Sat 17-Aug 2013 FA CUP with Budweiser Extra Preliminary Rd
Cray Valley (PM) 1 v Lancing 1
Goals: CV- Lewis Wood 40
L- Connor Sidwell 71
Attendance: 101
Cray Valley:: Bobby Sturgeon, Harry Morgan, Adam Gross, Joe Matthews, Steve Springett, Paul Springett, Adam Marsh (Tunde Aderonmu 71), Jamie Wood, Laurent Hamici, Lewis Wood (Stephen Ita 81), Michael McKenna (Dan unner 69). Subs: Kiran Dingri, Adrian Deane

Cray management team look on

Millers celebrating that first FA Cup goal scored by Lewis Wood

Photos: See link below
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.354178401383016&type=3

LEWIS WOOD says he feels proud after going down in Cray Valley folklore by scoring their first ever goal in The FA Cup. Wood, 31, a diminutive striker who won the Kent League double with promoted champions Erith & Belvedere last season, gave the Eltham-based side the lead with 40 minutes on the clock in this Extra Preliminary Round tie, but the Southern Counties East Football League side were profligate in front of goal and let their Sussex opponents back into the game.

Lancing earned a Tuesday night replay when central defender Conor Sidwell headed home an equaliser with eighteen minutes remaining, much to the frustration of Cray Valley manager Steve Chapman who felt his side should have won the game.

“I’m a bit disappointed,” said Chapman, 50, after the game. “I thought we should’ve won the game and put it to bed in the first half. We missed too many chances and then we could’ve gone 2-0 up early in the second half. Lewis Wood’s missed one from under the bar and to be fair they came back and played very well in the second half. “I don’t think it’s a fair result. I thought we should’ve won the game. They hit the bar with speculative shots a few times but I still think we had the better of the chances and looked the better team.”

Chapman said his side must work on their finishing. He said: “That’s maybe one of the areas where we do need to improve because we are creating a lot of chances. We’ve got a lot of offensive minded players in the squad but we’re just not hitting the target as much as we should be.” Cray Valley, went into the game sitting in third-place in the table after winning 3-0 away to Holmesdale and being held to a 1-1 home draw by Tunbridge Wells in midweek, despite having two men sent-off, should have won the game. They created their first opening with only 53 seconds on the clock when Lewis Wood cut the ball back to Laurent Hamici, who stroked a right-footed angled drive from 25-yards, which bounced into James Shaw gloves. Shaw saved low to his left to deny Hamici, who cut inside right-back George Fenton before his right-footed drive took a deflection off Sidwell.

Chapman hopes the former Cray Wanderers striker starts banging in the goals in Tuesday night’s replay. “Laurent just needs to find his scoring boots at the moment,” he said. “I think he’s a bit nervous and a bit low on confidence in not scoring but he’s a proven goalscorer and I’m sure when the first one goes in many more will follow.” There was to be a six minute delay when Shaw was helped off the pitch after dislocating his shoulder after going down low to his left to try to prevent Hamici scoring from a tight angle. Substitute goalkeeper Dan Neale was introduced to the game in the fifteenth-minute.

Lancing forced a free-kick down the right hand side and Ollie Hartley swung in the ball, which wasn’t dealt with by Cray Valley keeper Bobby Sturgeon and the ball dropped to Sidwell, who stabbed his shot across the keeper but saw the ball blocked by his team-mate Ollie Davis on the deck. Halfway through the first half, Millers’ central midfielder Paul Springett played the ball forward to Jamie Wood, whose speculative 30-yard drive sailed high over the bar. The Millers’ struck the woodwork in the 28th minute when left-back Adam Gross drilled in a left-footed corner from the right, which bounced off the near post. He whipped in the rebound, but was penalised by referee Dane Johnston – who was making his FA Cup debut too – for touching the ball again before anyone else had.

Lancing created their best chance in the 32nd minute when slick one-touch passing in midfield from Connor Wilkins, Dominic Shephard and Johnathon Melia saw the ball played up field to Hartley, who brought the ball under control before stroking his left-footed drive across Sturgeon and just past the foot of the far post from 22-yards. Millers’ debutant Harry Morgan, who slotted in at right-back after Allan Matthews was forced to miss the game through family commitments, hurled a long throw into the penalty area, which was flicked on by Joe Matthews but Lewis Wood steered his effort wide of the near post from close range.

