Season 2020/21 Covid-19
Past Seasons Archive 14 of 50

14. Season 2020/21 Covid-19


Season 2020/21

FIRST TEAM

In the previous season when Covid 19 struck for the first time everyone was taken by surprise, this time around there was a sense of inevitability of the outcome. The fact that it came so soon with only five league games being played, the last on the 27th October after a month later than usual start was of course disappointing but as the second wave of the virus hit the country and further lockdowns ensued the decision to curtail the season was the only course of action possible. It later proved possible to play a couple of London Senior Cup games in the spring to finally bring the season to a full close.

FA CUP
From a club perspective despite only playing 5 league games, the season will ironically live long in the memory due to their FA Cup run. The club reached the first round proper for the first time having first entered in season 2013/14. Starting in the preliminary round on the 11th September 2020 five victories were achieved through the qualifying rounds, before a narrow defeat in the first round proper on the 8th November 2020 brought the campaign to an end. Full details of the six matches including the memorable away win at National League side Maidenhead United can be found in a separate section entitled FA Cup Campaign 2020/21.

PITCHING IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE - SOUTH EAST DIVISON
Second season at step 4.
League table
Just five games played - P5 W1 D3 L1 - position at time of curtailment 12th /19 *
* Guernsey unable to participate due to Covid 19
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/league-table

Appearances: (all competitions - total 15)
Babalola 13, Tumkaya 15, Ibrahim 14, A-Warren 14, Gayle 12, McCann 12, Yusuff 12, Adeyemo 12, Walker 11, Sains 11, Dymond 10, Morath-Gibbs 10, Smith 9, King-Elliott 10, Hickey 8, Hasler 4, Docherty 4, Hill 3, Farmer 3, Flack 2, Lisbie Kevin 3,
+ LSC only Semakula 2, Barrington 2, James R 2, Lisbie Kyrell 2, Lisbie Kyrece 1, Beerling 1, Sammoutis 1

Goals:
Yusuff 7, Dymond 4, Adeyemo 4, Babalola 3, Hasler 3, Ibrahiym 3, A-Warren 2, Gayle 2, Barrington 2, Hill 1, Smith 1, Lisbie Kevin 1

First Team Match by Match - See after other teams review.

DEVELOPMENT U23 TEAM

Just the four league games after a late start and early end to the season due to Covid-19. After lockdown ended the team played a few friendly matches in April / May with a view to planning ahead for season 2021/22.

Manager Marc Mortlock gives his thoughts on the season and the youth set up now acting as a thriving source of new players in this news article May 2021.
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/news/the-lords-edge-millers-in-seven-goal-thriller-2614214.html

Match by Match: - Development U23

Weds 7th October 2020 Isthmian U23 Development South Division
Cray Valley (PM) 5 v East Grinstead Town 0
Goals: CV - H Kempston (3' Pen), (9'), R James (6'), (15'), L Cotter (65' Pen)H
Kempston (88' Sent Off)
Cray Valley: M Blendell, R Aarons Royal, L Cotter, K Norman, A Sankoh, H Thomas, H Beech, O Farmer (B Joselyn 46), H Kempston, R James (D Irakoze 59), Kyreece Lisbie (Kyrell Lisbie 63) Subs not used: G Orchard, A Kpodo

