FIRST TEAM
At a glance:
Manager James Collins leads The Millers to 4th place their highest ever league position and London Senior Cup Winners beating Met Police 2-1 in the final at Dulwich Hamlet. The lowest ranked side (step 5) ever to win the London Senior Cup. Goals from Ben Francis and Aaron Rhule. The team were also finalists in the Kent Senior Trophy losing to Ashford United in the Final at the Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone.

Appearances: (All competitions inc sub - total 54 games)
Ashley Sains 46, Jamie Miller 43, Daniel Smith 42, Denzel Gayle 42, Jordan Carey 42, Taylor McDonagh 40, Jamie Wood 40, Jason Thompson 37, Thomas Fitzgerald 35, Frank Griffin 29, Joe Matthews 29, Laurence Collins 27, Peter Smith 25, Ben Francis 23, Ainsley Everett 22, Gordon Allistair 18, Richard Hamill 17, Aaron Rhule 17, Aaron Jeffrey 17, Enoch Adjei 16, Tom Youngs 13, Leigh Bremner 12, Ryan Fowler 12, Zac Byron 10, Austin Gacheru 10, Steve Springett 9, Jack Bradshaw 8, Ben Hunt 7, Scott Riley 5, Mehmet Piro 5, Timmi Osibodu 5, Kyle McDowall 5, Chandler Kasai 5, Max Williams 5, Jordan Sandiford 4, + 16 players with 3 or less appearances inc Cem Tumkaya 1.

Goalscorers: Aaron Jeffrey 16, Ben Francis 15, Jason Thompson 14, Denzel Gayle 11. Thomas Fitzgerald 8, Taylor McDonagh 7, Leigh Bremner 7, Aaron Rhule 5, Ainsley Everett 5, Peter Smith 5, Tom Youngs 5, Ryan Fowler 3, Enoch Adjei 3, Ben Hunt 2, Fransisco Mbela 2, Danny Smith 2, Jamie Miller 1, Jamie Wood 1, Jordan Sandiford 1, Ashley Sains 1, Joe Matthews 1, Richard Hamill 1, Gordon Alastair 1, Tyrus Gordon-Young 1, Laurence Collins 1.

See link for full details, from league table click on individual club name for more in depth info.
https://fulltime-league.thefa.com/index.html?selectedSeason=687480244&selectedFixtureGroupAgeGroup=0&selectedDivision=7949964&selectedCompetition=0

DEVELOPMENT U23 TEAM

Team photo Sept 2016

Suburban League South Division
Final position: 1st / 11
Mark Dobson and Tommy Osborne's side were crowned Suburban South Division Champions and were Suburban Challenge League Cup Finalists, just losing out to Metropolitan Police 1-2 in the final played at Corinthian, having overcome Tonbridge Angels Reserves, Woking, Tunbridge Wells and Boreham Wood on the way, a memorable season indeed for our reserve side.

See link below for league table and match details for all competitions.
https://fulltime-league.thefa.com/table.html?selectedSeason=89043434&selectedDivision=426098624&ftsTablePageContent.fixtureAnalysisForm.standingsTableDay=14&ftsTablePageContent.fixtureAnalysisForm.standingsTableMonth=3&ftsTablePageContent.fixtureAnalysisForm.standingsTableYear=2021&activeTab=1

The following extract from Chairman's Frank May's programme notes "In Reserve" in April 2017.
"The Millers Suburban League squad secured the South Division title last Thursday evening following a 2-1 win over Redhill at Badgers. Twelve points behind Walton & Hersham after the Swans won 4-1 at Badgers last month, the Millers knew that only maximum points from their remaining 4 fixtures would pip the Swans to the title. And that objective with wins over Crowborough Athletic (3-0), Horley Town (3-1), Molesey (4-1) and the win over Redhill, thanks to goals from Kieran Mulkerrins and Chandler Kasia, ensuring the Millers lifted the League Trophy, topping the Swans on goal difference."

LADIES TEAM

South East Counties Women's League Division 1 East
Final position: 6th / 9
https://fulltime-league.thefa.com/index.html?selectedSeason=316104441&selectedFixtureGroupAgeGroup=0&selectedDivision=3210856&selectedCompetition=0

Chairmans Cup Finalists
Burgess Hill Town 2 Cray Valley 1 aet played at The Gallagher Stadium Maidstone
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=CrayValleyPM&set=a.1901737883293719

YOUTH TEAMS

U15
Kent Youth League North Division - final position 2nd (one point behind winners Bridon Ropes)
P16 W11 D0 L5 F 43 A 22 GD 21 PTS 33
http://archive.kentyouthleague.co.uk/tables/1617/U15N

U12
SELKENT final position 2nd (two points behind winners Newtown Tigers Black)
P22 W18 D2 L2 F 99 A 38 PTS 38

FIRST TEAM SEASON MATCH BY MATCH WITH REPORTS AND PHOTOS FROM THE ARCHIVES WHERE AVAILABLE
In date order, except see separate section for London Senior Cup and Kent Senior Trophy games.

