ISUZU FA TROPHY FIRST ROUND PROPER
SITTINGBOURNE 2 CRAY VALLEY (PM) 1 SAT 25 OCT 2025 ATT 228
Goal: CV - Vigor 93 (pen)
S - Sinai 36, Puemo (og) 49

The Brickies progressed to the next round of the Isuzu FA Trophy with a deserved victory despite a late rally from the Millers. The Brickies had the better of the opening half hour with Shaun Rowley in the Valley goal saving well from Jean-Baptiste Fisher and Bagasan Graham clipping the top of the bar with a shot from distance. The hosts took the lead in the 36th minute, Richie Hamill released Troy Howard on the right and his cross found Henry Sinai who slid in to tap home from close range.

Four minutes after the interval and the lead was doubled, a free kick out wide on the right was centred by Richie Hamill and the unfortunate Jerry Puemo appeared to head past his own keeper Rowley into the back of the the net. Valley missed a golden chance to get back in the game on the hour mark when Ibby Akbani fired wide when well placed. There was a moment of controversy when Valley Assistant Manager Barry Moore was shown a red card after protesting following what was perceived to be an over the top challenge on Alex Kpakpe near the touchline. The Brickies looked to see the game out as the clocked ticked down although Valley rallied towards the end. Luke Holness on as a substitute saw a low drive deflected past the post for a corner and Dan Ajakaiye after a good turn saw his shot comfortably saved.

In added time the referee spotted a handball in the box and Valley were awarded a penalty which Matty Vigor duly dispatched sending the keeper the wrong way. There was just time for Vigor to have another effort on goal but his shot lacked power and the keeper gathered safely. In the end the hosts were good value for their win and their remarkable run in the Trophy, last year reaching the quarter finals and again this year into the second round proper continues.

Brickies: Beeney, Hoyte, Graham (Brown 78), Hamill (Theobalds 74), Steventon (c), Arthur, Howard, Woodward, Asamoah (El-Mogharbel 66), Fischer (Ambroisine 84), Sinai Sub not used: Crowhurst
Cautions: None

Millers: Peart-Rowley, Williams (c), Lema (Kpakpe 18), Puemo, Waldren, Shomotun (Aileru 73), Black, Adebiyi (Vigor 61), Cumberbatch (Barrington 57), Ajakaiye, Albani (Holness (65)
Cautions: Peart-Rowley, Puemo, Black

Post Match Interview: Steve McKimm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/cray-valleys-fa-trophy-journey-ends--steve-mckimm-shares-his-thoughts-251025-214848.html

Match Photos: Courtesy of Callum Higgins
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/fa-trophy-sittingbourne-v-millers-251025-photos-callum-higgins-1156617.html