If you didn’t know the name Cray Valley [PM] at the start of the season, you will do by Monday night.
The Isthmian League South East Division currently play their games at the Artic Stadium, Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, roughly six miles from their spiritual home in St Mary Cray
Making it as far as even the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup is a historic achievement. They’d actually equalled their best ever performance in previous rounds. On Saturday, they bridged a three level gap to stun dismiss National League side Maidenhead United 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 the shock was on.
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. Shortly after, they took the lead.
Manny Parry’s 21st minute finish following a header from Ryan Upward just about crossed the line. Millers skipper Connor Dymond was booked for his protests but things were about to worsen.
Ryheem Sheckleford’s cross evaded a static Millers defence before being converted by Sparkes as United took a two goal lead before the half hour mark. With the favourites at home and 2-0 up, observers would have been within their rights to look elsewhere for cup shocks.
But something was about to change.
Denzel Gayle on the Cray right and Ade Adeyemo through the middle put pressure on Magpies centre back Liam Parry.
Adeyemo broke through causing a mix-up between keeper Taye Ashby-Hammond and Alan 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 at 2-2.
The visitors now had momentum and were looking the better of the two sides in the second period but events were about to turn against them when they conceded a penalty.
A shot hit defender Kieron McCann on the arm giving Magpies striker Sam Barratt the opportunity to give the hosts an 83rd minute lead. Enter Millers’ hero Docherty who dove to his left to push away Barratt’s well struck kick, much to the elation of those in green.
After Yusuff missed a gilt-edged opportunity shortly after, the game entered “time added on” and thoughts turned to the tension of a penalty shootout.
While at 2-0, most of the watching Cray committee would have settled for penalties, Francis Babalola was about to rewrite the history of Cray Valley Paper Mills.
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.
Magnanimous 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 Paper Mills boss Kevin Watson.
“I’m delighted for the boys. They’re a good group of lads and they deserve this sort of moment in football.”
With Monday night’s draw on the horizon, there may be an even better moment for the side who’ll be listening out for ball 61.
They may even have some other numbers memorised. 44 is Sunderland, 2 is AFC Wimbledon and 11 is Charlton Athletic.
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