Cray Valley PM and Tonbridge Angels battled out a goalless FA Cup Third Qualifying Round tie at Badgers Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon and they will gave to do it all again at Longmead in a replay on Tuesday night.
Cray Valley of the Isthmian League Premier Division started the game attacking up the hill and had a good spell of early pressure, but it was National League South Tonbridge who had the first real chance when Robert Unwin had a shot saved by Shaun Rowley in the home goal.
Manager Steve McKimm, who had previously had a successful spell in charge at Angels, was only able to name three subs due to injuries, but those available dug in.
Barney Williams volleyed over for the home side soon after and Ibby Akanbi then just failed to connect with Kenny Aileru’s cross that skidded across the six yard box.
Tonbridge started to come into the game as the half went on, Jordan Higgs & Unwin both shot over from range, before Rowley saved at the feet of Unwin who had latched on to a poor back pass.
Just before half time The Millers had a free kick on the edge of the area, but Luke Holness put his dead ball just wide of the post and then in injury time The Angels Bailey Akehurst fired a free kick wide at the other end.
The second half saw Tonbridge, playing their first game under new manager Allan Dunne, start on top. Unwin was just off target and Brody Peart had a low shot saved by Rowley.
The Angels pressed from there with a series of corners and free kicks, but The Millers held firm, making some brave blocks to keep their opponents from a division above at bay.
After a some substitutions and roared on by a large travelling support, The Angels saw Patrick Keuthcha have a shot saved and Higgs fire over a free kick after Ketcha was fouled just outside the box, before Valley had one late chance when Aileru shot wide from distance.
In the end neither side had the cutting edge to win the game and they try again in midweek looking to book a place in the final qualifying round.
The Millers – Rowley, Williams, Lema, Cumberbatch, Black, Aileru, Holness (Vigor 72), Ekpiteta, Kpakpe, Shomotun (Barrington 81), Akanbi. Subs Not Used: Gayle.
The Angels – Adams, Williams (Sablier 78), Wagstaff (Warren 64), Higgs, Simon (Babjide 70), Unwin (Pierrick 66), Barkin, Penney, Peart, Akehurst, German. Subs Not Used: Foley, Mundele, Matton.
HT 0-0 FT 0-0
Att: 470
Referee: Will Briers