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MATCH
REPORTS
SEASON
2003/2004
HAMPTON
& RICHMOND 1 V 1 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman League Div 1
South - 16th March
Diminutive striker Scott Todd scored his
first goal in twelve games, securing a precious point for Croydon Athletic on
Tuesday night.
Having been disappointed with the 0-1 defeat
at Slough Town, Hayden Bird made six team changes that included Todd, Hall and
Funnell being replaced by Byatt, Gibson and Waite.
Hampton, one of the division’s form team’s
and flying high in fourth place, dominated the first ten minutes. Alan
Devonshire’s long ball tactics, coupled with Hampton’s sheer physical
strength, asked many questions their visitors. Having weathered early exchanges
however, it was Croydon Athletic who controlled the game.
In the fifteenth minute, swift interplay
between Evans and Stassinos released the lively Jamie Byatt. The former
Corinthian Casuals striker struck a fierce shot at goal, only to be denied by an
outstanding save. As the half progressed, the pace of Byatt and Jackson caused
the immobile Hampton back three all sorts of problems, as Athletic took a firm
grip of the game.
With Croydon Athletic determined to play
sharp football, despite the referee failing to get to grips with the home sides
intimidating, over physical approach, chances started to present themselves.
With Justin Jones and captain James Evans at the heart of proceedings, Hampton
were clearly ruffled, if not struggling to deal with the quality of Croydon
Athletic’s football. Stassinos pulled another great save from the American
keeper half way through the half, as did the skilful Barry Stevens and skipper
Evans. However it was Jamie Byatt that came the closest when his curling effort
from twenty-five yards seemed destined for the top corner, only to strike the
woodwork.
Hampton however, are clearly a good side.
Despite being on the back foot, the 4th placed team looked dangerous
on the counter attack and came close on two or three occasions from corners or
free kicks, that were invitingly whipped across Robert Frankland’s six yard
box.
That said, it was Croydon Athletic who
clearly looked the most likely to break the deadlock. As so often happens in
football though, the home team countered and the impeccable Jon Waite cruelly
deflected the ball into his own goal. Having enjoyed an excellent first half,
Athletic found themselves a goal behind in first half injury time.
Not deterred however, the Bird’s spirited
team battled from the moment the game re-started in search of an equaliser.
Byatt and Jackson continued to cause havoc, while Jones and Evans continued to
pull the strings. Indeed, the second half was completely one-way traffic. From
the moment the half kicked-off, Hampton were simply hanging on. In the 55th
minute, Hampton’s keeper made an outstanding save from Danny Stassinos and
moments later, again denied the irrepressible Barry Stevens. Evans came close,
as did Jackson with flying header at the far post. With fifteen minutes
remaining, Todd was introduced and immediately looked threatening. Croydon
Athletic refused to concede defeat, but with the clock ticking Hampton looked
more and more likely to hang on. In the 86th minute, Dean Lock made
his long awaiting comeback and nearly scored with his first touch. However, with
his second, he found Scott Todd, who finally beat Hampton’s outstanding
goalkeeper. Although the team deserve to win, it was an outstanding performance.
After the game, Manager Hayden Bird sang the
praises of his team. “I thought the boys were excellent. Saturday we were
disappointed. I demanded a response and my god, I got one!! These lads were a
credit to the Club tonight. It’s a shame the Chairman is sunning himself in
Trinidad, he would have been proud with the way these lads made represented his
football club tonight.”
Frankland, Cecil (Todd), Johnson, Jones,
Gibson, Waite, Evans, Stevens, Jackson, Byatt (Lock), Stassinos. Subs not used:
Hall, Funnell.
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SLOUGH
TOWN 1 V 0 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman League Div 1
South - 13th March
You could have predicted the odd goal was going to
separate these two teams. Having fought a closely contested battle at Mayfields,
the form team of the division were hoping to avenge Croydon Athletic’s 1-0
victory at Mayfields.
The game was effectively won in the second minute. Slough
started like a train, giving Croydon Athletic all sorts of problems early on. As
early as the first minute, Boot headed over Frankland’s cross bar from six
yards and in the second minute, Hodges, his prolific strike partner, had scored.
Following the boost of the early goal, the home side
looked to build on their excellent start. Athletic’s normally reliable back
four looked unsteady, while Waite and Evans seemed troubled with the home sides
late running midfield players. On ten minutes, Boot hit the foot of the post and
moments later, Hodges fluffed a sitter to put his side well and truly in the
driving seat.
Despite not playing with their normal rhythm,
Barry Stevens came close midway through the half and Slough were clearly
concerned with the trickery of Danny Stassinos. Stassinos, who created problems
for Slough all afternoon, set up Barry
Stevens again on thirty five minutes and just before the interval, the winger
set Billy Jackson free, but the striker fired wide of the far post.
The second half was a different game. Slough lost their
way, as Athletic upped the tempo of their play. Suddenly, there seemed more bite
about the away side’s performance, far more urgency and the belief to keep the
ball on a very heavy pitch.
Just after the hour, Evans and Todd were replaced by
Byatt and Jones. The blistering pace and unashamed effort of Byatt appeared
infectious, while Jones added more solidity to the centre of the field. With
twenty minutes remaining, Byatt saw his effort fly inches and for the first
time, Athletic seemed destined to grab a point. Both arms and voices were raised
in the eighty-second minute for a foul on Billy Jackson in the penalty area, but
the referee dismissed the claims of the away side. Barry Stevens thought he had
equalised in the eighty-eighth minute, only to see his shot, which appeared
destined for the bottom corner deflect wide and in injury time, Croydon Athletic
won a succession on corners, all of which were scrambled away by some desperate
home defending.
The Manager was clearly disappointed. “I’m surprised
how badly we started this game,” complained Hayden. “We were not at the
races in the first half at all. However, to give Slough credit, I thought they
looked a good side. In the second half, we played considerably better, without
creating that many clear-cut opportunities. It’s a disappointing result and I’ll
be looking for a positive reaction from the team at Hampton on Tuesday night”.
Frankland, Davenport (Johnson), Cecil, Funnell, Hall,
Waite, Evans (Jones), Stevens, Jackson, Todd (Byatt), Stassinos. Sub not used:
Gibson.
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CROYDON
ATHLETIC 0 V 0 WORTHING
Ryman League Div 1 South -
6th MarchBY
ROB CAVALLINI
Despite the lack of goals it was an entertaining game,
livened up by the referee, being injured during the game for the third time in
2004 at Mayfields. A replacement who had just finished refereeing an
intermediate game was found on the pitches adjoining Mayfields and play
continued after a 20 minute delay.
Athletic
certainly enjoyed a large chunk of the possession, but Worthing were always
dangerous. Leon Johnson went close
twice early in the game for Athletic prior to the referee’s injury. When play
resumed Scott Todd hit a low drive which was saved by Will Packham before the
second interval.
There was plenty
of good football on show in the second half and Billy Jackson saw his shot
charged down following Dean Davenport’s cross. Soon
after Worthing’s Sam Funnell saw his shot deflected off Tony Funnell for a
corner.
Darren Freeman
went close for Worthing following Chris Dickson’s free kick on 61 minutes. Five minutes later James Evans played a ball
into Jackson’s feet, he in turn laid it off to Todd who played in Johnson who
fire wide in the best move of the match.
Rob Frankland did
well to deny Freeman whose point blank shot was cleared. Soon
after Todd got round the back of the Worthing defence and drilled in a shot
which Packman just collected.
Todd and Jackson,
both had shots which were saved for Athletic before the end, while Funnell
blocked Francis’s shot in the last minute.
Rob
Frankland, Dean Davenport (Byron Brown), Danny Cecil, Tony Funnell,
James Hall, Jon Waite, James Evans, Barry Stevens, Billy Jackson,
Scott Todd, Leon Johnson (Danny Stassinos) SUBS NOT USED Jamie Byatt,
John Fowler
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CROYDON
ATHLETIC
0 V 2 BROMLEY
Ryman League Div 1
South - 2nd MarchBY
ROB CAVALLINI
Athletic's
promotion hopes took a severe dent on Tuesday following 0-2 home
defeat to Bromley. In truth
the Rams were never at the races and Bromley’s commitment,
determination and good football saw them home as comfortable
winners.
Athletic should have taken the lead on five minutes when John
Fowler started and should have finished a move which also included Scott Todd
and Barry Stevens.
Bromley were
clearly the better side and enjoyed the majority of possession. They
were first to all the loose balls, but they failed to turn this into chances
until the last ten minutes of the half. Danny
Smith, Paul Vines and Colin Luckett all went close before the break for Bromley.
The second half started brightly for Athletic as Danny
Stassinos charged through, only to fire over.
This was a brief bright spot of a sorry performance and Bromley began to
mount what seemed like constant pressure.
They finally broke the dead lock on 70 minutes when substitute Bobby
George hit a 25 yard screamer which flew past Rob Frankland.
James Gibson
cleared off the line soon after from George and Landry Zahana-Oni should have
scored immediately after, but he fired over with just Frankland to beat. The
scoring was complete on 78 minutes when Colin
Luckett’s corner appeared to be punched into his own net at the near post by
Frankland.
A couple of long range late efforts by Scott Todd and James
Evans summed up a bad night.
Rob
Frankland, Justin Brauer-Jones (John Waite), Leon Johnson, Tony
Funnell, James Hall, James Gibson, James Evans, Barry Stevens (Jamie
Byatt), John Fowler (Simon Huckle), Scott Todd, Danny Stassinos SUBS
NOT USED Byron Brown, Danny Cecil
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MARLOW
0 V 0 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman League Div 1
South - 28th FebruaryBY
ROB CAVALLINI
Athletic were held to a goal less draw on Saturday at Marlow, despite
creating by far the better opportunities.
The
game was slow to get going and it was not until 18 minutes in that Justin Brauer-Jones
had the first shot. He was never going to score as he stretched in order to get
the shot in and it was comfortably saved by Kieron Drake. Two minutes Leon
Jackson broke down the left wing, only to see his shot saved.
Simon
Huckle shot narrowly wide on 26 minutes, and shortly after Scott Todd had his
effort saved following a good move involving Barry Stevens. Moments later Jones saw his free kick form
30 yards tipped over by Drake.
The
second half started at the same slowish pace all that Athletic had to show for
the first ten minutes was a Todd header which flew over. The introduction of Jamie Byatt and Danny
Stassinos on 57 minutes created a sense of urgency in the Athletic ranks as
finally sustained pressure was put on the Marlow goal.
With
20 minutes left Stevens set up Huckle, who should have scored with only Drake to
beat. Immediately following this Byatt
rose in the air to flick on a long ball forward into the path of Stevens, but
the ball ran away from him at the vital moment and Drake cleared. Byatt
then got the ball past Drake as he reacted to a long ball, but the defender was
on hand to clear.
Marlow
had their chances and Rob Frankland had to save Roberts McLay’s free kick on
74 minutes. Athletic reacted well to
this and Johnson saw his volley saved a minute later.
Byatt
saw his shot fly narrowly wide with five minutes left. This was followed by Tony
Funnell’s corner being headed goal bound by James Gibson, this was cleared and
the same player was on hand to shoot. Drake however pushed the return shot round
the post. Funnell had a powerful shot
saved in the dying moments and Marlow still had time to cause a scare when
Stuart
Lake’s shot was saved by
Frankland.
Rob
Frankland, Justin Brauer-Jones, Leon Johnson, Tony Funnell, James Hall, James
Gibson, Barry Stevens, Adrian Toppin (Danny Stassinos), Simon Huckle (Byron
Brown), Scott Todd (Jamie Byatt), John Fowler SUBS NOT USED Dean Davenport,
Danny Cecil
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BROMLEY 2 V
2 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman League Div 1
South - 24th FebruaryBY
ROB CAVALLINI
Croydon
Athletic fought back from two goals down in dramatic fashion at
Bromley on Tuesday night. The point leaves Athletic in eighth place,
only goal difference differentiating between them and a prospective
play off place.
Athletic started well and quickly got to grips with the conditions.
As early as the third minute, Bromley’s keeper Dean Mann fumbled
the ball, but recovered well to block James Evans shot. Soon after
Mann saved James Gibson’s volley.
The best moment of Athletic’s pressure came on 22 minutes when
Barry Stevens hit a curling shot which Mann spectacularly some how
clawed away.
