PITCHING-IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
POTTERS BAR TOWN 2 CRAY VALLEY (PM) 3 - 20 SEPT 2025 - ATT 306
Goals: PBT - Henderson 21, 60
CV - Akbani 12, 31, Ajakaiye 90

LATE WINNER SEALS MILLERS VICTORY AT THE SCHOLARS

Two first half goals from Ibby Akanbi and a late Dan Ajakaiye winner earned a vital three pints for the Millers as they beat Potters Bar Town despite a Joshua Henderson double 3-2 at the Lantern Community Stadium on their new 3G pitch. Steve McKimm was delighted with the Millers resilience and battling qualities as they overcame various injuries to record only their third league win in this their eighth game of the campaign.

Early on it was the hosts who twice went close with shots flashing just past the post but it was the visitors who opened the scoring in the twelfth minute. Fumnaya Shomotun did well on the right flank and his cross was prodded home at the far post by Akbani amongst a crowded area from close range. Shortly after Ajakaiye nearly doubled the lead when he got on the end of Akbani's low hard cross but the ball flew over the top from a few yards out.

Bar equalised on 21 minutes Joshua Henderson the scorer firing home from the edge of the six yard box after a corner kick. Ten minutes later Akbani restored Valley's lead cutting in from wide into the area and beating the Bar keeper Jack Berman at the near post with a powerful low strike into the back of the net. Bar went close a couple of times in the run up to the interval but at half time it remained 1-2.

Second half and almost immediately Akbai was denied his hat trick, his pace outstripping the defender as he went through on goal but his shot was well saved by the keeper as he came out to narrow the angle. Around the hour mark Bar equalised for the second time and it was Henderson with his second of the game latching onto a loose ball in the area and firing into the corner of the net. A minute later and Valley keeper Shaun Peart-Rowley made an excellent one handed save from Harry Brant diving away low to his right to turn the ball around the post and away for a corner to prevent Bar from taking the lead.

Valley were forced to defend on occasions in the last quarter of the game but in the 90th minute Ajakaiye scored the winner placing his shot past the keeper into the bottom corner of the net. Cue wild celebrations. There was still time for one fine chance for Akbani to complete his hat trick but he pulled his shot just wide of the target. The three points though had already been secured.

Scholars: Berman, Adjei-Hersey (Kyei 28), Henry, Mvioki, Payne, Brant, Webber (Asiedu 86), Anyadike, Smith, Hutchinson, Adams, Subs not used: Rose, Joseph
Cautions: Mvioko

Millers: Peart-Rowley, Williams, Tumkaya, Ekpiteta (Kpakpe 46), Lema, Shomotun (Barrington 68), Cumberbatch, Black, Holness (Aileru 79), Ajakaiye, Akbani, Sub not used: Gayle
Cautions: Williams, Holness, Cumberbatch

Referee: Stuart Lathan
Assistants: Sam Waterhouse and Thomas Roberts

Post Match Interview: Steve McKimm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/postmatch-steve-mckimm-on-cray-valleys-32-away-win-vs-potters-bar-town-20925-213809.html

Match Photos: Romana at Inspire Socials
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/potters-bar-town-v-millers-20925-photos-inspire-socials-1151773.html