CAFC vs Cray Valley PM- Preview
Carshalton Athletic begin their 2025–26 campaign with an away clash against Cray Valley PM at the Arctic Stadium this Saturday, as the Isthmian Premier Division gets underway.
Cray Valley PM
Cray Valley PM have firmly established themselves as one of the most formidable non-league sides in recent years. In the 2023–24 season, they stormed to the Isthmian League South East Division title, producing a truly remarkable campaign. In all competitions, the Millers played 56 matches, winning 39, drawing 12, and losing just five — an incredible level of consistency.
In the league alone, they amassed 95 points from 38 games, losing only once — a dramatic 5–4 defeat to Three Bridges in March. That thriller would be their only blemish in a near-flawless season. They scored 103 goals, conceded just 32, and ended with the best defensive record in the division. Their away form was unmatched, going unbeaten on the road with 18 wins and one draw, the latter coming against Ramsgate.
Cup competitions added further sparkle to the season. In the FA Cup, they knocked out the likes of Uxbridge, Northwood, and Enfield Town, before pushing League One Charlton Athletic to a first-round replay, earning a 1–1 draw at The Valley before falling 6–1 in the return leg. In the FA Trophy, they reached the second round, only to be knocked out by Hampton & Richmond.
Following their success, former Robins manager Steve McKimm, appointed in summer 2023, built on that momentum in 2024–25 as Cray Valley moved into the Isthmian Premier Division. They adjusted well to life at Step 3, losing just twice at home in the league — to Dartford on opening day and to Hashtag United in early January.
While pushing for back-to-back promotions, the Millers ultimately finished fourth, qualifying for the play-offs, where they were beaten 4–3 by Dartford in a dramatic semi-final. On what turned out to be a dramatic and emotionally charged night at Princes Park, Cray Valley’s play-off journey came to a heartbreaking end in front of 2,000 spectators. The Millers looked set for a famous victory over Dartford after Danny Waldren powered in two headers from corners — one in the 7th minute and another just after the break on 48 — giving Cray a commanding 2–0 lead.
However, the turning point came in the 70th minute, when Crossley Lema was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident spotted by the assistant referee. Samir Carruthers converted the resulting penalty to make it 2–1 and swing the momentum Dartford’s way.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Cray fought valiantly, seemingly doing enough to secure the win — until the 98th minute, when a handball on the edge of the box gave Dartford one last chance. Sam Odaudu’s free-kick took a cruel deflection off the wall, looping into the top corner to level the tie with the last kick of normal time.
Extra time proved a step too far. Dartford, lifted by their dramatic comeback, struck twice more through Hayden Bullas and George Whitfield, making it 4–2. A late goal from substitute Adam Coombes gave Cray hope, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
While the result was a bitter pill to swallow, it brought the curtain down on what has been an extraordinary season for Cray Valley PM — one that saw them rise to the challenge of Step 3, go toe-to-toe with top sides, and fall just short of back-to-back promotions. Steve McKimm, his staff, and the entire squad can hold their heads high. A remarkable journey continues — roll on next season.
It was a tough ending, especially given their excellent form throughout the campaign.
Team News
Cray Valley PM have made a number of key additions ahead of the new season, as well as confirming a change in leadership on the pitch.
Luke Holness arrives at the club after spending last season in the National League South with Aveley, bringing added experience and quality in the forward line. Tom Beere has been named the new club captain, taking over the armband at the Paper Mills as he enters a new chapter in his Valley career.
The summer signings also include striker Ibby Akanbi, who joins from AFC Croydon Athletic, central defender Jerry Puemo, and goalkeeper Shaun Peart-Rowley, who takes over duties between the posts. That brings the total to four new signings so far as Steve McKimm continues to shape his squad.
Meanwhile, long-serving talisman Freddie Parker has made the decision to step away from football, bringing an end to a memorable and impactful spell with the club.
Pre-Match Analysis
Cray Valley PM head into this weekend’s clash boasting one of the strongest home records in the division — and the numbers back it up. With 12 wins, 6 draws, and only 3 defeats at the Artic Stadium, they ranked third for home performance across the league last season. Hosting them on their own patch is no easy task, and Saturday promises to be a stern test.
In attack, the Millers were clinical, finishing fifth for goals scored with 80, while defensively they ranked eighth, conceding 56 over the course of the campaign. Their matches tend to be high-scoring affairs, and they rarely shy away from a physical contest.
Tactically, Steve McKimm’s side are direct and effective. A manager who loves a traditional target man, McKimm sets his team up to work the channels, load the box, and deliver early crosses with the aim of finding their focal point up front. It’s a style that’s served them well and will demand discipline and concentration from the visitors across the 90 minutes.
Expect a high-intensity battle at the Artic Stadium — a ground where few come away with all three points.
Key Player
Newly appointed captain Tom Beere is set to be pivotal for Cray Valley PM this season. A former AFC Wimbledon midfielder, Beere brings a calm and composed leadership style to the team, perfectly suited to his role as skipper.
Last season, he impressed with his football intelligence, contributing an impressive 14 goals from midfield — a testament to his ability to influence games both creatively and decisively. His vision and composure make him the engine driving the Millers’ play.
The Gaffer
Steve McKimm will be a familiar figure to the Robins faithful, having managed the Reds during the 2022-23 season.
His coaching career began at Sutton United, where he served as Head Coach under Paul Doswell from 2012 to 2014.
As a player, McKimm was a hardworking central midfielder, turning out for numerous clubs including Malden Vale, Hendon, Molesey, Dulwich Hamlet, Farnborough Town, Hayes, Kingstonian, Gravesend & Northfleet, and Margate before signing for Sutton United in May 2008.
In May 2014, McKimm took charge of Tonbridge Angels at Longmead Stadium alongside his trusted assistant Barry Moore. Together, they led the Angels to a Premier Division play-off semi-final in 2015/16 and ultimately secured promotion to the National League South in 2018/19.
Under their guidance, the club enjoyed memorable cup runs, reaching the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round in 2016/17 and the First Round Proper in 2020/21 — their best showing since 1973. They also made history by advancing to the FA Trophy Fifth Round in 2021/22, narrowly losing on penalties to Bromley.
Despite a 16th-place league finish resulting in their departure at the end of the campaign, McKimm and Moore quickly returned to management, taking the helm at Colston.
Match Details
Date: Saturday, 9 August, 2025
Venue: Artic Stadium
Kickoff: 3:00 pm
Tickets: Buy Tickets Here