The opening goal for Bromley came on 28 minutes, completely against
the run of play and came from an Athletic free kick, this was
cleared and Bromley broke, combined with some slack defending,
Adolph Amoako made it 1-0 to the hosts.
Bromley quickly got the game by the scruff of the neck and Rob
Frankland had to save from Amoako. On 40 minutes Gibson cleared off
the line from Paul Vines. Athletic came back and Stevens was
adjudged controversially to have dived when it appeared to most
people in the ground that he had been fouled by the last defender on
the edge of the box. Scott Todd went close before the break, but was
perhaps guilty of trying to walk the ball into the goal.
Athletic went further behind on 51 minutes when another
controversial incident saw Amoako played in Paul Vines, who looked
offside to score. Athletic got their act together after this with
John Fowler and Evans both having efforts, in turn Vines went close
for Bromley.
The introduction of debutant Jamie Byatt and Simon Huckle
livened up proceeding’s further still. On 66 minutes along ball
out of defence by Leon Johnson, was seized upon by Todd who broke
clear, before lobbing over. With 20 minutes left Jamie Byatt hit a
thunderous shot from the edge of the box which Mann failed to hold,
from the loose ball Huckle hit a weak shot, which was smashed home
by Stevens. Three minutes later Todd hit a shot past the top right
hand corner, and this was followed by the somewhat harsh dismissal
of Bromley’s Gary Drewett.
In the 87th minute Athletic equalised following some spirited
pressure. Jamie Byatt shot, but as he did James Hall was brought
down, and the referee awarded a penalty. Tony Funnell slotted the
ball to the left of the helpless Mann.
Rob Frankland, Justin Brauer-Jones (Jamie Byatt), Leon Johnson, Tony
Funnell, James Hall, James Gibson, James Evans, Barry Stevens, John
Fowler (Simon Huckle), Scott Todd, Danny Stassinos (Adrian Toppin)
SUB NOT USED Danny Cecil
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CROYDON
ATHLETIC 2 V 1 EGHAM TOWN
Ryman League Div 1
South - 21st FebruaryBY
ROB CAVALLINI
Despite
a less than inspired performance, Athletic overcame a determined
Egham side courtesy of a James Evans free kick.
The first ten
minutes were full of incidents, first Egham took the lead on eight minutes when
Jeff Goulding hit a 35 yard strike which dropped over the stretching Rob
Frankland.
A minute later John Fowler set up Barry Stevens who scored the equaliser
from close range.
This was followed
by referee Oliver McGuiness getting injured a delay ensued before his assistant
John O’Brien took over. This did little to maintain the tempo of the game and
Egham got on top in a scrappy period of play.
The second half started in the same vein, but Athletic woke
up when James Evans free kick crept into the bottom right hand corner on 58
minutes. This was followed by Fowler
having a powerful header tipped over by James Mercer, then he volleyed wide
after being played in by Scott Todd.
Shortly after Stevens ran through, beat a defender before see
his shot from a tight angle saved by Mercer.
Athletic could have had more in this period, but could not
add to their total. Late in the game Todd was brought down on the edge of the
box, but nothing came of the resultant free kick.
Rob
Frankland, Leon Johnson (Byron Brown), James Gibson, Tony Funnell,
James Hall, Jon Waite (Justin Brauer-Jones), James Evans, Adrian
Toppin (Scott Todd), John Fowler, Barry Stevens, Danny Stassinos
SUBS NOT USED Jamie Byatt, Simon Huckle
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WALTON
& HERSHAM 2 V 1 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman
League Div 1 South - 14th FebruaryBY
ROB CAVALLINI
Athletic’s
promotion hopes suffered a set back as they crashed at Walton on Saturday. The
only bright spots being other results were favourable and a superb rear guard action by the Rob Frankland and the back
three certainly bodes well for the future.
Walton made a good start and Carl Gibbs hit a good shot on
the volley on 12 minutes. Frankland, saved well however. Five minutes later determination by Barry
Stevens saw him set up Todd who shot low past the far post.
Athletic took the
lead on 21 minutes when a Tony Funnell corner was cleared to the edge of the
box, but James Gibson was on hand to fire the ball home through the crowded box.
Walton continued
to attack and Frankland saved Neil Lampton’s header two minutes later.
This was followed by Carl Gibbs,
somehow missing the target from a great cross supplied by Matt Edwards.
The equaliser
came moments before the interval when Matt Edwards made no mistake with his
header. John Fowler still had time to have a good shot after beating a defender,
which was well saved by Nick Gindre.
The second half
started positively for both sides as play swung from end to end. Walton though
gradually got on top and Wes Goggin went close on a number of occasions only a
save by Frankland and a great last ditch challenge by Tony Funnell kept the
scores level.
Walton continued
to pressure the Rams goal, but failed to get the lead they deserved. Danny
Stassinos had Athletic’s best chance on 82 minutes as he got on the end of a
long ball, but he shot weakly while under pressure from a defender. Walton
responded by going straight up the other end of the pitch,
and this time there pressure paid off as Gibbs lifted the ball over
Frankland for the winner.
Rob Frankland,
Justin Brauer-Jones, James Gibson, Tony Funnell, James Hall, John Waite, James
Evans (Simon Huckle), Barry Stevens (Leon Johnson), John Fowler, Scott Todd,
Danny Stassinos SUB NOT USED Byron Brown
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MOLESEY 0 V 2
CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman League Div 1
South - 11th FebruaryBY
ROB CAVALLINI
Athletic turned in a controlled performance in beating
Molesey, a result that moves the club up to eighth in the table.
The game opened scrappily and combined with some
heavy-handed tactics and route one football by Molesey, certainly meant it was
not pretty. Athletic though overcame this and took the lead on 14 minutes when
Danny Stassinos cracked home a terrific shot from the edge of the box.
Athletic could
have increased their lead ten minutes later when Scott Todd forced Adrian
Creamer in Molesey’s goal into a good save, but no one was on hand to tap in
the loose ball.
Four minutes later Athletic were awarded a penalty after Billy Mead
handled Todd’s cross. Tood stepped up to take the penalty, but Creamer was on
hand to save.
Just before the
interval Barry Stevens knocked a long ball into Simon Huckle in the Molesey box,
he controlled it with his chest brilliantly, but some how fired over.
Athletic opened the second half brightly and Justin Jones
fired in a powerful shot from 20 yards which was only just palmed away by
Creamer. Athletic were largely
controlling the game, but suffered from too many over hit passes.
Simon Huckle
broke clear on 58 minutes and raced in on goal, but shot wide. Three
minutes later the lead was increased when John Waite passed the ball out to Todd
who crossed back for Waite to score with a near post header.
Athletic had
chances to add to their lead and were rarely threatened although Funnell cleared
a loose ball close to the Athletic goal line and Lord fired wide for Molesey.
Rob Frankland,
Justin Brauer-Jones, Danny Cecil (Leon Johnson), Tony Funnell, James Hall, John
Waite, James Evans, Barry Stevens (John Fowler), Simon Huckle, Scott Todd, Danny
Stassinos (Byron Brown)
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CROYDON
ATHLETIC 3 V 0 BANSTEAD ATHLETIC
Ryman League Div 1
South - 7th FebruaryBY ROB CAVALLINI
Croydon
Athletic got back to winning ways in emphatic fashion over one of
the league’s form teams Banstead Athletic. Croydon controlled large periods of the
game, and were rarely troubled by the visitors.
A bright start
for Croydon saw Banstead’s Dennis Greenaway head the ball off his own line. Soon
after James Evans hit a powerful kick which Tony Webb in Banstead’s goal
failed to hold. Barry Stevens followed up and forced a good save out of
Webb.
Banstead hit the post on 13 minutes through Stuart White, but
there was no one on hand to score as the ball rebounded across the six yard
box. Scott Todd then hit speculative
effort wide, before John Waite hit a long range effort just past the post.
Croydon Athletic
took the lead on 35 minutes when a seemingly harmless ball across the box struck
Banstead’s Michael Beale and it wrong footed Webb and trickled into the net.
Banstead came out fighting at the start of the second half,
but this was soon rebuffed as on 54 minutes, Todd burst into the box and hit a
weak shot which took a deflection and again rolled into the net. Three minutes later the scoring was complete
as Danny Stassinos was brought down and John Fowler slammed home the
penalty.
Croydon Athletic
could have added to their total, while Dennis Greenaway saw his shot tipped on
to the bar for Banstead.
Rob Frankland,
Justin Brauer-Jones (Byron Brown), James Gibson, Tony Funnell, James Hall, Jon
Waite, James Evans, Barry Stevens (Bobby Nolan), Simon Huckle (John Fowler),
Scott Todd, Danny Stassinos
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CROYDON
ATHLETIC 1 V 2 HORSHAM
Ryman League Div 1 South -
24th JanuaryBY ROB CAVALLINI
Athletic turned in a dire
performance in losing to Horsham. Slack
defending combined with a pathetic midfield showing gave Horsham the
opportunity to tear Athletic apart which they fully exploited.
It
could have been all so different as the Rams took the lead after eight minutes
when Scott Todd was brought down by Tom Graves and John Fowler converted the
penalty. Athletic might as well have gone home at that point, as apart from Todd’s
tireless running and creativity they offered no real resistance.
On
21 minutes Gary Charman pulled the ball back to Lee Carney who was unmarked and
he smashed his shot past Rob Frankland. Horsham
then took over the game with Athletic mustering few chances on the counter
attack.
The
interval made little difference except to the weather and Horsham continued to
dominate. Horsham’s, Carney was unlucky on 50minutes
and Ryan Rummery had his shot saved shortly afterwards.
Athletic
missed two good chances inside a minute on 62 minutes, following a Todd effort. Horsham broke from the resulting corner and
Jones was lucky to stay on the pitch after he fouled Charman as he was in on
goal. On 64 minutes Horsham took the lead when Carney hit home a terrific shot
from the edge of the box.
Athletic
worked hard in the last 15 minutes to pull it back following the
introduction of Simon Huckle, but in truth got entirely what they
deserved, nothing.
Rob Frankland,
Dean Davenport, Danny Cecil (Danny Stassinos), Justin Brauer-Jones, James Hall,
Tony Funnell (James Gibson), Barry Stevens, James Evans (Simon Huckle), John
Fowler, Scott Todd, Leon Johnson SUB NOT USED Bobby Nolan
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TOOTING
& MITCHAM 2 V 1 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman
League Div 1 South - 17th January
BY ROB CAVALLINI
This meeting of two promotion hopefuls, ended in favour of
the home side who as a result completed a league double over the Rams. It was a
fair result overall, yet Athletic came agonisingly close to snatching a draw at
the end.
The first half was tight and it was not until the 15th
minute that any one mustered a shot and even then Elliott Onochie put it over the bar for Tooting. Three minutes later Tooting goal keeper
Tommy Dunn did enough to stop Simon Huckle’s low cross. The resultant loose ball was whipped in and
this time Huckle headed wide.
On 25 minutes Barry Stevens ran half the length of the pitch
only to see his shot deflected wide. Not
until injury time did a real dangerous moment occur as Onochie ran into the
Athletic penalty area and had it not been for Tony Funnell’s saving challenge,
Tooting would surely have gone in at half time in front.
Tooting came out at half time in dominant mood and it took
just two minutes for them to go in front. Tommy Ellis’s shot hit the bar, but
unfortunately for Athletic, the unmarked Scott Kinch was on hand to slam in the
first goal.
James Evans headed off the line prior to Tooting’s second goal in the 56th
minute. Leon Johnson was brushed off
the ball with minimal effort by James Lasbrey and James Husband made no mistake
heading, bullet fashion, the resulting cross past Rob Frankland.
Athletic to their credit made a fight of it and Justin Brauer-Jones
hit the bar on 63 minutes with a 35 yard free kick. James Gibson hit the ball goal bound when it
came back down, but it did not trouble Dunn.
With 15 minutes left Barry Stevens ran on to an Adrian Toppin
back heel, but Dunn saved his shot well. This was followed a minute later by John Fowler laying a tidy
ball off to Toppin who from 20 yards unleashed a shot which gave Dunn no chance.
Tooting should have wrapped up the points on 81 minutes as a
calamity of errors gifted Onochie with his easiest chance of the season, but he
could only fire over.
