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

Croydon's losing streak continues with loss to Nottingham

Croydon entertained a lively Nottingham team at Royal Russell in a match that was meaningless for both sides - only pride was at stake.

Croydon's defence looked shakey throughout and Nottingham edged to an early lead with some well-taken goals before the home side came back into the match to lead 12-11 at half-time. Nottingham were employing a simple attack that was based on their strong girls and took advantage of their superior height - indeed all 8 players were the same height or taller than Croydon's. This added height eventually paid dividends as Croydon stopped scoring and Nottingham edged ahead and stayed ahead. Anna and Paul Jeanes were brought on for Lorna Elliot and Ivan Aquino but these substitutions made no difference to the outcome. Final score 20-21.

For Croydon one wonders whether changes are required, given their last win was six games ago with a controversial last minute penalty against Nomads. Nottingham will be rueing their mid-season blip during which they lost crucial games to lesser teams and the chance to play in Europe next season.

Match Report by Andy

Final Score: Croydon 1 20 vs 21 Nottingham City 1

Dave 5	Steve 5	Ross 3	Ivan 2	Paul 0
Saskia 3	Kim 1	Sarah 0	Lorna 0	Anna 1

Croydon 2 v Nottingham 2

The game started at furious pace with Croydon racing to an early 4-2 lead with goals from the home side from Dan Moore, Paul Jeanes and Andy Withers. Nottingham called an early time-out and were soon able to bring the score back to 5-all after a mistake from Nigel Hudspith left Paul Blood open under the post. Some beautifully worked moves between Jeanes and Dan Moore were twice converted by the latter, but mostly goals continued to be given away rather than earnt by Nottingham. At half-time there was only one goal in it with the score at 9-8.

Some bizarre referring decisions and unsportsman-like play seemed to rattle the home side as, after frequent stoppages, Nottingham were able to net a couple of free-passes and lead their hosts for the first time at 12-14. With time running out the referee produced a yellow card for the visitors after a penalty (won by Marika Barretto) was converted by Withers. However the home side were unable to keep Nottingham out and the final whistle blew with Nottingham clear by 2 goals, 14-16.