Lisbie inspired Cray too good for the 'ites'

Saturday 17 November 2018, Sheppey United 1 Cray Valley PM 3 - Holm Park, Southern Counties East, Premier League

When a club is wound up, ceases to play, is disbanded it is very sad, even more so if they lose their ground - but supporters often fight on and Sheppey is a good example of why. Scrapped, re-formed, struggled, no home ground, ground shares- Sheppey have seen it all but the 'Ites' are now back on the Island, playing well and are one of the best step 5 supported teams in the country.

They are not resting on their laurels, they continue to improve the ground, there is plenty more room to increase the capacity and the supporters keep rolling in. the only difficult they will face is getting out of the league, football wise. Today again indicated that this may not be their season with Cray Valley PM impressing all over the park, in particular with their fast breaking style and with a front line that included ex Ipswich player, Kevin Lisbie.

Try and visit the island, and Sheppey as a club, it is different and would suggest you choose a sunny day!

Up the slope

Sunday 27 November 2016, Cray Valley (PM) 1 Tunbridge Wells 0 - Kent Reliance Senior Trophy, 2nd Round, Badgers Sports Ground

South of the Thames for some Sunday football and a ground that I visited last season only for the game to suffer a late call off. 118 in the crowd so playing on a Sunday certainly pulled a few extra fans in - plus a load of groundhoppers. First thing I noticed was how well organised and friendly Cray Valley are- willing to chat, nice clubhouse and plentiful supply of colour teamsheets.

After leaving the clubhouse the next thing was the slope - very noticeable and did wonder if it would make a big differnce in how the football was played by each side in each half.

Cray were the better team but Tunbridge were certainly dangerous on the break trouble for all the good football by mainly the younger players on each side that was wasted by more senior players whos pent most of the game arguing with the Ref who quickly filled up his little black book with many of their names.

Some of the senior players also seemed to be lacking in both skill and fitness- but all in all it was a good cup game but as it started to get colder, I for one was happy that extra time and penalties were not needed.