With time slipping away Scott Todd raced through, and was
clattered in the penalty area by two Tooting defenders. The assistant linesman
signalled for a penalty and up stepped James Evans. Dunn saved his spot kicked,
but the referee ordered it to be taken as both sides had encroached. Evans failed to vary his second attempt and
Dunn saved again.
There was still time for a fracas and Adrian Toppin was
dismissed in injury time.
Rob Frankland, Leon Johnson, James Gibson, Justin Brauer-Jones
(Adrian Toppin, James Hall, Tonny Funnell, Barry Stevens, John Fowler, Simon
Huckle (James Evans), Scott Todd, Danny Stassinos (Danny Cecil) SUB NOT USED
Dean Davenport
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WINDSOR
& ETON 1 V 1 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman League Div 1
South - 13th In the build up to the league fixture at Stag
Meadow, the Croydon Athletic Manager Hayden Bird described the game
as “our biggest test, but a test we are ready for”. These words
certainly echoed around the stadium as his team won a valuable point
at top of the league Windsor & Eton and moved into the top six
in the process.
The night started worryingly for Croydon
Athletic. With Adrian Toppin unavailable and James Evans not making the kick-off
due to his wife being unexpectedly rushed into hospital, the travelling
supporters wondered who would fill void in midfield. The answer, was as
surprising as it was inspired, with John Fowler leading the team from a midfield
role.
The game started brightly.
Windsor looked a side brimming with confidence, as you would expect from a side
at the top of the league, while Croydon Athletic were determined to show the
home team little respect and take the initiative.
The opening chance of the
game was a result of a mazy run from Barry Stevens. Collecting the ball from
Fowler in the middle of the pitch, Stevens typified his direct approach, by
beating Jason Cousins, only to be denied by a great save from Chuck Martini.
Martini was called into action again moments later, when Justin Jones fired from
twenty yards, forcing the former Bromley keeper into an acrobatic save.
From that moment, Athletic seemed to grow in
confidence. Now dominating the game, Huckle hit the post, Todd came close and
Leon Johnson pulled another save from Martini. Just as it seemed certain
Athletic would score, Windsor showed their undoubted quality, seeing Scott head
home in a classic counter attack on 33 minutes. Undeterred however, the
Mayfields men responded well and equalised on 37 minutes, with a fine strike
from central defender James Hall.
The second half mirrored the first period.
Athletic passed the ball well and continue to create opportunities. Martini
again denied Huckle on the hour and five minutes later, Stassinos was denied by
the woodwork. Although Bird’s men were clearly on top, Windsor remained a
threat. Top goalscorer Craig O’Connor arrived from the bench and within
moments of his introduction, shot narrowly wide. The appearance of O’Connor
presented Windsor with moree attacking options. Gibson, Funnell and Hall were
under pressure for the first time in the match and with the home side sensing
opportunity, they started to pile forward. However, the back three stood firm,
refusing to allow O’Connor, Carroll or Scott to sneak the winner. With ten
minutes remaining, Leon Johnson seemed certain to win all three points for his
side. Having sprung the offside trap, he was presented with a one-on-one with
the goalkeeper, only to see Martini make another fine save. The frustration didn’t
end there however. In injury time, another flowing move resulted in Scott Todd
hitting the underside of the bar from eight yards.
Despite missed chances, Bird was delighted
with his team. “We could and should have won the game. However, I can only
compliment every player on the pitch for a top class performance. Every player
in blue and white was excellent. Windsor & Eton are a good side, with a
number of ex-pro’s. To create so many chances against a team who have conceded
just fifteen league goals speaks volumes for the team. We’ve moved into the
top six tonight, which is a great reward for the team.”
Croydon Athletic: Frankland, Johnson, Gibson,
Jones, Hall, Funnell, Stevens, Fowler, Huckle, Todd, Stassinos. Subs: Davenport,
Cecil, Nolan, Evans.
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CROYDON
ATHLETIC 3 V 3 CORINTHIAN CASUALS
Ryman League Div 1
South - 10th
Athletic came through a tough derby fixture to record their first
double over the Casuals since the London Spartan League championship
season of 1994/95. Despite dominating possession this was not
converted into goals and set up a tense finish.
The Rams controlled the early part of the game with casuals hardly
getting a touch. John Fowler and Danny Stassinos both had chances
before James Evans saw his corner headed home by James Gibson on ten
minutes.
Chances continued to come Athletic’s way, but it was Casuals who
next found the net. Iain Waghorn struck a superb wonder goal which
flew into the top right hand corner of the net from 25 yards after
19 minutes. Casuals certainly came back into the game at this point,
but rarely looked like adding to their total.
On 43 minutes Athletic went back infront as Danny Cecil passed the
ball across the pitch to Justin Jones on the right hand touch line.
He knocked the ball into Scott Todd in the box and he coolly picked
his spot shooting into the bottom far corner of the goal.
Athletic increased the lead four minutes after half time when Leon
Raishbrook was adjudged to have brought down Todd. James Evans
rolled the ball past the helpless Chris Roberts from the spot. It
was one way traffic immediately after that, but Athletic could not
add to their total.
On 67 minutes Jamie Goodwin whipped in a cross which Jamie Byatt
converted with a powerful header, setting up an interesting end to
the game.
Rob Frankland, Tony Funnell, Danny Cecil, Justin Brauer-Jones, James
Gibson, Danny Stassinos, James Evans (Adrian Toppin), Simon Huckle
(Dean Davenport), John Fowler, Scott Todd, Leon Johnson (Barry
Stevens)
|
MET
POLICE 1 V 1 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman League Div 1
South - 3rd Janaury
Oh well, owt is better than nowt as they (allegedly) say north of
Watford. We were confident of three points against a team in the
Division's nether regions but then the Police are a funny old team .
Remember last season at Imber Court? No? Just as well.
To be honest, we could have been 3-0 down at half time. Their
running off the ball was outstanding as was their ability to
pressure the ball. As it was, a goal from Martin Tomlinson after
twenty something minutes was all they had to show for their
dominance before James Hall headed our equaliser from James Evans'
free kick just before the break. It was more than we deserved.
To be equally honest, we dominated the second half in almost the
same way. Why? Well for starters Hayden had reverted to a 3-5-2
formation just before half time with Evvo replacing Davvers. It
worked. And also, the Police seemed to have to have run themselves
into the ground for little reward, and the same spirit just wasn't
there. Great chances fell to Scott Todd and substitute John Fowler,
and Leon Johnson's spectacular volley which must have reached the
distant clubhouse will long be remembered (or should it be consigned
to oblivion?)
A late break from Police nearly cost us even a point as James Hall
fluffed a tackle just like Norman Hunter v Poland all those years
ago (us old uns remember). Mind you he had been decked earlier by
Mr. Tomlinson who was promptly sent for an early bath. Oh yes, I
forgot: we played against ten men for the last half hour.
Casuals on Saturday! Just about the most unpredictable result going
remembering past encounters.
Croydon Athletic: Frankland, Davenport (Evans 39 mins.), Hall,
Funnell, Cecil, Stephens, Jones, Toppin, Stassinos (Johnson 51 mins.),
Todd, Huckle (Fowler 69 mins.). Sub. Gibson.
|
LEATHERHEAD 3 V
2 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman League Div 1 South - 20th
December
It was so predictable. Following Rams' great win against local
rivals Whyteleafe last Saturday, proof of real consistency was
needed at Fetcham Grove against Alex Inglethorpe's useful
Leatherhead team and it simply was not there.
Rams' passing game was not suited to the rain soaked conditions.
Areas of the midfield were unpredictable but credit must be given to
the Leatherhead groundstaff in enabling the game to go ahead on a
day which saw the postponement of two Premiership fixtures. Chances
fell to both teams in the opening minutes. A rash pass from Danny
Cecil nearly allowed the lively Marc Charles-Smith a chance on goal,
while seconds earlier, Barry Stevens did superbly to lose his marker
to set up a chance for Scott Todd who mishit the ball in the
treacherous conditions.
A rash challenge by James Gibson on Charles-Smith allowed Phil
Ruggles to give the Tanners the lead from the penalty spot after 36
minutes and little else of note occurred until two minutes before
the break when an injury to Referee Mr R. Mathews nearly caused the
game to be abandoned. With no acceptable alternative official
available, Rams' Manager Hayden Bird was leading his team off the
field when on the scene came Bookham based ex Football league
Referee Ray Lewis. The game had to be halted for about 25 minutes
while Mr. Lewis returned home to collect his kit. When he returned,
only two minutes of play remained before the break.
Billy Jackson fluffed an opportunity to score immediately after the
restart, and Leatherhead immediately broke away for Paul Harford to
score with a fine indivdual effort. Rams looked dead and buried but
it was the signal for a remarkable recovery. Adrian Toppin reduced
the deficit with an excellent goal and suddenly, Rams were
dominating the game in every area. When substitute Simon Huckle
equalised with almost his first touch on the ball, it seemed like a
win for Hayden Bird's team was well on the cards. Chances fell to
James Evans who shot just wide and to Scott Todd whose shot was
headed off the line.
Then came the crucial moment in the game. Scott Todd was through on
goal and appeared to be brought down. It looked a clear penalty but
substitute referee Mr. J. Foss would have none of it to the
disbelief of home and away supporters alike.
After thirty minutes of total dominance Rams started to lose their
grip on the game in the closing minutes, and when Danny Cecil rashly
handled the ball with four minutes remaining, the resultant free
kick caused a scramble in the goal area. For a moment, the danger
appeared to be over but Tanners' skipper Danny Lavender sneaked in
to drive the ball past a stranded Rob Frankland.
It seemed rough justice but a furious Hayden Bird was not in the
mood to sympathise with his team. He said afterwards. "I've
told the team that it's just not acceptable to play for thirty
minutes", he said. "We let Leatherhead off the hook when
we were well in control, this was definitely a game where we should
have had at least a point".
Croydon Athletic: Frankland, Davenport, Hall, Gibson, Cecil,
Stevens, Toppin (Jones 86 mins.), Evans, Johnson, Jackson (Huckle 59
mins.), Todd. Subs. Nolan, Funnell, Stassinos (not used).
|
CROYDON
ATHLETIC 5 V 1 WHYTELEAFE
Ryman League Div 1
South - 13th December
After two home defeats, this was a welcome win to say the least, but
what a strange day it was. Whyteleafe looked a million dollars for
about twelve minutes and then ... well, fell apart at the seams.
Graham Harper's excellent goal after four minutes suggested another
day of woe for the Rams, but if ever there was a false dawn then
this was it.
After Harper's goal, here are the simple facts. Two goals from
Billy Jackson and one from Scott Todd gave Rams a 3-1 half time
lead, and in the second half, Toddy scored twice. They were all
goals of quality, sometimes because of individual brilliance and at
other times because of great teamwork and passing, but that could
not disguise the fact that Whyteleafe were really, truly terrible.
They had Mark Dickenson and Danny Bower sent off in the dying
minutes for two bookable offences and four others booked. In almost
every case this was due to frustration with the plain and simple
fact that the players concerned simply could not cope with the speed
at which Rams passed the ball. In fact, they couldn't cope with
speed.
Surely there must be big question marks over the future of some of 'Leafe's
Old Brigade who spent much of the afternoon wondering what was going
on as their legs simply did not respond to what their heads were
telling them. One exception in the veterans category was Mark
Tompkins. At 36, he is an example to young players. No one at this
level holds the ball up better. What he must have thought about some
of those around him is probably unprintable.
In these circumstances, it was no surprise that Rams' players such
as Adrian Toppin, James Evans, Scott Todd and Billy Jackson were
simply awesome. It was especially good to see Billy do so well as he
has not had a great season so far and some were surprised at his
selection over Simon Huckle. But Jacko son, you were great and we
all loved it. Now go on to even greater things.
Man of the match? Well many will argue for Toddy and what a great
hat trick it was! But for this observer's money, there can be only
one choice and that is Adrian Toppin. Always available, winning
nearly every fifty fifty challenge and covering almost every blade
of grass on the field, he made a massive difference and enabled
James Evans to do what he does best.
So now it's away to the always useful Leatherhead, and then ... home
to Croydon. Top six on January 1st? Play like Saturday and the
answer must be yes.
