Cray Valley manager Steve McKimm reacts to 2-1 Isthmian Premier defeat against Dartford

Cray Valley boss Steve McKimm admitted his side paid the price for a slow start against Dartford on Saturday.

The Millers were short of their normal levels in the first half of the Isthmian Premier clash, before showing plenty of spirit in the second half – especially having played with 10 men after Hassan Ibrahiym’s red card.

It wasn’t enough after a wondergoal from Darts midfielder Denzelle Olopade but McKimm saw plenty in the second half to know his Isthmian South East title winners can compete at this level.

“We didn’t start in the first half and allowed too many balls in our box,” reflected McKimm. “They’re a good side, they were hurting us over the back of our right side, picking up the seconds and third-man runs.

“We didn’t get to grips with it early-doors but Max Ovenden made an early save (to deny Callum Jones). The disappointing thing is the cross that’s come in from our right for the goal, the player is allowed to turn inside the six-yard box and squeeze it in, which is not good.

“But, having said that, we didn’t play how I wanted us to play in the first half. We wanted to exploit certain areas and we didn’t do it, credit to them as they stopped us but we didn’t do it enough and we had plenty of opportunity to do it.

“I got them in at half-time and told them ‘Whether it was nerves or apprehension I’m not sure but go out second half and play how I want you to play’.

“I thought for the first five minutes before the sending-off we were on the front foot and then even with the sending-off they’ve scored a worldie with the winner, hit the side netting and put a free-kick over. So, with 10 men against a fancied side to win the league, my boys have got to take credit for that.”

McKimm felt Dartford keeper Matt Kerbey