Cray Valley PM move up to second in Isthmian League Premier Division after win over Horsham
BY JAKE HILLMAN
Cray Valley PM emerged as 1-0 victors over Horsham at the Badgers Sports Ground on Saturday in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
A goal right at the start of the second half was the difference, scored by midfielder Danny Waldren.
The Millers set the tempo early on by getting the ball up and wide straight from kick-off – it led to a half-chance for Freddie Parker, who volleyed the ball into the keeper’s gloves.
The first half was largely dull. Danny Barker made a run from midfield and missed a header over the bar – the biggest chance for Horsham to get into the lead.
Cray’s attacks down the left flank caused a headache for visiting full-back Lee Harding. And the pain only got worse for Harding in the 47th minute. Funmi Shomotun drove at the Horsham defender with strong intent before whipping in a wonderful cross to the back post for Waldren to nod home.
A few substitutions and some yellow cards later saw the Horsham manager Dominic Di Paola made a formation change from a 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 in an attempt to get more men forward to create an equaliser. The referee Charlie Roberts added seven minutes but Cray Valley were able to run the clock down to clinch the three points alongside a well-deserved clean sheet.
It was a fierce defensive showing from the Cray Valley backline with the two centre-backs proving to be a formidable partnership despite a lack of playing time together with Dan Bowry recently joining the club. Captain Kiki Oshijala expertly led the defensive line through great positioning, aerial duel winning and composure on the ball.
Waldren was a continuous presence in the centre of the park -getting stuck in – and that was key to the home team having a good platform to build off.
Both keepers had little to do in terms of shotstopping but Max Ovenden’s commanding of the box was highly impressive, especially in stoppage time to help get the result over the line.
Cray Valley’s unbeaten streak extends to six games and moved them up to second in the table.
PICTURES: ROMANA RULE