JOE MATTHEWS
Cray Valley (PM) ( 2009 - 2017)
Defender
Joe Matthews in action v Ashford United in the FA Cup 15th August 2015
Joe was an traditional no nonsense centre half who was a regular feature in the defence after making his debut as a young man in season 2009/10. He played well over one hundred games for the Millers covering nine seasons, his last being 2017/18.
Appearance records are incomplete for the first few seasons, however 106 games are fully accounted for with data for three full seasons missing. From the available data we know that appearances numbered at least 20 in 2012/13 up to 9th Feb, 27 in 2014/15, 23 in 2015/16, 29 in 2016/17 and 7 at the start of 2017/18, his final season with the Millers prior to taking a break from football. He later joined Lordswood for a short spell.
Joe was a member of the team under Steve Chapman that finished 3rd in the Kent County League Premier Division in season 2011/12 and effectively gained a double promotion moving from playing at step 7 in the Kent County League to step 5 in the Kent Hurlimann League. Joe successfully made that transition. Steve Chapman remarked in an interview in September 2011 "I’m particularly pleased with the likes of Joe Matthews, Ben Healy and Jamie Miller, all of whom in my opinion have comfortably made the step up."
Also played in the side that won the London Intermediate Cup Final in consecutive years in 2010 beating Erith Town 2-1 aet at Met Police FC and 2011 when Newham were beaten 3-1 at Croydon Athletic FC.
Joe managed to score the odd goal or two most seasons and indeed was the club's penalty taker for a while. He also demonstrated his attributes as a team man when he took over in goal on one occasion following the sending off of regular keeper Steve Sutton for handling outside the area in the 38th minute against Greenwich Borough at Princes Park in December 2014. Goalless at the time the Millers managed a 1-1 draw. Joe had the honour of being made captain on a number of occasions.
A member of the Millers side under James Collins that won the London Senior Cup in 2017, Joe made a second half substitute appearance in the final at Dulwich Hamlet v Metropolitan Police. At the time the Millers were the lowest ranked side (step 5) to win the competition. The cup final programme pen pix said "Joe has been with us for what seems like years, and is a quality central defender who reads the game well, and does the "ugly" part of the game when needed."
In the early Kent County League days, Joe gained recognition by earning selection for the Kent County League Representative side. Afforded the Millers great service throughout his time and fully deserves his legendary status and member of the 100 club.
Main Picture: Joe Matthews wins the header v Croydon August 2014