Sat 6-Aug 2016 FA CUP EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND
Southwick 0 v Cray Valley 4
Goals: CV - Hamill 11, Jeffrey 40, 87, Bremner 57,
Match Report: Charlie Field - Sports diary / blog
https://sportsdiaryblog.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/match-42-extra-preliminary-round-southwick-v-cray-valley-paper-mills/

Sat 13-Aug 2016 SCEFL
Cray Valley 5 v Deal Town 1
Goals: CV - Smith P 19, Bremner 63, Bagley OG 67, Mbela 79, Jeffrey 95
DT - Walsh 44
Attendance 52
A week after Cray eased past Southwick in the FA Cup, thanks to goals from Richie Hamill, Aaron Jeffrey 2, and Leigh Bremner, the Millers opened their League campaign by hitting Deal Town for five. Peter Smith put the home side in front before Charlie Walsh levelled things up, just before the break. Leight Bremner put the Millers back in front after 63 minutes before Grant Bagley put through his own goal, 5 minutes later. Substitute Francisco Mbela added fourth before Jeffrey sounded off the scoring, deep into added time.
Cray: Jack Bradshaw, Richie Hamill, Frank Griffin, Peter Smith, Ashley Sains, Laurence Collins, Jamie Miller (Tom Fitzgerald 74), Jason Thompson (Jamie Wood 80), Aaron Jeffrey, Leigh Bremner (Francisco Mbela 69), Laurence Collins. Unused subs: Kyle McDowell, Ben Healy.
Attendance 52

Cray Valley management team for the opening league game - Manager James Collins, G/K coach Tony Hines, Coach Brad Sandeman and seated physio Emily Sawyer.
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1734820923318750&type=3

Tues 16-Aug 2016 SCEFL
Erith & Belvedere 4 v Cray Valley 2
Goals: E&B - Leacock 12, Froggatt 40, 48, Robinson 71
CV - Mbela 50, Fitzgerald 74
Attendance 45

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1736711813129661&type=3

Sun 21-Aug 2016 THE EMIRATES FA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND
Cray Valley 0 v Hastings United 2
Goals: HU - Watt 24, Cole 54
Attendance 192
Cray Valley: Colin Barnes, Jack Hope (Jamie Miller 64), Danny Smith, Peter Smith, Ashley Sains, Joe Matthews, Tom Fitzgerald, Laurence Collins, Leigh Bremner, Jason Thompson (Kyle McDowall 57), Richie Hamill.
Subs not used: Frankie Griffin, Chris Cowdrey, Tommy Osborne, Jamie Wood, Nad Nwitua

Captain Ashley Sains at the toss.

Cray Valley manager James Collins admitted Hastings United recorded a "comfortable victory" over his side in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie. The Millers went close to opening the scoring when striker Leigh Bremner's low shot was turned around the post by diving keeper Ryan Nicholls. But makeshift striker Steven Watt met Wayne Wilson's free kick with a hooked volley, which went in via Ashley Sains and the underside of the crossbar to give Hastings a 24th minute lead. Miller's keeper Colin Barnes, who was registered just six minutes before Friday's deadline, pulled off a great save to deny Sam Cruttwell just before the break but Hastings killed the game off when Sam Cole curled in the second after 54 minutes.

Stephen McCartney reports from DGS Marine Stadium
CRAY VALLEY (PAPER MILLS) manager James Collins says his side have got to improve after being knocked out of The FA Cup by Hastings United.
https://kentishfootball.co.uk/news/crayhast210816

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1739795382821304&type=3

Sat 27-Aug 2016 SCEFL
Cray Valley 2 v Bearsted 1
Goals: CV - Bremner 21, 72
B - Mooney 19
Attendance 52
Cray Valley: Carey, Smith P, Smith D, Collins, Sains, Matthews, Fitzgerald, Thompson (Wood 67), Bremner, Jeffrey, Everett (McDowell 52). Unused subs: Hope, Griffin, Hamill

The Bears stunned the Millers by taking a surprise lead here at Badgers, as Keelan Mooney fired home after 18 minutes. But the lead lasted barely 2 minutes as Leigh Bremner raced through to slot the ball past the keeper. And it was Bremner who eventually settled the match in the Millers favour as he grabbed his second goal of the match with 20 minutes remaining.
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1742985329168976&type=3

Mon 29-Aug 2016 SCEFL
Crowborough Athletic 0 v Cray Valley 1
Goals: CV - Bremner 69 (Everett sent off 2nd yellow card 95)
Attendance 117
Cray Valley: Carey, Hamill, Collins, Smith P, Matthews, Sains, Fitzgerald (Smith D 46), Ouani (Griffin 71), Bremner, Jeffrey (Wood 79), Everett. Unused subs: Hope Thompson.

Danny Smith in action.

Leigh Bremner was once again the goalscoring hero for the Millers, as for the majority of this fixture at the Alderbrook Rec, the home side were on top and only a resolute defensive display kept the home side at bay. And on a quick counter attack after 69 minutes, Bremner burst through the defence before guiding a low shot past the keeper. The Millers were put under immense pressure in the remaining 20 or so minutes and despite a second yellow card for Ainsley Everett in the 95th minute the Millers held on for their first away league points of the season.
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1744754178992091&type=3

Sat 3-Sep 2016 SCEFL
Cray Valley 1 v Croydon 1
Goals: CV - Brockman OG 63
C - Toney 67
Attendance 65
Cray: Bradshaw, Collins, Smith D, Smith P, Matthews (Hope 75), Sains, Gayle, Miller (Hamill 56), Bremner, Jeffrey (Ouani 70, Everett. Unused subs: Fitzgerald, Griffin.

Jamie Miller in action.

