ISTHMIAN YOUTH U18 - CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS FINAL - 9 MAY 2024 - PLAYED AT AVELEY FC
CRAY VALLEY (PM) 1 v WORTHING 3
GOALS: CV - Egharebva 2
W - Royall 38, Berry 41, 48

iPhone pic: Young Millers receiving their league winners medals

The young Millers journey came to an end in defeat but Graham Knight and his team can be proud of their efforts in what has been a truly inspiring and wonderful two seasons in the Isthmian Youth league. Champions of the East Division both this and the previous season and winners of the league Cup last month, also against tonights opponents. The two sides met in last seasons Champions of Champions Cup Final, the young Millers came out on top 12 months ago but tonight Worthing were worthy winners.

Osamede Egharebva gave Valley a very early lead, receiving Alex Jones through pass he ran into the box, turned inside the defender before slotting the ball in at the near post. The Rebels equalised on 38 minutes, Ben Royall direct from the free kick edge of the area, firing low, past the wall and Aidan Wicks in goal, into the bottom corner.

Two uncharacteristic defensive errors either side of the interval saw Stan Berry score twice for the Rebels to open up a 3-1 lead, The first a mis-placed cross field back pass giving Berry an open goal to walk the ball into and the second possession lost in their own penalty area and Berry on hand to capitalise.

Shortly after Valley spurned good chances with Arinze Chukwujekwu twice and Egharebva having efforts saved by the keeper when one on one. At the other end Wicks was forced into making a couple of good blocks himself as Valley pushed forward to get back in the game. Victor Damyanov and Riley Woods both saw shots fly just past the posts and Malachy Turner went close, his shot hitting the inside of both posts with the follow up kept out by an excellent block from the defender.

Had one of those chances gone in, then maybe just maybe but overall the Rebels fully deserved their win.

Millers: Wicks, Knight, Hutchings, Fashanu, Woods (c), Damyanov, Gilchrist, Jones (Boyle 85), Turner, Chukwujekwu (Eyin 80), Egharebva (Igwe 57) Subs not used: McKenna, Devile

iphone pic: Young Millers dejected after losing but can be proud of their efforts.

On a personal note it has been a pleasure watching and writing the match reports for the young Millers. To the players you have represented yourselves, your families, and your club with great distinction.
Good Luck and best wishes to you all for the future!

Match Photos courtesy of Worthing Photographer Mike Gunn
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/u18-champions-final-9524-millers-v-worthing-photos-mike-gunn-1102427.html