BRENTWOOD TOWN 0 CRAY VALLEY (PM) 1
​Babalola 84

Report by Richard J Green

VALLEY ROUNDED OFF THEIR PRE-SEASON IN STYLE with this fine victory at The Brentwood Centre.
A pre-season programme that started on 4 August with a hard fought draw at Chatham Town, was rounded off with The Millers looking in fine fettle to start their competitive campaign against VCD Athletic in the Emirates FA Cup next Saturday.
After a lively opening with the Brentwood defence playing a high line, the first opportunity fell to the hosts on 10 minutes – a ball played in from the right evaded Cem Tumkaya in the penalty area, but Millers keeper Andy Walker saved well at the feet of the oncoming striker.
The visitors came close to taking the lead on the quarter hour mark, as a fine run by Ryan King-Elliot saw him get round the back of The Blues defence before pulling the ball back. From the 6 yard box melee that ensued, a Millers effort was cleared off the line before substitute Francis Babalola fired over.
Babalola then saw an 18th minute effort blocked by the keeper’s legs as he tried to force home from close range.
As the game progressed, Cray Valley’s territorial dominance increased without finding the finishing touch, although a 23rd minute Blues attack saw Walker make a fine block with his chest from a close range effort.
The second half started with both teams showing increased attacking intent as King-Elliot’s fine run saw him find Ade Yusuff on the edge of the area. The strikers fierce drive was blocked by Blues keeper Preston Edwards, into the path of Babalola who blazed over the bar.
Further efforts from Yusuff and midfielder Matt Warren failed to find the target before Brentwood responded with a 50th minute strike narrowly missing the target.
Babalola again went close in the 70th minute – his left foot shot striking the upright before bouncing back into play.
With Kalvin Morath-Gibbs having a fine game in the centre of The Millers’ defence, the decisive blow was struck by Babalola in the 86th minute.
A raking long range pass from Liam Hickey was picked up by Yusuff on the right of the Blues goal. Yusuff’s low cross was converted by Babalola to give the visitors the win.

MILLERS : A.Walker, Tumkaya (F.Walker 56), Morath-Gibbs, Hickey, Dymond, Warren, Gayle, King-Elliot (Smith 56), Adiyemo (Farmer 70), Tomlin (Babalola 12), Yusuff

Photo: Babs celebrating his goal. Courtesy of Dave Cumberbatch.