DEFIANT OVENDEN SECURES A VITAL POINT AS MILLERS DRAW A BLANK

PITCHING-IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SE DIV
CRAY VALLEY (PM) 0 CHICHESTER CITY 0 - 10 FEB 2024 - ATT 194

Match Report by Steve Chapman

The Millers failed to score for the first time in the league and major cup competitions this season as a well organised Chichester side restricted Steve McKinn’s title challenging team to a few half chances in a game where both defences came out on top. The home side extended their club record of undefeated league matches to 24 but rarely threatened Keiran Magee in the Chi goal. It looked like Calvin Ekpiteta had opened the scoring in the fourth minute slotting home at the far post Hassan Ibrahiym's low cross but the flag was raised for offside, fine lines in football. Midfielder Matt Vigor created the best chances for Valley, the pick being a goal bound shot which was deflected narrowly wide.

Valley had the majority of possession but it was the visitors that almost grabbed that elusive goal, only to be thwarted by two excellent saves by man of the match Max Ovenden. In the first half he smoothed a close range effort by Isaac Bello and after the break palmed away a free kick from Josh Clack. Valley ended the game earning four corners in very quick succession but were unable to make the breakthrough, leaving just a rainbow and a stunning sunset as the afternoons defining images.

Nevertheless a vital point secured as the title race intensifies, with Ramsgate just ahead and Sittingbourne hot on the heals. The seasons final chapters awaited with anticipation.

Millers: Ovenden, Williams, Oshilaja, Lee (c), Chambers, Gayle, Black (Waldren 63), Vigor, Ibrahiym (Della-Verde 76), Ekpiteta Coombes (Parker 63) Subs not used: Ademiluyi, Barrington
Cautions: Lee

Chi: Magee, Dunn, Hutchings, Moore, Da Costa, Cody, Clack, Clarke, Wild, Honore (Jammeh 87), Bello Subs not used: Munt, O'Brien, Haitham
Cautions: Clack

Referee - Joseph Gray
Assistants - Sam Wigington and Dwayne Uylett

Post Match Interview with Millers Manager Steve McKimm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/post-match-interview--steve-mckimm-gives-his-thoughts-on-the-00-draw-at-home-to-chichester-city-fc-10224-198614.html

Match Photos by Inspire Socials:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/millers-v-chichester-city-photos-10224-1092338.html