At Tuesday lunchtime, Cray Valley (PM) entertain Corinthian in a festive season Isthmian League South East Division derby.

Since manager Kevin Watson’s surprise departure, Tommy Osborne has taken over and guided the Millers into the play-off zone with three consecutive league victories.

A two-nil win at Chichester City was followed by a three-one win at Sheppey United and a home success versus Chatham Town.

Having not played since the first Saturday in December, Cray’s game against Chatham saw them win fairly comfortably. Denzel Gayle put them ahead before Adam Coombes converted from the penalty spot to give them a two-goal half time cushion.

Gayle added a third and Chatham’s goal in the last minute, an own goal by Cem Tumkaya, was a mere consolation.

This season has been a little more difficult for Corinthian. They are currently in the bottom two, but Michael Golding’s team has shown signs of stability in their last six league and cup games with two wins, two draws and two defeats.

Their last game, also back at the start of December, was away at Faversham Town. The Hoops went ahead on the thirty-minute mark through Sam Bewick but had to settle for a share of the points when Jacques Kpohomouh levelled on the hour.

In the corresponding game in Eltham last season between Cray Valley and Corinthian, the Millers claimed the three points in a hard fought one-nil victory courtesy of Connor Dymond goal twenty minutes into the second half.

That was early in the season so weather conditions will be hugely different this time around.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.