The Millers continued their impressive start to the season with a hard fought draw against a well drilled Billericay team, who battled back in the second half to maintain their unbeaten league record at a sun drenched Artic stadium. Ashley Nzala’s goal in the 59th minute cancelled out Danny Waldren’s first half effort and either team could have stolen the three points in a frantic end to the match.

Valley dominated the first half which was interrupted by numerous petty fouls and a lengthy stoppage for a serious injury to Millers captain Arthur Lee. They should have taken the lead before Waldren’s opener with Matt Vigor and Adam Coombs both missing good opportunities before they eventually scored in the 36th minute. Left back Clem Asiedu’s deep cross to the far post was expertly headed home by ex-Blues midfielder Waldren for his second goal of the season. The visitors had to wait until the first minute of added time before their first shot on goal when Oliver Pain tipped De’Carrey Sheriff’s fierce shot onto the bar.

The mood changed in the second half with the Blues taking the game to home team and Pain had to be alert on several occasions with two fine saves but he couldn’t do anything to prevent the equaliser. Having lost possession on the half way line the home sides players were out of position and were punished with a slick counter attack. The ball was worked well to the feet of Nzala who calmly slotted home past Pain from 10 yards. Danny Green, Blues Assistant Manager, reflected “ We are pleased with the draw. This is a difficult place to come to and Cray will take points off the big teams. I thought Cray had the better of the first half but we shaded the second”. Millers manager Steve McKimm echoed those sentiments and also added “ I’m proud of the lads. Billericay are an established Isthmian League team and they will be up they at the end of the season so upon reflection a point is a good result”

MAN OF THE MATCH – DANNY WALDREN (CRAY VALLEY)

Millers: Pain, Williams, Oshilaja, Lee (c) (Tumkaya 10), Asiedu, Ademiluyi, Black, Waldren, Vigor (Anau 70), Coker (Shomotun 66), Coombes (Barrington 88), Subs not used: Della-Verde
Cautions: None

Blues: Donkin, Porter, Johnson (c), Bender, Jalloh (Day 87), Merrifield, De-Carrey-Sheriff (Emmanuel 71), Miller-Rodney (Janneh 70), Nzala (keller 88), Paxman, Steward. Subs not used: Davis
Cautions: Miller-Rodney, Bender, Donkin

Referee: Neil Fyfield
Assistants: Bruno Marques and Yashar Yekta

Pictured new dug out in use for the first time