Trojans 1 comfortable against Croydon 1 Trojans hosted local rival Croydon at a dusty Trinity School in the BKA National League. Trojans are flying high in the table so far this season in contrast to Croydon and there was no upset to be found in this game. Croydon had Marika Barretto back in for Kim Jones but otherwise fielded an unchanged line-up whilst Trojans looked to have a full squad to choose from. Croydon are low on confidence and got off to the worst possible start with 4 quick goals conceded inside 5 minutes and a series of simple chances missed. However a beauty of a long shot from Ross Carr-Taylor and a penalty from Paul Jeanes brought them back into the match. Coach van Alebeek acted swiftly and Croydon's defence was altered to have Andy Withers focussing on danger man Matt Brooks, leaving Dave Butters to cover and snaffle what he could around the basket. Despite a further goal from Brooks, this tactic paid off as Croydon's defence was able to keep out Trojans' attack for long periods of the match. However it's fair to say the Croydon attack weren't on their game: they were unable to create many clear cut chances, missed simple chances from 3 metres and Croydon's shooting from distance was poor in general. Half time score: 5-8. Croydon again started slowly conceding the crucial first goal of the half and from here the hosts were in control. Dave Brooks made the most of his chances as Trojans pulled out a 7 goal lead at 5-12. van Alebeek called a time-out to rally his troops but his words were not heeded as Croydon continued to rush their attacks and many risky, instinctive passes failed to come off. Despite more solid work from the Croydon defence, Trojans were still able to eek out the odd goal to keep the scoreboard ticking over while frustration rose in the Croydon attack. Referee Peter Allan, who had a tidy game, blew the whistle with Trojans 18-8 to the good. Croydon have a few weeks to get their heads in order now for the Christmas break. In truth few would have expected them to beat Trojans but any neutrals would have expected a closer contest, especially in the 2nd half.Match Report by Andy Final Score: Trojans 1 18 vs 8 Croydon 1Paul(3)Ross(2)Dave(1)Andy(0)Carla(2)Marika(0)Saskia(0)Anna(0)
Trojans 2 scrape a victory over Croydon 2 Croydon lined up without Sarah George but the able Lynda Barker was brought in in her place whilst Mike Moore continued in the side as injuries and absentees continue to cost the team dear. Trojans got off to the quicker start getting 2 goals up but Croydon were clearly the equal of this team in some areas and a Nigel Hudspith penalty got them started. However it was the experienced Hudspith and Kim Jones who were to let in the next 2 goals as Trojans stretched their lead to 3 at 4-1. Jones made amends with a running-in shot, shortly followed by the same by Julia Johnson. After failing to convert 3 penalties the previous week, one might have expected Croydon to have nailed a few in training but either way Zu Munshi saw his effort sail over but Trojans were unable to capitalise before Mike Moore stepped up to the spot and delivered. He followed this with a running-in shot, despite 2 dodgy hammies, to bring the teams level at 5-all. Both sides traded goals for the remaining 10 minutes of the 1st half including a superb running in shot from Barker set up by a stunning pass from Moore. A late penalty from Hudspith sent the teams into the break at 7-8 to the visitors. The teams had clearly used up most of their goals in the 1st half as the 2nd descended into a stalemate in the first 10 minutes. Neither side were able to break out even a 2 goal lead as nerves frayed on the sidelines. A 2nd goal from Munshi brought Croydon level at 11-all and a 3rd penalty from Hudspith brought them the lead but Trojans weren't finished and managed to scramble 2 further goals before the time ran out, leaving them home and dry at 13-12. Another disappointing result for Croydon in a game they must feel they should have won. A couple of missed chances here are crucial at this level and it was Trojans who rode their luck and got the points.Match Report by Andy Final Score: Trojans 2 13 vs 12 Croydon 2Nigel(3)Zak(2)Mike(2)Daniel(1)Julia(2)Lynda(1)Kim(1)Anneka(0)
