Mitcham pull away in the 2nd half
If ever a result didn't tell a story it was in this match at Trinity school. For 40 minutes Croydon and Mitcham were neck and neck before some indiscipline and some good long shooting gave Mitcham the game.
Both teams started slowly, unable to take their chances. Mitcham were first on the sheet though with goals from Jon Perrot and Aimee Evans. Croydon were soon back in the match though with a goal from Ross Carr Taylor, clearly over a clash of heads with his namesake Bowyer. Mitcham were a bit sloppy but were creating the better chances whilst at the other end their forward defence intercepted several of Croydon's poor passes. The hosts were never able to pull away though as Croydon kept pinching goals back with Saskia de Jager making up for a defensive lapse to net a running in shot and Steve Jones scoring a free pass and penalty. The two Ross's exchanged goals before a long shot from Dave Butters and an easy one under the basket from Kim Jones brought the teams level at 7-all. However as time ran out on the first half Carly Holness stormed past Jones and Steve Green netted a simple drop-off to give Mitcham a 9-7 lead at the break.
Croydon came flying out of the traps in the 2nd half with Steve Jones scoring an easy running in shot within 20 seconds of the start but Ross Bowyer restored Mitcham's 2 goal lead with a long range effort. Croydon were still in touch but Marika Barretto gave away a silly penalty for striking out a Ross Bowyer after not getting the call she expected from the ref and Jon Perrot sank a long shot to pull Mitcham into their biggest lead of the match at 13-9. Croydon heads did not drop and Barretto soon atoned for the penalty but scoring two good goals from in front of the post and Steve Jones scored to bring the game back for the visitors. However with 15 minutes left Mitcham went into over-drive. They scored the next 8 goals with Steve Green at the centre of half of them, leaving the score 21-12 and the game over. Croydon restored some pride with the last 3 goals but these were only a consolation as Mitcham had the game in the bag. Final score 21-15
Croydon will be pleased with the performance as they pushed their local rivals all the way for 45 minutes but will wonder where it went wrong in the crucial 10 minutes in the 2nd half. Mitcham roll on but will be relieved to have got through this game unscathed as for a long time an upset looked on the cards.
Match Report by Andy
Final Score: Mitcham 1 21 vs 15 Croydon 1
Submitted by on 13 Mar 05Mitcham 2 thump Croydon 2
Mitcham 2 versus Croydon 2 was top vs bottom in the reserve league and the play and result reflected this difference in class. Mitcham started well and were 5 up with 5 minutes as Croydon struggled with their passing and consequently didn't create many shooting opportunities, let alone, goals. Andy Withers stole in for a running in shot but this and a penalty from Zu Munshi were the only rays of light for the visitors in a game dominated by Mitcham. Both teams were perplexed at some of the refereeing decisions at half time but the result was never in doubt with the half time score at 11-2.
Croydon took the decision to get something different from the game in the 2nd half so worked on their movement and passing and found some joy as they created more space whilst improved concentration helped to keep Mitcham out. A drop-off goals from Zu from Nigel Hudspith ticked the scoreboard along but Mitcham's overall play was far superior and they were able to dominate throughout. Final score: 17-5.
Match Report by Andy
Final Score: Mitcham 2 17 vs 5 Croydon 2
Submitted by on 13 Mar 05Nomads 3 vs Croydon 3
A late withdrawal from Mandy Furlano left Croydon 3 a girl short against a strong Nomads team. The hosts took an early 3-0 lead but a spirited fight back from Croydon left the sides at 6-3 at half time. Following the lead of the Croydon 2nd team a 2nd half collapse occurred from then on to trail 11-5 but Croydon scored the next 3 goals and only the final whistle stopped them from recovering further. Final score 12-8.
Match Report by Andy
Final Score: Nomads 3 12 vs 8 Croydon 3
Submitted by on 13 Mar 05
