This hastily arranged friendly provided a good workout for these two former ‘SCEFL rivals’ at the Artic Stadium.
While uncertainty ensues around the return to league action, managers Kevin Watson and Ernie Batten took the opportunity to keep their respective teams ‘match sharp’, while also getting minutes into the legs of players on the fringe of their squads – indeed, the short notice arrangement of the match saw the visitors shorn of five first team players.
One man in particular took the opportunity to catch the eye for the hosts.
After missing the Millers first ten games of the season, wide midfielder Rory Hill followed his fine performance as a substitute in last week’s London Senior Cup win over Corinthian-Casuals with an all-action display – albeit punctuated by a 25 minute spell on the bench after picking up a knock on the hour.
It was Hill’s challenge on the halfway line and resultant through ball that led to Ade Yusuff slotting the hosts into an eighth minute lead.
After 38 year old Jack Midson levelled matters for the Ites in the 35th minute – his neat six yard finish beating Millers’ keeper Andy Walker low down – Valley had the lions share of possession, but were unable to make their territorial advantage pay as several chances went begging.
While Walker remained largely unemployed in the home goal, it was Hill who came closest to settling the outcome – his delicate 86th minute lob caressing the Ites crossbar, before he rattled the foot of the post with a 90th minute free kick.
Paul Semakula made a welcome return for the Millers with a second half cameo performance as the Sheppey defence stood firm.
MILLERS : Walker, Sains (Semakula 45), Tumkaya, Morath-Gibbs, Hill (Farmer 59), Warren (Gayle 45), King-Elliot (McCann 56), Hasler (Hill 85), Adeyemo, Babalola, Yusuff (James 45)