PITCHING-IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SE DIV
CRAY VALLEY (PM) 4 RAMSGATE 1 - 2nd APL 2022 - ATT 144
Goals: CV- Barrington 15, D Gayle 40, Ibrahiym 41, Edgar 82
R- Ajayi (pen) 72

Report by Richard J Green

Captain for the day Denzel Gayle celebrated in style as he achieved a personal landmark while leading Valley to a vital win against fellow playoff contenders Ramsgate.
Handed the armband in the absence of suspended Connor Dymond and Club captain Nat Blanks on the bench, Gayle led from the front as The Millers produced a clinical first half performance.
Alex Brefo returned to the starting line up in place of Dymond as Kevin Watson retained the defensive unit that performed so admirably in securing the win at Herne Bay last week.
Valley’s bombardment on the Rams’ goal started as early as the 3rd minute - Marcel Barrington’s low drive being pushed for a corner by Jacob Russell.
The much vaunted Rams frontline offered little in return before Barrington opened the scoring in the 14th minute following a strong run on the left from Hassan Ibrahiym.
Picking the ball up just outside the 18 yard box, Barrington’s left foot shot evaded Rusell before nestling in the back of the net.
League leading scorer Josh Ajayi was excellently shackled by Nathan Green on the Valley left before the hosts further increased their lead with two goals in two minutes shortly before the interval.
Defender Brefo made a strong foray into the centre of the Rams’ defence before finding Denzel Gayle who fired remorselessly beyond Russell to spark wild celebrations.
And while those of us duty bound were making our notes and posting updates on social media, a horrendous mix-up straight from the Rams kick-off saw Ibrahiym dispossess centre back Ben Fitchett before finding the empty net to extend the lead.
Manager Matt Longhurst introduced new signing Harvey Smith at the interval as the visitors strove to make an impression on the Valley defence, but Smith had little impact as Valley continued to push forward – Ade Adeyemo having his 55th minute strike pushed for a corner by Russell.
Valley goalkeeper Chris Lewington required treatment for what appeared to be a groin injury shortly after the hour, before Ramsgate reduced the arrears.
Fitchett’s ball down the right saw Tijan Jadama’s enterprising run abruptly brought to an end by Ian Gayle inside the penalty area – Referee Daniel D’Urso pointing immediately to the spot.
With only the severely restricted Lewington to beat, Ajayi had just to find the target to give Ramsgate a glimmer of hope.
Not to let their supremacy be disturbed however, excellent work in centre field by Edgar set up Adeyemo on the left. The resultant cross narrowly evaded the head of the diving Barrington two yards out.
Russell’s goal continued to be peppered by the Valley attack, – Edgar having successive shots from twenty yards pushed to safety by the Rams custodian – before Denzel Gayle struck the post – again following good work by Edgar.
The final word went to Edgar however – his free kick from 30 yards out deceiving the beleaguered Russell as it went through him and beyond.

MILLERS’ STAR MAN: – DENZEL GAYLE - Donning the armband took his performance up another level as his 50th Club goal afforded Valley breathing space going into the interval

MATCH RATING: - ***

MILLERS : Lewington, Green, Tumkaya, D.Gayle ©, Barrington, Adeyemo (Babalola 89), Brefo, Warren, Edgar, Ibrahiym (Sammoutis 67), I.Gayle (Semakula 71)
Substitutes Not Used : Blanks, Sterling-Parker
Caution : Adeyemo

RAMS : Russell, Aboagye (Smith 46), Olopade, Chapman (Prescott 73), Bate, Miller (Hoare 61), Ajayi, Coyle, Fitchett, McIntyre, Jadama
Substitutes Not used: Miller-Neave, Smith
Cautions : Fitchett, Jadama, Olopade

Referee : Daniel D’Urso
Assistants : Samuel Hall and Ben Al-Shaikh

Main Pic – Rams defenders hold an inquest as Denzel Gayle celebrates

Match Photos and Video by Michael Brown - @BSportsphotos

Post Match Interview with Manager Kevin Watson: https://youtu.be/nsTwB03Wc_8

Match Highlights - https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/cray-valley-highlights-cray-valley-pm-fc-vs-ramsgate-fc-177925.html