But Cray Valley opened the scoring, following their third corner off the game. Adam Marsh signalled his intentions to his team-mates before he swung in the corner from the left which sailed out of the penalty area. Matthews picked up the loose ball and played the ball inside to Lewis Wood, who cracked a right-footed deflected drive from 25-yards, which sailed into the far corner of the Lancing net leaving Neale rooted to the spot. Chapman said: “It was a good corner. It looked like it was going to die and Joe Matthews did well to pick it up on the edge of the box and good awareness that Lewis Wood was there and a nice little weighted ball and a great deflected shot. I’d take that any day!”

When asked what he told his troops during the interval, Chapman said he was pleased with his side’s first half performance. He said: “That’s why I’m a bit disappointed because we dominated the play and only to come away at half-time 1-0. “I didn’t say too much really, just carry on playing the way that we’ve been playing. “I spoke to Laurent because he looked like he was a little bit edgy at times. He wanted to impress basically. “We were playing very well, playing good football and we just needed to take a few chances.”

Cray Valley started the second half as they did the first and could have doubled their lead. Morgan looped a long throw towards the near post and central defender Matthews made space for himself before glancing his free header past the far post. But the turning point came within the opening four minutes when Lewis Wood missed a sitter.

Strugeon’s clearance straight down the middle of the pitch was flicked on by Hamici, which released Marsh through on goal. The former Corinthian winger decided to cut the ball across to the unmarked striker, who looped his right-footed shot over the bar. “Lew knows, he’s put his hands up, he should’ve scored,” admitted Chapman. “It’s very disappointing but at the end of the day he’s a good goalscorer and he’ll bounce back on Tuesday.”

Lancing, who went into the game in third-place in the Sussex County League top flight with four points from two games, sensed that they could claw themselves back into the game. Wilkins cracked a right-footed drive free-kick towards goal from 35-yards, which Sturgeon caught to the left of his body, before Lancing hit the woodwork just 59 seconds later. Hartley swung in a corner, which was punched away by Sturgeon and the ball dropped on to the unmarked Wilkins, who hooked a right-footed volley onto the top of the crossbar from 30-yards. Lancing skipper Ollie Davis then crashed a right-footed half-volley screaming narrowly wide of the near post from 25-yards, in what was a good spell from Lancing. However, the introduction of substitute Alex Howell gave the visitors’ much more purpose going forward and his strength gave Cray Valley problems.

The Millers’ goalscorer, Lewis Wood, expects to see more of Howell on Tuesday night. He said: “Good player! He surprised me when he came on how good he was spinning off the centre halves. He had good pace about him, good strength. Obviously he’s going to start Tuesday? They’ll be silly not to start him! We’ve got to watch him Tuesday because he was their main man.”

Lancing linked up well when Davis threaded the ball to winger Owen Callaghan, who played the ball inside to Howell, whose right-footed swept shot was blocked by Sturgeon’s legs, the keeper advancing off his line to make a smart block. Chapman was pleased with his stand-in keeper, who was drafted in because of Matt Bailey being away. He said: “Our regular goalkeeper Matt Bailey is on holiday. Bobby Sturgeon has stepped forward and this is his only third game today. He’s done exceptionally well and he’s pulled off some really good saves towards the end of the second half.” Chapman admitted he wasn’t pleased in the manner that Lancing deservedly equalised with eighteen minutes left. Wilkins whipped in a quality free-kick with his right-foot which sailed over the Cray Valley defence and into the corridor of uncertainty. The Cray Valley defence left Sidwell completely unmarked at the far post to plant his downward header to the right of the stranded goalkeeper to score from eight-yards.

“We pride ourselves on defending and being touch tight in the box,” said Chapman. “It was not just a player that didn’t pick up it was our lack of organisation. We should’ve been organised and it was a really soft goal to give away from our point of view.” Cray Valley continued to be wasteful in front of goal and squandered a number of chances to prevent a replay. Substitute Tunde Aderonmu worked hard inside the penalty area to win the ball back before he centred towards the near post where a marked Lewis Wood flicked the ball back across goal for his older brother Jamie to blast over with his right-foot from six-yards. Lewis Wood then freed Hamici down the right-hand side and he cut the ball along the face of goal and Jamie Wood’s left-footed shot on the turn was tipped over by Neale, high above his head, from eight-yards.