Croydon Athletic: Frankland, Davenport, Hall, Gibson, Cecil,
Stevens, Toppin, Evans, Johnson, Jackson, Todd. Subs. Fowler,
Stassinos, Nolan (used). Huckle, Jones (not used).
|
CROYDON
ATHLETIC 1 V 2 BRACKNELL TOWN
Ryman League Div 1
South - 6th December
Croydon Athletic never seems to enjoy the
greatest of success in this fixture and today was no different. Despite a
dramatic start to the game, the team were surprisingly off colour and, almost
inevitably allowed a game, that many thought was a “home banker,” slip from
their grasp.
As early as the first minute, Adrian Toppin
released the lively Scott Todd. Todd, who has made an impressionable start to
his Croydon Athletic career, continued his good work by setting by Justin Jones.
From eight yards, Jones fired into the roof of the net, giving Martin Hutt
little chance.
Any thoughts of building on the goal seemed
to quickly be replaced by simply hanging on. Bracknell’s 3-4-3 formation
succeeding in unsettling the home side, who uncharacteristically failed to pass
the ball almost from start to finish. Surprisingly then, it was Todd who came
closest to adding to the score. Good work from the fit again John Fowler
released Todd to fire inches wide from the edge of the box, after fifteen
minutes.
In
truth however, despite being a goal up at the interval, Athletic can consider
themselves fortunate. Although Bracknell seemed to lack the killer instinct up
front, the away side always looked in control.
At half time, Hayden Bird changed the shape
of the team in an attempt to counter Bracknell’s midfield dominance. James
Evans replaced Leon Johnson, with Scott Todd slotting into a five man midfield.
The players seemed so off colour however, the shape made little or no
difference.
In the 60th minute, almost
inevitably, Smith equalised. Robert Frankland was beaten by a looping header,
which in fairness gave the keeper no chance. The equaliser gave Bracknell Town
the initiative. Palmer almost put the away side 1-2 ahead, but the winner was
soon on the way, courtesy of one of the most ridiculous guidelines in modern day
football. Having had the ball fired against his groin, Gibson, under the new
rules, left the pitch after receiving treatment. Athletic were now defending the
corner without their main central defender. Typically, Bracknell took full
advantage and scored the winner. Even more typically of the game, the ball
deflected against Toppin to beat Frankland.
In the final
twenty five minutes, the home side had plenty of possession but never looked
like scoring. Billy Jackson added more urgency to the forward line and following
his bustling approach, should have won a penalty. The referee thought
differently. In the last minute, Bobby Nolan pulled a last gasp save from the
keeper directly from a corner, but in truth, Bracknell had thoroughly deserved
their victory.
Croydon Athletic: Frankland, Davenport,
Cecil, Jones (Nolan), Gibson, Funnell (Jackson), Stassinos, Toppin, Fowler,
Todd, Johnson (Evans).
Subs not used: Huckle, Pearson.
|
KINGSTONIAN
2 V 0 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Bryco League Cup - 2nd Round
18th November
A depleted Rams squad made an early exit in the Bryco Cup
at Kingsmeadow on Tuesday. Apart from long term injuries and unavailability,
Manager Hayden Bird found himself without five of the squad fielded against
Banstead on Saturday - Danny Cecil, Tony Funnell, Jamie Pearson, Barry Stevens
and John Fowler. In addition, keeper Rob Frankland picked up a dead leg and did
not resume after half time.
“I am concerned about the injury situation”, admitted
Bird. “I have to smile when I hear about criticism of the number of players I
have used this season”, he said. “We were still able to field an experienced
team tonight which would have been impossible without the recent signings. As it
is, we still lack cover in several areas. Rob and John should be fit to face
Marlow on Saturday, but the present situation is far from ideal.”
Rams put up a reasonable show against their Premier
Division opponents but the result was seldom in doubt. James Hall put through
his own goal after 24 minutes but could well have equalised ten minutes later,
just failing to connect with a cross from Scott Todd. The lively Todd forced one
great save from Lance Key, while Adrian Toppin and Justin Jones battled well in
midfield.
Youngster Jamie Williams replaced Frankland at half time
and had no chance with the second goal scored by the experienced Grant Payne
afyer 59 minutes. The former Wimbledon
first teamer, also with Woking and Aldershot, was a constant threat to Rams with
his movement off the ball.
Bird gave a late second half debut to former Lewes
midfielder Ross Venables.
Croydon Athletic: Frankland (Williams 45 mins.), Davenport,
Hall, Gibson, Johnson, Stassinos, Jones, Toppin (Venables 79 mins.), Nolan,
Todd, Huckle (Jackson 61 mins.). Subs. Brown, McDowall (not used).
|
BANSTEAD
ATHLETIC 1 V 1 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman League
Div 1 South - 15th November
Croydon Athletic moved to sixth place in the table despite
not firing on all cylinders. Banstead in turn must take credit for halting
their run of poor form and got the vital point they were looking for.
The first half was a dour affair and it took until the 29th
minute for a serious effort at any goal when Banstead’s Lee Cormack hit a
long range effort wide.
Athletic then took the lead with their first real effort on
35 minutes when Leon Johnson hit a volley from the edge of box which crept just
inside the right hand post. The lead
was short lived as two minutes later following a corner Marcel Dennis’s over
head kick flew into the net.
Banstead should have gone in at half time ahead, but James
Greenaway’s header went just over.
Athletic came out and were unlucky not to take the lead
immediately when Simon Huckle’s knock down was hit against the post by James
Hall. Banstead soaked up the Croydon
Athletic pressure it was not until the 68th minute when James Hall
saw his header cleared off the line by Hutchinson.
Athletic’s best period of pressure followed and James
Pearson fired wide soon after. Then
Danny Stassinos released Scott Todd down the right wing, but he could only shoot
across goal. John Fowler shot over late on, before Stuart White and Nigel Webb
could have snatched a win for Banstead as they caught Athletic on the break.
On reflection a deserved point for both sides, but
Athletic will need to improve in the weeks ahead.
Robert Frankland, Tony Funnell, Danny Cecil, James Pearson,
James Gibson
(John Fowler), James Hall, Barry Stevens (Danny Stassinos),
Adrian Toppin,
Simon Huckle, Scott Todd, Leon Johnson (Bobby Nolan) SUB NOT
USED Dean
Davenport
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CROYDON
ATHLETIC 4 V 1 MOLESEY
Ryman League Div 1 South
- 11th November
A memorable debut from new signing Scott Todd was the
highlight of another emphatic win at Mayfields on Tuesday. Twenty year old
striker Todd was signed from Carshalton Athletic on Monday after a last minute
effort from Staines Town to take the player to Wheatsheaf Lane. Todd was
outstanding in a scintillating first half performance, making one and scoring
one of Rams’ four goals.
Manager Hayden Bird revealed that he had been after Todd’s
signature for three seasons, having seen him play for Ashford Town against
Athletic. Even before the game, Bird could not contain his enthusiasm for the
player. Writing in the programme notes,
he said: “I am thrilled Toddy is now a Croydon Athletic player. Believe me,
this guy will be worth waiting for!”
Home fans did not have to wait long to see the truth of
Bird’s prediction. Looking lively
from the start, Todd’s pace was unsettling the Molesey defence as James Hall
put Rams ahead after six minutes. Five minutes later, Todd broke clear on the
left and sent in a low cross which Simon Huckle converted to open his account
for Rams. With only fifteen minutes gone, Rams were three up when James Gibson
headed home. Rams’ control in midfield was a crucial factor throughout this
period with Adrian Toppin and the re-signed Justin Jones outstanding.
It was an incredible start against a team whose results had
improved recently especially with a draw against table toppers Lewes, and new
Player Manager Steve Beeks could be heard berating his players duringa short
break in the game. Molesey then had their best spell and Rob Frankland had to be
at his best to divert a stinging drive from Paul Thornton round the post on
thirty minutes. Then it was time (39 minutes) for Todd to administer the coup de
grace with a goal of outstanding quality. Seeing keeper Adrian Creamer off his
line, he executed the perfect chip with the ball clearly destined for the back
of the net from the word go.
It seemed a clear cut case of game over, but Molesey gave
evidence of their intentions when Mark Frampton pulled one back for his team
straight after the restart. For a while, Rams were under pressure with Danny
Cecil already withdrawn through injury. In the circumstances, the nature of the
game changed with Molesey pushing forward and Rams content to sit on their lead
and look for the breaks.
A superb long range effort from Leon Johnson, well saved by
Creamer, indicated that more goals might be on the cards, but with the tiring
Todd substituted to much applause after seventy five minutes, the game looked
set to peter out. It took a rash challenge in the box by Johnson to bring it
back to life. To the delight of Rams’ fans, Frankland kept up his record of
penalty saves, this time denying Billy Mead.
This win restores Rams to sixth position after Worthing
could only draw with Horsham.
Croydon Athletic: Frankland, Davenport (Pearson 78 mins.),
Hall, Gibson, Cecil (Nolan 45 mins.), Stassinos, Toppin, Jones, Johnson, Huckle,
Todd (Jackson 75 mins.). Subs. Fowler, Williams (not used).
|
STAINES
TOWN 2 V 0 CROYDON ATHLETIC
FA Trophy - 1st
Round - 1st Novmber
Two visits,
two defeats. Such is the balance sheet for Rams where Staines’ Wheatsheaf Lane ground is concerned. Having
lost the League encounter 1-0 a few weeks previously,
Manager Hayden Bird could have been under no illusions about
the task ahead against a team strongly challenging for the League title.
If the fixture was tough enough already, Bird’s plans were thrown into
disarray on Friday afternoon with both John Fowler and Barry Stevens declaring
themselves unfit, and Tony Funnell still feeling the effects of shingles.
Fowler was replaced by youngster Leon McDowall for his first start
in the first team. McDowall, who impressed against
Leatherhead in midweek won his place in preference to Billy Jackson who was
on the substitutes’ bench. Staines included the vastly
experienced Craig Maskell, now also Assistant Manager.
Rams struggled in the early stages, but having weathered the first
15 minutes, started to take the game to their opponents
with Leon Johnson pulling a fine save from Matt Lovett.
Shortly afterwards, McDowall was through to score but blazed the ball high and
wide. Further injury problems hit Rams on the half hour
when central defender James Hall hobbled off with an ankle injury. Shortly after, Staines’
Kezie Ibe broke the deadlock with an excellent finish to
give his team a half time lead.
With Staines defending deeper after the interval, Rams had more of
the ball and created several half chances especially
after the introduction of new signing Bobby Nolan on the
left side. The ex Wimbledon teenager hit over some
telling crosses but to no avail.
With less than two minutes remaining, Rams’ best chance fell to
James Gibson whose aerial effort was well saved by
Lovett. From the breakaway, Rams found themselves
outnumbered at the back as Ibe found Dean Picher unmarked in front
of goal and the substitute midfielder ensured his team’s passage
into the next round.
“It was a fair result in the end”
admitted Manager Bird afterwards. “I was disappointed that we didn’t
do more to break them down, but they’re a well organised
team and you have to take the few chances that came our way. I was pleased
with Leon McDowall who never stopped running despite close attention from
a very experienced defence”.
Croydon Athletic: Frankland, Davenport, Hall (Jackson 30 mins.),
Gibson, Cecil (Nolan 69 mins.), Stassinos, Quinton,
Toppin, Johnson, McDowall, Evans (Brown 83 mins.).
|
LEATHERHEAD 1 V 4 CROYDON ATHLETIC
By Rob Cavallini
Bryco
League Cup - 1st Round - 28th October
Athletic stormed
into a second round of the Bryco Cup and have earned an away tie
with Kingstonian. In a game where both sides
rested key players, it was remarkably entertaining, before a second
half goal blitz by Athletic sealed an impressive win.
The
first half sparked into life on 28 minutes when Phil Ruggles crashed
a shot against the bar.
Two minutes later Athletic took the lead when Danny Stassinos
got round the back of the Leatherhead defence. His cross was scuffed
by Billy Jackson, Byron Brown tapped it, before Leon McDowall opened
his Athletic account.
A
minute later Ruggles saw his header cleared off the line. This was followed, by a Leatherhead equaliser
through Damian Panter.
In first half injury time Rob Frankland saved well from Nko
Ekoku.
The
second half belonged to Croydon Athletic, following the early
introduction of the lively Bobby Nolan. Nolan almost scored with his
first touch of the ball on 53 minutes, but Christos Liasides saved
with his leg.
