IT MAY BE INTO ITS 149TH YEAR, BUT THE FA CUP STILL HAS THE CAPACITY TO GENERATE EXCITEMENT.
As Cray Valley (PM) moved into the 4th Qualifying Round of the world’s oldest knockout competition for the first time, the joy on the faces of young and old alike filled The Artic Stadium, exemplified by the fist pump I received from young Connor Higgins on leaving the stadium.
For the vanquished, it’s a sad wait for their next opportunity in 10 months time, in a tournament most players have a maximum of 14 career opportunities to make their mark.
Two clinical second half strikes from Valley striker Ade Yusuff settled what was tagged as “ElMillerco” in the Non-League Paper, as South London conquered North on a tense night of high octane football.
Rain throughout the day may have deterred many from attending, but as Valley launched their first ever online ticketing scheme, a season’s best attendance of 301 poured into the ground.
A first half of few chances saw the teams return to the dressing room knowing that, if the deadlock wasn’t broken in the second half, a penalty shoot-out would determine the winners.
The deadlock was however broken just minutes into the second half – youngster Ade Adeyemo raced down the right to the byline, before pulling the ball back for Yusuff to fire home. The ground erupted to the sound of jubilant locals as The Millers players raced to congratulate the scorer.
Stung by this, the visitors pressed forward looking to reply immediately, but it was Valley who came closest as Yusuff had a penalty claim denied, while Francis Babalola and Ashley Sains went close.
As Aveley threw a stream of long balls and throws into the home box looking for tall striker George Sykes, the defence stood firm as one to defend Andy Walker’s goal – with Ashley Sains particularly outstanding.
As watches were scrutinised nervously, the tie was settled 3 minutes into injury time.
A wonderful piece of skill by midfielder Hassan Ibrahiym on the halfway line saw him break free from three challenges before spraying the ball to Ryan King-Elliot wide on the right. The Millers’ substitute burst into the penalty area before finding Babalola who relayed the ball on to Yusuff to complete his night’s work.
Cray Valley manager Kevin Watson was left to reflect on what was “a great milestone in the Club’s history – these moments are for all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.”
He added “Cup competitions provide unparalleled opportunity for players, but we are fully aware that our priority remains the league campaign, which at this point requires great focus and improvement.”
A sentiment that rings true, but ears will be pressed to radios on Thursday lunchtime awaiting the draw for the next episode.

MILLERS’ STAR MAN – Ade Yusuff

MATCH RATING - ****

MILLERS : A.Walker, Dymond, Hickey, Sains, Tumkaya, Gayle (King-Elliot 84), Adeyemo (Warren 70), Babalola, Ibrahiym, Yusuff
Not Used ; Smith, Farmer, Docherty, Thomas

AVELEY : Hughes, Ring, Winn (Ogunrinde 72), Witherspoon, Gibbs, Sheehan, Clark, Donovan, Sykes, Goode, Gilbey
Not Used ; Allen, Mochalski, Sach, Gard

Photo : Millers players stay in their “bubbles” to celebrate Ade Yusuff’s clincher

Match photos by Dave Cumberbatch

Match Report: Courtesy Aveley FC
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/aveley/teams/435/match-centre/2-9679281/report