Match Report by Steve Chapman
The Millers opened their first ever campaign in the Isthmian Premier in front of a bumper crowd 874 at the Artic stadium. The teams were two leagues apart last season and despite being just a 10 minute drive down the A2, unbelievably this was the first ever competitive match between the sides. On the pitch there wasn’t much between the teams either and it needed a wonder goal from midfielder Denzelle Olopade to secure the points for the Darts.

Relegated Dartford are looking to bounce back to the National League South at the first attempt having spend the last 15 years playing at a higher level. Manager Ady Pennock has rebuilt his squad over the summer and was relieved to hear the final as Valley pressed for an equaliser. Pennock commented “ A very difficult place to come to. I’m very pleased with the three points but with a very young squad a lot more improvement is needed”.

The visitors started well and had the majority of the play in the first half. Jeremiah Pinder headed over from close range and Callum Jones had his low shot well saved by Max Overden in the Millers goal. It was those two that combined for the first goal in the 28th minute. Pinder somehow managed to get his cross in and Jones was on hand to turn and fire his shot past Overden.

Millers manager Steve McKimm is eager to give his promotion winning squad a chance and his side began the second half with much more energy before losing key midfielder Hassan Ibrahiym to a second yellow card. Despite being reduced to 10 men the home side managed to level the score in the 62th minute when Tom Chambers bundled a corner from Barney Williams over the line. The joy was short lived though as only 8 minutes later Olopade picked the ball up 30 yards out and fired his shot into the top corner.

Millers Assistant Manager Barry Moore reflected “We switched off at key times during the game and you can’t afford to do that against sides like Dartford as you are going to get punished”.

MAN OF THE MATCH – DENZELLE OLOPADE (DARTFORD)

Millers: Ovenden, Williams, Lee (c), Oshilaja, Chambers (Tumkaya 75), Gayle (Asiedu 75), Parker (Barrington 66), Coker (Ademiluyi 59), Vigor (Della Verde 82), Ibrahiym Subs not used none
Cautions: Lee, Parker
Dismissed: Ibrahiym (second yellow) 49

Darts: Kerbey, Odaudu, Hill, Whitefield, Jones, Olopade, Box (Allen 73), Okoye (Natler 82), Williams, Christian-Law, Ponder Subs not used: Apat, Atkinson, Campbell
Cautions: Kerbey, Allen, Pinder

Referee: Kane Dempster
Assistants: Krystian Kaczala and Ricardo Reynolds

Matchday Blog:Maria McArrow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc5Mk4TI1Oo

Post Match Interview - Steve McKimm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/post-match-interview--steve-mckimm-reflects-on-a-21-defeat-at-home-to-dartford-fc-10824-202762.html

Other Match Report and Photos - Matthew Panting for Kent Online
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/sport/report-cray-valley-v-dartford-311123/
More from Matthew Panting & Kent Online inc managers comments
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/bexley-and-bromley/sport/first-half-display-proved-costly-for-cray-311138/

- Callum Townsend for Kent Sports News
https://www.kentsportsnews.com/cray-valley-pm-1-2-dartford-10-08-2024/

Match Photos: Inspire Socials
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/millers-v-dartford-10324-photos-inspire-socials-1109823.html