A win for either team would have put them on top of the league table and although the Millers went ahead in the second half through a Harry Brockman own goal, the lead lasted barely 3 minutes as Tristan Toney slotted home n equaliser for the Trams after 67 minutes. This allowed AFC Croydon to keep their place at the top of the table with Croydon second and the Millers in third.
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1747304212070421&type=3

Fri 9-Sep 2016 THE BUILDBASE FA VASE FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND
CRAY VALLEY 0 v GLEBE 1
Goal: G - Golding 76
Attendance 138
Cray Valley: Jack Bradshaw, Peter Smith (Leigh Bremner 79), Danny Smith, Laurence Collins, Ashley Sains, Jamie Miller, Richie Hamill (Ainsley Everett 46), Ben Hunt, Aaron Jeffery (Mehmet Piro 65), Denzel Gayle.
Subs: Frankie Griffin, Jack Hope

Stephen McCartney reports from DGS Marine Stadium
CRAY VALLEY manager James Collins launched a scathing attack on his players’ lack of quality after they were dumped out of The FA Vase by lower league opposition.
https://kentishfootball.co.uk/news/crayvglebe090916

Weds 14-Sep 2016 SCEFL
Beckenham Town 0 v Cray Valley 5
Goals: CV - Smith P 50, Hunt 66,74, Jeffrey 82, 95
Attendance 48
Cray: Bradshaw, Hamill (Piro 64), Smith D, Smith P, Matthews, Sains, Gayle, Miller (Fitzgerald 78), Hunt, Jeffrey, Wood (Griffin 78). Unused subs: Hope Ouani

There never seems to be a dull moment when these two teams clash and this league fixture at Eden Park Avenue was no different. There was nothing between the sides at half time with no goals and no hint of the drama to come in the second 45. Peter Smith fired the Millers in front after 50 minutes before Ben Hunt grabbed a double with goals on 66 and 74. With the home side threatening to implode, Aaron Jeffrey added two of his own in the 82nd and 95th minute to complete the Beck's misery.

Sat 17-Sep 2016 SCEFL
Cray Valley 4 v Whitstable Town 1
Goals: CV - Everett 22,33,68, Gayle 81
WT - Pulman 21 (Winfield sent off 83)
Attendance 45

Denzel Gayle in action.

Cray Valley: Jack Bradshaw, Peter Smith, Danny Smith, Jamie Wood, Ashley Sains (c), Joe Matthews, Ainsley Everett (Frankie Griffin 77), Jamie Miller, Ben Hunt (Leigh Bremner 68), Richie Hamill (Mehmet Piro 58), Denzel Gayle.
Subs (unused): Kyle McDowall, Malik Ouani.

History Insight:
Our very own Chapo took the line for this one!
Referee: Chris Myatt
Assistants: Joe Neanor & Steve Chapman (Cray Valley – only one SCEFL appointed assistant)

Chapo pictured far left.
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1755180094616166&type=3

Match Report: Courtesy of WT
Cray Valley (PM) ran out comfortable winners as a much changed Whitstable side put in a very disjointed performance at Badgers Sports Ground. Despite taking the lead through Ian Pulman, the home side replied almost immediately and went on to dominate with Ainsley Everett scoring a hat-trick. Denzel Gayle added a fourth and they also hit the woodwork and had a couple cleared off the line. Lee Winfield was sent off towards the end of an afternoon to forget for the Oystermen. The corner count of 8 -1 in favour of the home side gave some indication of the balance of play.
Whitstable manager Scott Porter made six changes to the side that lost narrowly at Chichester on Tuesday evening as the game got underway on a much cooler, breezy afternoon in Eltham. There was only one assistant assigned to the match, so after a number of unsuccessful phone calls one of the officials of the home club volunteered to run the line so that the game could go ahead. Dan Eason produced a good save from a well struck Richie Hamill free kick after an early foul by the returning Joe Kennett. Pulman and then Aaron Quain both had attempts that were comfortably saved by home keeper Jack Bradshaw as Whitstable started quite brightly. After 15 minutes Cray Valley were awarded a corner despite the assistant flagging for offside and although the ball was partially cleared, the ball fell to Peter Smith who shot straight at Eason. Then a header back by Callum Wraight was latched on to by Ben Hunt, but his shot went just past the far post. The same player then worked himself into another good position but blazed his shot over the bar with only Eason to beat.
Whitstable though then took the lead as Kane Rowland got up to win a header and the ball was collected by Darren Marsden, whose clever pass over the defender found Pulman and he chipped the ball over Bradshaw and in off the back post. The lead lasted just one minute as Kennett brought down Hamill twenty yards out and his free kick hit the post and rebounded to Everett who rolled the ball into the net. On 26 minutes Pulman managed to take the ball around Bradshaw but the angle was too narrow and his attempted cross was cleared. The home side were now getting on top and Hunt first had an effort blocked by Rob Gillman, then he got past Kennett but his cross was intercepted by Charlie Smith. He got through again after playing a 1-2 with Everett, but Eason saved. The pressure finally told as Denzel Gayle broke down the right and crossed to Everett who forced the ball past the diving Eason at the far post to give Cray Valley the lead. Hunt and Hamill had further efforts to add to the score, but it remained 2-1 at the interval.
Things did not improve much as play restarted and Jamie Wood volleyed just over after an early corner and Wraight was booked for blocking off Hunt as he tried to break clear. Charlie Smith had a couple of attempts on goal for the visitors without troubling Bradshaw. Whitstable made a couple of substitutions, but they did little to alter the balance of play although Harris Rodgers made a good run down the left but shot well over. On 67 minutes Hunt curled in a long range effort that beat Eason but came back off the post. The third goal came just afterwards though as Peter Smith won the ball in midfield and fed Everett in the box who finished well past Eason into the far corner. Gayle and Wood both had shots off target before Gayle burst clear from his own half and fired the ball past Eason into the roof of the net to make it 4-1.
On 83 minutes Charlie Smith lunged in on Gayle without really making contact, although as Gayle got to his feet he made an aggressive gesture that sparked a coming together of a number of players. A red card was shown to Winfield for his part in the incident and yellow cards were given to Smith and Gayle, who was perhaps fortunate to stay on the pitch. After play restarted a corner was met by substitute Leigh Bremner whose header was cleared off the line, although it must have been close to being given by the stand in assistant who gave the defender the benefit of the doubt. Wraight then blocked another Peter Smith shot and Bremner tried a spectacular overhead kick that flew over the bar with Whitstable by now in total disarray. The final whistle blew with the home side good value for their 4-1 win.
It was a very poor performance by Whitstable who were unable to cope with the pace and movement of the home side and offered little threat in return. Unless a fixture is rearranged for the weekend, there is now a ten day break before the next game.