Lancing almost grabbed the victory when Wilkins looped a speculative right-footed free-kick onto the crossbar from 40-yards, with the Cray Valley keeper rooted to the spot. But Sturgeon made amends for that blip in concentration when he kept his club in The FA Cup when he got down low to block Howell’s shot and did well to recover to gather the loose ball, after the Lancing substitute was played in through on goal in the final nine minutes. Chapman added: “Although we’re disappointed that we didn’t go through, we could’ve been out if he put that chance away. It was a very brave save from Bobby.”

Lancing received a slice of luck when a back-pass from central defender Dave Sharman rolled past Neale and bounced off the foot of the near post as the keeper tried to get back to push the ball away at the last second. Cray Valley called Neale into making his second save when Morgan’s free-kick was flicked on by Steve Springett and Hamici stroked his right-footed shot across the keeper, who got down low to make the save. Chapman said: “We had the chances late on. We knew it was a chance to win it today, so I didn’t go out for a draw at the end. I made the substitutions so we could win it today. “We did have the chances, a bit disappointing especially when they hit their own post - that summed up our luck today I think!”

Chapman is looking forward to finishing off the job on Tuesday night. He said: “At the moment I’m checking the players and only one player is unavailable (through work commitments), which is good. With my big squad we’ll have strength-in-depth so we’ll have a few fresh legs on Tuesday night.” Chapman admitted he was disappointed that only 101 people braved the blustery showers to watch their FA Cup debut today. I’d like to have thought it would’ve been a little bit more to be honest. The weather wasn’t very kind to us, but I was hoping for a few more than 101, he said. Lewis Wood, meanwhile, said afterwards that his famous goal was special to him. “To be fair, it’s a dream to me to create a bit of history,” he said. “I’d like to think my name will be about the club when I’m long gone. It’s a new club for me anyway, a new season down here. It’s good. I’m proud of it. “I’m gutted that we didn’t win the game. If I score my chance early in the second half, we go on and win four or five nil! “Now we’ve got a long trip Tuesday night down there, which I think we’re more than capable of getting a win. We’re in the draw anyhow, which is a good thing.”

The winners will be at home to Ryman League Division One South new boys Redhill in two weeks’ time and the winners of that tie will travel to Ryman Premier League side Thamesmead Town in the First Qualifying Round. The winners on Tuesday night will bank £1,500 in prize money and that is something that Wood is aware of. He said: “We want to get through a couple of rounds to get a bit of money back for the club and see how it goes really.” When asked what The FA Cup meant to him, the Millwall supporter replied: “It’s the biggest Cup in England! If you can get to the first round you might get your name on the TV. We know we’re not going to do much in the FA Cup. We’re only a little non-league side. If you can go as far as you can, bring the money back into the club, it’s good experience. “To score in the FA Cup is magic really.”

Tues 20-Aug 2013 F.A. CUP – EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND REPLAY
Lancing 0 v Cray Valley (PM) 4
Goals: CV- L Wood 41, 79, J Matthews 67, T Aderonmu 69

Cray Valley: B Sturgeon, A Matthews, J Matthews, S Springett, D Gunner (P Gross), M McKenna (A Deane), P Springett, J Wood, T Aderonmu, L Hamaci (B Barnes) Unused Subs – S Ita, H Morgan, K Dingri

Photos: See link below
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.355819137885609&type=3

The Magic of the FA Cup!

After being held 1 -1 at home in their first ever FA Cup tie the previous Saturday, Cray advanced to the next round with an empathic victory against Sussex County opponents Lancing at Culver Road. Lewis Wood’s opener just before half time was followed by three second half goals by Tunde Aderonmu, Joe Matthews and a second from Wood as Cray finally overcome a previously unbeaten and resilient Lancing side. Miller’s manager Steve Chapman described the achievement as “Right up there with my proudest moments in management. The lads were fantastic in the second half and we fully deserved to go through.”