Two
minutes later Athletic took the lead when Danny Cecil’s freekick
was knocked by Tony Quinton into the path of Leon McDowall who
coolly slotted past Liasides.
Billy Jackson should have extended the lead on the hour, but
his shot was saved by the keeper. Jackson then blazed over moments
later.
Leatherhead
were unlucky not to equalise when Alex Inglethorpe smashed his shot
from 20 yards against the bar.
With
14 minutes left, the game was put beyond doubt when Stassinos played
the ball across the pitch into the path of Nolan who ran in and
scored on his Athletic debut.
The scoring was completed three minutes later when Nolan
whipped in a superb free kick and Tony Quinton only had to direct
his bullet header into the back of the net.
Rob
Frankland, Danny Cecil, Byron Brown (Bobby Nolan), Tony Quinton,
James Hall, James Gibson, Leon Johnson, Adrian Toppin (James
Pearson), Billy Jackson (Dean Thomas), Leon McDowall, Danny
Stassinos
|
|
EGHAM
TOWN 1 V 3 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman League Division 1
South - 25th October
Athletic cruised to a comfortable win on Saturday to
maintain their position in the top eight. Two early goals meant Egham
were always chasing the game apart from a brief, 15 minute spell
Croydon Athletic were always in control.
Croydon
took the lead after just four minutes as Billy Jackson released Leon
Johnson who struck his shot into the bottom right hand corner, past
the helpless Dave McCartney.
Barry
Stevens went close soon after before a marvellous volley by Tony
Quinton made it 2-0 on 14 minutes. The game should have been wrapped
up two minutes later when Billy Jackson had a glorious chance which
he scuffed wide. As so
often happens in football Egham went straight up the other end and
Steve Baker hit a 20 yard effort past Rob Frankland.
An anxious
period followed for Athletic, but by the end of the half Athletic
were back in the ascendancy.
Danny
Stassinos was introduced at half time and he made an immediate
impression, with his determination setting up John Fowler for the
third just 20 seconds into the half.
Egham had
their moments and Rob Frankland made some good saves from Steve
Baker, but rarely threatened.
Athetic came close on a number of occasions a good move on 57
minutes saw Leon Johnson play the ball out to Byron Brown on the
left. His deep cross was headed back across goal by Jackson, for
Adrian Topping who headed at McCartney.
Leon
Johnson had a looping shot which was cleared of the line by Andy Dugdale on 72 minutes.
Rob
Frankland, Dean Davenport, Byron Brown, Tony Quinton, James Gibson,
James Hall, Barry Stevens (Danny Stassinos), Adrian Toppin, John
Fowler (Danny Cecil), Billy Jackson, Leon Johnson SUB NOT USED Tony Funnell, James Evans
|
|
CROYDON
ATHLETIC 2 V 4 HAMPTON & RICHMOND
Ryman League
Division 1 South - 21st October
The game was a lot closer than the score
line suggests, and was pact full of excitement and incident.
Ultimately though it was Athletic’s defensive frailties which let
them down.
Athletic
started like an express train and spent most of the opening period
camped in Hampton’s half.
Then out of the blue on 10 minutes, Hampton’s Richard O’Connell’s
through ball was latched on to by Adrian Allen, who comfortably strolled
through the Athletic off side trap, took the ball around Rob
Frankland and then rolled the ball into an empty net.
Athletic
continued to play good football but could not break through the
Hampton rear guard. The
closest effort came on 38 minutes when following a free kick, a
header crashed against the bar.
Hampton
went straight up the other end and Allen won a penalty, which he
clearly played for as he was going no where. Rob Frankland pulled
off a superb save from O’Connor’s spot kick. The excitement was not over
as Frankland saved again with his legs from Eric Kwayke and O’Connor
shot wide. In injury
time Dean Davenport’s cross failed to find an Athletic forward
despite it zipping across the goal mouth and Tony Quinton headed
over.
36 seconds
into the second half a goal mouth melee resulting after a Davenport
cross, saw James Evans have a good shot. Evans blazed over three
minutes later as Athletic tried for an equaliser. At the other end Davenport
blocked a fierce drive from O’Connor after a quick Hampton break.
The
equaliser came on 57 minutes when Evans initial shot was blocked, it
fell back kindly to him and he sweetly struck it with the outside of
his foot past Adrian Blake.
Athletic
were level for three minutes before a long ball caught the defence
out again and Allen slipped past James Hall before restoring Hampton’s
lead. Moments later Barry Stevens curling shot was well held by
Blake.
A
disgraceful challenge on 74 minutes by Paul Kelly on James Evans saw
the Athletic play maker stretchered off. The referee Mr Faulkner
deemed the challenge only worthy of a caution and thus Hampton
continued with eleven men slightly controversially. With five minutes
remaining of normal time, Hampton broke again and another long pass
caught the flat Athletic back line off guard and Eric Kwayke scored
to increase Hampton’s lead.
Athletic
immediately responded when determination by Barry Stevens ultimately
lead to a chance for John Fowler who buried his shot to make it 2-3.
Stevens and Leon Johnson went close for Athletic before in the sixth
minute of injury time more defending gifted Kwayke with his second
and Hampton’s fourth goal of the night.
Rob
Frankland, Dean Davenport (James Gibson), Danny Cecil, Tony Quinton,
James Hall, Anthony Funnell, Barry Stevens, Billy Jackson, John
Fowler, James Evans (Adrian Toppin), Leon Johnson SUB NOT USED Ross
Venables, Robert Nolan, Byron Brown
|
CROYDON ATHLETIC YTH 1 V 1 BURGESS HILL TOWN YTH
WON
10-9 ON PENALTIES
FA Youth Cup 1ST Round Proper - 20th
October
Ten man Croydon gallantly overcame a determined
Burgess Hill Town side in this thrilling cup tie. Athletic will now be
at home to either Exeter City or Cirencester Town in the 2nd
Round proper.
Athletic spent the first half making swift
attacks and out playing their hosts for large periods of the match. In
fact the game should have been wrapped up in the opening half hour,
but for some good saves by Stuart Armsby in the Burgess Hill goal. All Athletic had to show for
their efforts was a solitary Brett Lambert-Wright effort on ten
minutes.
Burgess Hill equalised deep into first half
injury time when they caught Athletic napping and broke swiftly
before shooting home from 20 yards.
The second half saw Burgess Hill wake up and they
began to mount several meaninful attacks. The game then was changed
further by the dismissal of Ryan Adams on 64 minutes for a second
bookable offence.
Athletic dug deep into their reserves of strength
and battled to the end. Anthony Hall was on top of his game in
Athletic’s goal during the last ten minutes.
Extra time saw Athletic gradually fade, but the
grit and determination was still evident as try as they might
Burgess Hill could not get through the Athletic back line.
Penalties started with both sides being
successful on their first four attempts. Sam Clayton, Jason Henry,
Lee Ahern and Korel Ibrahim doing the business for Athletic. Terry Fennessy saw his
penalty saved leaving Anthony Hall a pressure situation of having to
save the tie which he did.
Brady Lindsey and Ryan Shand helped take the
shoot out to 6-6 before both sides missed again. Daniel Griffiths was next up
and no mistake, before Burgess Hill made it 7-7.
It was the turn of the goal keepers next, first
Hall saw his penalty saved, then he in turn saved Armsby’s. With the teams having gone
through ten penalties each, it was back to Richard Clayton who
restored the lead. Town equalised yet again, as they did after Jason
Henry had made it 9-8.
Finally at 10.30pm Lee Ahern scored to make it
10-9 and with Hall saving Burgess’s Hill’s last penalty,
Athletic were through.
Anthony Hall, Ryan Adams, Terry Fennessy, Daniel
Griffiths, Danny Titcombe, Lee Ahern, Jason Henry, Raymond Ward (Korel
Ibrahim), Sam Clayton, Ryan Shand, Brett Lambert-Wright (Brady
Lindsey) SUB NOT USED Sean McGlade, Jeremy William
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|
HORSHAM 1 V 2 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman League
Division 1 South - 18th October
Croydon Athletic climbed to
joint sixth in the table with this victory at struggling Horsham and
thus condemning their hosts to their seventh defeat of the campaign
so far.
Horsham
started brightly and
created several openings which could have proved disastrous
had they had a forward in the right position, but Athletic regrouped
well and took the lead on 19 minutes. Adrian Toppin broke clear,
his over hit cross was recovered by James Evans before he set up
Toppin who had time to coolly slot home. This proved the most
entertaining part of the afternoon as the Horsham announcer
pronounced his name Tappin!
Athletic
were on top as they attacked up the slope, and they extended their
lead on 33 minutes when following a corner James Hall acrobatically
hooked the ball into the roof of the net.
The second
half began with Horsham immediately being handed a life line as Lee
Carney was adjudged to have been brought down in the penalty area
just two minutes in. Stuart Hardy sent Rob Frankland the wrong way
and it was game on.
Horsham
stepped up the pace and certainly enjoyed the better of the second
half with out creating too many clear cut opportunities. There were however several
anxious moments as Athletic needed to clear of their line and
scramble away on more than one occasion.
Steffan
Ball went close late on for Horsham, but Rob Frankland was on had to
save. Athletic thus
gained a valuable three points, without really getting out of second
gear.
Rob
Frankland, Tony Funnell, James Hall, Tony Quinton (Byron Brown),
James Gibson, Adrian Toppin, Barry Stevens (Danny Stassinos), Billy
Jackson (Leon McDowall), John Fowler, James Evans, Danny Cecil SUB
NOT USED Dean Davenport, Nick Greene
|
CORINTHIAN CASUALS 1 V 3 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman
League Division 1 South - 14th October
Three goals in the
last fifteen minutes of the first half brought both relief and three
points for Rams' Manager Hayden Bird at Tolworth on Tuesday.
Following Saturday's F.A. Cup debacle at Crawley, Rams went into
Tuesday's game knowing that their League form had also taken a
tumble in recent weeks with narrow defeats against high flying
Worthing, Lewes and Staines.
Bird's problem was that,
although Casuals are currently propping up the League Table, they
are never easy opponents for Rams with rivalry between the clubs
dating back to the Spartan League days. In an effort to boost his
attack, Bird rested John Fowler and celebrated Barry Stevens' return
to League action following suspension by playing him up front
alongside Billy Jackson. The experiment lasted only a few minutes as
Leon Johnson exacerbated a back injury and Fowler was introduced to
his customary up front position obliging Stevens to revert to the
right side.
Lively as ever Casuals started brightly and
took the lead on 16 minutes when Danny Cecil's poor clearance was
intercepted. Ian Waghorn made contact with Lee Buckwell's cross and
the ball looped over Rob Frankland and into the net. Minutes later,
Rams had a real let off when Referee P. Buck failed to spot a clear
handball in the box by James Hall.
It wasn't until the 75th
minute that Rams equalised, Dean Davenport's cross expertly slotted
home by Fowler. Almost immediately, a neat build up involving
Jackson allowed Stevens to blast the ball past the helpless John
Hotchkiss. Two minutes before the break, Cecil made amends for his
earlier error, sending over an inch perfect cross for Jackson to
head home in style.
The second half saw Rams largely
content to defend their lead and only some unusually erratic
goalkeeping from Frankland provided a glimmer of hope for Casuals
whose substitute John Goodwin was dismissed for violent conduct by
Referee Buck in the dying minutes.
Croydon Athletic:
Frankland, Davenport, Hall, Funnell, Cecil, Stassinos (Brown, 51
mins.), Evans, Quinton (Toppin, 76 mins.), Johnson (Fowler, 10 mins.),
Stevens, Jackson. Sub. Gibson (not used).
|
CRAWLEY TOWN 6 V 1 CROYDON ATHLETIC
FA CUP 3rd
Qualifying Round - 11th October
Four goals in the last twenty
minutes, all from free kicks or crosses, meant a disappointing end
to Rams' F.A. Cup exploits for this season. At least they can
console themselves with their share of the gate receipts - a useful
sum to be added to the £6500 already earned from their previous
victories.
But that was about all the
joy to be had for Hayden Bird and the Rams faithful. For seventy
minutes, their team had looked the equal of their Doc Martens
Premier Division hosts, but appalling defending and a surprisingly
feeble attitude from some players in the face of adversity lost Rams
both the match and a fair amount of pride in the game's final period
A James Evans penalty
on thirty two minutes cancelled out a sixteenth minute goal from
Crawley, and that remained the score at the break with a clearly
frustrated home crowd sensing a possible upset in the offing.
