Goals from Marcel Barrington and Francis Babalola eased Valley into the 4th round of the Velocity Cup in this well contested tie at the Artic Stadium.
Recalls for Jack Sammoutis, Hassan Ibrahiym and Babalola came at the expense of Denzel Gayle, Matt Warren and Rory Hill who all started the evening on the bench, while youngster Liam Northwood again deputised for the stricken Chris Lewington in the Millers’ goal.
It was refreshing to see Isthmian League North opponents Felixstowe come to play a competitive game of football after the defensive tactics employed by East Grinstead Town on Saturday.
The visitors, on a run of six consecutive wins, featured new loan signing from Ipswich Town Jesse Nwabueze wide on the left, but he was superbly marshalled throughout by Cem Tumkaya.
And after a lively start with no clear cut chances, it was Valley who took the lead midway through the first half.
Taking possession just outside the Seasiders penalty area, Ade Adeyemo laid the ball to Babalola on his right – Babalola’s accurate cross being met by the head of Barrington who placed the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
Shortly after the interval, Nwabueze’s low cross from the left narrowly evaded a colleague at the far post as the tie remained in the balance.
In the 66th minute however, Seasiders’ keeper Callum Robinson mis-controlled the ball 25 yards from goal before being dispossessed by Babalola who placed a delightful lob into the unguarded net to seal the Millers’ passage into the last sixteen.
MILLERS’ STAR MAN: – FRANCIS BABALOLA – Assist and a goal for the recalled Millers’ wide man
MATCH RATING: – ***
MILLERS : Northwood, Dymond ©, Green (Warren 62), Semakula, Tumkaya, Sammoutis, Barrington (Gayle 82), Adeyemo (Hill 62), Babalola, Brefo, Ibrahiym (Day 75)
Caution : Barrington
SEASIDERS : Robinson, Petrea (Barley 70), Ainsley ©, Aitkins (Whight 62), Nunn, Knock, Smith, Horton (Holland 62), Scharr, Warren, Nwabueze
Not used : Matthews
Cautions : Nunn, Ainsley, Barley
Referee – Lawrence Torz-Brown
Assistants – Andrew Thomson and Nic Hucker
Pic – Francis Babalola runs at the Seasiders’ defence
Match photos by Michael Brown – @BSportsphotos
Attendance: 56