Rule 14 - The Penalty Kick - As Lyle Della-Verde stepped up to take the penalty kick - were you fully conversant with this rule? The referee and his assistant certainly were. A rare but not unique event as the ball struck the foot of the post and Della-Verde tucked away the rebound, a goal some thought, but alas no and any joy from the Millers short lived, as the flag was raised and whistle blew for an indirect free kick. [As with all free kicks, the kicker may not play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player even if the ball rebounds from the posts].

Photo: Lyle Della-Verde with the penalty kick courtesy of Dave Budden

On a chilly night the opening half saw the Millers enjoy most of the attacking play without unduly troubling the visitors goalkeeper, a save from a Danny Waldren header late on their best effort. Shots from Kyrell Lisbie, cleared off the line and Denzel Gayle, deflected onto the upright, also went close. The Lancers in a rare attacking foray towards the end of the half had a goal rule out for offside after the ball rebounded off the post.

Lancing took the lead in the 54th minute an Alex Laing through pass splitting the defence and Charlie Pitcher who had just come on as a substitute finished well, firing low into the far corner from a tight angle. The deserved equaliser came ten minutes later, substitute Lyle Della-Verde floated in a lovely free kick which Cem Tumkaya headed powerfully back across goal into the far corner.

Shortly after the Millers were awarded a penalty for a foul on Lisbie which if scored would have given them the lead but rule 14 applied to deny Della-Verde. With the Millers continuing to be wasteful in their shooting and despite a late scare in front of Max Ovenden’s goal, there was no further addition to the scoreline and it finished all square.

A frustrating night for the Millers who failed to capitalise on the few chances that came their way. They remain unbeaten of course, no mean feat but Steve McKimm may be concerned about another home draw their fifth in nine league games. Next up is Sheppey United at the Artic Stadium on Saturday.

Cray Valley Man of the Match: Cem Tumkaya
Main Photo: Courtesy Dave Budden

Millers: Ovenden, Williams, Oshilaja, Tumkaya, Asiedu, Gayle (c), Waldren, Ekpiteta (Della-Verde 59), Vigor, Lisbie (Ademiluyi 78), Barrington Subs not used: Chambers, Ibrahiym, Wicks
Cautions: (Moore bench)

Lancers: Rogers, Laing, Gibson, Biggs, Meeres, Bull, Scott (Hawick 58), Bennett, Pope (Pitcher 52), Taggart, Franzen-Jones (Jenks 86) Subs not used: Plummer, Heath
Cautions Laing, Pitcher

Referee - Tommy Breen
Assistants - James Latham and David Smith

Post Match Interview with manager Steve McKimm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/post-match-interview--steve-mckimms-gives-thoughts-on-his-teams-draw-against-lancing-fc-9124-197432.html

Match Photos: Inspire Socials
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/millers-v-lancing-9124-photos-inspire-socials-1088185.html

Other match report courtesy of Mark Doig and KSN
https://www.kentsportsnews.com/cray-valley-pm-1-1-lancing-09-01-2024/

Photos: Courtesy of Dave Budden and KSN
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/millers-v-lancing-912024-photos-dave-budden-1088155.html