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 was fortunate not to be punished for an awkward-looking challenge as he came out of his box to clear in the first half while the hosts also had a handball shout at the end of the first half waved away.

“I’m not going to blame officials but I’m going to tell you how it was,” added McKimm. “The goalkeeper came flying out two-footed and if that’s an outfield player it’s a straight red.

“Then a free header at the back post was going in the net and it was handball, it was a red card and a penalty. The referee said he didn’t see it, the assistant said he didn’t see it either, everyone else in the ground saw it.”

As for Ibrahiym’s red card for two yellow cards, McKimm added: “I thought the first booking was harsh, the second one he won the ball but the referee is saying the manner he went in and won the ball.

Report: Cray Valley 1-2 Dartford

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“I don’t know, I don’t think the referee had a good game but that’s not me saying that’s why we lost. We lost because of our first-half performance, nothing else. Our second half proved that. My opinion doesn’t count on that as they are the three in the middle and on the sides who have a tough job.”