PITCHING-IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
CRAY VALLEY (PM) 1 HASHTAG UNITED 5 - 4 JAN 2025 - ATT 318
Goals: CV - Parker 78
HU - Djemaili 15, May-Parrott 49, Osude 62, 71, Olukoga 93

Pictured above: Freddie Parker scrambled late consolation goal for the Millers as the Tags ran out worthy winners on the day.

Match Report by Steve Chapman
Hashtag inflicted the Millers heaviest defeat of the season with a convincing victory at the Artic Stadium and in doing so dented their play off hopes. Tag’s winger Josh Osude was the chief tormentor all afternoon with two goals and an assist.

The visitors took the lead in the 15th minute with a lighting counter attack from a Valley corner. Osude attacked down the left flank and squared the ball to Misha Djemaili who converted past Max Overden. Both sides had opportunities to add to the scoreline with Fumnaya Shomotun and Matty Vigor having the best of the home sides efforts, the latter's fierce shot was saved by Jack Giddens. At the opposite end Matthew Wooldridge’s goal bound thunderbolt was deflected over for a corner.

Hashtag doubled their lead four minutes after the break with an almost identical goal and again it was Osude who was the provider. On this occasion, he crossed for Luke May-Parrott to score from close range. Osude finally got on the scoresheet himself in the 62nd minute when he turned on a loose ball to score from close range. He added his second in the 71st minute but was denied his hat trick when Ovenden saved with his feet when Osude was clean through with just the keeper to beat.

Freddie Parker grabbed a consolation for the Millers 12 minutes from time after a scramble in the six yard box following a corner before the excellent Osude turned supplier again when his shot was saved but fell to the unmarked Ayo Olukoga who duly completed the rout in added time.

MAN OF THE MATCH – Josh Osude (Hashtag United)

Millers: Ovenden, Williams (c), Tumkaya, Bowry, Chambers (McKimm 85), Ademiluyi (Coker 67), Beere (Barrington 68), Waldren, Vigor (Anau 67), Shomotun (Coombes 67), Parker
Cautions: Williams

Tags: Giddens, Woolridge, Smith, Cornhill (c), Djemaili (Bolovan 94), Aromolaran (Olukoga 63), Anderson, Osude (Day 94), Rusko, Apat, May-Parrott (Haysom 80) Sub not used Hassan
Cautions: None

Referee: Michael Scott
Assistants: Andrew Crossley and Tony King

Post Match Interview: Steve McKimm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K447HjKq6WU

Footnote: A measure of how far the club has progressed and the success it has enjoyed in recent times has been the rarity of heavy defeats particularly in the league. There have been cup defeats to higher level opposition, notably Charlton Athletic 6-1 and Hampton & Richmond Borough 5-1 last season but not so in the league. You have to go back to season 2017/18 a 4-1 home defeat in September against Crowborough Athletic and season 2015/16 a 5-0 home defeat to Ashford United on the 24th October 2015. But let us not dwell on doom and gloom, the club are playing at it's highest level ever and more than holding it's own at step 3. That was the first defeat in the league after an unbeaten run of 15 games, the team sit in 4th place in the league just six points behind leaders Dover Athletic with a game in hand. Heady days indeed, enjoy the ride! This is non league football at its best. Steve McKimm and his side will be chomping at the bit for next Saturday's game, away at Bowers & Pitsea.

Additional detailed Match Report courtesy of Mark Doig - Kent Sports News
https://www.kentsportsnews.com/cray-valley-pm-1-5-hashtag-united-04-01-2025/

Match Photos: Inspire Socials
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/millers-v-hashtag-united-4125-photos-inspire-socials-1126612.html