PITCHING-IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SE DIV
CRAY VALLEY (PM) 4 HERNE BAY 2 - 20 APRIL 2024 - ATT 314
GOALS: CV - LISBIE 11, BLACK 25, COOMBES 30, VIGOR 50
HB - SALAKO 41, FRIEND 86

Report by Steve Chapman

The Millers finished their home campaign in fine style with a win against a deflated Herne Bay side whose play-off hopes disappeared last weekend following their home defeat against Sheppey. The victory sets up a thrilling end to the season that will now go to the last game following rivals Ramsgate win over Chichester.

The home side took the lead in the 11th minute when the impressive Michael Ademiluyi slipped the ball through to Kyrell Lisbie who calmly slotted the ball past Bay keeper Harry Brooks. Shortly after Bay went close, Max Ovenden saving Gil Carvalho's effort. It was Valley though on top and further chances followed, Matt Vigor twisted and turned in the box to create space and fired just over. The visitors struggled all afternoon with the pace of the Valley forwards and the lead was extended in the 25th minute when Lisbie beat the advancing Brooks to the ball and unselfishly squared to Sonny Black who side footed into an empty net. Five minutes later Vigor’s low cross was converted by veteran striker Adam Coombes from close range, the assistant confirming that the ball had crossed the line despite Brooks efforts to claw back. Against the run of play Michael Salako pulled one back when he headed home a corner at the near post just before half time.

After the break it was not long before Valley restored their 3 goal advantage when midfielder Vigor latched onto a ball played through the middle to lob Brooks from the edge of the box before having to retire early with a head injury. Further chances were spurned as the Millers looked to improve their goal difference, Brooks saved an Oshilaja header from a corner, Coombes headed over from Lisbie's cross and a Waldren flicked header from a Williams free kick was cleared. It was left to Bay captain Liam Friend to complete the scoring with a late consolation, a far post header from a Frankie Smith free kick. Lisbie went close to adding a fifth as the clock ticked down but Brooks made an excellent block.

MAN OF THE MATCH – MATT VIGOR (CRAY VALLEY (PM)

Millers: Ovenden, Williams, Oshilaja, Lee (c), Asiedu, Ademiluyi (Ekpiteta 83), Black, Waldren, Vigor (Anau 65), Lisbie, Coombes (Barrington 77) Subs not used: Chambers, Gayle
Cautions: Waldren

Bay: Brooks, Whitton, Smith, Pont, Friend, Heard, Carvalho (Wright 66), Dawodu (Burnett 80), Salako, Rowland, Osinforlani (Hassan 66) Subs not used: Carrington, Hanfrey
Cautions: Pont

Post Match Interview - Millers manager Steve McKimm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/post-match-interview--steve-mckimm-pleased-with-millers-42-victory-at-home-to-herne-bay-fc-20424-200806.html

At the conclusion of the match a presentation took place to the Supporters Player of the Year with the vote going to Barney Williams. For more details see link below:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/news/congratulations-barney-2847200.html

Match Photos: Inspire Socials
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/millers-v-herne-bay-20424-photos-inspire-socials-1100230.html