Cray Valley (PM) 1 Charlton Athletic 6
Job done after a comedic self-induced scare before the break.
The radical idea of starting with a spine of a team that should win comfortably worked allowing younger players to be introduced later in the game.
The 2nd half was an enjoyable watch, in saying that I wonder how many of the 282 Addicks that were there will have to re-watch the highlights to see the goals. One for the books for those that went though.
A very professional second half with Asiimwe, Dobson and May excelling. The latter loves playing football doesn’t he.
Great moment also for young Mbick, who when I saw the teamsheet I thought he was a typo. Appleton clearly has his eyes on him as he has come from nowhere.
Always good to see Miles score, although I thought he looked a little off, but nowhere near as off as CBT.
Credit to Cray Valley, whose organization and play belies their status, and I hope they get promoted.
MoM: Nathan Asiimwe
Appleton of my eye: As he took criticism after the first game, he should be given credit for this result.
A comment by Cray Valley’s manager points to the ridiculous nature of the FA Cup at this level. His comment was that his players came from a day at their regular jobs. Without any intention to disrespect the fantastic achievements Cray Valley has accomplished to reach this level, tired working men will seldom overcome a refreshed, professional team who want to win. Appleton’s fielded his weakest team and Cray Valley only received a tie by the misfortune of an Addict player. However, it did help Cray Valley financially and hopefully promote attendance at their games, also good for our Club’s community relations.
There was an under 21s match on the same evening, so Appleton was limited to what youngsters he could give a day out to. Mbick is an under 18 and does not start usually for the under 21s. Casey is the goalscorer for the under 21s.
Quite a few players – well six of them – were on international duty so we were limited in who we could play, but we have the weekend off so could play a strong side without too many ramifications and have Sutton United up next week in the BSM Trophy.
The second half took the game away from Cray Valley, unlike in the first match we came out after the break looking to put the game to bed and did. Cray Valley simply ran out of gas in the second half and fair enough, they are part-timers and played at the weekend and only train once a week. They’ve put themselves on the map and hopefully can take the FA Cup prize and TV money and mount a promotion campaign.
As for Micah Mbick, he has been with the club for a few years but he has been held back thanks to a few niggling injuries. He’s mostly played at U18 level and has 8 goals this season at that level. I think he’s from Newham originally and he took his goal well, it was a simple finish but he read the game and got himself in the right area to take it. He’s a name we’ll be hearing more from, but there’s going to be some competition – we have Daniel Kanu, Patrick Casey, Henry Rylah and others, Miles Leaburn at the ripe old age of 19 looks to be the elder statesman.
Miles Leaburn had the look of someone who didn’t want to be there. I wonder if he’s been tapped up and will be off in January.
CBT gave a terrific impression of the invisible man. Hopefully he has been tapped up.
Sam Walker in goal, has looked a liability in both games. Hurry back AMB (and Isted)
Moaning aside it was a professional 2nd half performance, to get the job done. Cray Valley had their (metaphoric) day in the sun at The Valley and well done them.