CRAY VALLEY PM KEPT THEIR FIRST CLEAN SHEET SINCE EARLY NOVEMBER but will rue missing the opportunity to return home with 3 valuable points.
In what was generally a much improved 90 minute performance than of late, Gavin Tomlin’s 40th minute penalty miss seemed to sum up The Millers recent lack of potency.
Excellent work from Francis Babalola saw him slip the ball through to Hassan Ibrahiym lurking on the edge of the hosts penalty area. As he positioned himself to shoot, the midfielder was brought crashing to earth – the Referee having no hesitation in awarding a penalty.
As Tomlin stepped up to take the spot kick, Lilywhites keeper Luke Watkins correctly read the striker’s intentions, throwing himself to his left to save, before reacting quickly to block Tomlin’s follow up attempt.
Named as the Sponsor’s Man of the Match, this was the highlight of a fine performance from Watkins who defied the visitors numerous goal attempts.
An excellent 50th minute strike from Babalola cannoned back off the foot of the post as the striker turned and shot across goal.
The Millers seemed certain to break the deadlock in the 57th minute as excellent work from Ibrahiym saw his shot blocked, the ball falling to Tomlin who’s effort was somehow cleared by the Lilywhite’s rearguard.
For their part, Faversham hit back in the 67th minute – Millers centre back Joe Tennent clearing off the line to thwart a rare attack.
But much as they tried, The Millers were unable to find the killer touch in front of goal, and will return home in the knowledge that all 3 points should have been theirs, and grateful for that clean sheet.

Report by Richard J Green

Match Photos
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