Pitching in Isthmian League SE division minnows Cray Valley (PM) crossed the chasm of 3 league levels to deservedly dismiss National League rivals Maidenhead United from the Emirates FA Cup at York Road.
Substitute Francis Babalola’s late, late winner sent the South Londoners into the First Round Proper for the first time in their one hundred and one year history, sparking euphoria among players and Club officials alike.
As Babalola took the plaudits, it was debutant goalkeeper Joe Docherty’s save from United striker Sam Barrett’s penalty that laid the platform and installed the belief that we could be witnessing one of this season’s outstanding Cup performances.
It was a match that Valley manager Kevin Watson agreed “had everything.”
“Two goals down, penalty saved and then scoring the winner in the final minute. I didn’t think there was the gulf of difference between the two sides that is often assumed. Once our players recognised this, I felt we were more fluid with our decision making and collective performance.”
The home side made a whirlwind start, forcing a corner within seconds following a raid down the left – Dan Sparkes’ fierce shot being pushed around the post by Docherty.
With Docherty and his fellow defenders looking nervy as fast moving Magpies attacks flowed , United looked to take early control of the tie.
Manny Parry’s 21st minute finish following a header from Ryan Upward was adjudged to have crossed the line – sparking fury in the visitors as skipper Connor Dymond was booked for his protests – while Ryheem Sheckleford’s cross evaded a static Millers defence before being converted by Dan Sparkes as United took a two goal lead before the half hour mark.
With the visitors opting to use the searing pace of Denzel Gayle on the right and Ade Adeyemo through the middle putting pressure on cumbersome Magpies centre back Parry, Adeyemo broke through causing a mix-up between keeper Taye Ashby-Hammond and Massey. The ball broke loose to Ade Yusuff who converted into an empty net to get The Millers back into the game.
When, on the stroke of half time, Hassan Ibrahiym’s corner was firmly headed past Ashby-Hammond by Dymond from 15 yards, it was game on as the break found the tie all square.
With the visitors looking the better of the two sides in the second period, a strike inside the box was adjudged (rather harshly) to have hit Kieron McCann on the arm giving Magpies striker Sam Barratt the opportunity to give the hosts an 83rd minute lead.
Enter Millers’ hero Docherty – the keeper diving to his left to push away Barratt’s well struck kick, much to the relief of those in Green.
After Yusuff missed a guilt-edged opportunity shortly after, the game entered “time added on” and thoughts turned to the tension of a penalty shootout.
The visitors then struck the decisive blow. Yusuff broke through the Magpies defence on the right before squaring the ball to Babalola on the six yard line.
To the delirium of those from South-East London, Babalola converted to win the tie for The Millers.
Magnanamous in defeat, Magpies manager Alan Devonshire said “You’ve got to give them credit. They were the better side in the end and they deserved it.”
The final word rightly comes from Watson. “I’m delighted for the boys. They’re a good group of lads and they deserve this sort of moment in football.”
MILLERS’ STAR MAN – Ashley Sains
MATCH RATING – *****
MAGPIES : Ashby-Hammond, Wells, Donnellan, Parry, Coley, Orsi, Sparkes, Sheckleford, Upward, Massey, Barratt
Subs : Oluwaremi, Comley, Blissett, Keetch, Twumasi, Kelly, Smile
MILLERS : Docherty, Dymond, Smith, Sains, Tumkaya, Gayle, Adeyemo (Babalola 75), McCann, Warren, Ibrahiym, Yusuff
Subs Not Used : Hickey, Farmer, Hill, Morath-Gibbs, King-Elliot, Beerling
Referee : Matthew Russell
Match video ;- Courtesy of fcvideo
First Half ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mon_Ww4PoA&feature=youtu.be
Second Half ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP2t_IZmgvI&feature=youtu.be
Images courtesy of Dave Cumberbatch