Traffic en route to the South coast forced Chapman to change his intended line up as full backs Adam Gross and Harry Morgan arrived at the ground after the team sheet had been handed to the referee. Dan Gunner and Alan Matthews replaced them respectively. Despite the late changes and the disruption to their preparation, the visitors once again started strongly and took the game to Lancing. The home side were without first choice goalkeeper James Shaw who dislocated his shoulder in the first game and he was replaced by Dan Neale. The young keeper had to be constantly on his toes as Cray pressed the Lancing goal from the outset. Millers captain Jamie Wood was the driving force and he was unfortunate not to open his tally for the season when he spurned three early chances. Despite having the majority of the play it was the home side that almost took the lead when centre forward Alex Howell turned a great cross from Jonas Melia onto the post. Much to the relief of the Cray defence the ball rebounded away to safety. Cray were finally rewarded for their adventurous display when ex Erith & Belvedere striker Lewis Wood clinically diverted his low strike past Neale in the 41 minute – identical to the time the same player scored Cray’s first ever FA Cup goal at Badgers three days earlier! And it was a brilliantly worked goal. The move started with the impressive Dan Gunner in the left back position and he switched the play to Joe Matthews on the right. Matthews clipped the ball down the touchline to the marauding Alan Matthews who crossed first time for Wood to steer his shot past Neale. 1-0 to the Millers at the break – as per the first game!

The Millers failed to take the initiative in the first game and that let Lancing back into the game in the second half and paid the price when centre back Conner Sidwell headed a deserved equaliser to force the replay. It was a completely different story on this occasion as the Cray players clearly wanted to avoid the prospect of extra time and possibly the dreaded penalty shoot out! Striker Laurent Hamaci finally showed why he has been entrusted with the coveted No. 9 shirt when his fierce strike was pushed around the post for a corner by Neale. However, it proved to be the final contribution of the night by Hamaci who limped from the field with a suspected hamstring injury and he was replaced by debutant Billy Barnes.

It wasn’t long before the Millers increased their lead when in the 67 minute Joe Matthews powered home a towering header from a great cross from Lewis Wood. Two minutes later the tie was effectively over when Aderonmu’s powerful run through the heart of the Lancing defence left him with only Neale to beat and he coolly slotted his shot past the advancing ‘keeper. Lewis Wood wrapped up the scoring on a memorable evening in the 79 minute when he latched onto a through ball from Paul Springett to fire home his fourth goal in as many games. The home side did manage to find the net in the closing stages but were denied a consolation goal when it was ruled out for offside.

Redhill in the next round will be a different proposition for Cray but if they can re-produce this type of performance the Ryman League outfit will be severely tested!

Sat 31-Aug 2013 FA CUP – PRELIMINARY ROUND
Cray Valley (PM) 0 v Redhill 2
Goals: R- G Gordon 26, C Gregson 90+3

Cray Valley: – M Bailey, H Morgan (A Cotterall), J Matthews (R Sawyer), S Springett, D Gunner, A Marsh, J Wood, P Springett, T Aderonmu, B Barnes (S Norton), L Wood. Unused Subs – K Dingri, M McKenna, A Deane, B Sturgeon

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.360973210703535&type=3

Redhill ended Cray Valley’s FA Cup dreams but the Millers put up a gallant display and with a bit more luck could have at least earned a replay. In fact if referee David Gainsford had awarded what looked a nailed-on penalty when striker Adam Marsh was tripped in the box there may have been a very different outcome. However, it was not to be and it’s the Lobsters that will be facing Thamesmead Town in the next round.

Cray acquitted themselves well against the Ryman South outfit and the opening exchanges were fairly even. With main striker Laurent Hamaci and left back Adam Gross both suspended (and ironically both injured!), Millers manager Steve Chapman gave opportunities to Billy Barnes and Dan Gunner. Regular ‘keeper Matt Bailey retuned between the sticks with Bobby Sturgeon dropping to the bench. Bailey impressed on numerous occasions during the match but he had no chance with the Lobsters opener on 26 minutes. Former Erith and Belvedere forward Richmond Kissi laid the ball off to fellow strike partner Gavin Gordon and he smashed the ball into the top corner of the net from fully 25 yards. It was a brilliant strike and one that deserved to win any game. In a match that entertained the fans, the score remained the same until added time when Chapman’s side were pushing for an equaliser. Substitute Chris Gregson broke away and rounded Bailey before calmly slotting the ball home.

