Our approach to the game will be no different to any other game, says Cray Valley boss Kevin Watson

CRAY VALLEY (Paper Mills) manager Kevin Watson says he faces the prospect of losing goalkeeper Andy Walker for tomorrow’s winner-takes-all clash at Canterbury City.

The 37-year-old pulled off a string of fine saves despite suffering a hamstring strain inside the opening 30 seconds of last Sunday’s 1-0 home win over Ben Smith’s side in The Buildbase FA Vase Semi-Final First Leg.

The two sides meet at Salters Lane in Faversham tomorrow, with the Millers holding a single goal advantage.

“Our approach to the game will be no different to any other game,” said Watson on the eve of the big game.

“Preparation has been normal. Whilst the club have organised a coach, most players will make their own way to the ground.

“We will continue to monitor Andy Walker over the next 24 hours but he is a doubt for Saturday.

“Other than him and Joe N’Guessan, who has been a long-term injury, we will have a full quota of players for selection.

“The weather forecasts look good and so conditions should be quite different to last week.”

Watson refused to speak about playing at the iconic Wembley Stadium in the Final on Sunday 19 May 2019.

“We are certainly not looking beyond the game.  The message will be for players to enjoy and express but with professionalism,” added Watson.

“Once again, we will concentrate on ourselves and our own performance as we can only effect the opposition through our own performance.

“If we make any changes to personnel, formation or style, it will not be as a direct result of the first leg.”

Cray Valley are in third-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having collected 67 points from their 29 league games.

Corinthian remain top on 72 points from 30 games, while Fisher are in second with 68 points from 31 of 38 games.

Although in tenth-place in the table, Canterbury City save their best performances for The FA Vase and created a number of chances to cancel out Ryan Flack’s 18-yard strike last Sunday.

Cray Valley – whom have not been top of the table at any stage this season – host Bearsted in the league next Wednesday, 27 March (19:45).

“Regardless of the result, we have an important league match next Wednesday and so will begin preparation for that once the final whistle is blown on Saturday,” added Watson.

Visit Cray Valley’s website: www.cray-valley.co.uk

Canterbury City  v  Cray Valley (Paper Mills)
The Buildbase FA Vase Semi-Final Second Leg
Saturday 23 March 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 8ND