Tues 20-Sep 2016 SCEFL
Fisher 0 v Cray Valley 3
Goals: CV - Jeffrey 42, Gayle 88, Bremner 90+3
Attendance 189
Match Report:
https://www.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/photos/a.312108795589977/1756764117791097

Fri 30-Sep 2016 SCEFL
Cray Valley 0 v Erith Town 1
Goals: ET - Hawkins 87
Attendance 105
Cray Valley: Bradshaw, Griffin, Smith D, Miller, Sains, Matthews, Gayle, Wood, Hunt (Fitzgerald 69), Jeffrey (Bremner 46), Everett (Piro 46). Unused subs: Collins, Hamill.

A rare Friday night fixture for the Millers that attracted over 100 spectators to Badgers and not many could believe the outcome of this match that the home side dominated virtually from start to finish. But fail ing to convert the numerous chances that came their way, the Millers were left stunned when the Dockers James Hawkins broke to slot past Jack Bradshaw to allow the Dockers to steal all three points.

Tues 4-Oct 2016 SCEFL
Lordswood 0 v Cray Valley 7
Goals: CV - Gordon-Young 8, Jeffrey 42, 59, 65, 86, 87, Gayle 71
Attendance 87

Sat 8-Oct 2016 SCEFL
Cray Valley 1 v Rochester United 2
Goals: CV - Jeffrey 22
RU - Pierce 62, 87
Attendance 40
Cray Valley: Carey, Griffin, Smith D (Hunt 46), Wood (Piro 48), Sains, McDonagh, Smith P, Hamill, Fitzgerald, Jeffrey (Gordon-Young 69), Everett. Unused subs: Bishop, Sandiford

The Spartans gained their first points against the Millers with this somewhat surprising victory at Badgers. Former Millers manager Paul Gross led the line for the visitors but it was Aaron Jeffrey who put the Millers ahead after 22 minutes and it seemed to be a case of business as usual against the Spartans. But the visitors led by the voiceiferous and uncompromising Gross, stormed back and goals from Andy Pierce after 62 and 87 minutes sealed the Millers fate.

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1767282123405963&type=3

Tues 11-Oct 2016 SCEFL CHALLENGE CUP
Deal Town 2 v Cray Valley 2 (Cray Valley won 4-3 on penalties)
Goals: DT - Coyne 19, Miller 41
CV - Sandiford 75, Jeffrey 87, (Smith P sent off second yellow 73)
Attendance 70

Sat 15-Oct 2016 - See section Kent Senior Trophy 2016/17
First Round: Hollands & Blair Home Won 3-2

Sat 29-Oct 2016 SECEFL
Corinthians 3 v Cray Valley 0
Goals: C - Johnson 28, Hagan 30, Billings AJ 39
Attendance 54
Cray Valley: Carey, McDonagh, Griffin, Wood (Hamill 36), Sains, Matthews (Harvey 5), Bryon, Williams, Fitzgerald, Jeffrey, Gayle. Unused subs: McDowell, Everett, Sandiford.

The Millers got off to a bad start as Joe Matthews fell injured after just 5 minutes and three goals in 10 first half minutes saw the Hoops was ahead. Conor Johnson, Michael Hagan, and Jack Billings with the goals before Jamie Wood also had to leave the field injured. The Millers miserable afternoon was compounded 10 minutes into added time when keeper Jordan Carey picked up his second yellow card of the afternoon. In the Corinthian line up that day was Josh James who of course later became a Miller plying over 100 games before returning to the Hoops.

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1780835548717287&type=3

Sat 5-Nov 2016 SCEFL
Cray Valley 2 v Canterbury City 0
Goals: CV - Jeffrey 26, 45 (pen)
C - (Hassan sent off 2nd yellow card 56)
Attendance 60
Cray Valley: Cray, McDonagh, Smith D, Smith P (Griffin 60), Sains, Springett, Gayle, Bryon (Miller75), Jeffrey (Fitzgerald), Williams, Everett. Unused subs: Hamill, Wood

A spirited display by the Millers ended Canterbury's 10 game unbeaten run. Two first half goals by leading scorer Aaron Jeffrey put the home side in front at the break and the sending off of Tas Hassan early in the second half effectively ended the game as a contest.
Before Jeffrey put the Millers in front in the 26th minute the contest was evenly balanced, with both teams creating good chances. Ian Pulman squandered a few opportunities and Jordan Carey pulled off a great save from Pulman's best effort.
The opening goal was a worthy match winner. Taylor McDonagh collected the ball in the right back position and exchanged passes with Denzel Galye before producing a magnificent cross for Jeffrey to direct with his head past Hawkes in the visitors goal. Jeffrey extended the lead a minute before the break with a well taken penalty, after Ainsley Everitt was tripped just inside box. Jeffrey stepped up to send Hawkes the wrong way.
The sending off of Hassan effectively ended the game as a contest as Canterbury struggled with the reduction in numbers. Cray continuously opened up the visitors defence and with some better finishing the lead should have been increased. The impressive Max Williams missed two glorious opportunities and Hawkes was called upon to make some decent saves.
The win maintains the Millers 7th position but they have two games in hand over most of the clubs above them.