The first half was a very tactical affair with only Gordon’s wonder strike separating the teams at the break. The home side lost promising full back Harry Morgan with an ankle injury just before the interval and he was replaced by ex Cray Wanderers defender Adam Cotterall, who had only signed for the club 48 hours earlier The second half was a much more exciting affair as Chapman threw on loanee Sam Norton in an attempt to level the scores. Inevitably the game opened up and there were chances at both ends. Tunde Aderonmu’s header was saved by Lobsters stopper Chris Duffy and again he was on hand to turn Marsh’s low range shot around the post. At the other end Bailey was called upon to make two fines saves including a Gordon Banks style block from a Kissi shot, down at his right hand post. The turning point occurred in the 64 minute when Marsh collected the ball on the left hand side of the pitch and dribbled across the edge of the visitors box. He certainly appeared to be tripped but despite claims from almost every Millers player and spectator referee Gainsford, who was well positioned, waved play on.

Chapman threw caution to the wind and played 3-4-3 for the final 15 minutes but the Lobsters defence, marshalled by the excellent Jeffery Addo Dankwa, stood firm and they wrapped the game up in the dying moments with Gregson’s breakaway goal. Marsh picked up a second yellow after the final whistle for questioning the penalty decision and now the players must focus their attentions on a tricky away tie at Chichester City in the FA Vase.

FA VASE

LONDON SENIOR CUP

The start of the Millers love affair with the London Senior Cup began here as Ryman Division One North side Barkingside were despatched here at Badgers. The Millers run eventually ended in the Semi-Finals when AFC Wimbledon's Callum Overton scored in the last minute of extra time!

Tues 8-Oct 2013 London Senior Cup Sponsored by Coventry Scaffolding First Round[
Cray Valley (PM) 3 v Barkingside 1
Goals: CV- Harrison Carnegie 13, 34, Laurent Hamici 56
B- Matt Gulfer 84
Attendance: 51
Cray Valley: Bobby Sturgeon, Allan Matthews, Dan Gunner, Jimmy Rogers, Steve Springett, Ryan Sawyer, Harrison Carnegie (Paul Gross 72), Tunde Aderonmu, Laurent Hamici, Adam Marsh (Jamel Willer 46), Michael McKenna (Joe Matthews 79).
Subs: Lewis Wood, Dan Clarke

The Millers secured a first home win of the season and a trip to Skrill National club Welling United following last night's 3-1 London Senior Cup win over Barkingside at Badgers.
A first half double from Harrison Carnegie and Laurent Hamici's stunning strike put the Millers firmly in control before the Ryman Leaguers grabbed a late consolation goal through Matt Gulfer.

Stephen McCartney reports from Middle Park Avenue
CRAY VALLEY (Paper Mills) player-assistant manager Paul Gross says he will enjoy their trip to Conference Premier neighbours Welling United in the last sixteen of the London Senior Cup.
https://kentishfootball.co.uk/news/crayvalley3-1barkingside-itsalwaysnicetogetabigteamsayspaulgross

Weds 27-Nov 2013 London Senior Cup 2nd Round
Welling United 4 v Cray Valley (PM) 5
Goals: WU- Josh Patrick 16 Josh Ekin 33 (pen) Daniel Okam 36,52
CV- Lewis Wood 4, Steve Springett 58, Charlie Vines 63, 70, 80

Cray Valley: Sturgeon, B Healy (A Matthews), A Gross, J Matthews, S Springett, K Carnegie , Rogers, J Wood, M McKenna, L Wood (Hamici), Vines. Unused subs: P Gross, D Gunner, G Cooke