Match Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/millers-dev-u23-v-east-grinstead-u23-71020-photos-dave-cumberbatch--960491.html
DEVELOPMENT TEAM OFF TO A FLYER
Our U23 Development side kicked off their Bluefin Sports Insurance League campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory over East Grinstead (The Wasps) at The Artic Stadium last night. The first of five consecutive Wednesday evening home matches and if the level of entertainment on offer is maintained then well worth blocking your diaries out now.
The Young Millers couldn't have asked for a better start and whilst there had been some encouraging signs in pre-season to find themselves three goals ahead after nine minutes probably surpassed expectations. The lack of detail on the goals I'm afraid was partly due to the fact they were at the Quaggy End of the ground some distance from me and the fact I was still assisting the track and trace for a few latecomers into the ground. A healthy turn out of 51 paying just £3 each certainly got their money's worth.
The opening goal was a penalty converted by Harrison Kempston quickly followed by a second from Ryan James. There was barely time to tweet the first two when a third was added with Harrison Kempston scoring his second to add to his penalty. 3-0 after 9 minutes.
Fifteen on the clock and it was 4-0, Harrison Kempster getting to the bi line pulling the ball back for Ryan James to tap home for his second of the game. To their credit despite the shock start The Wasps battled well and indeed throughout the rest of the game there was certainly no drop of the heads. Half time was reached without further addition to the scoring. 4-0
The Millers added a fifth on 65 minutes, a penalty given for handball which Lewis Cotter neatly dispatched low into the bottom corner sending the keeper the wrong way. 5-0 Following the award of the penalty a Wasps player was red carded I assume for something he said. Abdul Aziz Sankoh for the Millers hit a cracking free kick from just outside the box which crashed against the crossbar on eighty-five minutes was the nearest the Millers came to adding another goal.
Two minutes from time young Harrison Kempston went from hero to villain as he picked up a second yellow card for petulantly throwing the ball away. A player with a bright future I am sure and part of the learning curve will be the need to control his reactions. It does mean though he will miss next Wednesday's home match v Tooting & Mitcham at The Artic Stadium. Kick off 7.45pm. Promises to be a good test for the young Millers, Tooting & Mitcham having won 5-1 at Phoenix Sports in their opening league game on Tuesday. Hope to see you there.

Weds 14th October 2020 Isthmian U23 Development South Division
Cray Valley (PM) 1 v Tooting & Mitcham United 1
Goals: CV - Kevin Lisbie 88
T&M - Unknown 15
Cray Valley: J Docherty, J Beerling, A Sankoh (A Kpodo 80), L Cotter, R Aaron Romal, K Norman, H Meech, O Farmer, R James, Kyreece Lisbie (Kevin Lisbie 65), D Irakoze (Kyrell Lisbie 55), Sub not used: C Millett.

YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE MIX WELL
Cray Valley gave a debut to Jack Beerling who turned 16 just under one month ago, putting in an accomplished performance at right back belying his age and certainly not looking out of place. Two other 16 year olds twins Kyrece and Kyrell also made appearances however it was their more famous father Kevin Lisbie, 42 on Saturday, who came on as an over age player for a cameo performance near the end and stole the show. Showing the youngsters how it is done and using his experience, over 560 games at all levels and 170 goals including a hat trick at the Valley for Charlton in the Premier League against Liverpool, Kevin grabbed a deserved equaliser in the 88th minute. A Harvey Meech free kick was headed back in the penalty area and Kevin was on hand to pounce, chest the ball down, swivel and slam a low shot past the keeper and into the back of the net.
Cray Valley kicking towards the quaggy end had started the game brightly, very much on the front foot, forcing the Tooting & Mitcham keeper Conor Beatie to make a couple of outstanding saves in quick succession. However it was the visitors who took the lead somewhat against the run of play when Troy Walters finished well after being put through. The visitors looked dangerous on the break but Cray Valley with Harvey Meech catching the eye, continued to create chances. Lewis Cotter, Kyrece Lisbie and Daudi Irakoze all had efforts on goal, the latter drilling a low shot against the foot of the far post. Abdul Sankoh also went close with a free kick. Overall Cray’s play edged the first half and they could count themselves unlucky to go in behind at half time.
The visitors enjoyed more of the game in the second half and were on top for periods, coming close to doubling their lead when a stunning drive from outside the box smacked against the post. However it was left to Kevin Lisbie at the end to grab the headline and earn a deserved point in an entertaining encounter.
Cray Valley U23’s continue their Bluefin Insurance Development League campaign with another home game next Wednesday at The Artic Stadium against Herne Bay. Kick Off 7.45pm and admission is just £3 and kids for £1. Hope to see you there.

