Match Preview

BIG MATCH PREVIEW by Richard J Green

CRAY VALLEY (PM) v WHITEHAWK
14 AUG 2021
PITCHING IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE – SOUTH EAST DIVISION

The Millers make a third attempt to complete a first full season at Step 4 when they entertain Whitehawk at The Artic Stadium on Saturday.
After being among the front runners as they entered the final straight in 2019/20, Valley;s season hit the rails with the onset of the pandemic, while last season’s fledgling league campaign was overshadowed by an unforgettable run to the 1st Round Proper of the FA Cup.

After a pre-season which started early in July, Kevin Watson’s side are sure to be chomping at the bit to get some meaningful action, with new signings Chris Lewington, Nathan Green eager to make first team debuts, while Marcel Barrington awaits a league debut.
With Nat Blanks and Jack Sammoutis back to something near full fitness, it will be a much changed Millers side who take the pitch.

The Hawks for their part are at the back end of a tumultuous decade.
Having made their bow at Step 4 in 2010/11, the Club won back to back promotions to grace the National League South in 2013/14 – a tenure that ended in relegation in 2017/18 following two play-off campaigns.
This period also saw The Hawks reach the second round of the FA Cup – losing in a replay against Dagenham & Redbridge in 2015/16.
Further relegation followed in 2018/19 - with Whitehawk on the fringes of the promotion race from the South East Division as 2019/20 ended.
After a poor start to the 2020/21 season, Ross Standen was appointed manager at the start of November – former Brighton & Hove Albion player Stuart Tuck being appointed as his assistant.
After a pre-season friendly at Met Police was abandoned at half-time last Saturday – Hawks player Charlie Coppola dislocating his ankle with Police 3-0 up – Merstham visited the TerraPura ground on Tuesday, beating the hosts 4-0 as Hawks build-up to the season hit the rocks.

PREVIOUS MEETING
30 Nov 2019 Isthmian League SE Whitehawk 2 Cray Valley (PM) 0
Match Report: Whitehawk 2 - 0 Cray Valley PM : https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/1-4530313/report

Kick-off at The Artic Stadium is at 3pm

Admission £10, £5 for concessions, Under 11’s FREE
Payment by card is preferable – If paying by cash, please have the correct change available

Programme £2 (Cash only)

Supporters should note that there is NO requirement to provide a Covid-19 passport, a negative lateral flow test or anything equivalent. Should the government or local authorities impose any such measures in the future, then the club will communicate with supporters accordingly.

The wearing of face coverings is no longer mandatory, however the club does encourage their use when passing through indoor areas. Supporters are politely asked to be respectful of one another in relation to this.
See you all on Saturday!

#COYM

FURTHER DETAILS TO FOLLOW OF AN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE INITIATIVE IN WHICH THE FIRST 100 THROUGH THE GATE ON SATURDAY WILL BE ENTERED INTO A PRIZE DRAW WITH A FANTASTIC HOLIDAY OFFER UP FOR GRABS! **

** See separate article:

https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/news/win-a-family-holiday-worth-2500-2638485.html