Sat 12- Nov 2016 SCEFL
Sevenoaks Town 4 v Cray Valley 1
Goals: ST - Bennett 10, 47, 90, Walker 14
CV - Jeffrey 45+2
Attendance 83
Cray Valley: Hughes, McDonagh, Smith D, Smith P (Miller 63), Sains, Springett, Gayle, Byron, Jeffrey, Williams (Hamill 78), Everett (Griffin 53). Unused subs: Fitzgerald, Wood

The Millers inconsistent season continued at Greatness Park as Billy Bennett and Byron Walker put the home side in control inside the first 15 minutes. Aaron Jeffrey pulled one back on the strike of half time but any hopes of a recovery were dashed as Bennett restored the Oaks two goal advantage, 2 minutes after the restart. Bennett completed his hat-trick in the final minute to condemn the Millers to their biggest defeat of the season. So far!

Sat 19-Nov 2016 SCEFL
Cray Valley 4 v Lordswood 1
Goals: - Williams 25,49, McDonagh 41,65
L - Hallett 66
Attendance 48

Match Report & Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/posts/1794036197397222

Sun 27-Nov 2016 - See section Kent Senior Trophy 2016/17
Second Round: Tunbridge Wells Home Won 1-0

Sat 3-Dec 2016 SCEFL
Cray Valley 3 v Erith & Belvedere 2
Goals: CV - Youngs 17, Gayle 41, Francis 47
E&B - Schoburgh 18, Unknown
Attendance 66

Gayle with the Millers second goal.
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1804425993024909&type=3

Weds 7-Dec 2016 SCEFL
Erith Town 0 v Cray Valley 7
Goals: CV - Gayle 19, 52, McDonagh 63, Matthews 68, Anibaba OG 74, Everett 80, 82
Attendance 60
Cray Valley: Carey, Griffin, Osibodu, Byron, Sains, Matthews, Everett, McDonagh (Williams 70), Francis (Youngs 70), Thompson (Wood 57), Gayle. Unused subs: Fitzgerald, Smith

The Millers went goal crazy at Oakwood, but there was no sign of things to come as the visitors only had a Denzel Gayle goal to show for their first half efforts. But after Gayle added his second after 52 minutes the goal tally started to mount. Taylor McDonagh and Joe Matthews netted soon after before the Dockers misery was compounded as goalkeeper Rilwan Anibaba scored into his own net. Ainsley Everett added two of his own late on to finish off the Dockers miserable evening.

Sat 10-Dec 2016 SCEFL
Ashford United 2 v Cray Valley 0
Goals: AU - Ryan Palmer x 2
Attendance 212
Ashford United maintained their slim advantage over Crowborough Athletic at the top of the SCEFL table with this 2-0 win over Cray Valley PM at Homelands on Saturday.
With confidence high after the 7-0 win over Erith Town in midweek, the Millers set about the Nuts and Bolts and home keeper George Kamurasi had to make a save inside the first minute as Jason Thompson fired in a shot from the edge of the penalty area. Ben Francis then played in Denzel Gayle after some good hold up play but Gayle scuffed his shot wide of the target as the Millers started brightly. The home side gradually quelled the early pressure and started to make inroads themselves and Rory Hill’s powerful shot deflected off Ashley Sains for a corner.
With both teams looking sharp and posing goal scoring threats, Ainsley Everett drove a shot narrowly wide of the home goal before Sains again got in the way of a Shaun Welford strike, amid claims of the use of an arm, but the referee was not convinced and allowed play to continue. Sains was again involved, this time at the other end of the pitch as he headed over the top of the goal from a Thompson free kick before Jordan Carey produced a flying save to tip over a Hill pile-driver that was heading for the top corner. Just after the half hour mark, the Millers were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty kick as Everett broke into the home area. Two defenders converged on the Millers midfielder and as he pushed the ball past their combined challenge, Everett went down after being clipped on the leg.
To the amazement of everybody in the ground, the referee waved play on as Kamurasi picked up the loose ball at his post!
Luke Eldridge fired an angled shot straight at Carey soon after before the Nuts and Bolts took the lead in the 37th minute. Ryan Palmer tried his luck from 20 yards out and his shot took a deflection off Sains to completely deceive Carey in the Millers goal who tried in vain to reach the spinning ball but he couldn’t prevent the ball finding the back of the net.
The Millers responded though and Denzel Gayle’s shot was deflected wide before a Thompson free kick clipped off the outside of the defensive wall for a corner which couldn’t be taken as the half time whistle blew.
The second half continued at a fast pace with the home side forced to counter attack and Carey was again at his best to push away a Welford header from a corner kick before Everett headed wide from a Gayle cross as the match swung from end to end. The Millers worked the ball around the home side’s defence before Everett stung the hands of Kamurasi with a low shot that was heading into the corner of the goal before Carey again excelled, pushing a Michael Phillips shot around his post. Zac Byron saw a shot deflect just over the top of Kamurasi’s goal with the keeper flat footed before the midfielder was strangely cautioned for a challenge in midfield when it looked for all to see that the foul should have gone the other way.
And that decision was to prove costly for the Millers as from the resulting free kick, the home side increased their lead. The ball fell to Hill on the edge of the area and after play as allowed to continue as he appeared to be fouled, Palmer collected the loose ball to slot home from 12 yards which prompted wild celebrations from the home team as all 11 players huddled together in the corner of the ground. Kamurasi foiled substitute Tom Fitzgerald as he looked to latch onto Byron’s through ball before McDonagh drove a shot wide of the goal from 18 yards after collecting Everett’s pass as the Millers continued to impress going forward. With the clock running down though, the home side were happy to sit back and see out the match, clearing their lines without any fuss and they almost grabbed a third in the dying seconds as Welford’s powerful strike on the break was pushed around his post by the impressive Carey.
Ashford will be more than happy with this result that keeps them at the top of the pack in a close and keenly contested race for the title. The Millers meanwhile will feel a little hard done by as their 4 game winning streak comes to an end but have a quick opportunity to respond as they make the trip to Rede Court Road on Wednesday evening for their rearranged League Cup tie with Rochester United.
Come On You Millers

