THE ISUZU FA TROPHY SECOND ROUND - 18 NOV 2023 - ATT 205
CRAY VALLEY (PM) 1 HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH 5
GOALS: CV - Lisbie 80
H&RB - Pitblado 25, Inman 34, Hunt 57, Cheadle 72, Whittingham 76

The Millers ended the week with their second cup exit as both their FA Cup and FA Trophy journeys came to an end. However very much a case of 'Cups Runnneth Over' with everyone feeling a great deal of gratitude and overwhelmed by blessings and good fortune. It is though now time to say farewell cups and hello again league. The league games come thick and fast from hereon in starting Tuesday at home to Merstham.

Match Report by Steve Chapman.

With the euphoria of their gallant FA Cup run now over, The Millers entertained their National League South opponents at a wet and windy Artic stadium. The exploits of recent weeks took their toll as the visitors exploited a fatigued Cray side and comfortably secured progression to the next round. Despite the two division gap, there was little between the sides and it was the home team that shaded the early exchanges. Their best effort a long range shot from captain Denzel Gayle, which was saved low by Beavers keeper Adam Desbois.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when after a period of sustained pressure Isaac Pitblado found himself with space in the box and he calmly lifted his close range shot over keeper Max Ovenden. They doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Dean Inman rose the highest from a Connor Kurren-Browne free kick to head across Ovenden into the top corner.

After the break George Hunt found himself in acres of space on the right and had time to compose himself before firing past the advancing Ovenden. Further goals by Jordan Cheadle and the hard working Alfy Whittingham effectively put the game the bed as the home side rued a series of missed chances. Striker Kyrell Lisbie scored a late consolation goal for the Millers and now they can focus their attention on their main ambition for the season, that being promotion!

MAN OF THE MATCH – Alfy Whittingham (Hampton and Richmond Borough)

MILLERS: Ovenden, Williams, Tumkaya (Asiedu 67), Oshilaja (Lee 45), Chambers, Gayle (c), Black, Anau, Vigor, Lisbie, Ekpiteta (Ademiluyi 81) Subs not used: Gilchrist, Turner
Cautions: Williams, Oshilaja

BEAVERS: Desbois, Solomon (Thomas 66), Pitblado, Inman, Cheadle, Hall, Whittingham, Hunt (Deadfield 68), Kurran-Browne, Dunne (Gray 67), Nunn. Subs not used: Donaldson, Wishart, Bloomfield, Fernandez.
Cautions: None

Referee - Chris Williams
Assistants - Bruno Marques and Daniel Smith

Post Match Interview: Steve McKimm gives his thoughts
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/post-match-interview--steve-mckimm-gives-his-thoughts-as-the-millers-bow-out-of-the-isuzu-fa-trophy-181123-196064.html

Match Photos: Romana at Inspire Socials
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/fa-trophy--millers-v-hampton--richmond-borough-181123-photos-inspire-socials-1083541.html

Other match report by Mark Doig for the news shopper
https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/23933594.cray-valley-pm-1-5-hampton-richmond-borough/?ref=twtrec

Match Photos: Dave Budden
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/fa-trophy--millers-v-hampton--richmond-borough-181123-photos-dave-budden-1083437.html