Charlie Vines retuned to the club where his senior career started 15 years ago and fired a second half trick in an enthralling game which saw Cray comeback from 4-1 down to see off a youthful Welling side and progress into the quarter final of the London Senior cup. No one at Park View could have predicted such a magnificent fightback when Daniel Okam extended the Wings first half lead early in the second period, but half time substitute Laurent Hamici and Vines demonstrated why they have played at a higher level by terrorising the inexperienced Welling defence.
Wings manager Jamie Day, was present to watch but Matt Horne and the under 21’s management team were in charge of a team predominantly made up of their players. On the other hand, Steve Chapman’s Cray team boasted a combination of experienced non league footballers and exciting young talent and together the two teams produced an entertaining spectacle.
It took just 4 minutes for the visitors to go ahead when top scorer Lew Wood headed home a pin point cross by the exciting Harrison Carnegie. The lead didn’t last long as Josh Patrick hit a Gareth Bale-like spectacular equaliser from 30 yards and then almost added a second but saw his shot from Alex McKenzie’s cross came back off the post.
Josh Ekrim put Welling ahead courtesy of a penalty when the lively Daniel Oka was fouled by Steve Springett. Ekrim gave the Millers keeper Bobby Sturgeon no chance as he calmly slotted the ball home from 12 yards. The Millers cam storming back and almost levelled a couple of times with Springett’s header being cleared off the line and Joe Matthews header was disallowed following a push by Vines. The Wings managed to extend their lead when Sturgeon failed to hold McKenzie’s shot and Oka was on hand to tap home at the far post. Wings led 3-1 at half time.
Chapman threw on Hamici for Lew Wood at the break and his first contribution of the evening was to force a great save from Wings keeper Joel Hannington, who tipped his 30 yard thunderbolt over the bar. Minutes later the game appeared over when Eskin scrambled home Welling’s fourth and his second of the night.
The visitors heads remained high though and when Springett atoned for giving away the penalty by heading home Michael McKenna’s near post corner, with still half an hour to go the crowd sensed that a comeback might be on the cards. Adam Gross hit the woodwork before some good work by Alan Matthews and Hamici provided Vines with an opportunity to reduce the arrears. The former Cray Wanderers and Tooting & Mitcham striker coolly took the chance by firing home with a low right footed drive. Vines then levelled the scores before amazingly putting the Millers in front by completing his hat rick.
Neither team could manage to increase the scoring in the final ten minutes and Cray now face Vines’’ old club Tooting & Mitcham in the next round.

Other Match Report: Courtesy of Kent Sports News
https://www.kentsportsnews.com/welling-united-4-5-cray-valley-pm-27-11-2013/

Tues 14-Jan 2014 London Senior Cup Quarter-Final
Tooting & Mitcham United 1 v Cray Valley (PM) 1 (Cray Valley (PM) won 8-7 on penalties
Goals: T&M- Zero 4
CV- Laurent Hamici 79

Cray Valley: Bobby Sturgeon, Allan Matthews, Adam Gross, Paul Gross, Steve Springett, Jamie Wood (c), Ricky Hepburn, Ola Radiu (R Grant), Michael McKenna (H Carnegie), Laurent Hamici, Tyrus Gordon-Young. Unused subs: Mehment Piro, Lewis Wood.

The Millers progressed to the semi-final of the London Senior Cup for the first time, as a result of a dramatic penalty shoot out at the KNK stadium. The teams fought out an entertaining draw in normal time and with the competition rules dictating no extra time, it was the visitors that kept their nerve to earn a home tie against either Cray Wanderers, Bromley or AFC Wimbledon in the semi-final. Amazingly both teams converted all of their first seven spot kicks, largely giving the goalkeepers no chance. At 7-7 recent signing Ricky Hepburn stepped forward to send Tooting's Harvey Cheadle the wrong way to put the Millers 8-7 ahead. Hepburn was followed by Aiken Zerio, who had scored the home side's goal in normal time, and although the mid-fielder's powerful strike beat Millers' keeper Bob Sturgeon it smashed against the bar and away to safety to end the tie. It is generally accepted that a penalty shoot out is not the best way of concluding a game but they are definitely entertaining! Millers' injured centre-back Ryan Sawyer was one of many that followed events via Twitter and, as a result of Chairman Frank May's excellent commentary, tweeted enthusiastically about his first experience of following a shoot out via Twitter! For the record, the Millers' other successful takers, in sequence were: Laurent Hamici, Tyrus Gordon, Adam Gross, Steve Springett, Harrison Carnegie, Reece Grant, Paul Gross and lastly Ricky Hepburn. Ironically, Michael McKenna, Cray's nominated penalty taker for the night had been substituted and their other spot kick specialist Lewis Wood was on the bench following his return from injury. In normal time, it was the home side that gained an early advantage when Zerio's shot from outside the box eluded Sturgeon to give The Terrors a 4th minute lead. Cray were missing influential mid-fielder Jimmy Rogers due to work commitment’s and struggled to contain the Ryman side's movement in the opening exchanges. Their cause was helped however when Tooting's skipper Francis Quarm was forced off with a groin strain. Following Quarm's departure, the visitors started to gain confidence and almost equalised when Radiu's excellent cross was prodded wide by the outstretched leg of Gordon-Young. The Millers went in at half-time one goal down but far from beaten! The second half was an open affair as Cray pushed for an equaliser. In doing so, Tooting had several chances but Sturgeon produced several outstanding saves to keep his team in the tie. The game very much changed course with 20 minutes left when Millers' manager Steve Chapman sent on fresh legs in the form of Harrison Carnegie and Reece Grant. The pair terrorised full backs Turner and Malachi and earned the corner which resulted in Hamici levelling the scores after 79 minutes. The former Terrors striker collected the clearance on the edge of the box, worked an opening and fired his shot into the top corner. After the goal, the Millers continued to press and both Hamici and Carnegie could have avoided the penalty shoot out but both narrowly failed to connect with crosses to the far post. In summary, a thoroughly entertaining and rewarding evening for all concerned, especially the Twitter followers!