Weds 14-Dec 2016 SCEFL CHALLENGE CUP
Rochester United 0 v Cray Valley 2
Goals: CV - Fitzgerald 54,77
Attendance: 40

Sat 17-Dec 2016 SCEFL
Cray Valley 2 v Sheppey United 1
Goals: CV - Francis 4, Thompson 52
SU - Atkins (pen) 90
Attendance 72
Cray Valley: Carey, Griffin (Fitzgerald 46), Smith D, Byron Wood 25), Sains, Springett, Thompson, McDonagh, Francis, Youngs, Gayle (Everett 63). Unused subs: Matthews, Mulkerrins

The Millers kept in touch with the top six in the League table with this hard fought win over the Ites. Both teams came out of the traps quickly and James Collins side made an early breakthrough in the fourth minute. Breaking up a Sheppey attack, the Millers countered and Denzel gayle slipped the ball through to Ben Francis who slid in to reach the ball before keeper Dean Warford and hook the ball home from 10 yards. Francis run and cross after 52 minutes was too far ahead the Millers midfielders but Jason Thompson picked up the loose ball on the right. Allowed time to turn and face the goal, Thompson took a couple of paces inside before powering in a curling shot around Warford's repairing dive and into the bottom corner of the goal. Sheppey grabbed a consolation as Jamie Wood was adjudged to have tripped Richard Atkins in the box and Atkins put his 90th minute penalty past Jordan Carey in the Millers goal.

Tues 27-Dec 2016 SCEFL
AFC Croydon 4 v Cray Valley 1
Goals: AFC C - Mfula 24, 28 (both pens) Murray-Price 83.85,
CV - Thompson 90+2
Attendance 96

AFC Croydon's Warren Mfula (later to play for Cray Valley) scores from the penalty spot.
Match Report:
https://www.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/photos/a.312108795589977/1820394534761388
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1820773288056846&type=3

Sat 31-Dec 2016
Cray Valley 0 v Crowborough Athletic 3
Goals: CA - Perry 22, Muggeridge 62, Carrington 82
Attendance 101

Match Report:
https://www.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/photos/a.312108795589977/1822643497869825

Sat 7-Jan 2017 SCEFL
Bearsted 0 v Cray Valley 3
Goals: CV - Youngs (pen) 57, Gayle 78, Bremner 81 (Fitzgerald sent off 87)
Attendance 56
Cray Valley: Carey, Griffin, Smith D, Wood (Fitzgerald 84), Sains, McDonagh, Miller, Smith P, Francis (Bremner 77), Youngs, Gale (Everett 86),. Unused sub: Collins, Rosenfield.

The Millers eventually overcame a robust Bearsted side after Tom Youngs put the Millers ahead from the penalty spot in the 57th minute, following a challenge on Ben Francis by Rob Lyall. Denzel Gayle increased the Millers advantage after 78 minutes before Leigh Bremner added a third 4 minutes after coming off the subs bench. Another sub Tom Fitzgerald wasn't quite as inspired a substitution, getting himself sent off 3 minutes after coming on, for an over exuberant challenge on Lyall.

Video: Tom Youngs puts the Millers in front from the penalty spot!https://www.facebook.com/275921759208681/videos/1827282807405894

Tues 10-Jan 2017 SECFL CHALLENGE CUP
Bearsted 0 v Cray Valley 4
Goals: B - (sent off Lyall 74)
CV - Youngs 33, Smith P 35, McDonagh 45, Thompson 56
Attendance 46
Video: Taylor McDonagh heads home the Millers third goal in the Macron SCEFL Challenge Cup tie at Honey Lane.https://www.facebook.com/275921759208681/videos/1828822747251900

Sat 14-Jan 2017 SCEFL
Cray Valley 3 v Beckenham Town 3
Goals: CV - Francis 42, 87, Thomnmpson 79
BT - Whorms 25, Jalloh 49, Humphris 68
Attendance 58

Two goal Ben Francis in action.

Match Report:
https://www.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/posts/1830613603739481
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1831831693617672&type=3
Video: Jason Thompson's free kick sets up an exciting finish to this derby!https://www.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/videos/1831836573617184

Sat 28-Jan 2017 SCEFL
Cray Valley 2 v Tunbridge Wells 1
Goals: CV - Wood 16, Gayle 49
TW - Pinnock 61
Attendance 62
Cray Valley: Carey, Smith P, Smith D, Wood, Sains, McDonagh, Thompson (Collins 87), Miller (Gayle 34), Gacheru, Francis, Gordon. Unused subs: White, Fowler, Youngs

A rare win for the Millers over the Wells as Jamie Wood fired the Millers ahead after 16 minutes. Substitute Denzel Gayle added a second for the Millers 4 minutes into the second half and despite James Pinnock pulling one back on the hour mark, the Miller held on to claim the three points.

Jamie Wood opens the scoring for the Millers

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1840158226118352&type=3

Weds 1-Feb - See section Kent Senior Trophy 2016/17
Quarter Final: Lordswood Home Won 4-0

Sat 4-Feb 2017 SCEFL
Hollands & Blair 2 v Cray Valley 4
Goals: H&B - Simon 6, Brown (pen) 57
CV - Thompson 23, Francis 47, 60 (pen), 69 (pen)
Attendance 55
Cray Valley: Carey, Gordon, Smith, Collins, Matthews, McDonagh, Wood, Miller, Gacheru, Francis, Thompson. Unused subs: Sains, Harvey, Fowler, Youngs

Ben Francis scorer of a hat trick including two penalties.

