Nottingham prevail in a low-scoring match Croydon entertained Nottingham in the opening match of the 2005/06 season for both sides. Pundits had predicted good things for Croydon this season but this was not in evidence in this fixture. Nottingham started much the better, steaming out of the blocks, pressurising Croydon all over the pitch. This tactic worked early on as Croydon conceded 2 early penalties whilst Steve Jones scored one in return for the home side. Nottingham took advantage of some slack passing and stormed to a 1-5 lead inside 8 minutes. At this point, Croydon will claim the match turned as their greatest attacking force, Steve Jones, injured his knee. He hobbled through most of the rest of the first half but his movement was clearly restricted and he was replaced just before the interval by Dan Moore. However before this Croydon had come back into the game with their girls, Carla Smith, Anna Jeanes and Saskia de Jager, taking their chances. With seconds left in the first half, Jeanes netted an open chance from a free-pass and hubby Paul established a 2 goals lead for Croydon with a penalty. 9-7 to the hosts. Nottingham were not done yet though and scored the first 2 goals of the 2nd half to bring themselves level. Both teams started missing their chances now and the goals started to dry up, however 2 long shots from Nottingham established a crucial lead with few minutes left. Kim Jones was substituted for Sarah George as Croydon stepped up the pace but they were unable to find the goals they sought and referee MacDonald blew for full time at 12-14 to the visitors. A great win for a hard working but unremarkable Nottingham team. Croydon will point to the loss of key players from the both the starting line up and during the game but in truth they lacked sharpness and got what they deserved. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 1 12 vs 14 Nottingham City 1A Withers (2)R Carr-Taylor (1)P Jeanes (1)S Jones (2)D Moore (1)A Jeanes (2)S de Jager (2)C Smith (1)K Jones (0)S Withers (0)Submitted by on 29 Oct 05Sickening injury causes match to be abandoned Croydon 2 took on Nottingham 2 in an early evening fixture at Royal Russell school. Nottingham started well and despite a running in shot from Dan Pratt, were soon 1-3 up after 5 minutes. Pratt was again on the mark - this time from long range but Nottingham's girls were gettign easy running in shots and they duely converted to maintain their 2 goal lead. Croydon's captain, Nigel Hudspith, was soon on the scoresheet as he scored a drop-off then debutant, Grace Stimpson, earned the hosts a penalty which Hudspith duely converted to leave the teams all square at 4-all. However then followed a sickening injury which had players and spectators alike gasping in shock. Nottingham's, Paul Blood, chased an errant collect and collided with the wall, leaving his ankle hanging at an awful angle, clearly in considerable pain. Play was stopped, an ambulance called and some time later the game was rightly abandoned. Our best wishes go out to Paul. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 2 4 vs 4 Nottingham City 2D Pratt (2)N Hudspith (2)M Cook (0)Z Omar (0)L Barker (0)G Codd (0)A Tydeman (0)S Withers (0)Submitted by on 29 Oct 05
Sickening injury causes match to be abandoned Croydon 2 took on Nottingham 2 in an early evening fixture at Royal Russell school. Nottingham started well and despite a running in shot from Dan Pratt, were soon 1-3 up after 5 minutes. Pratt was again on the mark - this time from long range but Nottingham's girls were gettign easy running in shots and they duely converted to maintain their 2 goal lead. Croydon's captain, Nigel Hudspith, was soon on the scoresheet as he scored a drop-off then debutant, Grace Stimpson, earned the hosts a penalty which Hudspith duely converted to leave the teams all square at 4-all. However then followed a sickening injury which had players and spectators alike gasping in shock. Nottingham's, Paul Blood, chased an errant collect and collided with the wall, leaving his ankle hanging at an awful angle, clearly in considerable pain. Play was stopped, an ambulance called and some time later the game was rightly abandoned. Our best wishes go out to Paul. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 2 4 vs 4 Nottingham City 2D Pratt (2)N Hudspith (2)M Cook (0)Z Omar (0)L Barker (0)G Codd (0)A Tydeman (0)S Withers (0)Submitted by on 29 Oct 05
