Croydon 2 come out on top of Mitcham 1A slightly different Croydon 2 took the field against an equally different looking Mitcham 1 in a very chilly Royal Russell, for a game which no-one really had a clue of what to expect. