The euphoria of Saturday’s excellent cup demolition of Harrow Borough was washed away by the taste of home defeat for the first time in ten months, as Faversham Town took three deserved points back home along the A2.
Fears that this could prove to be one of those “after the Lord Mayors Show” occasions were fuelled by the pre kick-off news that injury would deprive The Millers of the services of Kalvin Morath-Gibbs and Ade Yusuff from Saturday’s starting eleven – an opportunity being given to young striker Ade Adeyemo to stake a claim for a starting place.
And, with the sound of the clicking turnstiles still announcing the arrival of latecomers, they found themselves trailing as Stephen Okoh’s right wing cross was nodded past flailing Millers’ keeper Andy Walker by Lewis Chambers.
With the visitors bombarding the hosts 18 yard box with a succession of long crosses, and throws from Chambers, they struggled to get a grip on the game as Connor Dymond made an excellent clearance to deny Chambers in the 18th minute.
With midfielder Sam Bewick firing narrowly wide from the edge of the box, The Lilywhites threatened to extend their lead – The Millers being restricted to efforts from distance.
After a “pep talk” from management, Valley started the second half on the front foot – Francis Babalola thrusting his way forward on the right before having a shot saved at the near post.
As The Millers took control possession wise and territorially, centre back Cem Tumkaya had a header cleared off the line – but the visitors’ now playing with 10 men behind the ball, were proving a tough nut to crack.
Until that is, the 76th minute.
Flying winger Denzel Gayle’s run and excellent far post cross was met by the head of Adeyemo – the ball flying powerfully beyond the arms of beaten Lilywhites goalkeeper Luke Watkins.
With the majority of the 148 in attendance baying for Kentish blood, The Millers pushed forward – Babalola’s curling goalbound shot being headed away for a corner.
Goalkeeping coach Craig Gibson held up the board announcing that an additional 5 minutes stoppage time would be played – the sight of which lifted local spirits.
But with 1 additional minute remaining – the hammer blow.
Millers midfielder Hassan Ibrahiym was dispossessed 30 yards out by Emmanuel Oluwasemo. The Faversham substitute evaded an attempt to bring him down before hitting a looping drive over Walker to perfectly “bookend” the game for Faversham.
So the visitors retain their unbeaten start to the season, while the hosts will be hoping this will prove to be a blip in their loftier ambitions.
MILLERS’ STAR MAN – HASSAN IBRAYIHM
MATCH RATING – ****
MILLERS : A.Walker, Dymond (Smith 21), Hickey (King-Elliot 71), Sains, Tumkaya, Gayle, Adeyemo, Babalola, McCann, Warren, Ibrahiym
Not Used : Flack, Farmer, Aarons-Royal
FAVERSHAM TOWN : Watkins, Jones, Lyoubi, Pont (Oluwasemo 64), Bourne, Denny, Okoh (Hagan 71), Chambers, Harding, Bewick (Williams 79), Ogboe
Not Used : Ibe, Speirs
Pic supplied by Dave Cumberbatch: Millers’ goalscorer Ade Adeyemo thwarted on this occasion by Keeper Luke Watkins
Attendance: 148