Three days after easing past Lordswood in the Quarter Finals of the Kent Senior Trophy, Jack Simon put Blair ahead after six minutes at Star Meadow. Jason Thompson levelled things up after 23 minutes, before Ben Francis put the Millers ahead, early in the second half. Ben Brown equalised for the home side with a 57th minute penalty before two spot kicks from Ben Francis after 60 and 69 minutes sealed the win.

Match Report courtesy of the excellent match archive on Hollands & Blair website.
https://www.hollandsandblair.co.uk/match/it/1022/2723?sort=sdate&order=asc&fsea=all&frt=all&offset=17#report

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1844869415647233&type=3

Tues 7-Feb 2017 - See section London Senior Cup 2016/17
Second Round: Welling United Away Won 3-1

Tues 14-Feb 2017 - See section Kent Senior Trophy 2016/17
Semi Final: Deal Town Away Won 2-2 aet (3-1 on penalties)

Sat 18-Feb 2017 SCEFL
Deal Town 1 v Cray Valley 1
Goals: -DT - Smith 25
CV - Rhule 45
Attendance 82

Aaron Rhule scorer of the Millers goal.

Manager James Collins and Assistant / Coach Brad Sandeman

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1853512874782887&type=3
Match Report:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1853107454823429&id=275921759208681

Weds 22-Feb 2017 SCEFL CHALLENGE CUP QUARTER FINAL
Cray Valley 0 v Ashford United 2
Goals: AU - Hill, Palmer
Attendance 90
Cray: Carey, McDonagh, Smith, Wood, Sains, Collins, Thompson (Fitzgerald 65), Miller, Rhule (Kasai 65), Youngs (Reilly 35), Adjei Unused subs: Griffin, Fowler.

After wins at Deal Town on penalties, Rochester United (2-0) and Bearsted (4-0) the Millers first home tie in this competition came to a crushing halt as Rory Hill and Ryan Palmer eased the Nuts and Bolts through.

Match Report:
https://m.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/photos/a.312108795589977/1855473111253530/?type=3

Sun 26-Feb 2017 SECFL
Cray Valley 2 v Ashford United 5
Goals: CV - Thompson 6 (pen), 45=2, (Thompson sent off 69)
AU - West 11, Welford 58, 72 (pen), 80, Stone 76 (West sent off 45)
Attendance 170
Cray Valley: Jordan Carey, Alastair Gordon, Danny Smith, Taylor McDonagh, Ashley Sains (Jamie Miller 40), Laurence Collins, Enoch Adjei, Ryan Fowler, Scott Riley (Austin Gacheru 63), Jason Thompson, Aaron Rhule (Chandler Kasai 57).
Subs: Frankie Griffin, Jamie Wood

Jason Thompson opens the scoring with a 6th minute penalty.

Jason Thompson (out of picture) scores his second direct from a free kick before later being sent off for hand ball on the line, a case of mistaken identity, as it was in fact Danny Smith.

Stephen McCartney reports from DGS Marine Stadium
ASHFORD UNITED boss Danny Lye praised the desire from his players as they came from behind to beat Cray Valley despite playing the entire second half with ten men.
https://kentishfootball.co.uk/news/crayashf260217

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1859834620817379&type=3

History Insight:
Cray keeper Jordan Carey's actions led to the video of him head butting the goal post after Ashford scored the rebound from a penalty going viral and ultimately an appearance on Sky's Soccer AM Saturday morning football programme. The story here is picked up by Kent Online, see link.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/video-keeper-vents-frustration-on-121495/

Sat 4-Mar 2017 SCEFL
Cray Valley 2 v Fisher 1
Goals: CV - Rhule 48, Adjei 65
Fisher - Pineda 90+5
Attendance 52

Opening goalscorer Rhule fires a shot at goal.
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1861885873945587&type=3
Match Report:
https://m.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/photos/a.312108795589977/1861465070654334/?type=3

Tues 7-Mar 2017 SECFL
Tunbridge Wells 1 v Cray Valley 2
Goals: TW - Crandley 16
CV - Thompson 37, Gordon 89
Attendance 147
Cray Valley (Paper Mills): Jordan Carey, Alistair Gordon, Danny Smith, Jamie Wood, Taylor McDonagh, Frankie Griffin (Tom Fitzgerald 45), Enoch Adjei (Austin Gacheru 76), Jamie Miller, Denzel Gayle, Jason Thompson (Ryan Fowler 62), Aaron Rhule. Sub unused: Laurence Collins

The Wells went ahead early as Ryan Crandley scored after 16 minutes. Jason Thompson fired the Millers level after 37 minutes and there was an even later twist this year as Alastair Gordon's long range effort squirmed into the goal with just 1 minute of normal time remaining.
Video: Alastair Gordon 'scores' the Millers 89th minute winner at the Culverden Stadium!https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1864011447066363

Stephen McCartney reports from Culverden Stadium
TUNBRIDGE WELLS manager Jason Bourne says he cannot even contemplate suffering relegation at the end of the season.
https://kentishfootball.co.uk/news/tuncray070317

Sat 11-Mar 2017 SCEFL
Croydon 0 v Cray Valley 3
Goals: CV - Francis 36, 90+2, Fowler 80
Attendance 43

Ben Francis rounds the keeper to score his second of the game.
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1868868239914017&type=3

Thurs 16-Mar 2017 - See section London Senior Cup 2016/17
Quarter Final: AFC Wimbledon Home Won 2-1

