Underdog Millers have their day

UNDERDOGS Cray Valley Paper Mills thoroughly deserved a replay from a close, tense encounter at the Specsavers Stadium and earned just that with a gritty display.

Merstham had the better of the first half in terms of possession but only really created one opportunity to speak of.

That came midway through the opening period when Millers keeper Andy Walker did well to kick away a Dan Bennett shot.

But it was Millers’ Joe N’Guessan that had the best chance of the half for either team.

He demonstrated his skill to dribble through the Merstham back line but, with the goal at his mercy, he somehow managed to scuff his shot wide from eight yards out.

On the stroke of half-time, Merstham keeper Chris Haigh did well to claw away a Kevin Lisbie header from a corner, denying th ex Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient striker a goal.

In the second half, Cray Valley began to enjoy more possession and their height caused problems for Merstham, especially from set-pieces.

Merstham struggled to string passes together and did little to trouble the Millers defence.

As you’d expect from a cup tie, there was plenty of whole-hearted commitment but all too often the final ball from both sides lacked the necessary quality.

Increasingly it looked as though one goal would win it but neither side could carve out a clear opening.

Merstham left-back Tom Bird probably had the best chance with a couple of minutes left when he blazed over the bar.

But had Bird netted, it would have been harsh on the visitors, who were by no means outclassed by the Bostick Premier outfit.