Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 26-27: Cray Valley PM

We asked supporters of our Pitching In Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-22 will be worked into a final table which you will see shortly. 

Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?

Two excellent victories over Easter weekend - at home to St Albans City and away to Ramsgate - to give ourselves a chance in the Isthmian Premier Division relegation battle.

Also, a five-game run from mid-November to mid-December which yielded 13 points, starting with an excellent away win under the lights at Dulwich Hamlet. Amid that run, you’d never have thought that we’d end up getting relegated. But it was immediately followed by the worst run of the season where we lost the next six games on the bounce with an aggregate score of 1-20.

And what was the worst moment?

St Albans City away in early January - losing 5-0 for the second consecutive game with an abject performance. 

Which member of your squad was your Player of the Season - and why?

Livewire winger Fumnaya Shomotun who I’ve always rated, but who really raised his level on the run-in. Given greater freedom after Kevin Lisbie took over as manager in mid-February, he responded with outstanding form and end product which played a big part in us taking the relegation battle to the final day. He joined Welling United over the summer. 

Moving on to your current squad - which players do you think will make a big impact during the 26/27 campaign?

Striker Chris Dickson, 41 years young, was another standout performer on the run-in after joining in mid-March, and I can see him causing havoc in opposition defences in 26/27. He’s an excellent target man as well as a big goal threat and I think we’d have stayed up had he been with us for the whole of last season. 

There’s a lot of faith in Kevin Lisbie’s ability to develop players, so I’m also backing some youngsters to shine – particularly homegrown talents Mal Turner (right back or midfield) and Aziz Sankoh (left back), as well as ex-Millwall midfielder Ollie Whitby.

Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

Top five. Given that it usually takes a huge points total to win the Isthmian South East Division, I think our new look squad would have to gel very quickly if we’re to be in the title race. 

If you could choose a song for your side to run our to, what would it be- and why?

Into the Valley by Skids. An upbeat banger with a valley reference. It used to be played as our run-out tune but hasn’t been for a while. Bring it back please!

From all the opposition players you watched last season, which one would you love to see in your side- and why?

Charlie Ruff of Billericay Town - he tore us apart during their win at our place in March, completely bossing the game. An attacking midfielder with his creativity and goal threat would walk into any team in the Isthmian Premier and most in the National League South, let alone the Isthmian South East. 

What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

A ground where there’s the possibility of a huge container ship passing by during the game has to get my vote - Park Lane, home of Canvey Island.  

I managed to get the Park Lane money shot when a ship passed by during last season’s match and I thought I’d died and gone to heaven!

Hopefully both clubs can bounce straight back from relegation and meet in the Isthmian Premier again in 2027/28.

If you travelled away, which ground served the best food?

I’ll defer to fellow Millers fan and football match food connoisseur Chris Quinn on this one - a rave review for Chicken George at St Albans City! 

Please predict your top five:

AFC Croydon Athletic

Faversham Town

Margate

Whitstable Town

Cray Valley (PM)

Thanks to all supporters who have contributed to this feature- we’ll run the predicted tables for Step Four from Thursday to Saturday, and we’ll continue running your responses this week and next.