Steve McKimm has refused to think about Cray Valley’s FA Cup replay with Charlton next week as his side return to League action this weekend for just the sixth time this season. 

Erith & Belvedere make the short trip to the Artic Stadium in the Isthmian League South East Division but thoughts when we spoke to the Valley boss this week, there was only one place our conversation could start – last Sunday’s draw at The Valley… 

McKimm was a very proud man when he told us, “They were fantastic to a man, to a squad member and the staff – it was an unbelievable effort, and they deserve all the congratulations and the plaudits they have received..”

“We could be disappointed that we could have won the game, but let us get it right – Michael Appleton (the Charlton boss) made eleven changes from their last game – eleven pros still played on that pitch with a large number of appearances.”

“They had their moments but to get anything out of the game was remarkable for us, we’re not going to be greedy as we know that we had to hang on at times – the possession stats told that story – I thought we did well when we did get the ball, used it well and created a couple of opportunities and at that level we’re always going to create one or two chances and we were fortunate to take one of them!” 

“The backing we got from the supporters was scary,” McKimm went on.

“We soaked in the atmosphere as staff before the players came out and were getting changed as the crowd was coming in.”

“It was brilliant to see family and friends, even other people, and players from other teams in the crowd who we know – could not hear yourself think and when our goal went in, the whole place erupted – it really was unbelievable!” 

“They listened to what we said to them especially at half time and that is what football is all about.” 

“We knew that they were professional footballers, they’re athletes and you must stay in the game as long as possible! You know that you will get moments in every game and when they come along you have to take them.”

“I watched Bromley on Saturday (lose to Blackpool in the FA Cup) – they did not start very well and found themselves two down, but then they had two good moments in the second half and could not take them.”

“If they would have taken one of them, then it would have been a different game – we took ours and it gave us something to hold on to and something to push on for, but it gave us the lift with the crowd behind us!” 

This weekend sees Valley return to Isthmian League action with another derby – this time against Erith & Belvedere but the manager will not look beyond Saturday’s game.

“I have level-headed players and we never run away with ourselves – if we go and take Erith lightly and worry about the replay, certain players will not be with me, it is as simple as that.”

“But I have not got players with that mentality – these players want to be successful this year and I know that every game they play they will give everything as they have done every game this season and nothing will change on Saturday ahead of Wednesday.”