ISTHMIAN VELOCITY (ALAN TURVEY) CUP FOURTH ROUND
HASTINGS UNITED 1 CRAY VALLEY (PM) 1 - AT 90 MINS (HASTINGS UNITED WIN 5-4 ON PENALTIES)
3 DEC 2024 - ATT 252
Goal: HU - Harley 75
CV - Ademiluyi 79

Match Report by Richard J Green

The Millers crashed out of the Velocity Cup losing 5-4 on penalties after it finished 1-1 at the Pilot Field against Hastings United.

After a turgid opening hour on a sticky, bobbly pitch, the game burst into life on 75 minutes when Dan Bowry lost possession to Will Harley on the edge of the 18 yard box - the U's striker cutting inside to fire low past Max Ovenden. Parity was restored however four minutes later when diminutive Valley winger Ademiluyi fired low just inside Matt Kirby's left hand post.

As blows were traded between two sides eager to avoid the lottery of a penalty shootout, Harley's fierce drive from inside the penalty area flew off Ovenden's crossbar before Sonny Black's shot when well positioned on the edge of the 18 yard box was dragged wide. The final chance fell to the hosts in added time when Kian Moynes effort from 25 yards flew inches over Ovenden's bar.

After Tom Beere had scored Valley's first penalty in the shootout, Black missed their second, his poor effort comfortably saved by Kirbey diving to his left. Although Matty Vigor, Danny Waldren and Freddie Parker all scored for Valley, it is the U's who go through to the quarter finals. All five of their penalties from Rodari, Chapman, Legg, Cruttwell and Moynes were dispatched confidently - giving Ovenden no chance.

Millers: Ovenden, Turner (Beere 46), Tumkaya, Bowry, Asiedu, Ademiluyi (Gayle 80), Black (c), Anau (Waldren 63), Vigor, Coker (Shomotun 71), Coombes (Parker 72)
Cautions: Anau, Coker

The U's: Kerbey, Young, Dos Santos (McKay 74), Luganda, O'Mara (c), Howard (Cruttwell 79). Powell-Downey, Moynes, Harley (Radar 89), Chapman, Legg. Subs not used: Martin, Lovatt
Caution: Chapman

Referee: Joshua Langley-Fineing
Assistants: Neil Sutherland and John Pike

Post Match Interview: Steve McKimm
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/post-match-interview--steve-mckimm-disappointed-after-a-54-penalty-shootout-defeat-against-hastings-united-fc-31224-206835.html

Match Photos: Inspire Socials
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/velocity-cup--hastings-united-v-millers-31224-photos-inspire-socials-1124474.html