F.A. Cup football returns to Eltham tonight with a Third Qualifying Round Replay between Cray Valley (PM) and Carshalton Athletic. 

On Saturday, the two teams drew three all at the War Memorial Sports Ground. Arthur Lee put the step five club ahead against the in-form club from a level higher in just the second minute. The hosts then turned things around to lead three one, and it appeared that they were cruising into the next round. 

However, the Millers don’t lie down and It took the Vickers just five minutes to pull one back when Kyrell Lisbie notched his eighth goal of the season. Lisbie continued to cause problems and was brought down in the penalty area with two minutes remaining. Adam Coombes stepped up and gave Toby Bull no chance from the spot.

Incredibly, this will be Cray’s seventh game in this tournament, the eventual winners will probably play fewer. They have also played and won two F.A. Trophy ties and a Kent Senior Cup match meaning they are building up a back-log in the league. Their Isthmian League South East campaign has consisted of just three matches, two wins and a draw.

Their visitors are also enjoying a good season. They are sitting in third place in the Isthmian Premier having won five, drawn two and lost just once, the defeat being at home to Hashtag United. Carshalton’s F.A. Cup campaign has consisted of a replay victory over Lancing followed by a four-nil win against Kingstonian.  

Should the replay be level after ninety minutes, extra time will be played and if there is no winner after that, there will be a penalty shoot-out. Whoever wins that will progress to the Fourth Qualifying Round and a home tie against Enfield Town. 

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.