Croydon down after Knights defeatCroydon entered the saloon called "last chance" for the right to stay in the Premier League against the winners of the other pool, Norwich Knights. Croydon reverted to their preferred line-up whilst Knights looked to be at full strength. The early exchanges were a bit scrappy but Withers got the scoreboard ticking with long shot from distance and then found Elliott with a nice ball for a typical drop-off: Croydon were 2-0 up after 5 of the 10 minutes in the first half. Croydon were energised and defending like lions but Norwich eventually got themselves going from the spot though as Pratt fouled Ross Lenton. Croydon conceded another penalty but this time the nerves showed and it dropped short but Lenton scored a running in shot soon after to level the match. With seconds remaining Butters was caught out of position under the post and Buttinger scored a simple chance. Half time: 3-2 to the hosts. The opening exchanges of the 2nd half were goal-less but then Norwich were awarded another pen, which Vogwill converted. Butters converted a penalty for Croydon but from here on it all started to go wrong for Croydon. Tom Ellis scored from distance and whilst Croydon made chances including a number of free passes, they failed to convert them and again, like the Nomads game, as they chased the game, Norwich were able to take advantage scoring a couple of goals to go 7-3 up with only 6 minutes left. Croydon couldn't find the basket and the game finished at 8-3. So Croydon are relegated from the Premier League, into which regional league isn't clear at this stage, whilst Knights preserve their Premier League status. Overall Croydon played well with great intensity but, as has been the case for much of the season, they weren't able to score the chances they made for themselves. Match Report by Andy | Updated by Andy Previous photo Next photo1 of 10 Final Score: Norwich Knights 1 8 vs 3 Croydon 1A Withers (1)D Butters (1)Z Omar (0)D Pratt (0)L MacKay-Elliott (1)G Codd (0)J Hudspith (0)A Jeanes (0)Submitted by Andy on 10 May 09Tornadoes tough out final matchThe final game of the weekend was a frankly meaningless 3rd/4th play-off against fellow nearly side, Tornadoes. Much like the game against Dragons, Croydon played all their subs. Tornadoes were a mixture of skilful youngsters and old chargers in the Bucklands. It was Dave Buckland who opened the scoring, closely followed by a neat goal from a player who appeared to be little more than a 3rd of Omar's age. Corrine Buckland then did Elliott under the post before a dubious penalty was awarded and Croydon found themselves 4-0 down after 8 minutes. Pratt was having none of this though and scored one from distance and one from close in and after Chaney took advantage of some lax defending from Buckland, Croydon were back in the game. Half time: 4-3 to the Kent side. The Croydon subs came on at half time and it was Chaney who got the 2nd half going with a drop-off but he then over-committed once to often against Buckland and Tornadoes had their noses in front. Evans scored a running in shot but Withers gave the feed too easily and Corrine Buckland was on the 'sheet again. Butters missed a penalty at the other end and Evans conceded a running in shot but Croydon weren't done yet as Lindsey scored a neat drop-off but Chaney couldn't contain the wily veteran at one end and Croydon were conceding penalties at the other and Corrine Buckland made no mistake from the line. Final score: 10-6 to Tornadoes. Perhaps a disappointing end for Croydon but in truth their hearts were in the previous match and they will hope to get ample opportunity to get revenge against Tornadoes in the league next season. Match Report by Andy Previous photo Next photo1 of 8 Final Score: Tornadoes 1 10 vs 6 Croydon 1E Chaney (2)P Lindsey (1)D Pratt (2)D Butters (0)Z Omar (0)A Withers (0)H Evans (1)J Hudspith (0)K James (0)G Codd (0)L MacKay-Elliott (0)Submitted by Andy on 10 May 09
Tornadoes tough out final matchThe final game of the weekend was a frankly meaningless 3rd/4th play-off against fellow nearly side, Tornadoes. Much like the game against Dragons, Croydon played all their subs. Tornadoes were a mixture of skilful youngsters and old chargers in the Bucklands. It was Dave Buckland who opened the scoring, closely followed by a neat goal from a player who appeared to be little more than a 3rd of Omar's age. Corrine Buckland then did Elliott under the post before a dubious penalty was awarded and Croydon found themselves 4-0 down after 8 minutes. Pratt was having none of this though and scored one from distance and one from close in and after Chaney took advantage of some lax defending from Buckland, Croydon were back in the game. Half time: 4-3 to the Kent side. The Croydon subs came on at half time and it was Chaney who got the 2nd half going with a drop-off but he then over-committed once to often against Buckland and Tornadoes had their noses in front. Evans scored a running in shot but Withers gave the feed too easily and Corrine Buckland was on the 'sheet again. Butters missed a penalty at the other end and Evans conceded a running in shot but Croydon weren't done yet as Lindsey scored a neat drop-off but Chaney couldn't contain the wily veteran at one end and Croydon were conceding penalties at the other and Corrine Buckland made no mistake from the line. Final score: 10-6 to Tornadoes. Perhaps a disappointing end for Croydon but in truth their hearts were in the previous match and they will hope to get ample opportunity to get revenge against Tornadoes in the league next season. Match Report by Andy Previous photo Next photo1 of 8 Final Score: Tornadoes 1 10 vs 6 Croydon 1E Chaney (2)P Lindsey (1)D Pratt (2)D Butters (0)Z Omar (0)A Withers (0)H Evans (1)J Hudspith (0)K James (0)G Codd (0)L MacKay-Elliott (0)Submitted by Andy on 10 May 09