Indeed, Danny Stassinos almost sent his team in 2-1 up when his shot
came down on the cross bar with keeper Andrew Little well beaten.
With less than twenty
minutes remaining and the score 3-1 to Crawley, Rams could reflect
that they were still in with a shout despite the fact that their
first half promise had not been maintained. Then came a twenty
minute nightmare spell which must certainly represent Rams' at their
very worst as certain players seemed to lose their commitment and
their pride. Admittedly they weren't helped by injuries to both
central defenders James Hall and Tony Funnell, but only Rob
Frankland, Leon Johnson and (for 17 minutes as substitute) Leon
McDowell can have any satisfaction in their performances.
Manager Hayden Bird, who
brought in the entire squad on Sunday, was in no mood to make
excuses for his players. "They reserved their worst performance for
the most important match so far this season", he said. "I defend my
players whenever I can but I have to admit to acute embarrassment at
what I saw in the latter part of yesterday's game and I will say
publicly now what has already been said to them which is that too
many of them played the last quarter of the game without even the
basic pride you expect from any player at this level. We discussed
this at length today (Sunday), and the boys know that I am demanding
a very different performance at Corinthian Casuals on
Tuesday."
Croydon Athletic:
Frankland, Davenport, Hall (Gibson, 76 minutes), Funnell (Toppin, 79
minutes), Johnson, Stevens, Quinton, Harrison (McDowall, 73
minutes), Stassinos, Evans, Fowler. Subs. Brown, Lock (not used).
|
STAINES TOWN 1 V 0 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman
League Division 1 South - 7th October
Three defeats in
the last three games. Disappointing after the team's great start to
the season? "Of course" admitted Manager Hayden Bird,
"But let's get things in perspective. We have lost by the odd
goal to three clubs who occupy the top three places in the Division.
And two of those games were away. I think we deserved a point from
each game, but as it is, we have come away empty handed. That's
football.
There was much to applaud in all three
displays and the boys are far from down hearted as we face a very
tough F.A. Cup tie at Crawley on Saturday".
Staines
had an edge in the first half with Craig Maskell's penalty superbly
saved by Rob Frankland after Tony Quinton allegedly pushed a Staines
forward in the box. But the best chance of the half fell to James
Evans who failed to convert Danny Stassinos' cross on 20 minutes,
keeper Matt Lovett spreading well to save with his feet.
Rams
dominated much of the game after the break without really creating a
clear chance, but then disaster struck as substitute Jake Newton
headed home a corner on 69 minutes. Two minutes later, and Rams
could have been two down when Jon Henry-Hayden's shot hit an
upright, but that would have been a gross injustice.
John
Fowler nearly salvaged a point in the dying minutes but his brave
effort cleared the bar.
Croydon Athletic: Frankland, Harrison
(Hall 81 mins.), Gibson, Funnell, Cecil, Stassinos, Quinton, Toppin
(Jackson 73 mins.), Johnson, Fowler, Evans. Sub. Davenport (not
used).
M.O.M. Tony Funnell. A tower of strength at the back
even though he's only about 5' 8"!
|
CROYDON ATHLETIC 1 V 2 LEWES
Ryman League
Division 1 South - 30th September
MR DEAD AND RODNEY
STEAL THE SHOW
By Stentor
Oh dear. Another
tight game against a top team lost by the odd goal. Still, a
cracking game in front of a fair few people (Paul, don't tell them
that was our best gate, we'll get the Crawley taking the p*ss
again). Also, the first floodlit game with the new stand. Which
reminds me. I kept thinking "should the lights be on in the
stand during the match?" I mean, it's great to have lights in
the stand but shouldn't you turn them off during the game and then
turn them on all dramatic like at half time and full time? Answers
from the Chairman.
Anyway, the Lewes lads arrived full of
repentance and remorse. Why? Cos some of them had (allegedly, got to
say that ) been naughty in a hotel on Friday night. Now in case
anyone gets the wrong idea, it was a hotel in .... LOWESTOFT. Well,
it would be wouldn't it? Everyone knows about Lowestoft don't they?
West End eat your heart out. Anyway, whatever they did or didn't do,
they lost their first game on Saturday and came to us looking for
something to prove. And they even knew what that something was. They
wanted to prove they could still play football by beating us! Got
it? Good.
Seriously folks, it was a good game and Lewes did
succeed in proving their point. They are an excellent team and
deserved to win a close, hard fought game which was a credit to the
League. Nauseating stuff eh? Yeah but I've got to write a bit about
football or my lucrative contract will be up in smoke. So let's have
a bit more. Danny Davis won some lucky person £35 by scoring on 35
minutes. He sorta squeezed it in ever so slowly. It's what Hayden
calls sexy football. You get a feeling right away about those sort
of goals. Not will it won't it? You just know it's going to scrape
the post and creep in. It did.
Half time. Actually, we
probably didn't deserve to be one down, but (watered down cliche
coming) it's guess what that count. But then soon after the break,
Evvo (those bloody double v's keep looking like a w) scored a beaut.
Not often I praise you mate but that was a bit good. We looked as
though we could win at this point but then it all went wrong so
wrong. They went and took control with just over 20 minutes to go.
Suddenly a cross came across (as crosses do) and after some comedy
in the form of a missed open goal, Rodney Trotter put the ball in
the net. Well actually it was Luke Fontana, but if he does bear a
passing resemblance to that well known plonker, he certainly doesn't
play like one. Oh my goodness no indeed not.
And
that was it really. Rob ran up the field with a minute to go to try
and score a Jimmy Glass type goal from a corner and got stranded, at
which point the Lewes keeper tried to do something really
ungentlemanly. He tried to score into our empty net from his own
goal area! Cheeky sod. And you know what else? He's bloody French.
Well let me tell you Monsewer Dominique Jean-Zepherin (Jeez, I
thought Nko Nkoku was bad enough ), we, in this great country of
ours, don't appreciate you Frogs coming over here and bringing your
garlic smelling tactics with you. Next time, do the decent British
thing and give the keeper a chance to get back in his goal and
scratch his arse by which time he will be more than ready to deal
with your underhand euro skulduggery. Tu comprends? Bon.
But
hey (and, to be honest, this is the bit I've been deliberately
saving till the end), what about Stig of the Dump or Wurzle Wotsit
in the cemetery behind the goal? Or was it Mr. Dead out of Harry
Enfield?? Bloody hell, what a performance. Seriously, there was this
weird, wild looking geezer who looked as though he'd just given his
tombstone the old heave ho for a breath of fresh air. As you do.
Anyway, just as I was listening to the row from the Lewes behind the
goal mob, this bloke starts shouting out "Croyyyy donnnnn".
So one of the Lewes blokes replies with "Loooooooo izzzzzz".
It was like a meeting of great minds. Like Einstein meeting
Shakespeare if you like. But then Mr. Dead seems to get a bit
confused. Well, so would you if you were dead lets face it. He
starts shouting "Who are we, who are we?" I felt like
saying "Well I don't f*ckin' know if you don't". And all
the time the game's going on, but to tell the truth, I was only half
watching.
My God, you not only see life at Mayfields, you
even get the living dead as well and all for six quid.
When's
the next game?
|
CROYDON ATHLETIC 2 V 0 AFC WALLINGFORD
FA Cup
3rd Qualifying Round - 27th September
Rams made club history
at Mayfields on Saturday, moving into the Third Qualifying Round of
the F.A. Cup for the first time. This was at the expense of Combined
Counties League side Wallingford who failed to provide the sort of
spirited opposition that might have been expected in an F.A. Cup
tie.
Rams now meet Crawley Town in the 3rd Qualifying
Round to be played on October 11th. Leading 2-0 at the break, the
only concern for Manager Hayden Bird was that his team had not put
the game beyond the reach of their opponents with countless chances
frittered away during 45 minutes of almost total domination.
Winger
Danny Stassinos had already had a shot cleared off the line before
putting his team ahead in the 10th minute from what looked
suspiciously like an offside position. John Fowler made it 2-0 a
quarter of an hour later with a fine left foot shot, and after that,
Rams players were almost queuing up to shoot at goal but either
failing in their execution or seeing their efforts well saved by the
diminutive Wallingford keeper Paul Studley.
After the
break, Rams seemed content to play keep ball and chances were few
and far between as the game petered out in front of a fair sized
attendance expecting a little more for their money. Wallingford
almost pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute after a near
catastrophic crossfield pass from Dean Davenport, but Rob Frankland
snuffed out the danger in his role as emergency sweeper.
Honoured
guests at the match were Rams' Under 8's squad managed by Mick
Courtman. All the boys were introduced to both Manager Bird and the
players before the game and then acted as match day mascots.
Croydon
Athletic: Frankland, Davenport, Gibson, Funnell, Johnson, Algar
(Greene 84 mins.), Toppin, Evans, Stassinos (Brown 76 mins.),
Fowler, Jackson (N. Webb 73 mins.). Subs. Hall, T. Webb (not used).
|
WORTHING 1 V 0 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman League
Div 1 South 23rd September
No points but nothing to be
ashamed of. Such was the verdict of Rams' Manager Hayden Bird after
Tuesday's hard fought encounter at Woodside Road. A fine individual
goal deep into the second half from the impressive Ben Carrington
ensured all three points for his team, but it could have all been so
different if Rams' Nigel Webb had converted the best chance of the
match seven minutes earlier.
With Adrian Toppin having
to pull out in the afternoon after an injury at work, Rams started
with a 4-5-1 formation with John Fowler up front and James Evans
playing in front of the midfield. The early exchanges were even with
Fowler heading over the bar from a Tony Quinton cross. Then disaster
struck influential midfielder Quinton as he suffered a recurrence of
a long standing ankle injury after twenty minutes.
With Billy Jackson
coming on as substitute, Bird had no choice but to change the
formation to 4-4-2 which provided Worthing with the time and space
needed to mount a series of attacks. Rob Frankland denied Gavin
Geddes with a prodigious save on the half hour and then Shaun Grice
fired over when it looked easier to score.
After the break, Rams
defended resolutely and, although piling on the pressure, Worthing
never looked like scoring. In fact, it was Rams' Nigel Webb who had
the best chance of the match when Danny Stassinos sent over a low
cross on 72 minutes. Jackson dummied superbly letting the ball run
through to Webb on the edge of the six yard box. Keeper Ross Standen
read Webb's intentions however, and spread himself well to block his
shot.
It was to prove a
costly miss when, with twelve minutes remaining, a throw in from the
left found Carrington. There was no obvious danger until the pacy
forward turned well and, for once, found a gap in Rams' defence. The
result? An unstoppable shot past Frankland to wrap up the points.
Manager Bird was far
from down afterwards. "We were under the cosh for long
periods" he admitted, "but in the first half they only
looked like scoring after we lost Tony Quinton. That meant we had to
change our shape. But we sorted things out at half time, and they
really only had one chance in the second half, as we did.
Unfortunately, theirs went in but ours didn't! If you have to lose
then I'd prefer it to be to a goal which was class by any standards.
We're disappointed, but Saturday is the F.A. Cup and on Tuesday
we're at home to League leaders Lewes, so we've no time for self
pity, we just have to come back with a vengeance."
Croydon Athletic:
Frankland, Davenport, Hall, Funnell, Johnson, Stevens, Quinton
(Jackson 22 mins.), Evans, Harrison, Stassinos (Brown 80 mins.),
Fowler (N.Webb 64 mins). Subs. Greene, Williams (not used).
|
CROYDON ATHLETIC 1 V 0 SLOUGH TOWN
Ryman League
Div 1 South 20th September
A superb playing surface, a new stand and a
fine win. Few in local football would deny that Croydon Athletic
have arrived as a major force in recent weeks. Saturday's hard
earned win in sweltering heat only confirmed that the Rams are
likely to be challenging for a promotion position this season if
they continue this form.
Playing a club with one of the
more prestigious names in the non league scene and whose current
team contains a number of players with Conference experience, Rams
were always in contention. Perhaps a draw would have been a fair
result with chances offered to both teams in what was a thrilling
and entertaining game, but Rams won't be complaining. Their ability
to snatch the lead and then hold on to it with half an hour
remaining, is yet more evidence of the team's growing maturity
boosted by signings such as James Hall, Barry Stevens, Adrian Toppin
and Tony Funnell.
