Adam Coombes came off the bench to score the only goal of the game, with a powerful near post header, directing across goal into the top far corner, from Lyle Della Verde's 74th minute corner to secure the three points for the Millers.

Coombes header for the only goal of the game

Invicta had two players sent off - both second yellows. First to go was debutant Amadou Kassarate for a foul on Barney Williams on 21 minutes and a clear pull back of the shirt of Matty Vigor fourteen minutes later. He was followed by Dean Rance who, having been cautioned for dissent in the first half was guilty of a clearly audible rant at referee Daniel D'urso in the 50th minute resulting in a second yellow and subsequent red. Invicta will feel aggrieved and although some may argue there were a couple of what appeared to be over officious decisions, both dismissals were probably entirely correct.

Despite being down to ten and then nine men Invicta battled hard and Valley had Max Ovenden in goal to thank for their clean sheet with a vital save in both halfs - first on 18 minutes to deny Dan Smith diving to his left to push away for a corner and later coming out to thwart Tom Derry after a forceful run from Daniel Smith a minute after the Valley goal. Valley for their part rarely troubled Jonathan Henly in the Invicta goal until Coombes struck although Michael Ademiluyi went close, hitting the side netting. Invicta captain, brother of Valley's Denzel, Ian Gayle, cleared off the line on the hour mark. Not a classic game but Valley won't be too concerned as the win takes them to second place in the fledging league table having taken 9 points from their opening four games.

A thank you to all the travelling Valley supporters some of whom took temporary shelter in the torrential first half downpour under the big tree behind the goal, (see iPhone photo).

Millers: Ovenden, Williams, Tumkaya, Oshilaja (c), Chambers, Ademiluyi, Black (Della Verde 61), Waldren (Coombes 72), Vigor (Ibrahiym 67), Coker (Barrington 57), Parker (Asiedu 78)
Cautions: Oshilaja, Ovenden, Barrington

Invicta: Henly, Hoyte, Mascoll (Morgan 74), Gayle (c), Ekpiteta (Ojeman 88), Kassarate, Rance, Ebuzoeme (Young 80), Derry, Smith, Kouassi (Brown 51) Sub not used: Sessegnon
Cautions: Kassarate, Rance, Hoyte, Mascoll, Drury (Mgr - bench)
Dismissed (second yellow) Kassarate 35, Rance 50

Cray Valley Man of the Match: Tom Chambers

Referee: Daniel D'Urso
Assistants: Joel Lamping and John Pike

Match Highlights courtesy of Folkestone Invicta
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/highlights--folkestone-invicta-01-cray-valley-pm--isthmian-premier-division-2482024-203262.html

Post Match Interview: Steve McKimm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/post-match-interview--steve-mckimm-gives-his-thoughts-on-the-10-victory-away-at-folkestone-invicta-24824-203141.html

Match Photos: Romana at Inspire Socials
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/folkestone-invicta-v-millers-24824-photos-inspire-socials-1111391.html