Cray Valley to come, some 16 home league games still to play after Tuesday night and having played Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday since mid-September it doesn’t stop for that until mid-January, promotion is the aim for the Millers, nicely set in the league and much more football to come.