Weds 21st October 2020 Isthmian U23 Development South Division
Cray Valley (PM) 0 v Herne Bay 3
Cray Valley: J Docherty, H Thomas, G Orchard, R Aarons-Royal, A Sankoh, H Meech, L Cotter (D Irakoze) 58), O Farmer, R Hill (A Kpodo 58), H Kempston (J Beerling 66), R James
Sent Off: H Meech 56

Abdul Aziz Sankoh in action
Match Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/u23s-dev--millers-v-herne-bay-211020-photos-dave-cumberbatch-962488.html
YOUNG MILLERS BEATEN BY MAY
The young Millers failed to take their chances, especially early on and by contrast Herne Bay were clinical in front of goal with their striker Eniye Amgbaduba grabbing a hat trick as they ended up winning this game by three goals to nil.
Herne Bay scored early and then extended their lead in the 25th minute to lead 2-0 at half time. The Millers though had plenty of chances during the half but were unable to capitalise. Abdul Sankoh put in a couple of dangerous looking crosses , Rory Hill playing his first game after an injury lay off had one memorable run in particular but his shot was off target. Ryan James was guilty of a couple of misses but at least the chances were being created.
A key moment in the second half on 56 minutes saw young Miller Harvey Meech, a tad harshly in the view of a number of onlookers, sent off for a tackle on the wet surface, no contact was made with the Herne Bay player, despite claims but it was the intent that was judged to be worthy of a straight red card. Harvey will now miss the next three games.
Shortly after Eniye Amgbaduba sealed his hat trick to make it 3-0 with a fine finish low into the corner giving Joe Docherty in goal no chance. The young Millers kept plugging away and certainly had chances, Oliver Farmer going close near the end after a run and shot comes to mind but it finished 0-3. The Millers now have a win, draw and a defeat in their opening three league games. Herne Bay meanwhile have now won both their opening games.

Weds 28th October 2020 Isthmian U23 Development South Division
Cray Valley (PM) 2 v Faversham Town 1
Goals; CV - G Tomlin (53'), Kyrell Lisbie (80')
FT - Ryan 86
Cray Valley: M Blendell, J Beerling,A Sankoh, L Cotter, K Norman, R Aarons Royal, O Farmer, R Penton (D Irakese 65), R James (Kevin Lisbie 81), G Tomlin, Kyrell Kisbie. Sub used: Kyrece Lisbie, Subs not used: G Orchard, C Millett.

Kevin, Kyreece and Kyrell Lisbie


Kyrell Lisbie celebrates after his goal

VICTORY FOR YOUNG MILLERS
The young Millers won an entertaining affair with two second half goals before Faversham Town ensured a tense final few minutes after substitute Sam Ryan had pulled a goal back near the end.
Whilst the youngsters can rightly be proud of their display it was the experienced Gavin Tomlin 37 playing as an over age player who helped bring the best out of them with his constant encouragement and intelligent play. Tomlin played the full 90 minutes and was making his first appearance since getting injured in a pre season friendly at Brentwood in the first week of September.
The Millers created chances in the first half with Ryan James seeing his powerful drive hit the inside of the post and out being the pick of them. Such was the power the groundsman Lee feared for his post. The Faversham keeper was forced into action making a fine double save at one point. Lewis Cotter also went close with a shot but it remained goalless at the break.
Tomlin himself netted the first in the opening ten minutes of the second half and substitute Kyrell Lisbie added the second in the 80th minute with an assist from his twin brother Kyrece. Both Lisbie twins looked dangerous and apart from his goal Kyrell hit the underside of the bar and his brother Kyrece also went close. The visitors pulled a goal back but it finished 2-1.
Final word for the referee Paul Taylor, having seen some indifferent displays recently at all levels, I thought he was excellent, communicating with the players where appropriate.
With some accomplished defensive and play going forward the Millers fully deserved the three points as they continued their run of exclusively home games to start the season. They now have 7 points from their opening four.

Link to the four league Isthmian Development South Division matches played:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228829/fixtures-results

LADIES TEAM

SECWFL Division 1 East P6 W3 D0 L3 GD 0 PTS 9 4th /10
SECWFL Spring Round Robin P5 W3 D1 L1 GD+6 PTS 10 2nd/6
Other (friendlies) P6 W4 D2 L0 GD+12
In nine games at the home venue of Oxford Road the team in all competitions were unbeaten winning seven and two draws.
All matches: Plus match reports
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228830/fixtures-results

Results full time: (excluding friendlies)
https://fulltime-league.thefa.com/index.html?selectedSeason=986216501&selectedFixtureGroupAgeGroup=0&selectedDivision=265663220&selectedCompetition=0

YOUTH TEAMS

With Louis Dean on board as Youth Development Manager the club continued to expand it's youth set up and entered around twenty teams across the age groups, 5 in the Kent Youth League and remainder in the Selkent. The season was of course curtailed early due to Covid 19 and saw just a limited return in the spring. However the structure is now in place and we look forward to season 2021/22.

