Croydon 4's awesome team work topples Nomads 6Croydon 4 travelled to Sutton Grammar for their postponed match against Nomads 6. They were hoping to reverse the previous score between the two teams when Nomads 6 had run out winners. The match took place on Nomads' normal club training night so there were plenty of Nomads supporters to cheer their team on. This didn't seem to bother the Croydon side though, with their solitary supporter! The game started slowly, with both teams finding their feet, and taking their time to warm up. Captain Jon Dean was in defence with Steve Pratt, Rhiannon Williams-Clarke, and "guest" player Grace Stimpson. In attack it was an all "youngsters" affair, with Dom Bradford, Phil Aish, Sarah Hole and Kathy Dean. It was Croydon who broke the deadlock first, with Hole scoring a nifty goal. With pressure from both defences though, it was a number of minutes before the next goal came, and this time it was from Nomads. Nomads also scored the next goal, to take the lead, but this was to be the last time they held that position. After trying numerous running in shots, J Dean changed tack and started putting up long shots, and after a short while, a pass from Stimpson found him in open space and he put up a wonderful long shot that slipped through the basket. (He seemed very surprised that it had gone in!) The half time whistle went with the score even at 2-2. The team talk seemed to work for the Croydon side as they came out roaring! Bradford dropped off for Croydon's 3rd goal, shortly followed by K Dean scoring from under the post. Aish was having a storming game, against his vastly experienced opponent. Aish looked calm and composed, making interceptions without even seeming to work for them. He also managed what can only be described as a blam against a pass, when his opponent tried to pass round him for a running in shot. The ball was hit far and wide; would have made a 6 in cricket! Both sections were combining well, and playing together to frustrate the opposition and make many steals. The passing was good, as was the catching and shot selection. As the second half progressed there was some text book 4-0 movement, some drop off the back moves, turns in the feed, running in shots, long shots, great collecting; in fact it was all looking very professional. the next goal, was again in Croydon's favour. Nomads were attempting to get the ball out of defence, when the hard working Pratt decided to steal the ball and slot it home. 5-2 to Croydon. There was a scary moment when Aish looked like he might have been knocked out after a clash with his player, and he was seeing double for a few moments, but he struggled to his feet and carried on. It was left to Stimpson to score the final goal, and well worked running in shot that left the final score at 6-2 to the visitors. It was a great match to watch, with all the Croydon players working well together to secure the well-earned victory, against an opposition who never gave up and fought well.Match Report by Anna Final Score: Nomads 6 2 vs 6 Croydon 4Dom(1)Jon(1)Steve(1)Philip(0)Kathryn(1)Grace(1)Sarah(1)Rhiannon(0)
