PITCHING-IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
CRAY VALLEY (PM) 1 BURGESS HILL TOWN 2 - 12 AUGUST 2025 - ATT 219
Goals: CV - Beere 20
BHT - Vorster 7, Whelpdale 41

Despite an improved second half performance, The Millers suffered back to back opening league defeats for the first time since season 2014/15. The Hillians took the lead in the 7th minute George Vorster on the end of a through ball following a quick slick passing move, rounding the Valley keeper Shaun Peart-Rowley and slotting home.

Hillians were on top in the opening exchanges but Tom Beere equalised for Valley in the 20th minute his shot from distance taking a slight deflection past Roco Rees in the Hillians goal. Beere nearly added his second of the game ten minutes later striking the post from a piledriver. However it was the Hillians who re-took the lead in the 41st minute an excellent cross from Hamish Morrison was met by a powerful looping header into the back of the net by Chris Whelpdale.

Second half and Valley rallied helped by a number of substitutions. They went close on the hour the ball somehow scrambled clear and away from the goal line by the Hillian defence following a corner. Shortly after the ball did find it's way into the back of the net from Matty Vigor close in but the assistants flag was raised for offside. Valley pressed for the equaliser but Hillians held firm and went close themselves with Valley defending well to clear the danger.

Shouts for a penalty in added time as Denzel Gayle went down in the box, more from desperation as the seconds ticked by on the wonderful new scoreboard for all to see, but the referee waived play on. Final whistle and the Hillians take the three points for their second consecutive win on the road.

Millers: Peart-Rowley, Puemo, Tumkya, Moralee, Williams, Holness (Cumberbatch 57), Beere (c), Vigor (Moore78), Aileru (Shomotun 65), Ajakaiye (Gayle 65), Akanbi (Barrington 57)
Cautions: Cumberbatch, Barrington

Hillians: Rees, Box, Lawson (Gbloahan 84), Morrison, Pope (O'Neil 67), Price, Rowe (c), Spinks, Vorster, Whelpdale (Chalaye 64), Worrall Subs not used: Curtis, Theodore
Cautions: Box

Referee: Daniel Trout
Assistants: Gary Baker and Michael Jones

Post Match Interview: Steve McKimm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/steve-mckimm-speaks-after-the-21-defeat-to-burgess-hill-town-12825-212571.html

Match Photos: Romana at Inspire Socials
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/millers-v-burgess-hill-town-12825-photos-inspire-socials-1146860.html