We continue with this season’s support of non-league football as we focus on Croydon.
Our review of the last few weeks is later than normal so we start with mid-January when the Trams lost 2-1 at the Arena, with Tristan Toney giving them the lead just before the break but went on to concede two second half goals.
A week later saw Croydon play Fisher in a six pointer at Dulwich Hamlet’s ground. The opponents record at the time was slightly worse than Croydon on the then current form. The game was significant in that it saw the return of star player Ben Mankelow who had been away for some time, but sadly, he was still not match fit and was replaced at half time. However, the second half saw an improved performance from the Trams which may have seen the turning point to the matches that followed. The second half was more defensive and the Trams lost 2-0.
February arrived and saw Croydon face Ashford United. They were ten places above the Trams in the league table and it showed. There were various opponents for this one. The players of Ashford United, the pitch (part of it was waterlogged and sand was put on the pitch which delayed kick off), the vociferous fans of Ashford, and the weather, as rain and light snow fell as the game progressed.
Conceding two goals in the first half, one of which was a questionable penalty. Although Croydon lost 4-0, they did well in the second half. Not only were they defensive, but the Trams saw a determination not to leave Ashford empty handed but did so thanks to the hosts keeper. The game was the last for defender Rob Curtis, whose parting gift was an unlucky own goal.
The following week saw Croydon win for the first time since early December when the they beat Holmesdale 2-1. Rochester United were the visitors next and the Trams beat them 3-1 in a game that Croydon dominated. Karl Douglin opened proceedings with a goal just after half hour. Hamid Bangura, in only his second game, made his appearance from the bench and scored a brace. The Trams only took their feet off the accelerator in the closing minutes when Rochester scored their consolation goal.
On Valentines Day Croydon continued their unbeaten run of form when they travelled to Holmesdale in Bromley and played out a goalless draw. Former Croydon players Rob Curtis and Danny Akers played for Holmesdale.
Due to weather conditions there were no further league games in February. In the absence of games, Croydon took part in a friendly against Mole Valley of the Combined Counties League. Although it was a friendly, the game was taken seriously. Captain Michael Craverio scored a little after twenty minutes gone. This was followed by Adam Allen gave Croydon a two goal lead midway through the second half but Mole Valley pulled it back to grab a draw.
Finally, last Tuesday Croydon went to Corinthian FC. Unusually, there were two games at Corinthian, a first team game and a youth team game. Although the youth team lost 4-0, the first team drew 2-2. Fray James scored a brace but there were two late goals.
As for the league table, Croydon currently sit 16th in a league of twenty teams so it is still precarious with the teams below them having played less games.
Our congratulations to Croydon FC’s under eight side who won the Tandridge League Winter Trophy. They came on to the pitch before the Rochester United game.
Croydon FC have a first team in the Southern Counties East League, a reserve side who play in the Surburban South League (they beat Dorking Wanderers 4-1 on Saturday), an under 18’s side who play in the Ryman Youth League and various junior sides in the Tandridge League.
The team take on Canterbury City this afternoon at the Arena. Kick off is at 3pm and as there is no Palace game it is the perfect opportunity to get down there and lend them your support for the afternoon. There will be a chance to win £40 in their Golden Goal competition.
All you need to know about Croydon FC is on their website www.croydonfc.com and you can follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/croydon_fc.
