Ashford United 1 Cray Valley 0 match report: Jay May sends Nuts & Bolts through to Isthmian South East play-off final

Jay May scored the only goal as Ashford reached the Isthmian South East play-off final.

The veteran striker’s early tap-in proved enough to see off a Cray Valley side whose second-half dominance went without reward.

United will host Herne Bay, who beat Haywards Heath on penalties in the other semi-final, for a place in the Isthmian Premier on Saturday.

For all the Millers’ possession in that second half, a disciplined defensive display from the hosts, led by the outstanding Liam Friend, meant they didn’t work keeper Jordan Carey until added time.

Ashford made the perfect start with a well-worked opener in just the sixth minute.

Tommie Fagg, bright throughout the first half, latched on to a Gary Lockyer flick, broke into the box and squared for May, who couldn’t miss.

The Nuts & Bolts, enjoying home advantage after finishing runners-up in the league, mixed up their play well early on, playing some nice stuff through midfield, while also hitting May, who barely lost a header.

Cray Valley grew into it, with Marcel Barrington and wideman Denzel Gayle keeping the defence on their toes.

Indeed, Gayle hit the base of the post after a neat move involving Barrington, Anthony Edgar and Connor Dymond.

Frannie Collin thumped a free-kick out of the ground while another set-piece presented Josh Wisson with a decent chance but he couldn’t connect cleanly.

At the other end, Carey pushed Nathan Green’s low drive out for a corner and Edgar fired wide after working space for a shot shortly after the half-hour mark.

Cray Valley made a good start to the second half, looking sharp in possession and forcing Ashford back, without really creating a chance as the hosts dug in.

Ashford introduced the midfield bite of Jarred Trespaderne, who was