PITCHING-IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
CRAY VALLEY (PM) 2 POTTERS BAR TOWN 2 - 23 NOV 2024 - ATT 172
Goals: CV - Vigor 56, Beere 84
PBT - Hicks 27, Ward-Cochrane 89 (pen)

Match Report by Steve Chapman

Those spectators that braved the elements and storm Bert at a wet and windy Artic stadium were rewarded with an entertaining game which either team could have snatched all three points. The Millers missed the opportunity to close the gap on leaders Dover by squandering a hatful of chances and with victory in sight they conceded a last minute penalty which Town’s substitute Ben Ward-Cochrane calmly dispatched.

The home team dominated the first half and despite peppering the Scholars goal they failed to beat keeper Laurie Shala who had an inspired game. He had already made 3 fines saves before he pushed a thunderbolt from Barney Williams past the post. Valley paid the penalty for those missed chances in the 27th minute. A poor clearance from keeper Max Ovenden was collected by David Hicks, who curled the ball into the far top corner from out wide as Ovenden retreated towards his goal.

Steve McKimm made a decisive change after the break when he introduced midfielder Matt Vigor and was immediately rewarded when he equalised with his first touch in the 56th minute. Winger Michael Ademiluyi slide rule pass was expertly slotted home by Vigor, whose low shot from an acute angle across goal went in off the upright. The home team pressed for the winner but nearly paid the price for leaving gaps at the back when Steve Cawley hit the post with a long range effort from a counter attack. The Millers finally went ahead in the 84th minute when a corner by Andre Coker was headed home at the near post by Tom Beere. The lead was short lived when 5 minutes later Ward-Cochrane levelled the scores.

MILLERS MAN OF THE MATCH - Tom Beere seen being presented with his award by Danny Cane representing the original Cray Valley Legends

Millers: Ovenden, Williams, Oshilaja (c), Bowry, Asiedu, Ademiluyi (Coker 82), Black (Vigor 53), Beere, Waldren, Shomotun, Parker (Coombes 72), Subs not used: Tumkaya, Anau
Caution: Coker

Scholars: Shala, Keto, Okeowe (Lethbridge 60), Re, Shogbeni, Henry (c), Hicks, Dicks (Ward-Cochrane 82), Cawley, Brant, Kyei Subs not used: Face-Burgin, Hervel, Hayles.
Caution: Dicks

Referee: Daniel Blades
Assistants: Thomas Healy and Robert Davies

Main Photo: Derek Drysdale iPhone - Tom Beere scoring the Millers second goal

Post Match Interview: Steve McKimm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/post-match-interview-steve-mckimm-gives-his-thoughts-on-todays-22-home-draw-v-potters-bar-town-231124-206551.html