Please note the following safety information from Charlton Athletic FC
- Away fans are to be reminded that The Valley is a cash-free stadium
- Fans are advised that they are not allowed to drink in view of the pitch at anytime
- There is no smoking inside the stadium
- Away fans we be refused entry to the Meantime Fans’ Bar and Bartram’s as this is strictly a home fan area
- Away fans are advised not to bring their own drink into the stadium

Match Officials
Referee: Benjamin Speedie
Assistants: Ryan Whitaker and Gareth Viccars
Fourth Official: Tom Reeves

Match Preview:

Interesting fact - thanks to Brian Spurrell Erith & Belvedere club historian for supplying - Charlton's leading scorer Alfie May scored 3 goals against Cray Valley (PM) in 2014-15, playing for the Deres, two at home and one away en route to 41 for the season.
I can add to this by confirming that in the second match between the two sides that season on 25th April 2015 Cray Valley (PM) centre back Cem Tumkaya made his first full start for the Millers and if he plays at Charlton it will be his 245th appearance.

Cem Tuymkaya and Alfie May (far one) pictured in 2014/15.

Plenty of pre-match previews available online for this one here’s a link to a few
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/news/memories--fa-cup-history-being-made-2814606.html

So for something different here’s a personal reflection from me penned when the draw was first announced.

If Carlsberg Did Cup Draws!

I attended my first football match with my Dad, it was at the Valley v Millwall in January 1968 just before my ninth birthday. My love affair with Charlton had began and I have been a supporter ever since. A regular at games over the next fifty plus years and season ticket holder for many of them. Charlie Wright, Derek Hales, the Lennie Lawrence, Alan Curbishley and Chris Powell years, what fantastic memories. Six promotions including two Wembley play off wins and eight glorious premiership seasons far out weigh any downs and disappointments along the way.

Football never ceases to delight and in recent years, following my retirement, I have also developed a love of non league football and in particular my local club Cray Valley Paper Mills. Based in Middle Park Avenue, Eltham just off the Yorkshire Grey roundabout they currently play in the Isthmian South East Division. It would require five promotions to reach the English Football League First Division.

Formed in 1919 they were originally the works team for the Nash family owned paper mill in St Pauls Cray. The mill closed in 1981 and after a nomadic period they settled at Badgers their current home just over twenty years ago, playing in the Kent County League. Season 2018/19 was one to remember, champions of the South East Counties Football League and reaching the final of the FA Vase played at Wembley where they lost 3-1 in extra time against Chertsey Town.

Following the Covid years the last two seasons have seen them go close to promotion finishing 5th and 6th respectively. In the summer a new management team headed by Steve McKimm was brought in and the early signs are more than just encouraging.

So what has been my involvement? It started with the occasional game and has grown to getting fully involved with the administration as matchday secretary and looking after the club’s website. It is a wonderful friendly community club. In addition to the first team there is a youth section with teams at various age groups. I have met some great people. What has surprised me most though is the quality of the football and I encourage anyone to come along and judge for yourselves.

On to the FA Cup. The Millers as they are known also reached the first round under manager Kevin Watson in season 2020/21 when they were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Havant & Waterlooville. However, being the second Covid season it meant no supporters were allowed to attend which of course took the edge of the achievement.

This season their FA Cup campaign has included wins against higher division opponents including a late winner in the replay against Carshalton Athletic. In the last round they came from behind twice to beat Enfield Town 5-2 to go into the hat for the first round draw. This was to take place on Sunday at 2.30pm on ITV.

I had noted ball 12 was Charlton Athletic and ball 78 Cray Valley (PM). A trip to the coast had been planned, taking advantage of some glorious sunshine and a chance to walk our year old border collie along the beach. I initially resisted looking at my phone, wanting to savour the moment later but that resistance was weak when my phone rang, it was my best friend and fellow Charlton supporter of 50 plus years to give me the news. Wow it was indeed ball 12 will play ball 78. If Carlsberg did cup draws!

Previous meetings:

The two sides separated by more divisions (five) than miles (3.7) between the two grounds have never met competitively.

One memorable ocassion though involving the two clubs took place on 22nd September 2019 when a Cray Valley (PM) Legends team took on a Charlton Athletic Legends team. This was part of Cray Valley's centenary celebrations having played their first match on 21st September 1919 beating Hamilton House 1-0.
More details of that game played in from of an official crowd of 364 can be found here. https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/a/past-seasons-archive-60404.html?page=10

Playing for Charlton Legends that day was Kevin Lisbie and two of his sons Kyrell now playing for Cray Valley (PM) and Kyreece.

The Legends Centenary Match

Match details

Match date

Sun 05 Nov 2023

Kickoff

17:30

Attendance

6,721

Competition

The FA Cup 23-24

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