PITCHING-IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SE DIV
SITTINGBOURNE 0 CRAY VALLEY (PM) 6 - 23 OCT 2021 - ATT 157
Goals: CV - Green 21, Hill 24, Barrington 59,84,85, Gayle 90

Report by Richard J Green

A SCINTILATING ALL ROUND TEAM PERFORMANCE saw Valley dismantle Sittingbourne’s 100% home record with a display full of creativity and finesse.
It’s true to say, had the visitors finishing been more clinical, the margin of victory could well have been so much greater.
New signing Alex Brefo was called into the starting line-up, with Connor Dymond pushing further forward at the expense of Paul Semakula who started on the bench in the only change of manpower from last week’s stalemate against Chichester City.
And with Brefo slotting seamlessly into the back three, the first chance fell Valley’s way in the 7th minute – Matt Warren’s free kick from the right being headed narrowly wide by Dymond.
The Brickies had their first sniff of goal 4 minutes later when leading scorer Johan Caney-Bryan just failed to get on the end of a tantalising cross from the left , but the majority of the action centred on former Millers’ keeper Joe Docherty in the home goal.
Marcel Barrington was denied by Docherty on the edge of his 18 yard box, before Nathan Green’s low cross from the left narrowly evaded Rory Hill on the six yard line.
It wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken however as excellent interplay on the left between Green and Hill saw the former slot low through Docherty’s legs into the far corner.
The lead was increased minutes later as Green returned the compliment, playing in Hill who turned and shot low past Docherty.
Hill had an excellent chance to double his personal tally when he narrowly headed Francis Babalola’s cross wide of the post, but the visitors went into the half time break mindful of missed opportunities.
The tone continued as the second half progressed – Barrington having a fierce drive pushed wide by Docherty, while Cem Tumkaya headed over from Jack Sammoutis’ follow up corner.
A Sammoutis free kick was then headed back across the area via Brefo and Dymond to Hill whose effort struck the bar.
After Barrington shot narrowly wide after again being set up by Sammoutis, the tall striker finally hit the net on the hour.
Hill played the ball through to Barrington on the edge of the area – Barrington shifted the ball from his right foot before cooly finishing with his left.
The points now looking secure, manager Kevin Watson substituted Hill and Sammoutis for a well deserved break following their tireless efforts of the last week.
And the fresh legs of replacements Semakula and Denzel Gayle powered the Millers to a storming finish.
Six minutes from time, Semakula’s pass found Barrington on the edge of the area – Barrington’s shot squirming through the grasp of Docherty to make it four -, before Gayle broke following a Sittingbourne corner, beat the on-rushing Docherty and pulled the ball back for Barrington to complete his hat-trick.
Gayle himself completed the scoring in the dying stages after a spell of Millers’ possession saw Babalola break free. The ball was transitioned via Warren for Gayle to spin and fire into the bottom corner and underpin Valley’s position as the division’s leading scorers.
Recognition should also be given however to a defensive unit who kept the Brickies strikeforce at arms length, thereby enabling the more creative players to perform at their best.

MILLERS’ STAR MAN : – MARCEL BARRINGTON – Netted 3 times to underpin an excellent all round team performance

MATCH RATING: - ***

THE BRICKIES : Docherty, Flisher, Fisher, Hamilton-Omole, Pont, Crimmen , 75), Abdulla, Hawkins
Not Used : Loynes, Dasho

Caution : Crimmen

MILLERS : Lewington, Dymond ©, Green (Ompreon 81), Blanks, Tumkaya, Sammoiutis (Gayle 75), Barrington, Babalola, Brefo, Warren, Hill (Semakula 70)
Not Used : Salmon

Referee : Valentine Anekwe
Assistants : Jack Owen and Wayne Horsfall

Pic – Gayle beats Docherty before setting up Barrington to complete his hat-trick

Match photos by Michael Brown - @BSportsphotos