FIRST TEAM SEASON MATCH BY MATCH
In date order.

Sat 12-Sep 2020 - FA Cup - see separate section

Sat 19-Sep 2020 ISTHMIAN SE DIV
Hastings United 0 v Cray Valley 0
H- Dixon sent off 27
Attendance: 400
MILLERS : A.Walker, Dymond, Smith, Hickey, Tumkaya, Gayle, Babalola (Adeyemo 70), Morath-Gibbs, Warren (McCann 46), Ibrahiym (Flack 81), Yusuff
Subs not Used : Sains, King-Elliot


Tumkaya goes for goal with the header

Match Report:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/1-6359187/report
Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/1-6359187/photos

Blogger: Many games have I seen
https://manygameshaveiseen.blogspot.com/2020/09/hastings-united-0-v-0-cray-valley-pm.html

Weds 23-Sep 2020 - FA Cup - see separate section

Sat 26-Sep 2020 ISTHMIAN SE DIV
Cray Valley 2 v Sittingbourne 1
Goals: CV- Smith 39, Ibrahiym 50
S- Drury 76
Attendance: 243

MILLERS : A.Walker, Smith, Sains, Tumkaya, Gayle (King-Elliot 73), Babalola, McCann, Morath-Gibbs, Warren (Farmer 81), Ibrahiym (Flack 65), Yusuff
Not Used : Aarons-Royal, Adeyemo


Goalmouth action Cray Valley v Sittingbourne 26th September 2020

Match Report:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/1-6359195/report
Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/1-6359195/photos

Sat 3-Oct 2020 - FA Cup - see separate section

Tues 6-Oct 2020 ISTHMIAN SE DIV
Cray Valley 1 v Faversham Town 2
Goals: CV- Adeyemo 76
FT- Chambers 2, Oluwasemo 90
Attendance: 148

MILLERS : A.Walker, Dymond (Smith 21), Hickey (King-Elliot 71), Sains, Tumkaya, Gayle, Adeyemo, Babalola, McCann, Warren, Ibrahiym
Subs not Used : Flack, Farmer, Aarons-Royal


Adeyemo celebrates his equalising goal before Town score a late winner

Match Report:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/1-6359215/report
Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/1-6359215/photos

Sat 10-Oct 2020 ISTHMIAN SE DIV
Whyteleafe 2 v Cray Valley 2
Goals: W- Hibbert 27, 40
CV- Hasler 59, 90
Attendance: 279

MILLERS : A.Walker, Smith (Babalola 45), Sains, Tumkaya, Gayle, Adeyemo, McCann (King-Elliot 78), Hasler, Morath-Gibbs (Dymond 66), Ibrahiym, Yusuff
Subs not Used : Farmer, Docherty


Two goal Sam Hasler on debut lines up a shot - Cray Valley at Whyteleafe 10th October 2020

Match Report:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/1-6359233/report
Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/1-6359233/photos

Tues 13-Oct 2020 - FA Cup - see separate section

Sat 17-Oct 2020 THE FA TROPHY 2ND ROUND QUALIFYING
Whyteleafe 0 v Cray Valley 0 (Whyteleafe won 3-2 on penalties)
Attendance: 227

MILLERS : A.Walker, Smith, Hickey, Sains, Tumkaya, Babalola, Hasler, Farmer (Ibrahiym 67), Warren, King-Elliot (McCann 70), Yusuff
Subs not Used : Adeyemo, Thomas, Gayle


Pre match team huddle watched on by the travelling committee

Match Report:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/2-7549234/report
Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/2-7549234/photos

Sat 24-Oct 2020 - FA Cup - see separate section

Tues 27-Oct 2020 ISTHMIAN SE DIV
Whitstable Town 1 v Cray Valley 1
Goals: WT- Jadama 2
CV- Hill 90
Attendance: 271

MILLERS : Docherty, Dymond, Smith, Tumkaya, Gayle (Hill 87), Babalola, McCann (King-Elliot 82), Hasler, Warren, Ibrahiym (Lisbie 63), Yusuff
Subs not Used : Farmer, Morath-Gibbs


Rory Hill jumps for joy as he celebrates his late equaliser.

