Croydon Korfball Club - Korfball in South London | Super Friendly and Competitive Sport

Croydon 1 kick off with win against promotion rivals Highbury

Croydon started the 2010/11 season with a home fixture against Highbury played at Trinity School. They started with Jane Belfourd, Dan Pratt, Zak Omar and Julia Johnson in attack with captain Andy Withers, Anna Jeanes, Vernon Ellis and Grace Stimpson in defence.

The home side were creating lots of chances early on with Belfourd getting a few running in shots for example but neither side was able to work scoreboard operator, Champion, until the 10th minute when Omar dropped off, he followed this up by winning the first of many penalties in the match with Pratt making no mistake from the spot. Next up Withers was given too much space when going in for a collect, was fouled in the acting of shooting but the ball rolled home and Croydon had a 3-0 lead after 15 minutes.

Johnson was defending heroically but Highbury eventually awoke from their slumber as Pratt was beaten on a runner...however he replied in style with a delicious long shot. Higbury's attack started putting some moves together and after a switch Withers conceded but Croydon were awarded a generous penalty after the Jeanes ran her player and Withers converted. Omar scored from distance, Jeanes scored a perfect free-pass and Ellis scored from distance and so with 2 minutes remaining Croydon had a built a good lead at 8-4 but a lack of concentration in both sections in the last few minutes meant Croydon didn't retain possession in attack and in defence Highbury were awarded and scored 2 penalties. 8-6 at half time and all to play for.

Highbury maintained their comeback after the break with a long shot from the restart but Ellis scored again and Omar scored another short range effort. Stimpson was replaced by Sue Baker at this point after Croydon's defence seemed to get a bit ragged with 3 goals conceded on the trot. All of a sudden Highbury had levelled a match that they hadn't looked like winning. Croydon's heads dropped a little but Omar settled Croydon's nerves with a long shot though and a penalty from Pratt improved upon this but the win was sealed when Ellis scored another from distance and Croydon's lead was back to a vital 3 goals: 13-10. Coach Paul Jeanes used the opportunity to give his subs a run out with Ed Chaney on for Pratt and Hannah Driver on for Johnson. Croydon could have been more patient in the final stages but with penalties from Withers and Pratt the game was beyond Highbury and it was left to referee Morgan to give the visitors a charitable donation with a goal after his final whistle had sounded.

The final score was 15-11 and Croydon will move onto the cup with confidence and a vital win under their belts. Plenty to work on but a good start to the season.

Match Report by Andy | Updated by Andy