PITCHING-IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SE DIV
CRAY VALLEY (PM) 3 PHOENIX SPORTS 1 - 26 DEC 2023 - ATT 210
Goals: CV - Lisbie 37, GAYLE 58, WALDREN 63
PS - LAHAN 43

The Millers extinguished the Phoenix flame following their recent mini revival to run out deserved 3-1 winners in a hard fought and competitive contest, thus maintaining the Millers unbeaten start to their league campaign. It also brought about the Millers first Boxing Day win in this their fifth attempt since earning senior status in 2011.

An early onslaught on the Sports goal brought ex-Millers keeper Andy Walker immediately into action, an outstretched hand clawing Marcel Barrington's effort off the line. Valley then went close from a corner with Sonny Black's header going just over the top. See picture above. Valley manager Steve McKimm was forced to make use of his bench after injuries to Sonny Black in the 14th minute and Julian Anau on 33 minutes, replaced by Danny Waldren and Calvin Ekpiteta respectively.

Valley took the lead on 37 minutes. the ball broke from a corner, Denzel Gayle chipped to the far post and Cem Tumkaya headed back across goal to give Kyrell Lisbie a simple tap in. Six minutes later and the Sports were level, a Ryan Hayes free kick from out wide near the corner flag was pin point for Adejola Lahan to head home from close range.

Valley re took the lead in the 58th minute and it was a bit special, a real cracker from Gayle as he cut inside going past a couple of defenders before firing left footed into the top corner. After Sports had gone close following Ryan Hayes low free kick across the goal, evading an outstretched leg and going the wrong side of the far post, Valley increased their lead further five minutes later. A Barney Williams corner was powered home from close in at the far post by the head of Waldren, his second goal in consecutive matches.

Danny Waldren heading the fourth goal

Shortly after Valley were awarded a penalty, Gayle after breaking into the area was fouled by Walker, Gayle continued but the clear contact prevented him from scoring and to the referee's credit a penalty was correctly awarded despite the player not going to ground. Barrington stepped up but his low struck shot was saved by Walker, diving away to his right. In the dying moments Barrington forced Walker into action again, this time making a double save to prevent a fourth goal.

Millers: Ovenden, Williams, Chambers, Oshilaja, Tumkaya, Gayle (c), Black (Waldren 14), Anau (Ekpiteta 33), Barrington, Vigor, Lisbie (Ademiluyi 63) Subs not used: Lee, Asiedu
Cautions: Oshilaja

Sports: Walker, Douglas, Oladejo, Peter, Lana, Olapade, Hayes, Kileba, Valler (O'Connor 69), Day (Brodie 70), Duncanson (King 84) Subs not used: Clark, Mansaray
Cautions: Douglas, Walker, Olapade

Referee - Reece Pinchback
Assistants - James Goodman and George Barker

Match Highlights:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/highlights--millers-extinguish-phoenix-flame-with-a-31-victory-261223-197169.html

Post Match Interview - Steve McKImm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/post-match-interview--steve-mckimm-reflects-on-todays-31-victory-over-phoenix-sports-261223-197142.html