Comfortable away win for Croydon 1 against local rivals Mitcham 2Croydon first team don't traditionally like early starts, and this was no exception. Dan, Ed, Grace and Julia started off in attack, but didn't settle. Shooting was speculative rather than confident, and that continued for most of the half. Dan got an early penalty after Mitcham's girl scored a runner so it was 1-1 after 6 minutes and Nigel, Vernon, Anna and Sue went into attack. Sue got a turn in the feed to make it 2-2, and then Dan turned in collect to make it 2-3. After this point Croydon never lost the lead. The ref fell over his extraordinarily long laces which raised some laughter from the crowd, but Mitcham supporters were noticeably quiet compared to usual - and Mandy, Karen and Jane easily drowned them out. (Greg was there but didn't like the screaming and the Jeanes boys were focused on a game of Angry Birds.) Lorna, Adam and Steve Pratt were also along supporting the local game. Croydon followed the coach's instructions and defence was tighter than usual - more "in your face" and contained. It was paying off as we picked up loose balls in defence and stifled efforts to get the ball to Mitcham's attack from their defence. Goals came from Grace (drop-off), Nigel (penalty), and Sue - from long - but not as long as Ed who was right at Trinity's half way line for the goal that made it 2-7 going into the break. The coach was encouraging about the defence, but made clear that attack had to be more focused to break through to victory. The attack did look more organised, but the pace of scoring slowed down and Mitcham launched a mini counter-attack. Croydon kept their heads though and Sue, Ed, and Julia scored to snuff out any idea of a come back. Vernon was rewarded for some vigilent interceptions and clever movements by a goal from behind the post after a killer pass from Nigel and it was 5-11 with 5 minutes to go. Croydon was on a roll and Dan picked up a couple more goals from some persistent support from the girls to make final score 5-13. It could have been a higher scoring game and Croydon will be happy with the victory, but mindful they need to find a higher gear for the harder games in this league and beyond. Match Report by Jane | Updated by Andy Final Score: Mitcham 2 5 vs 13 Croydon 1Daniel(4)Ed(2)Vernon(1)Nigel(1)Susan(3)Grace(1)Julia(1)Anna(0)
Almost! Croydon 3 were in it, but didn't quite manage an upset... Final Score: Supernova 1 11 vs 9 Croydon 3Mark(2)Steve(2)Peter(0)Simon(0)Susan(3)Sarah(1)Stephanie(1)Victoria(0)
