Cem Tumkaya’s goal with a minute to go gave Cray Valley (PM) victory in their F.A. Cup Third Qualifying Round Replay against Carshalton Athletic.

Although there may have been a bit of good fortune in the winning goal, there can be little doubt that the Millers deserved to progress against their higher league visitors

On Saturday, Cray came back from three-one down to earn a replay and again they had to show their mettle and come from behind in order to progress.

Hassan Ibrahiym had the first sight of goal and drilled a shot just past the post after a good passing move by the hosts. He again came close soon after having played a one-two with Freddie Parker but again failed to hit the target. 

Simeon Dennis got into a good position for Carshalton and Kiki Oshilaja made a great block, but it wasn’t long before the Millers were on the attack again. Matthew Vigor broke down the right and crossed towards Kyrell Lisbie. Dennis tried to intercept and when it hit him, he was relieved to see it come back out off the post. Eventually it came out to Ibrahiym and his effort appeared destined for the top corner until it curled away at the last moment.

Sonny Black headed wide from a Barney Williams free kick before the visitors had the first shot on target with Sam Freeman making a comfortable save from Dennis.

Five minutes before the break, the visitors went ahead. A loose defensive header fell to Oluwabunmi Babajide and he settled himself before firing into the bottom corner.

Shortly after the interval Mark Marshall was off target with a free kick for Carshalton however the Millers continued to press and levelled just shy of the hour mark. Ibrahiym showed great skills to send Clement Asiedu away and his cross was headed home gleefully by Parker.

Williams had a fierce drive tipped over by Toby Bull then Lisbie was thwarted by a block by Luke Read. Lisbie again threatened when shooting just over before Freeman was called into action at the other end to block Abdul Sankoh’s effort.

Marshall had a free kick deflected wide however, with extra time looming it was the hosts who claimed the winner. Williams sent over a corner and a scramble ensued before Tumkaya charged down a clearance and it rebounded into the net.

Although six additional minutes were indicated, and Carshalton threw centre back Lexus Beeden forward, they were unable to fashion another opportunity and the Millers saw it out comfortably.

Victory put Cray Valley into the fourth qualifying round where they will entertain Enfield Town.

Cray Valley (PM): Freeman, Williams, Asiedu, Lee (Tumkaya 46), Oshilaja, Ibrahiym (Anau 90), Ademiluyi, Black, Parker (Coombes 82), Vigor, Lisbie.

Unused subs: Chambers, Gayle, Ovenden, Ekpiteta.

Goalscorers: Parker (59), Tumkaya (89),

Yellow cards: Oshilaja, Williams. Coombes

Carshalton Athletic: Bull, Sankoh, Williams, Dennis, Beeden, Read, Bassett, Frimpong, Bradford, Babadije (Giles 74), Marshall.

Subs not used: Lamont, Hammond, Koroma, Beere, Hamilton-Downes. 

Goal scorers: Babadije (40)

Yellow cards: Frimpong, Bradford

Referee: Steven Hughes

Assistants: Peter Conn and Adam Merchant

Attendance: 195

Pictures supplied by Romana Rule.