It is surely time to single out
defender Funnell for special mention. The 23 year old former Spurs
Junior drifted out of senior football after an earlier spell with
Rams and played for Nuwood in the Surrey South East Combination.
Rams Manager Hayden Bird persuaded him to re-sign for Rams this
season and he must now be delighted with his decision after a start
to the season which has won him the respect of supporters and team
mates alike.
The Hall Funnell combination was a key
factor in Rams' clean sheet - their second this season. And this was
no easy achievement against ambitious "Rebels", keen to be
back in the Premier Division from which they were relegated last
season. Prompted by ex Hayes midfielder Ryan Spencer, Slough created
some problems for Rams with their movement off the ball, and
although John Fowler had two good opportunities to put his side
ahead, few would deny that the visitors had the edge.
Manager
Bird changed the formation at half time, bringing on Tony Quinton
for Bily Jackson. It meant playing five in midfield with James Evans
playing behind Fowler. Quinton made a huge and immediate impact,
constantly breaking up Slough's attacking movements and setting up
counter attacking opportunities. A cross from ever improving Leon
Johnson resulted from one such movement and Stevens was desperately
unlucky to see his powerful header brilliantly saved by Alan Foster.
Who
else but Fowler to score the goal which turned out to be the winner?
It was his fifth of the season and much of the credit belonged to
Funnell whose superb diagonal ball out of defence set Fowler on a
run ending in a fine left foot drive which beat Foster at the near
post. With just under half an hour remaining, Slough remained very
much in contention for a share of the spoils. Resolute defending and
the help of the upright on one occasion nullified their efforts.
With Dulwich Hamlet only managing a point at Ashford, Rams remain in
fifth position with a game in hand over Windsor & Eton.
Croydon
Athletic: Frankland, Davenport, Hall, Funnell, Johnson, Stevens (N.
Webb 82 mins.), Evans, Toppin (Harrison 78 mins.), Stassinos,
Fowler, Jackson (Quinton 45 mins.). Subs. Gibson, T. Webb (not
used). |
CROYDON ATHLETIC 7 V 1 BEDFONT
FA Cup 1st
Qualifying Round - 13th September
RAMS GAMBOL IN THE
SUN
As I'm not great at stats, I've no idea when we
last won 7-1 but no doubt someone does. Keith? After all, he can
quote the Palace team of 1946-47. Anyway, it was all lots of fun
especially in the warm sunshine. Warm? It was almost like Saudi on
the far side, where loyal supporters could also gaze in awe at the
new stand. Shame they couldn't take the back of it right up to the
roof, but then it matches the Paul Muir Terrace in that respect so
what the hell?
Anyway, the game..... Hmm, trying to
remember all those goals. To be honest, I missed the first two, so
nothing to say there and if you don't like it, tough. Actually,
Bedfont - erstwhile conquerors of Fisher Athletic - were
surprisingly poor. The game wasn't like a cup tie at all, with the
Rams stroking the ball around almost nonchalantly (now there's a
word). We should have scored at least twice before Nigel Webb headed
home after James Hall had set him up from a corner.
After
the break, we cruised along and everyone was happy with the game,
the sunshine and the half time beer (not necessarily in that order)
when suddenly someone by the name of Richard Bryant refused to
follow the script and pulled one back for Bedfont. Could it be game
on after all? Er, no.
In fact, everyone in maroon woke
up. Bigtime. It was unbelievable. Four goals in about 18 minutes.
The best was Leon's great left footer after some silky skills from
Webby. Yeah O.K. it's cliche time but, hey, do you lot deserve
anything better? Almost forgot. The Fieldway Firebrand (or Pocket
Rocket) gave a passable imitation of a heat seeking Cruise missile
when launching himself at an opponent even smaller than himself. He
got a red one. His mate Tops didn't like the decision and said so to
the ref mentioning something about a large quantity of those small
circular objects that have to do with s*xual reproduction (kids read
this don't forget). Then one of their blokes got the same treatment,
but I've forgotten his name.
I know, I know. I'm not at
my best, but at least I'm back. And anyway, who was the bloke that's
been writing the last few reports? Boring or what? All he did was
write about the game. No chance of that with me folks. Talk to yer
la'er.
Oh and by the way: Croydon Athletic:
Frankland, Daven .., no he didn't play. Who else was out there? Who
knows? Who cares? We won 7-1 and made some dosh. Luvvly jub. |
DULWICH HAMLET 1 V 0 CROYDON ATHLETIC
Ryman
League Div 1 South - 9th September
A 67th minute goal
from Hamlet's Warren Haughton brought Rams' unbeaten run to an end
at Champion Hill on Tuesday. It means a drop of three positions to
fifth place in the Division, but Manager Hayden Bird can take some
comfort from what was a creditable performance against a team widely
tipped to finish in a promotion position.
Rams had a
late selection blow when influential midfielder Tony Quinton had to
pull out with an injured toe and was replaced by James Evans.
Quinton's height and physical presence have been considerable assets
so far this season and his absence was a blow which Bird could have
done without.
In a fast and entertaining first half, both
sides had their opportunities, the best chance for Rams falling to
Nigel Webb who did well to lob the ball over keeper Scott Ward only
to see his effort go inches wide. At the other end, Hamlet appeared
to have taken the lead when Rob Frankland uncharacteristically
failed to gather a corner. The ball ended up in the net but Referee
Sean Pryor ruled that Frankland had been fouled.
Bird
was forced to alter the team after the break as defender Tony
Funnell was unwell. Adrian Toppin replaced him but the ex Epsom
& Ewell midfielder did not look comfortable in what is for him a
second choice role. Lively Hamlet striker Omari Coleman increasingly
became a threat in Rams' third of the field and it needed one or two
timely interventions from James Hall to keep the score sheet blank.
It
was an error by Toppin that gave Hamlet what turned out to be the
winning goal. Toppin was involved in a race for the ball with
Haughton but failed to clear effectively, leaving the Hamlet winger
free to place the ball wide of Frankland. Despite this, Rams
continued to contest the game in lively fashion although real
chances to equalise seldom materialised. The best chance fell to the
lively Leon Johnson whose electric pace caused the Hamlet defence
problems all evening. Cutting inside, Johnson let fly with a
powerful drive that just went wide of the post with Ward beaten.
Manager
Bird was rueful about the goal conceded but not down hearted about
the result or performance. "Hamlet had a slight edge" he
said, "but there were many positives during the 90 minutes.
No-one is going to come here and find it easy, and we extended them
all the way. We are not yet the finished article and the best is
still to come. All in all, we can only be pleased with the start
we've made. Our next job is to make progress in the F.A. Cup against
Bedfont".
Croydon Athletic: Frankland,
Davenport, Hall, Funnell (Toppin 45 mins.), Brown, Stevens, Evans,
Harrison, Johnson, N. Webb (Fowler 73 mins.), Jackson. Subs. Algar,
Gibson, T. Webb (not used). |
CROYDON ATHLETIC 1 V 0 ASHFORD TOWN - John
Fowler
Ryman League Div 1 South - 6th September
Playing
their third and final game at Croydon Arena, Rams maintained their
second place position with an uninspiring win against lack lustre
Ashford on Saturday. With development work almost complete, Rams
will play their F.A. Cup First Qualifying Round tie against Bedfont
at Mayfields tomorrow (Sat. 3.00) and their first League game there
on the following Saturday, September 13th against Slough Town.
Although
looking forward to returning home, Manager Hayden Bird conceded that
the three games at the Arena have done his team no harm at all.
"I know I have been critical of the Arena as a football ground
in the past, but I must admit that it has been a happy hunting
ground for us with nine points won from three games. Our thanks to
all the staff for making us feel so welcome. If it is ever necessary
to help out Croydon F. C. in a similar way, we will be happy to do
so." Playing against a stiff breeze in the first half, Rams
nonetheless asked most of the questions against opponents with the
best defensive record in the League.
Like Rams, Ashford
were also unbeaten prior to the game. The only problem was they
hadn't won a match! All four games played had been drawn. Causing
particular problems was pacy left sided player Leon Johnson
deputising for the injured Danny Stassinos. Only young striker Billy
Jackson knows how he failed to convert a Johnson cross in the twenty
first minute, but fortunately for Rams, a goal was to come five
minutes later when John Fowler netted after a melee in the Ashford
goal area. Ashford had two good opportunities to equalise before the
half time whistle, but Rams rode their luck.
After the
break, Rams were content to defend their slender lead while
launching counter attacks at pace. Two dangerous corners from Dean
Davenport were met at the far post by James Hall, but the tall
defender failed to hit the target. With thirteen points from five
games, four of them won, this has been a fine start for Rams, but
there needs to be an improvement on this display if they are to
continue winning against the stronger teams.
Croydon
Athletic; Frankland, Davenport, Hall, Funnell, Brown, Stevens
(Evans), Quinton, Harrison, Johnson, Fowler (N. Webb), Jackson.
Subs; Toppin, Taylor (GK) not used. |
CROYDON ATHLETIC 2 V 1 HERNE BAY - Tony Quinton,
Barry Stevens FA Cup Preliminary Round- 30th August
Manager
Hayden Bird is celebrating his team's best start to the season since
becoming Manager in 1999 and yet he is far from satisfied! "We
are unbeaten after five games, drawing once, and I'm pleased about
that," said Bird, "but the fact is we have only played to
about seventy per cent of our potential so far. Yes, we've had some
injuries, and we played only our first game at our own ground today,
but we have to be more ruthless in front of goal and kill the game
off before our opponents can get into their stride. We're just not
doing that at the moment".
Evidence for Bird's point
of view was only too clear in the F.A Cup Preliminary Round tie at
Mayfields on Saturday. Playing against Kent Leaguers Herne Bay, Rams
should have had the game sewn up by half time but instead turned
round only 1-0 up thanks to a fine Tony Quinton header. Strikers
John Fowler and Nigel Webb had the opportunities to put their team
in a commanding half time position but uncharacteristically failed
to do so. Unfortunately, the story was not a lot different in the
second half, and although Bay did not deserve a replay, it was only
a fine save from debutant keeper Tony Webb that saw Rams safely
through to a First Qualifying Round home tie against Combined
Counties League side Bedfont. The tie will take place on September
13th at Mayfields.
A one sided first half saw Rams
dominate the proceedings with Fowler and Nigel Webb failing to get
the better of Bay keeper Wayne Fagg. Cue tall midfielder Quinton who
met Dean Davenport's corner superbly to head home on 29 minutes.
Davenport's corners, driven hard and low, have become a successful
feature of Rams' set pieces this season and should result in many
more goals as the season progresses.
After the break,
Rams continued both to dominate the game and spurn further chances.
Then, on 73 minutes, Fowler hit a deep cross to the far post where
diminutive Barry Stevens soared above the Bay defenders to head home
in style. Within ten minutes, Bay reduced the arrears as Marc
Pollard's glancing header from a corner gave Webb no chance at the
near post, but the ex Tooting keeper's anger at the non existent
marking was all too obvious. With fifteen minutes remaining, Rams
found themselves under the cosh for the first time, as Bay piled on
the pressure. They also introduced veteran ex Croydon and Carshalton
Athletic striker John Warden to the game and he nearly earned his
team a replay, Webb saving his fierce effort superbly.
This
was the first match to be played on the new Mayfields surface and
players and officials from both clubs were lavish in their praise.
Rams' players both old and new hadn't even seen the ground since the
development project was initiated, and all were highly impressed
with what has been achieved with the £150,00 grant from the
Football Stadia Improvement Fund. The most obvious and imposing
feature is the new 300+ seater stand now taking shape and due for
completion on September 18th.
Croydon Athletic: T. Webb,
Davenport, Hall, Funnell, Brown, Stevens, Quinton, Harrison, Johnson
(Jackson 75 mins.), Fowler, N. Webb (Pomroy 79 mins.). Subs. Evans,
Gibson, Frankland (not used). |
EPSOM & EWELL 1 V 1 CROYDON ATHLETIC
- John Fowler (Pen) Ryman League Div 1 South - 25th August
Gone
the top of the table place. Gone the one hundred per cent record.
