CRAY VALLEY’S HISTORY MAKING FA CUP RUN came to an end on a 3g pitch in Hampshire, as the competition’s leading scorers fired a blank against their National League (South) opponents.
An adventure that began in the September sun in Eltham, has given the Millers nationwide exposure as their exploits captured the imagination of lovers of this, the world’s most famous knockout competition.
Trailing to Bedsente Gomis’ 18th minute header for the Hawks – following debutant George McLennan’s fine left wing cross -, Matt Warren’s injury time strike from the edge of the box which struck the angle of crossbar/post summed up their day in front of goal.
Despite having 10 shots at goal and 7 corners, The Millers failed to trouble Hawks keeper Ross Worner as they looked to punish the 10 man hosts - centre back Godfrey Poku being sent off in the 63rd minute for a second yellow card.
The visitors had a decent shout for a penalty shortly after going behind – Connor Dymond appearing to be held by Sam Magri following a 22nd minute corner – before a Hawks counter attack saw Josh Taylor’s fine run thwarted by onrushing Millers’ custodian Andy Walker on the edge of his area.
More controversy ensued ten minutes later as George McLennan appeared to push visiting striker Ade Yusuff in the box.
“There were certainly some talking points in the game which could so easily have swung things more in our favour” was how Millers’ boss Kevin Watson saw it, “but we are not looking for reasons or excuses beyond those that we can control”.
With the sending off of Poku, Watson replaced Kieron McCann with striker Francis Babalola as Valley looked to get back on level terms, but a succession of efforts from the edge of the 18 yard box were either deflected or flew beyond the target.
After Warren had a 90th minute drive pushed away by Worner, the resulting corner fell to Yusuff who appeared to be tripped inside the penalty area.
The length of the deliberation by referee James Durkin before booking Yusuff for simulation, was maybe indicative of the officials indecision.
With five minutes added on for stoppages, Warren’s strike was the nearest Valley came to taking the tie into extra time, leaving Watson to reflect “it wasn’t a journey that I felt needed to end today, but fine margins are often all it takes.
I didn’t feel there was any gulf of difference between the players as is so often expected”.
It will have come as no comfort to the Millers’ manager to hear Hawks boss Paul Doswell reflect “I feel relieved – the better team lost today” but, the Cup run now over, attention turns to the Millers’ league campaign when football is due to resume next month.

MILLERS’ STAR MAN – Ade Yusuff

HAWKS : Worner, Read, Poku (S/O 63) , Diarra, Magri, Taylor, Iaciofano (Robson 69), Gomis, Wright, Deacon (Sinclair 85), McLennan
Subs : Straker, Ajakaiye, Bright, Luce, Tupper

MILLERS : Walker, Dymond, Hickey (Morath-Gibbs 64), Sains, Tumkaya, Gayle, Adeyemo (Hill 78), McCann (Babalola 70), Warren, Ibrahiym, Yusuff
Subs Not Used : Blendell, Farmer, King-Elliot, Beerling

Referee : James Durkin

Photos: Dave Cumberbatch