Sat 18-Mar 2017 SCEFL
Cray Valley 3 v Hollands & Blair 2
Goals: CV - Francis 13, McDonagh 73, Thompson 88
H&B - Webb 27, 90+3
Attendance 40
1. Jordan Carey 2. Denzel Gayle 3. Nick Harvey 4. Taylor McDonagh 5. Ashley Sains 7. Jamie Wood 8. Alastair Gordon 9. Ben Francis 10. Austin Gacheru 11. Tom Fitzgerald 16. Laurence Collins Sub(s): 18. Jason Thompson - replaced Austin Gacheru 46 mins 15. Enoch Adjei - replaced Nick Harvey 65 mins 14. Ryan Fowler - replaced Ben Francis 85 mins 12. Cem Tumkaya - unused
17. Jordan Sandiford - unused

Goalmouth action with the Millers on the attack.
Match Report:
https://m.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/photos/a.312108795589977/1871185143015660/?type=3

Other Match Report from the excellent match archive on Hollands & Blair's website
https://www.hollandsandblair.co.uk/match/it/1022/2729?sort=sdate&order=asc&fsea=all&frt=all&offset=17#report

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1872454626222045&type=3

Sat 25-Mar 2017 SCEFL
Canterbury City 4 v Cray Valley 0
Goals: CC - Nunn 4,52 Pilcher 48 Lawrence 88
Attendance 58

Match Report:
https://www.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/photos/a.312108795589977/1875612925906215
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1876964729104368&type=3

Sat 1-Apr 2017 SCEFL
Cray Valley 2 v Corinthian 1
Goals: CV - Sains 22, Thompson 26
C - Housego 72 (Billings AJ sent off, 2nd yellow card 88)
Attendance 50

Team photo taken before the Corinthian game 1st April 2017
Match Report:
[url300x200]https://m.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/photos/a.312108795589977/1880149558785885/?type=3[/url]
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1880897732044401&type=3

Sun 9-Apr 2017 - See section Kent Senior Trophy 2016/17
Final: Ashford United played at Maidstone FC Lost 1-2

Tues 11-Apr 2017 SCEFL
Cray Valley 2 v Sevenoaks Town 2
Goals: CV - Fitzgerald 47, 90+4
Attendance 62
Cray Valley: Jordan Carey, Alastair Gordon, Danny Smith, Joe Matthews, Ashley Sains, Taylor McDonagh, Aaron Rhule (Denzel Gayle 72), Jamie Miller, Jason Thompson (Jamie Wood 68), Tom Fitzgerald, Enoch Adjei. Subs: Steve Springett, Laurence Collins, Tom Youngs

Stephen McCartney reports from DGS Marine Stadium
SEVENOAKS TOWN boss Micky Collins admitted that his players had one eye on their Cup Final tonight.
https://kentishfootball.co.uk/news/craysev110417

Sat 15-Apr 2017 SCEFL
Rochester United 1 v Cray Valley 4
Goals: RU- Gonzalez-Bello (Pierce sent off 2nd yellow card 36)
CV - Rhule 46, Fitzgerald 47, 52, Adjei 75
Attendance 43
The Millers only came to life at Rochester United after Andrew Pierce was sent off after 36 minutes and a brace from Tom Fitzgerald was added to by Danny Smith and Enoch Adjei. Dan Gonzalez-Bello scored a late consolation for the hosts!

Denzel Gayle in action with ex Millers manager Paul Gross playing for Rochester in the background, far left.

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1892002350933939&type=3

Mon 17-Apr 2017 SCEFL
Cray Valley 3 v AFC Croydon 0
Goals: CV - Thompson 44, 87, Rhule 45+2
Attendance 43
Two late goals in each half from Jason Thompson helped #TheMillers to a 3-0 win over AFC Croydon Athletic at Badgers. Aaron Rhule completed the scoring to ensure a club best fourth place finish in the table! Having secured a best ever finish in the SCEFLeague, The Millers, in confident mood, would next welcome Dulwich Hamlet to Badgers in the Semi Finals of the London FA Senior Cup! And having already dispatched Welling United and AFC Wimbledon, hopes were high!

Ashley Sains and Danny Smith in action.

Ben Francis in action.

Match Report:
https://m.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/photos/a.312108795589977/1892963500837824/?type=3
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1893777430756431&type=3

Thurs 20-Apr 2017 - See section London Senior Cup 2016/17
Semi-Final: Dulwich Hamlet Won 3-2 after extra time.

Sat 22-Apr 2017 SCEFL
Whitstable Town 1 v Cray Valley 0
Goals: WT Lee 52
Attendance 109
Oliver Lee struck the only goal of the game for Whitstable Town at the Belmont with The Millers playing their 6th match in 12 days! Having won their previous 4 fixtures, hopes were high but the busy schedule eventually took its toll.

Jason Thompson in action.
Match Report:
https://m.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/photos/a.312108795589977/1896699010464273/?type=3
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1896948877105953&type=3

Sat 29-Apr 2017 SCEFL
Sheppey United 3 v Cray Valley 4
Goals: SU - Bradshaw 2, lee (Batten sent off 2nd yellow card)
CV - Gayle 3. 8. Adjei 52, Thompson 90
Attendance 388
Substitute Jason Thompson's 90th minute penalty sealed a dramatic 4-3 win for The Millers at Tiger Park against Sheppey United. Denzel Gayle netted twice in the opening eight minutes to set us on our way to 4th place!

Cray Valley faces of joy!
Match Report:
https://m.facebook.com/CrayValleyPM/photos/a.312108795589977/1901202353347272/?type=3
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1901740799960094&type=3

Weds 3-May 2017 - See section London Senior Cup 2016/17
Final: Metropolitan Police played at Dulwich Hamlet FC Won 2-1

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