After the short journey to Barnehurst to take on Phoenix Sports just two weeks ago, Valley embark on one of the longer trips they’ll face this season as they travel to West Sussex on Saturday to face a Chichester City side on the fringes of the promotion playoff race.
After twice playing host to Chi since both sides were promoted to the Isthmian League in 2019, this will be Valley’s first visit to the cathedral city since an FA Vase first round qualifying tie was won 5-3 under the stewardship of Steve Chapman in 2013.
This season’s previous encounter saw Valley finish the day at the top of the table following a goalless draw in October, despite vain efforts late on to force a deserved victory.
Chichester have spent the season to date largely in mid-table obscurity, peaking in 7th position during the new year period. Recent form has seen them involved in many low scoring games - just ten goals accruing from their last eight fixtures – culminating in Tuesday night’s late defeat to Herne Bay – Laurence Harvey’s injury time winner resulting in a third home defeat of the season for Chi.
Leading scorer Callum Overton saw red for a late incident in last Saturday’s single goal win at Sittingbourne deeming him unavailable for this week’s match, but Lloyd Rowlatt is currently showing fine form with three goals in the last five games.
With “fruitful February” having produced more points in one week than any of the preceding three months, Manager Kevin Watson will be looking for an end to recent injury woes for the Millers.
Alex Brefo has joined long term absentees Nat Blanks and Raheem Sterling-Parker on the sidelines leaving Watson’s resources stretched as he looks to add further pressure on leaders Hastings United.
Oaklands Park hasn’t witnessed a drawn match since late October – a run of 13 matches - so Valley will be hoping to have three points in the luggage compartment on the long journey home on Saturday evening.

Pic – Francis Babalola’s flying header is saved at point blank range by Magee in the clubs meeting at the Artic Stadium in October last year