Penalty Joy for Young Millers

ISTHMIAN YOUTH LEAGUE CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY SEMI FINAL
FRIDAY 3 MAY 2024 - AT IMBER COURT
METROPOLITAN POLICE U18 3 CRAY VALLEY (PM) U18 3 - CRAY VALLEY WIN 5-4 ON PENALTIES

Manager Graham Knight and his team ensured their time together continues for one more game as they reached the final of the Champions Trophy with an heroic display at Imber Court last night against a very good young Met Police side.

Valley were quick out of the blocks and took the lead in the fifth minute, a cross into the middle was punched clear by the keeper, it fell to Victor Damyanov from fully 20 yards out and he powered a first time volley into the back of the net. Two minutes later the lead was doubled Arinze Chukwujekwu sliding the ball low past the keeper to finish after good build up play.

As the half wore on both keepers were called into the action but it was Aidan Wicks in the Valley goal who was the busier. Just after the half hour Chukwujekwu did find the back of the net again but it was ruled out for offside. The Blues pressure finally paid off and they pulled a goal back on 39 minutes, Hugo Hill side footing home from just inside the box.

After a bright start to the second half Valley were pushed onto the back foot and had to work hard to repel the home attacks. The equaliser coming on 71 minutes, good delivery from the corner kick from Harvey Ball finding its way into the back of the net with the final touch from Jamal Sharpe. With the Blues now on top Wicks made a good save low down to keep the scores level. However as so often has happened this season Valley found a way and somewhat against the run of play they re-took the lead in the 81st minute. Emmanuel Erin's shot was blocked by the keeper but Malachy Turner anticipated well and fired home fthe rebound from close range.

The Blues continued to press and Wicks made two quick saves. With the clock ticking down the Blues levelled things up in the 90th minute, a weaving run into the box and a good finish into the bottom corner from Sharpe. Added time played and it remained 3-3 at the final whistle. The semi-final would be decided on penalties.

The Blues up first and confidently put away low into the bottom corner, this would become a feature from both sides, Liam Hutchings, Eyin, Turner and Damyanov all scoring their spot kicks for Valley and the score stood at 4-4. The fifth Blues penalty was again well struck but this time Wicks guessed right and saved low down. It was left for Valley captain Riley Woods to step up to score to win the tie, he duly did to the delight of all his teammates and the bench.

Riley Woods with the fifth and decisive penalty in the shoot out.

The final will take place next Thursday 9th May at Bedfont Sports against Worthing. A repeat of last years Champions Trophy final and this seasons league cup final, both won by Valley. A busy time for the young Millers of course with many taking school exams and we wish them well.

Cray Valley: Wicks, Knight, Hitchings, Fashanu, Woods (c), Damyanov, Gilchrist, Jones (Boyle 72), Turner, Chukwujekwu (Egharevba 72), Igwe (Eyin 65) Sub not used: McKenna

Teams watch on as the penalty shoot out takes place

Match Action

Pre-match warm up