Cray Valley defeated The Oaks at Greatness Park for the first time since 2013 to keep their dreams in tact as they look to maintain a play off place. An excellent all round performance, clinical in front of goal, passed the ball well, defended when required with Chris Lewington in the Millers goal making a couple of vital saves. A few players appeared to be nursing knocks by the end of the 90 minutes and physio Tenny Adebowale may need to work his magic to get them back on the field of play when they welcome VCD Athletic to the Artic Stadium on Easter Monday in less than 48 hours.

Valley went close early on but somehow the Oaks managed to keep the ball out as an Adam Coombes shot was well saved by McCarthy and then the follow up cleared off the line by Bray, therein followed a scramble in the box before being cleared. With both teams looking for an opening, Lewington made a routine save and after some good interplay down the right hand side involving Alex Bentley, Dan Bennett and Ade Adeyemo the Oaks keeper Tyler McCarthy and his defence did well to hold them at bay. Adeyemo came close a couple of times before the breakthrough finally came on 40 minutes to cap a good period for Valley. Adeyemo broke into the box his pass found Bennett who fired low past McCarthy into the far corner.

The Oaks nearly struck back immediately and Lewington made a vital double save, the first with his left foot to deny Harvey Walker and then down to his right to save from Mannie Mensah with the gloves to maintain the Valley lead. A crucial moment in the game as half time approached.

The start of the second half saw the Oaks enjoy a period of pressure in search of an equaliser, the Cray defence though stood firm epitomised by Bennett making a timely interception in his own penalty area, getting a touch on the ball ahead of the Oaks striker to clear the danger. On another occasion Kershaney Samuels was on hand to defend well, preventing Kieron Cadogan from getting a shot away inside the box, as the midfield provided support to the back four who themselves were excellent throughout.

Valley added a second on 76 minutes when Bennett's perfectly weighted pass found substitute Julian Anau who finished well, firing low into the far corner for his first goal for Cray Valley. The Oaks went close when Cadogan's shot went the wrong side of the post and shortly after Lewington was well positioned to make another excellent save, blocking the ball with his legs.

With the clock ticking down Valley added the icing on the cake with a third goal, a good move culminated with Bennett walking the ball into the net after a dummy on the keeper. There was just time for Coombes to force a save from McCarthy after a quick breakaway from their own half and just before the final whistle Lewington was on hand to punch clear an Oaks cross. FT 0-3

MAN OF THE MATCH – DAN BENNETT (CRAY VALLEY)

MILLERS: Lewington, Bentley, Chambers, Oshilaja, Tumkaya, Black, Coombes, Bennett (Majekodunmi 91), Ibrahiym (c) (Anau 51), Adeyemo
Substitutions Not Used: Medhurst, Edionhon-Silvera
Cautions: Coombes, Bentley, Samuels

OAKS: McCarthy, Beeden (Carr 72), Miller-Neave, Ndozid (Orome 46), Bray, Douglas, Walker (Baugh 55), Mensah, Cadogan, Shomoton, Ogunseye
Substitutions Not Used: Allassani, Graham
Cautions: Ndozid, Beeden, Bray, Miller-Neave

Referee – Craig Charles
Assistants – Alan Steward and Sam Wigington

Video: Manager Tommy Osborne speaking after the match
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com

Photos: https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/sevenoaks-town-v-millers-8423-photos-1057071.html

Non League Paper Report by Andrew Gidley
Sevenoaks Town 0 Cray Valley (PM) 3
Daniel Bennett scored twice as Cray stayed on course for the play-offs. They host VCD tomorrow before facing title-chasers Chatham, and top-five rivals Sheppey in their final two games. Adam Coombes saw two efforts blocked early on, strike partner Ade Adeyemo went close, before Bennett put the visitors in front from a tight angle before the break. Keeper Chris Lewington kept things level three minutes later, with a double stop. Oaks pegged Cray back in the second, Fumnaya Shotgun and Rain Bray both shot wide and Josh Ogunseye headed over. Substitute Julien Anau doubled the lead with 14 minutes left, before Bennett rounded things off in stoppage time.
Star Man: Daniel Bennett (Cray)
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