On the road to Wembley in the FA Vase and FA Trophy
TWO second half goals from evergreen striker Kevin Lisbie gave Southern Counties East Premier Division Cray Valley PM a dream spot in the last four of the Buildbase FA Vase after an epic battle at Silver Street yesterday.
Host side Willand Rovers, who lead the Premier Division of the Toolstation Western League, fought their way back into the contest but a disputed penalty on the hour and a clinical breakaway finish from the 41-year-old Lisbie clinched the deal for the south Londoners.
Cray manager Kevin Watson was full of praise for both sides who played their part on a difficult surface, saying: “I was proud of them all today. It wasn’t just about those on the pitch but the rest of the squad who were in the dressing room celebrating after the game.”
Willand threw everyone forward in the last 15 minutes and went close to an equaliser, but it wasn’t to be and Watson said of the Devon side: “It must be heartbreaking for them as I was impressed as they are very strong and physical, and there were two good teams out there today.”
Willand could have a grievance over the penalty award on the hour, which Lisbie tucked away to give his side the lead. But there was no doubt about the class he showed when latching on to a through-ball deep into stoppage-time before dinking over keeper Mike Searle to the delight of the travelling supporters.
Willand started strong and both defences looked vulnerable as Luke Mortimore on the right for Willand and Denzil Gayle for Cray Valley saw plenty of the ball.
And after Mortimore had been booked early for a needless trip, Gavin Tomlin brought a save out of Searle on the near-post and Lisbie watched his effort hacked off the line.
A goal was coming and just past the half hour mark, Ryan Flack fed Tomlin, whose superb finish was crisp and concise.
The lead lasted six minutes as Luke Alden floated in a free-kick and Ryan Guppy was on the far post to nod home almost unchallenged.
After the break, Willand pressed hard and Cray played deeper to soak up the pressure with Guppy busy on the flank. And all looked good for the home side until Tomlin and Glenn Gould collided in the area and referee Yianni pointed to the spot.
Lisbie sent Searle the wrong way and the Londoners were back in front.
Joe Curtis then tested Andy Walker, who saved well and did even better five minutes from time when substitute Brad Ausden set up Stamp – his volley tipped over for what proved to be the decisive play before Lisbie wrapped things up.
Willand assistant playermanager David Steele, whose father played in the Vase final for Tiverton Town, was naturally dismayed by the spot-kick, saying: “We were expecting the foul to go the other way. We are devastated but we gave everything and we must pick ourselves up for Wednesday night’s game at Cadbury Heath.”
STAR MAN: Kevin Lisbie (Cray Valley PM)
ATT: 768
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★
REFEREE: Savvas Yianni