Cray Valley manager Steve McKimm claimed he would be celebrating until he passed out after forcing a replay in a 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup.
Cray Valley Paper Mills, who play in the Isthmian South East division, secured a draw against League One Charlton Athletic, who are five divisions above them.
When Cray Valley manager Steve McKimm was asked how he would celebrate the historic match, he said: “I’m going back to the club with the players, the staff and our family and friends, and I’m going to drink loads and loads of Guinness, probably till I pass out.”
Charlton took the lead with a cool finish from captain Scott Fraser but conceded an own goal through Lucas Ness in the 48th minute.
McKimm was overjoyed by his sides performance and the fight they showed against such tough opponents and could not stop smiling.
McKimm said: “Throughout my career, even as a player, I’ve got a lot of spirit about me, and I try and install that in my players. Nothing’s over till it’s over.
“I said to the players to make sure that you at least have an opportunity to give the fans something to shout about because they were shouting all night, and they did that, so I can’t be more proud of them all.”
McKimm stated that the day will be remembered forever, and the huge number of fans they managed to bring to the Valley is something he wants to build on.
He said: “If we can get another 100-150 to add to the 100 that we already get. That’s gonna help the club sustain for even longer.
“Because no one really knows about Cray Valley. You walk down the end of the road, and people don’t know anything about it.”
Charlton manager Michael Appleton had a very different post-match conference to McKimm’s as he was not beaming from ear to ear.
The Addicks had failed to win against a team 117 league places below them and Appleton did not hold back on his player’s performances.
Appleton said: “I’m disappointed with some of the performances from few of the players. I expected a little bit more. Yeah, it was a hard watch at times.
“I pick the team, so I take full responsibility, and obviously, it was the wrong one today.
“I thought young Karoy Anderson, sort of certainly for the first 60 minutes, was one that definitely was asking a question. But beyond that, I struggle to find anyone else If I’m being brutally honest.
“At least we’ve got a second crack at it, and we’re still in the cup. We’ve still got an opportunity to get the job done, and I would imagine when the players see it back, they’ll be looking forward to it.”
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