Match Report:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/1-6359251/report
Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/1-6359251/photos

At this point the league season was paused due to Covid 19 with only the Cups continuing. The league season subsequently curtailed with no further games played.

Sun 8-Nov 2020 - FA Cup - see separate section

The only competition that remained open for Cray Valley was the London Senior Cup.

Sat 5- Dec 2020 LONDON SENIOR CUP FIRST ROUND
Cray Valley 4 v Corinthian-Casuals 3
Goals: CV- M A-Warren (14'), S Hasler (45'), A Yusuff (83'), H Ibrahiym (95'
CC- K Cadogan (31' Pen), (50'), J Dos Santos (41')
Attendance: 133
MILLERS : Walker, Sains, Tumkaya, Gayle (Hill 55), McCann (Babalola 63), Hasler, Morath-Gibbs, Warren, King-Elliot (Adeyemo 79), Ibrahiym, Yusuff
Subs Not Used : Aarons Royal, Farmer

A fabulous entertaining game of football with a late winner adding to the drama in what proved to be the last official game of 2020 for Cray Valley.


Hasan Ibrahiym hits the 95th minute winner

Match Report:
Error:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/2-10669003/report

Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/millers-v-corinthian-casuals-51220-photos-dave-cumberbatch-965605.html

Blogger: Tea, Cake and Football - Grounds of the UK - Report, Photos and Video
https://teacakeandfootballgroundsoftheuk.wordpress.com/2020/12/05/cray-valley-paper-mills-fc-v-corinthian-casuals-fc-5th-december-2020-artic-stadium/

The London Senior Cup was then itself paused with Cray Valley due to play in the next round away to the winners of Harrow Borough v Glebe.

After a break of 143 days due to the Covid-19 lockdown, the London Senior Cup resumed for Cray Valley who made the short trip Glebe on Tuesday 27th April 2021 for a place in the semi-finals of the London FA Senior Cup with quarter-final opponents Brentford B having withdrawn from the competition. The Glebe game was played behind closed doors with no spectators allowed in accordance with Government / FA guidelines.

Tues 27-April 2021 LONDON SENIOR CUP SECOND ROUND
Glebe 1 v Cray Valley 4
Goals: G- F Nyhus 53
CV- Marcel Barrington 11, 58 Kevin Lisbie 47, Ade Adeyemo 50
Attendance: Behind Closed Doors - Covid 19

MILLERS : Docherty, Beerling, Tumkaya (Sankoh 45), Morath-Gibbs ©, James R, King-Elliot, Semakula, Warren, Adeyemo (Kempston 66), Kevin Lisbie (Kyrell Lisbie 70), Barrington
Subs Not Used : Kyreece Lisbie, Cotter



Marcel Barrington scores twice on debut

Match Report:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/0-5004420/report
Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/0-5004420/photos

Sat 15-May 2021 LONDON SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL sponsored by Sportsguard
AFC Wimbledon 2 v Cray Valley 0
Goals: AFCW- Andrews 78, 89
Attendance: Behind Closed Doors - Covid 19
A missed penalty in each half when the scores were level proved crucial as Cray Valley Paper Mills’ London Senior Cup run was ended at AFC Wimbledon at the semi-final stage.
MILLERS: Docherty, Kyreece Lisbie, Tumkaya, Morath-Gibbs (capt), James R, King-Elliott, Semakula (Sammoutis 65), Warren, Adeyemo (Ibrahiym 80), Kevin Lisbie (Kyrell Lisbie 65), Barrington, sub not used Dymond.


Matt Warren in action Cray Valley at AFC Wimbledon 15th May 2021
Match Report:
https://www.pitchero.com/admin/club/76256/teams/228820/fixtures/0-5035029/report

Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/dons-v-millers-london-senior-cup-15521-photos-michael-brown-975300.html

Video Match Highlights courtesy of Michael Brown of Brownie Photography
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plai7sEuz_8

Other Match Report and photos: Kent Sports News by Mark Doig and photos Dave Budden
https://www.kentsportsnews.com/afc-wimbledon-2-0-cray-valley-pm-15-05-2021/

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