We are too Jekyll and Hyde at the moment, admits Cray Valley boss Steve Chapman

CRAY VALLEY manager Steve Chapman hailed his players’ character to produce a shock as the club reached the semi-finals of the London Senior Cup for the first time.



The Millers sent Ryman League Division One South side Tooting & Mitcham United crashing out of the competition at Imperial Fields on Tuesday night.

The home side took a fourth minute lead through Aiken Simon Zewio before Laurent Hamici equalised with eleven minutes left, before Cray Valley earned a home tie against AFC Wimbledon, Cray Wanderers or Bromley in the semi-finals after winning 8-7 on penalties.

“The lads were magnificent against Tooting & Mitcham and showed tremendous character to come from a goal down to win the tie,” said a proud Chapman, whose side were thrashed 6-2 away to Whyteleafe in their last game.

Reflecting on their midweek Cup success, Chapman said: “I was very disappointed in the manner in which we lost to Whyteleafe and I asked for an immediate response – which I got!

“Every player proved their worth and it would be wrong of me to single anyone out.

“It’s a great achievement to reach the semi-final of this competition and our reward is a home tie against AFC Wimbledon, Bromley or Cray Wanderers.”

The Millers welcome sixth-placed Corinthian to Badgers on Saturday, sitting in a disappointing seventh-place in the Southern Counties East Football League table with 27 points from 16 games, 12 points adrift of leaders Ashford United.

Chapman said: “With regards to our next games, I’m wondering what Cray team will turn up.  We are too Jekyll and Hyde at the moment and need to be more consistent.

“Injuries to key players hasn’t helped but those four individuals didn’t play the other night and we beat a team from the league above – the joys of management!

“We’ve got a lot to look forward to now in the second half of the season and my aim is to progress as far as possible in all competitions.”

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

Cray Valley (Paper Mills)  v  Corinthian
Southern Counties East Football League
Saturday 18^th January 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Badgers Sports Ground, Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London SE9 5HT