Still unbeaten. Such was the balance sheet for Manager Hayden Bird
to consider after a disappointing game at Merland Rise on Monday.
With Lewes beating Bracknell 4-0, Rams now hold second place after
four games. Only forty two to play!
Bird continued
with his policy of rotating the squad and started the game with John
Pomroy and Dean Lock up front. Fit again Leon Johnson replaced
youngster Byron Brown at left back. Gavin Harrison replaced the
injured James Evans. With Jamie Gibson unavailable through work
commitments, Bird gambled on new signing James Hall at Centre Back.
Hall, who impressed in Rams' opening day win at Whyteleafe, only
reached Gatwick Airport at 2.00 a.m. on Monday having attended his
sister's wedding in France.
Epsom, managed by
former Rams' Reserve Team Manger Barry Barnes, set their stall out
from the beginning, marking very tightly, getting players behind the
ball and seldom allowing the visitors time to develop their own
style of play on the heavily criticised playing surface.
Consequently, the first half was almost devoid of incidents and the
small attendance could have been forgiven for dozing off in the late
summer sun.
Epsom's Simon Huckles broke the
deadlock on 53 minutes. Was he offside or wasn't he? It looked
suspicious but there was no flag and, to be fair to young Huckle, he
took his one on one chance coolly to put his team one up. Rams'
response was predictable. With Billy Jackson, John Fowler and Adrian
Toppin introduced to the fray, Epsom's defensive grip began to
loosen.
The ever lively Barry Stevens brought Rams back into
the game in the 74th minute when he earned his team their second
penalty in two successive games after being brought down in the box.
Fowler, who had previously ceded the spot kick role to James Evans,
hit home his penalty in style. Rams now piled on the pressure, with
Billy Jackson heading just wide from Dean Davenport's corner. The
bustling Fowler appeared to have scored with four minutes remaining
but was adjudged offside.
Manager Bird was in typical chirpy
mood afterwards. "This was Epsom's big game of the season, and
it showed", he said. "We had three of their former players
in our starting line up and they were highly motivated to win. We
didn't play well but we didn't lose and, quite honestly, if someone
had told me at the start of the season that we would have gained ten
points from our first four games, I would have been very satisfied.
The fact is we haven't played a game at home yet, we haven't played
to our full potential and yet we are in second place.
I don't
need to be told there's a long way to go but I'd rather have ten
points in the bag than no points. We have a short break from the
League now and we're looking forward to playing at Mayfields against
Herne Bay."
Croydon Athletic: Frankland, Davenport,
Hall, Funnell, Johnson, Stevens, Harrison (Jackson 69 mins.),
Quinton, Stassinos (Fowler 71 mins.), Pomroy (Toppin 71 mins.),
Lock.
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CROYDON ATHLETIC 4 V 2 MET POLICE
- James Gibson, James Evans, Nigel Webb, Tony Quinton Ryman
League Div 1 South - 23rd August
Rams maintained their one
hundred per cent record at Croydon Arena on Saturday, despite
conceding an early goal. Lowly Police caused a delay to the start of
the game by arriving with the wrong set of shirts causing a colour
clash, and this seemed to adversely affect Rams during the early
exchanges.
After only four minutes, former Ram and Wimbledon
professional Steve Flinn latched on to a loose ball, and with no-one
closing him down, was able to pick his spot in the top corner. Their
pride stung, it was not long before the Police were forced into a
rearguard action against constant pressure from the home side.
The
equaliser came on 25 minutes when Jamie Gibson headed home Dean
Davenport's driven corner. The effervescent Barry Stevens earned
Rams a penalty twelve minutes later when he was baulked in the box,
and James Evans made no mistake from the spot. Barely had the game
restarted when Davenport released Dean Lock whose precision cross
was slotted home by Nigel Webb.
The former Tooting ace
showed his predatory instinct to the full in scoring his first goal
for his new club after one or two near misses in previous
games.
After the break, Rams continued to be on top in
almost every department. With twenty minutes remaining, Tony Quinton
mad a powerful run on goal, and, with John Fowler and Webb diverting
their markers with good diagonal runs, Quinton was able to advance
unimpeded and fire home a well taken fourth goal.
With
further chances spurned, it was left to Referee Barry Gee to get in
on the action but not in the way he would have liked. With no danger
threatening, Quinton's crossfield pass hit Mr. Gee and rebounded to
Police substitute Paul Scully. The diminutive striker suddenly found
himself through on goal and finished well to give the Police a
respectable, if flattering scoreline.
Croydon Athletic:
Frankland, Davenport, Gibson, Funnell, Brown, Lock, Quinton, Evans
(Harrison 45 mins.), Stevens (Stassinos 65 mins.), Fowler (Pomroy 71
mins.), N. Webb. |
CROYDON ATHLETIC 3 V 2 LEATHERHEAD - Dean
Lock 2, Barry Stevens Ryman League Div 1 South - 18th
August
JOY
AT THE ARENA - AND THAT'S SAYING SOMETHING !
by Stentor
Before
I go any further, my apologies to the ghost of the late, lamented
Frankie Howerd. Here's why: "Wow, wow, thrice times wow!"
Right, I've got that out of my system. My God, we're STILL TOP OF
THE LEAGUE! Love it. Thanks Marlow for mullering Slough. With a goal
difference of four and goals for total of seven, we must still be
top before Saturday's game at the magnifico, fantastico Croydon
Arena. Jeez, what a sh*thole. There was obviously a graffitti
competition recently - hope it went well guys - only trouble is, you
covered just about every possible space so I can't see you having
another one there.
Anyway, we won there so what the hell?
Oh yes, football, I'd forgotten. On a surface covered in weed and
cratered with mini meteorites, both sides did well to put on a
really competitive, entertaining game. Competitive? That's usually
another word for physical but in fact there wasn't a bad foul during
the whole game. I lie. There was one. A sneaky, over the top
challenge on Referee Ian Bentley left him on the deck,
"writhing in agony". Good marks for artistic impression
Ian. Worthy of note were the holding of head in hands while rolling
this way and that, and excellent use of the pitch which you were
bashing with your fists. John Smith couldn't have done better.
Overall mark, 8.5. O.K., I'm a rotten, unfeeling b*stard, but hey,
what's new?
Shades of Hasselbaink in the eighth minute as
Locky broke clear on the right to hit home a wicked angled shot. We
looked well on our way, until five minutes later, Nko (how the hell
do you pronounce that? Tip to Nko: call yourself Nico) Ekoku crossed
from the right and Wes Harrison connected with what I have to say
was a very delicate glancing header which crept in at the far post.
Good goal. Oh my God, same thing again nine minutes later, so that
was in the ....errr (5 + 9 = 14) twenty second minute.
The
ball crossed again from the right and our mate Nico forced it home.
He's big you see. Then near total disaster as Phil Ruggles hit one
of those words fail me shots from twenty five yards. Sheer poetry
(see, I'm not biased), but Frankland was there to turn it round the
post at the last second. Second half now, and to be honest, things
weren't looking good. Were we missing the new Titan, James Hall
sunning himself in Barbados? Err, yes in a word (he said he's at his
sister's wedding, why couldn't she get married in Thornton Heath?)
But
the game changed and we simply took control. On 55 minutes (p*issed
off with writing figures as words), James Evans belted the ball into
the box. It hit Barry Stevens on the head and then sailed into the
net. Hicksy, if you want to call it an instinctive header, it's up
to you. More good luck! Who's been going to Confession?
Two
minutes later, something happened that was a bit like a Divine
Revelation: Hey, Danny Stass. is playing! It was as though he had
suddenly descended from the firmament in our time of need. He sailed
past Adam Gray (did you ask him the time as you went by Stass.?) and
whipped in a low cross which Fowls picked up on the far post. He
played it across to Locky: 3-2. Love it.
Got to finish
this soon, so I'll be quick. Billy Jacks came on and missed a
sitter, Nigel Webb came on and brought out a great save from Justin
Gray. The Tanners had corner after corner and a Beckhamite free kick
from boss Inglethorpe which just missed the angle. And that's about
it.
Three points. Luvly jubbly. (I would used two
"v's" but it comes out like this - vv - see what I mean?
And so to bed. MOMS For The Rams, Dean Lock. Two goals, one sheer
class. Your Daddy must be proud (not forgetting the many other proud
members of Clan Lock). For The Tanners, Phil Ruggles. Quality
thoughout the game.
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WHYTELEAFE 1 V 4 CROYDON ATHLETIC - Dean Lock,
James Hall, James Evans, John Fowler Ryman League Div 1 South -
16th August
MAJESTIC HALL LOOKS THE
BUSINESS
by Stentor
Wow! Our first ever Ryman
League win on the first day of the season! What's more it was by
three clear goals AND against our closest rivals (that title used to
belong to Croydon F.C. but times change with events). Before the
game, it was almost like a page out of Friends Re-United, so many
players having at one time or another played for the Rams or for
'Leafe. Controversial as ever, Hayden left out John Fowler from the
starting line up, preferring a John Pomroy - Dean Lock
partnership.
Making their debuts were James Hall, Barry
Stevens and John Pomroy. Also, a welcome return of Tony (no longer
"Fatty") Funnell. The weather was fine, the pitch was very good and
Rams looked forward to a confident start. Whoops, it all went wrong
after only five minutes. A long throw caused panic at the back and
there was Clinton Moore unmarked on the back post to slot in maybe
the easiest goal he'll score all season. Talk about shooting
ourselves in the foot.
All credit to the boys who put
this setback behind them and proceeded to play just over 20 minutes
of the best football seen during the whole game. They were rewarded
with two excellent goals in quick succession from Dean Lock and
James Hall. The first resulted from Tony Quinton's great angled pass
to Dean Davenport. Davvers crossed superbly and Locky ghosted in to
sidefoot past a stranded Danny Rose. Minutes later a free kick born
on the training ground saw Davenport release James Evans whose low
cross appeared to elude everybody until Hall popped up on the far
post to blast the ball into the roof of the net. Why we then took
the foot of the pedal is anybody's guess. 'Leafe piled on the
pressure and were greatly helped by a proliferation of needless free
kicks anyone of which could have been disastrous. But we defended
them well and held out till half time.
The second half
saw 'Leafe continuing to press forward but to no avail. The only
real save Rob Frankland had to make all match was quite magnificent
and arguably was the turning point of the match. Graham Harper found
himself almost in front of goal, eighteen yards out with only
Frankland to beat . His decent shot brought the best out of Rob as
he palmed the ball over the bar. But then, that's what he's there
for. It was probably the turning point because, with the
introduction of Fowler for Pomroy, the tide turned. Fowler showed
typical determination in following up a long ball. The experienced
Danny Rose did the right thing in coming out of his box to head
away. Unfortunately for big Dan, the ball went straight to Evans.
Now some of us have a go at Evvvo because of his indiscipline (a
yellow card today, surprise, surprise) but you have to say that his
finish was as clinical as it gets as he half volleyed the ball home.
Sweet as .... The final nail in the coffin came from Davver's
corner.
Now it was the 'Leafe defence's turn to be at
sixes and sevens as Rose first saved well, then Hall had his shot
cleared off the line. But then more good fortune as the ball
rebounded to Fowls who smacked it home from five yards. He doesn't
miss those.
Memo. to Fowls: keep practising your one on
one situations. In fact, he really should have made it five with
minutes remaining. Another driven Davvers corner was met by Fowls
who later admitted he had his eyes shut. The ball glanced off his
head and went wide. To be fair, a 5-1 score would have been an
injustice to 'Leafe but would we have cared? Hell yes, it's all
about the Corinthian spirit don't you know? Seriously, if we had a
slice or two of good fortune, we deserved it after last season, and
sporting Danny Rose (now there's a true Corinthian) was the first to
admit that this was a well deserved win. Cheers
Dan.
MOMS: For Rams, James Hall. A pillar (and I did
say pillar) at the heart of the defence. A titan, a rock - words
fail me. AND he scored!
For 'Leafe, Mark Tompkins. Not
in the first flush of youth but if anybody was going to turn the
tide it was he (not "him" by the way as the verb "to be" takes the
nominative or subject case).
CROYDON ATHLETIC:
Frankand, Davenport, Hall, Funnell, Brown, Stevens (Topping),
Quinton, Evans (N. Webb), Stassinos, Lock, Pomroy (Fowler).
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