A grey looking Saturday saw me venture down the windy lanes to Gay Dawn Farm, home of Corinthian FC. This friendly pitched the home side, newly relegated to the Southern Counties East Football League (SCEFL) Premier Division, against Cray Valley Paper Mills FC who play in the Isthmian League South East Division, where they finished sixth, just one place outside the play off positions.

This game was being played on the Back Pitch at the Corinthian Sports Club, due to ongoing pitch improvements in the main pitch. Today’s game represented a chance for Michael Golding’s side to test their preparation for life in the SCEFL, against an opponent from last season. Golding has been able to keep much of the squad from last season and fans will surely relish the chance for more success and goals at the Farm, than they were able to see last season as Golding and his coaching team tried hard to bed in a, largely new, squad.

Cray Valley Paper Mills will be hoping to go one better this season and secure promotion. Now managed by Steve McKimm, ex of Tonbridge Angels, the squad has benefited from the additions of midfielders Jensen Grant and Lyle Della-Verde from Enfield Town, as well as Freddie Parker and Michael Ademiluyi from local rivals Cray Wanderers.

In the opening twenty minutes, Cray Calley Paper Mills had the best chances. They went close to opening the scoring with one headed chance and shortly after, a volley, from the edge of the penalty area flew narrowly over.

On the stroke of half time there were chances for both sides, with Cray Valley Paper Mills striking the post from a free kick, and a shot from Corinthian narrowly missing the goal as it dipped just above the cross bar. At half time the sides went in with honours even and all to still play for, with the score tied at 0-0.

On 60 minutes Cray Valley Paper Mills were awarded a penalty for handball in the box. It was slotted away neatly by Lyle Della-Verde, to put the away side 0-1 ahead.

The final half hour saw chances for both sides in driving rain. As the whistle blew for full time, it was Cray Valley Paper Mills FC who left with the spoils of victory. Golding’s Corinthian side will have been pleased with their performance however, and now will want to find a key to unlock some goal scoring potential before their first SCEFL fixture against Kennington, kicks off next Saturday.