Kevin Watson takes his Cray Valley (PM) side to Berkshire on Saturday for what has been described by General Manager Steve Chapman as “another historic day in Cray Valley’s journey through the football leagues”.
Less than two years after competing at Step 5 in the South East Counties Football League (SCEFL), the Millers now find themselves taking on National League opposition, with the prize of a potential trip to football giants such as Sunderland or Portsmouth.
Chapman, who boasts a twenty five year association with the Club – including spells as a player and manager – went on to say “let’s hope we play well and come out of the game with some credit, and hopefully we’ll go even further”.
Standing in their way are a Maidenhead United side who – after only starting their season on 3rd October – sit mid-table in the National League following two away victories in the last week, at Wrexham and Notts County.
Managed by long serving former West Ham United and England man Alan Devonshire, the “Southern” Magpies were promoted to the National League Premier having won the South Division in 2016/17. They had a 30 year tenure in the Isthmian League between 1973/74 and 2003/04 before winning promotion to the (then named) Conference South.
A struggle in the 2019/20 season saw them finish in 21st position, avoiding relegation on a points per game basis – following the demise of Bury – amidst the Covid-19 situation.
Despite having appeared in the 1st round proper of the FA Cup in 4 of the last 5 years – facing EFL sides Port Vale, Coventry City, Portsmouth and Rotherham United – the Magpies have yet to progress to the 2nd round.
Leading scorer this season is winger Sam Barrett with 4 goals after re-joining the Club from Southend United in the summer. Barrett previously left York Road to join The Shrimpers in 2018.
Sam is joined up front by another summer recruit – 6’2” Danilo Orsi-Dadamo who joined from Hampton & Richmond Borough – with from former Norwich City and Dunfermline Athletic winger Josh Coley on the other wing.
Millers coach Kevin James sees it as a tough draw. “Maidenhead are classed as an “elite” club, sitting in the National League, – it’ll be a tough draw. We’d have preferred it to be at home, but we’ve got to go there and give a good account of ourselves – play the way that we normally play”.
Given the professional way Valley portray themselves, it was no surprise to hear that they have done their homework. “It’d be stupid for us not to watch them. We’ve identified some of their threats and we’ll do our best to not only be thinking about them, but thinking about us and how we can impose ourselves, and how positive we can be and stamp our authority on the game”.
NEWS FOR VISITING FANS
Unfortunately, due to Maidenhead United’s “Elite Club” status, no supporters will be admitted to this fixture.
The full match, with replays and commentary can be viewed at ;-
or via the Maidenhead United website –
Price £10
Image courtesy of Dave Cumberbatch