The Millers were crowned Champions of the Isthmian South East Division with victory at Horndean. It was exactly five years to the day that they won the Southern Counties East Football Premier Division and what could be more fitting than Denzel Gayle, one of only two surviving members from that team, should provide a goal and an assist. Gayle has now played 291 games for the club and yesterday was his 66th goal. Cem Tumkaya the only other surviving member, who has made 255 appearances for the club, unfortunately is still recovering from an injury sustained back in January although was present on the sidelines to join in the celebrations.

Yesterday was the culmination of an unbelievable season for manager Steve McKimm and his squad. Twenty one players all of whom played an important part along the way stepped up to collect their winning medals yesterday along with McKimm's back room staff. Captain Arthur Lee held aloft the trophy presented by league representative Neil Pilcher, the team were truly champions.

Lots to be done of course as we now look to continue the journey but for the present let's enjoy the moment and reflect with sheer joy and pleasure at what has transpired this season. 56 competitive matches 39 wins, 12 draws and just 5 defeats including the 4 cup competitions. The league campaign produced 95 points from 38 matches with just one defeat 4-5 at home to Three Bridges. 103 league goals scored and the best defensive record in the division, conceding just 32. On the road in the league they remained unbeaten winning 18 out of 19 games with just the one solitary draw at Ramsgate. Club record breaking runs in both the FA Trophy reaching the second round proper and the FA Cup taking Charlton Athletic to a replay in the first round proper. Truly a season to remember.

As so often this season Valley produced a throughly professional display, taking the lead in the 18th minute Gayle cutting inside and firing a low left foot shot into the bottom corner. Victory was assured when they added a second in the 71st minute, Gayle played a one two with Barney Williams and his floated cross was powerfully headed home by Danny Waldren, his tenth of the season since joining at the end of November.

Millers: Ovenden, Williams, Oshilaja, Lee (c), Asiedu, Gayle (Ademiluyi 80), Black, Waldren, Anau, Lisbie, Coombes (Barrington 78) Subs not used: Chambers, Ekpiteta, Della-Verde
Cautions: None

Deans: Scott, Taw, Dyer, Robb, Blankson, Field, Jackson, Howes (Chester 62), Duffin, Scutt, Willett (Sibley 81) Subs not used O'Brien, Callaghan, Pile
Cautions: Duffin

Referee: Calum McFarlane
Assistants: William Brodie and Luke Fletcher

Post Match Interview - Millers manager Steve McKimm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/post-match-interview--steve-mckimm-delighted-as-millers-are-crowned-isthmian-league-south-east-champions--201045.html

Other match report: Courtesy of Ian Townsend and the Isthmian website:
The Millers Tale - https://www.isthmian.co.uk/the-millers-tale-81584

Match Photos: Inspire Socials
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/horndean-v-millers-27424-photos-inspire-socials-1101283.html