Cray Valley’s recent affinity with the FA Cup endured another chapter as they battled to a resilient draw against higher-league opposition. Despite their best efforts, the Millers were unable to break down a well-drilled Tonbridge Angels defence in a contest that offered few clear-cut opportunities.
The match marked Alan Dunne’s managerial debut for Tonbridge, and fate dealt him a familiar opponent in Steve McKimm, who spent eight years at the helm and guided the Angels to promotion to the National League South.

The home side began with greater intent, with winger Kenny Alieru proving a persistent threat down the left flank. His pace and delivery caused several moments of panic in the Angels box, though his teammates were unable to capitalise on the resulting goalmouth scrambles. Valley's best chances came first on 12 minutes when Barney Williams took the ball on his chest and struck the ball cleanly on the volley but it was over the top. The second was around the 20th minute Aileru low cross in from the right looked like it would be tapped home by Ibby Akbani but his footing slipped and he couldn't control the ball.

Neither side managed to register a meaningful shot on target throughout the match. As a consequence, the goalkeepers were seldom tested, with Robert Unwin and substitute Pierrick Keutcha both seeing efforts from the edge of the area comfortably gathered by Millers’ keeper Shaun Peart-Rowley. Both defences did well to put the blocks in at the vital time and it ended goalless.

The Millers head to Longmead on Tuesday night still full of optimism and hopeful of another cup upset.

MATCH RATING **
MAN OF THE MATCH – Kenny Aileru (Cray Valley)

Millers: Peart-Rowley, Williams (c), Lema, Ekpiteta, Kpakpe, Shomotun (Barrington 81), Black, Cumberbatch. Holness (Vigor 72), Aileru, Akbani, Subs not used: Gayle, Smith, Puemo
Cautions: Kpakpe, Ekpiteta, Williams

Angels: Adams, Williams (Sablier 78), Wahstaff (c) (Warren 64), Higgs, Simon (Babajide 70), Unwin (Perrick 66), Bakrin, Penney, Peart, Akehurst, German, Subs not used; Foley, Mundele, Matton

Referee: Will Briers
Assistants: Thomas Price and Billy Wootten
Fourth Official: Jonathon Wilks

Other Match Report Courtesy of Colin Head and Kent Sports News:
https://www.kentsportsnews.com/cray-valley-pm-0-0-tonbridge-angels-27-09-2025/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNFW_ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4RTRUYnVqYjJianFLUExnAR7Pwnh6YWwkqVKKioUqmrze5ZC3kp4bBKHmVwXkYMXOhyTyZd_VZqN0IU02SA_aem_j98XPfeVAsxnlnz4LLvDww

Post Match Interview: Steve McKimm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/steve-mckimm-reacts-to-a-00-fa-cup-draw-with-tonbridge-angels-27925-214042.html

Match Photos: Romana at Inspire Socials