Cray Valley miss out on chance to move top of Isthmian League Premier Division after Lewes draw
BY MARK DOIG
Cray Valley Paper Mills’ hopes of going to the top of the Isthmian League Premier Division were thwarted by Lewes in a goalless draw.
There was plenty of endeavour from both sides but neither could find the quality required to break down the opposing defences and a point apiece was probably a fair result. So tight is the league that a win would have sent the Millers to the summit of the league, but dropping two points meant that they fell to fifth in the table, behind Horsham who defeated Hastings United.
Millers manager Steve McKimm made two changes to his team following their close defeat at Billericay Town on Saturday. Sonny Black came in for Danny Waldren, and Freddie Parker replaced Adam Coombes.
Alfie Allen had the first effort of the match for Lewes with a shot that was tipped over by Harrison Chamberlain. Hamilton Antonio then had a low drive saved easily by the Millers’ goalkeeper.
Dan Bowry tested Lewes goalkeeper Toby Bull after a good knockdown by Parker before Marcus Sablier’s corner for the visitors was headed wide by Jack Meeres. Chamberlain made comfortable saves from Tolu Ladapo and Izzy Jones and Bull did likewise from Kenny Aileru at the other end.
After the promising start, the two teams cancelled each other out with the defences on top and chances became fewer and further between.
That continued in the second half. In rare forays, Parker headed over from a deep Tom Chambers free kick before Aileru’s first-time shot from 10 yards out was saved brilliantly by Bull.
As the game moved into the latter stages, Millers substitute Julien Anau flicked over from a Chambers cross before Parker had one last half chance with a volley that flew over.
Although now in fifth place, Cray are only one point behind the leaders in a very tight top of the table and will be looking for a maximum return when the host Hendon on Saturday.
PICTURES: ROMANA RULE