Whitstable fell to a narrow defeat to Cray Valley despite a much improved performance. The Oystermen enjoyed plenty of possession in forward areas, but they were unable to beat inspired goalkeeper Harrison Chamberlain, so a clinical finish from experienced striker Chris Dickson midway through the first half was enough for the visitors to leave with all three points.

The teams were meeting for the first time for a few seasons, and were actually two Steps apart last season, which ended with Whitstable being promoted and Cray Valley relegated from the Isthmian Premier Division. The two clubs have both played in FA Vase finals at Wembley in recent times, with Cray Valley losing 3-1 to Chertsey Town in the 2018-19 season, six years before Whitstable were successful against AFC Whyteleafe; both finals needed extra time. Kevin Lisbie was appointed manager of the Millers in February and they arrived at the YMS Stadium having drawn four and lost two of their first six league games. Whitstable had played four, with just the three points gained against Deal Town accumulated to date. A crowd of 611, Whitstable's lowest home attendance so far, was there to see if either team could get a much needed win. Whitstable were still missing a number of players, so the starting eleven had to be shuffled yet again. There was though a welcome return to the Whitstable team for Tijan Jadama, who has joined on a 28 day loan from Ramsgate.

After an early Whitstable corner, there was a big scare for the home supporters at the other end in the fourth minute when Danny Uchechi swung over a free kick from the right and Marvel Ekpiteta arrived at the back post to head the ball against the post. Ryan Bernal then had a chance in the next Whitstable attack as the ball reached him in the box, but his instinctive shot was easily saved by Harrison Chamberlain. In the 11th minute, the third Whitstable corner was cleared to the 18 yard line from where Kweku Lucan tried to find the top right corner, but his shot was well saved by Chamberlain. There was another opportunity for the Oystermen a couple of minutes later after the Cray Valley defence made a mess of dealing with a cross and the ball dropped for former Miller Kenny Aileru, but he shot high and wide.

Lucan headed a Bernal cross wide, but Bernal was then injured as he was pushed over in another Whitstable attack and had to leave the pitch after receiving some treatment. While Whitstable were temporarily down to ten men, the Millers scored what would prove to be the decisive goal in the 23rd minute. A low cross by Dayo Santanna from the right corner was met by Chris Dickson at the near post and he swept the ball into the far corner. Another dangerous Uchechi free kick went right across goal with nobody there to get on the end of it.

Mason Hunter's throw led to a bit of a scramble before the ball was grabbed by Chamberlain. Whitstable kept pressing and Henry Young's volley was saved, then following a corner, Young's cross was headed wide by Jadama. Aileru shot wide after the ball was laid back by Jadama and Chamberlain caught another Young effort just before half time. Whitstable would have felt a little unfortunate to be behind at the break, but had been unable to find a way through the Millers' defence.

Whitstable started the second half as they ended the first and a break down the left led to Bernal's shot being parried by Chamberlain; Robbie Rees was first to the loose ball and found Jadama whose low shot was well saved by Chamberlain diving to his left. Bernal then sent a low shot skimming just past the post from 25 yards and Jadama hooked a deep cross towards goal but straight into Chamberlain's hands. Whitstable made two substitutions in the 57th minute with Mikey Berry and Alex Wall coming on for Rees and Jack Nelson, but were almost caught out when a ball was chipped over their defence to Dickson who passed to Santanna and he looked certain to score, but delayed long enough to give Dan Colmer the chance to deflect his shot wide. Back at the other end, Aileru made room to shoot, but once more couldn't beat Chamberlain.

More changes followed for both teams and each won a couple of corners, but the Millers almost got a second in added time when Dickson's deflected cross hit the top of the bar and went behind for a corner. Substitute Bailee Cain's long range shot was held by Colmer before Whitstable had a chance to grab a very late equaliser when Wall was fouled 22 yards from goal. Wall took the free kick himself and struck a powerful low shot through the crowded box, but Chamberlain got across to make a great save and it was his "player of the match" display that ultimately secured the win for his team. Whitstable had not played badly at all, but need to find a way to start converting their chances if they are to climb the table.

Tuesday evening brings another local derby for Whitstable when they make the short trip to title favourites Faversham Town.

Whitstable	Data	Cray Valley
9	Shots on target	3
5	Shots off target	2
2	Shots blocked	0
9	Corners	5
8	Fouls conceded	17
2	Offside	1
0	Penalties	0

Whitstable Town
Dan Colmer, Ryan Bernal, Nathan Green (c), Mason Hunter, Matty Holness, Robbie Rees (Mikey Berry 57), Kenny Aileru (Derek Asamoah 63), Henry Young, Jack Nelson (Alex Wall 57), Tijan Jadama (Koby Yeboah 63), Kweku Lucan.
Sub (unused): Liam Boxall
Yellow card: Alex Wall 73

Cray Valley (PM)
Harrison Chamberlain, Mal Turner, Aziz Sankoh, Danny Uchechi (Shaquille Gordon 62), Eniola Hassan (Bailee Cain 79), Marc-Anthony Okoye, Montel Agyemang, Ade Shokunbi, Marvel Ekpiteta (c), Dayo Santanna (Denzel Gayle 66), Chris Dickson.
Subs (unused): Jack Leahy, Nathan Smith.
Goal: Chris Dickson 23
Yellow card: Mal Turner 78

Attendance: 611
Referee: Richard Joss
Assistants: Tyler Diminieux & Ben Marshall