The Millers dropped another vital two points against struggling opposition as they allowed Hendon to come from behind to earn a draw in this rescheduled game at the Artic Stadium. Despite having the majority of possession for the entire game they failed to capitalise on a number of goal scoring opportunities. They regretted those misses when the visitors levelled the score in the 74th minute when Stephan Langley scrambled home a loose ball from close range.

Without a victory for 6 games, Steve McKimm made several personnel changes to the starting line up in an attempt to produce a more attacking force. Adam Coombs and Freddie Parker spearheaded the front line whilst Barney Williams and Tom Chambers were deployed at wing backs to ensure that the necessary support was provided to the front two.

Hendon started the evening in the relegation zone 5 points from safety so it was always going to be a difficult evening for the home side as their opposition desperately need a few wins on the board if they are going to avoid the drop.

With home advantage Valley controlled much of the early stages but it took until 24th minute before the deadlock was broken. Tom Beere’s corner was handled in the six yard box and they were no complaints when referee Daniel Blades awarded a penalty. Parker stepped up the to take the spot kick and calmly beat Matteo Salamon in the Don’s goal. Parker should have extended the lead a few minutes later when Salamon totally misjudged a cross but he headed over with an open goal at his mercy. Hendon failed to trouble Harrison Chamberlain in the Millers goal and they had to wait until just before the break for their first shot on target. A long range effort from a free kick some 30 yards out was comfortably tipped over the by the Colchester loanee.

Tom Beere was forced off at half time with an ankle injury and his replacement Kenny Aileru injected more energy to the attacking play. Sonny Black’s lopping shot from a Parker flick on brushed the crossbar. Coombs had several half chances, the best being from a direct free kick that was goal bound but Solamon produced the best save of the evening diving low to his right. The follow up effort from Tom Chambers was well blocked.

The Millers were to rue those missed opportunities as the visitors grew in confidence. The signs were on the wall when Chamberlain had to make a fine save before Langley popped up to level the scores moments later. McKimm used his substitutes in an effort to regain the lead and Marcel Barrington almost rewarded him but after creating the chance himself he shot straight at Saloman.

Whilst a point ensured they cemented their place in the Play Off’s the pack are now closing in and the draws need to turn into a few wins. Assistant Manager Barry Moore was still upbeat after the match and commented “ It wasn’t one for the purest by any stretch of the imagination. We knew it was going to be like that, they’re scrapping and we are trying to stay in the Play Off’s”.

The Millers travel to Kings Langley to take on Potters Bar Town on Saturday where they hope to return to winning ways.

Millers: Chamberlain, Williams, Oshilaja (c), Bowry, Chambers (Coker 74), Black (Barrington 56), Beere (Aileru 45), Waldren, Cumberbatch, Coombes (Shomotun 79), Parker, Sub not used: Gayle
Cautions: Coker, Oshilaja

Dons: Salamon, Kawimbe, Ilic, Gordon, Krokhin, Langley (Curtis 89), Halsey, Talla, Sery, Muir (c), Anokye-Boadi, Subs not used: Kirwan-Meade, Fadahunsi, Mfinda, Cole
Cautions: Ilic, Krokhin, Halsey

Referee: Fabio Roque
Assistants: Royan Campbell and Daniel Merrall

Post Match Interview: Miller's Assistant Manager Barry Moore
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/videos/post-match-interview--barry-moore-disappointed-after-the-11-draw-against-hendon-fc-4325-209103.html

Match Photos: Romana at Inspire Socials
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/millers-v-hendon-4325-photos-inspire-socials-1134288.html