After struggling in the first half, Cray Valley (PM) claimed all three points with victory against Hythe Town.

Unbeaten in the Isthmian League South East Division since mid-October, in which time manager Kevin Watson has departed, the Millers have only conceded two goals in their last nine league and cup matches. However, they were indebted to their goalkeeper, Chris Lewington, for their clean sheet against Hythe.

He started with a brilliant close range save to push Jason Fregene’s header wide via the outside of the post. From the corner, Jack Steventon headed back across goal for Fregene but he could only nod it straight into Lewington’s arms.

At the other end, Adam Coombes’ header from Thomas Chambers’ corner drifted beyond the far post before a Chambers low cross was knocked out to Ade Adeyemo who was backing up. He sent it across the face of goal to David Bennett whose shot was deflected wide. Barney Williams then volleyed into the outside of the net before Hythe enjoyed a good spell.

Liam Smith had a great chance for the visitors but drilled it wide then Johan Caney-Bryan was off target with a header from Frannie Collin’s clipped free kick. Caney-Bryan was then sent through by Smith but he shot straight at Lewington. Again, Caney-Bryan got behind but Lewington came out to block and nobody followed up to finish from the rebound.

Denzel Gayle cut inside and twisted and turned before drawing a double save out of Steve Phillips. However, it was Caney-Bryan who again got through and almost put the visitors ahead when his shot beat Lewington and flew narrowly over.

Fregene hit a low volley wide of the near post from a cross by Marvin Hamilton then Shad Ngandu shot well over. A short back-pass allowed Caney-Bryan another run on goal, but Lewington got down to smother.

Adeyemo had the last two efforts of the first half for the Millers. First he shot well off target, then his drive was blocked by Phillips’ legs.

Early in the second half, Lewington made a great save from a downward header by Hamilton before the Millers started to impose themselves on the game. Bennett played in Gayle whose dangerous low cross was well cleared before Bennett got in and rolled it past Phillips however Steventon got back to hook it off the line.

Midway through the second half the Millers went ahead. Bennett was again sent clear and although Phillips got a hand on it, the shot was too venomous and found its way into the net.

James Jeffrey shot over for Hythe before more great defending by Steventon stopped Coombes from breaking through.

Ten minutes after going ahead, VCD doubled their lead. Coombes led the attack and delayed his pass before playing it into the stride of Gayle at full pace. He surged past Marcus Goldsmith and rifled it beyond a helpless Phillips.

Collin fired a free kick well over before Hythe substitute Jarred Trespaderne might have been shown more than a yellow card on another day for a high challenge on Connor Dymond.

Although Smith headed wide in the closing minutes, the contest was over with the Millers moving into third place, seven points behind leaders Ramsgate but with two games in hand.

Whilst the Cray Valley players take the plaudits, groundsman Lee Higgins deserves praise for getting the pitch playable in conditions that saw many others postponed.