THEY SAY THAT RESULTS DON’T MATTER PRE-SEASON but after two opening draws -away to SCEFL teams Chatham Town and Glebe – The Millers’ preparations stepped up a notch with this excellent win against Isthmian Premier side Margate.
Making their bow at the renamed Artic Stadium, Kevin Watson’s team deservedly despatched their opponents in a blistering first half performance.
The hosts took the lead in the 4th minute as the excellent Hassan Ibrahiym’s right wing corner was handled by a Margate defender on the edge of the penalty area – Ade Yusuff despatching the spot kick high to the goalkeeper’s right.
This was extended just 4 minutes later as Liam Hickey’s long pass found Yusuff, who was brought down by the onrushing goalkeeper. Matt Warren’s resultant free kick was curled around the wall and into the left hand corner of the net.
A dominant start by the Millers then saw Ibrayihm jinking his way into the Gate area only for his low shot to be cleared off the line
Margate’s first real chance of the game came in the 32nd minute as their striker was fed in on the edge of the penalty area only to fire wide as Millers’ keeper Andy Walker advanced.
Yusuff came close to extending the lead minutes later as his left footed shot from the edge of the area was well saved by the ‘keeper.
Cray Valley scored an excellent 3rd in the 38th minute, as interplay between Denzel Gayle and Francis Babalola on the right saw the former lay the ball across the area for Ibrayihm to convert from 8 yards.

Gate started the 2nd half showing more commitment to their cause following a half time talk from Manager Jay Saunders, going close after creating an opening inside the box – the ball flashing past the far post.
A further foray saw Walker produce a fine save to keep his goal intact in the 52nd minute.
As both managers started utilising their squads, a further raid from Gate again forced Walker into a fine save low down.
Any doubt about the outcome of the match was laid to rest 15 minutes from time when Rory Hill fed Ryan Flack in centre midfield. Flack played in Babalola who fired past the keeper to round off a convincing Millers performance.
MILLERS : Walker, Tumkaya, Sains, Hickey (Orchard 53), Dymond (Farmer 60), Warren, Ibrayihm (Flack 55), King-Elliot (Pinto 69), Gayle (Hill 63), Babalola (Docherty 83), Yusuff

Report by Richard J Green

Photo by club photographer Dave Cumberbatch sees Hassan Ibrahiym convert for The Millers 3rd goal.