Weds 2-Apr 2014 London Senior Cup Semi-Final
Cray Valley (PM) 1 v AFC Wimbledon 2 (after extra time)
Goals; CV- Fenton OG 51
AFC- Jacquart 28, Kaja 119
Attendance: 202
Cray Valley: Matt Bailey, Ben Healy, Adam Gross (Dan Gunner), Ryan Sawyer, Steve Springett, Harrison Carnegie, Jamie Wood (capt), Jimmy Rogers, Ola Radiu (Grant Lye), Paul Gross, Laurent Hamici. Unused Subs: Michael McKenna, Bobby Sturgeon

The Millers went agonisingly close to another cup upset but were cruelly denied the opportunity of a penalty shoot out when Dons' substitute Egil Kaja Overton secured their place in the London Senior Cup final with a goal in the last minute of extra time. After their thrilling wins against Welling United and Tooting and Mitcham in the previous rounds, it looked like the home side would be given the opportunity to add another scalp to their CV until Kaja volleyed an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner of the net in front of a record home crowd at the Badgers Sports Ground. As expected the Dons fielded a relatively young side but it still included goalkeeper Seb Brown and defender Jim Fenlon who have first team experience. Their side was still packed with talent including promising youngster Chace Jacquart who was a constant threat in the early stages of the contest. He had the first attempt at goal in the 15th minute when his long range effort went narrowly wide of the post, and It wasn't a surprise when he opened the scoring in the 28th minute. Charles Fayers played a short corner to Fenlon and he delivered a low cross which Jacquart hit first time into the top corner of the net giving Matt Bailey no chance. The Dons threatened to increase their lead but the home side managed to reach the interval without conceding further. The break gave the Millers an opportunity to re-group and they came out a different team in the second half. They chased down every ball and didn't allow the Dons to continue their free flowing football. The scores were level after 51 minutes when Harrison Carnegie's cross-field pass was picked up by Laurent Hamici on the right and his low cross was diverted into his own goal by the unfortunate Fenlon. The Millers continued to take the game to their opponents and were unfortunate not to take the lead. Hamici's long range effort was fumbled by Brown into the path of player/coach Paul Gross and although he calmly slotted home, the referee ruled it out for offside. It was an enthralling cup tie as chances were created at either end but neither side could find that elusive second goal and the game went into extra time. As tiredness began to kick in the game opened up and either side could have scored. Firstly, Dons' keeper Brown tipped captain Jamie Wood's low shot around the post and up the other end Tom Beere saw his effort hit the upright. As both managers were planning their penalty takers, Kaja found space on the edge of the box to fire his team into the final and in doing so break the Millers' hearts. Unbelievably, Cray almost equalised as centre backs Sawyer and Springett pushed forward. Bailey’s long clearance fell to the feet of youth team product Grant Lye but the young substitute screwed his shot wide of the Dons post! A truly valiant display by the Millers.

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