A week after the two sides met at the Artic Stadium in the league they come face to face again, this time the Millers travel to the Southwood Stadium to play the Rams in the Emirates FA Cup First Round Qualifying. Should the scores be level after 90 minutes (plus the obligatory added time) there will be a replay on Tuesday 2nd September at the Artic Stadium kick off 19.45pm.

Whilst the Millers have had the upper hand in results between the two sides, just one defeat in 9 league and cup games since they first met in Covid season 2019/20, the games have often been close, tough encounters and I expect todays to be much the same.

The Millers enjoyed a successful August Bank Holiday weekend with two wins against todays hosts 4-1 and at Welling United 3-0 to get them off the mark to give them 6 points from their opening 5 games. The Rams have 4 points from their opening 5 games, a home win on opening Saturday 3-2 against Whitehawk and a point from Monday's extraordinary 4-4 draw at Dartford. The Rams led 3-1 and re-took the lead in the 82nd minute after the Darts had levelled at 3-3 only for the Darts to equalise again in the 92nd minute from the penalty spot. There were three red cards one for the hosts and two for the visitors.

Both teams experienced an exceptional FA Cup run two seasons ago, the Millers reaching the first round proper going out to Charlton Athletic after a replay and the Rams going one better reaching the second round proper, losing at AFC Wimbledon. They will be keen to embark on another cup run this season, starting today. It promises to be compelling, the magic of the cup, hope to see you there!

Our Opponents:
Nickname: The Rams
Manager: Ben Smith
Last Four Seasons:
2024/25 Isthmian South East 1st promoted
2023/24 Isthmian South East 2nd lost in play off semi-final
2022/23 Isthmian South East 2nd lost in play off semi final
2021/22 Isthmian South East 6th

Previous Meetings:
Cray Valley v Ramsgate
League
Season 2025/26 Home W 4-1
Season 2023/24 Home D 1-1 Away D 2-2
Season 2022/23 Home W 2-0 Away L 0-3
Season 2021/22 Home W 4-1 Away D 1-1
Season 2019/20 Covid Home W 5-3 Away W 2-0
Played 9
Won 5
Drew 3
Lost 1

Cup
Season 2024/25 Away W 3-1 )FA Trophy 3Q)
Season 2023/24 Away W 7-1 (Kent Senior Cup)
P 2
W 2

Last Meeting at Southwood Stadium:
SUZU FA TROPHY THIRD ROUND QUALIFYING ROUND
RAMSGATE 1 CRAY VALLEY (PM) 3 -
5 OCT 2024 - ATT 685
Goals: CV - Vigor 14, Parker 24, 29
R - Taylor 37
Match Report and Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/0-6072648/report