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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. |
| 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. |
| CROYDON
ATHLETIC 0 V 0 WORTHING Ryman League Div 1 South - 6th March BY 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. |
| CROYDON
ATHLETIC
0 V 2 BROMLEY Ryman League Div 1 South - 2nd March BY 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. |
| MARLOW
0 V 0 CROYDON ATHLETIC Ryman League Div 1 South - 28th February BY 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
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 |
| BROMLEY 2 V
2 CROYDON ATHLETIC Ryman League Div 1 South - 24th February BY 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. |
| CROYDON
ATHLETIC 2 V 1 EGHAM TOWN Ryman League Div 1 South - 21st February BY 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. |
| WALTON
& HERSHAM 2 V 1 CROYDON ATHLETIC Ryman League Div 1 South - 14th February BY 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 |
| MOLESEY 0 V 2
CROYDON ATHLETIC Ryman League Div 1 South - 11th February BY 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) |
| CROYDON
ATHLETIC 3 V 0 BANSTEAD ATHLETIC Ryman League Div 1 South - 7th February BY 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 |
| CROYDON
ATHLETIC 1 V 2 HORSHAM Ryman League Div 1 South - 24th January BY 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 |
| 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 |
| 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.
|
| 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 |
| 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’ Fowler was replaced by youngster Leon McDowall for his first start in the Rams struggled in the early stages, but having weathered the first 15 With Staines defending deeper after the interval, Rams had more of the ball With less than two minutes remaining, Rams’ best chance fell to James Gibson “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 Croydon Athletic: Frankland, Davenport, Hall (Jackson 30 mins.), Gibson, |
| 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. |
|
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 |
|
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 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. |
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. |
WHYTELEAFE 1 V 4 CROYDON ATHLETIC - Dean Lock, James Hall, James Evans, John Fowler Ryman League Div 1 South - 16th August
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