Goals either side of the half-time whistle saw Cray Valley PM to three points against a direct Faversham Town side at Salters Lane.
On a hard, bumpy pitch, both sides struggled to control a lively football in a first half where quality play was at a premium.
Having watched Valley in action against Corinthians in their last match, Lilywhites boss James Collins may have thought he saw a weakness in the visitors rearguard – the hosts main source of attack coming from long balls deep into the Millers area, or a succession of throws by midfielder Lewis Chambers. Indeed, whenever the ball went out of play in his attacking half of the field, Chambers was quick to make his way over to hurl another effort towards goal.
It certainly took a dominant defensive display from Connor Dymond and his fellow central defenders to keep the Lilywhites attack at bay during the early stages.
Indeed, it wasn’t until the 26th minute that Valley mustered their first attack of note – Jack Sammoutis taking possession in midfield and beating three defenders before finding Nathan Green on the left whose shot was comfortably saved by Faversham custodian Luke Watkins.
Just minutes later however, came one of the game’s pivotal moments. Following another long throw from Chambers, the ball broke to Kelvin Ogboe 20 yards out. As he took control and bore down on goal, Ogboe was met by Valley ‘keeper Chris Lewington on the edge of his 18 yard box – Lewington standing his ground to deny the striker.
Then, with the queues starting to form at the half-time tea kiosk, Sammoutis’ corner from the right found the head of Cem Tumkaya on the edge of the area before hitting a post as it flew into the net.
One became two before those in attendance could return to their seats after the interval – Green’s throw from the left appeared to be mis-controlled by Hassan Ibrahiym just outside the 18 yard box before his right footed drive flew past Watkins into the far corner of the goal.
Supremacy finally attained, The Millers almost added a third minutes later – Ibrahiym’s teasing long ball forward that bounced between Francis Babalola and Watkins 25 yards out, saw the striker thwarted on the edge of the area.
The lead was however further extended just before the hour as, following excellent Valley interplay, Matt Warren passed to Ibrahiym on his left – Ibrahiym producing an exquisite right footed finish from 20 yards.
The game as good as won after just an hour, the coup de gras was provided by Marcel Barrington in the 70th minute, as a long ball from Lewington found him 30 yards out. Barrington took possession before rounding off the scoring by beating Watkins from distance.
So with four goals in each of their opening two away fixtures this season, The Millers now go searching for more as they visit East Grinstead Town and Three Bridges during the next week.
MILLERS’ STAR MAN: – CONNOR DYMOND – Immense defensive performance repelling a stream of long throws and crosses deep into The Millers penalty area
MATCH RATING: – ***
LILYWHITES : Watking, Jones, Lyoubi, Chambers, Bourne, Denny, Woodcock (Bioletti 46), Bewick (Campbell 61), Oluwasemo, Harding ©, Ogboe (Spencer 59)
Not Used : Dorling, Eyles
Cautions : Jones, Bourne, Harding, Lyoubi
MILLERS : Lewington, Dymond ©, Green, Semakula, Blanks, Tumkaya, Sammoutis, Barrington (Tomlin 79), Babalola (Gayle 74), Warren, Ibrahiym (Hill 69)
Not Used : Morath-Gibbs, Beerling
Caution : Hill
Referee : Aji Ajibola
Assistants : Jack Ridge, Marian Stoichitoiu
Pic – Two goal Hassan Ibrahiym fires home to extend The Millers’ lead
Match photos by Michael Brown – @BSportsphotos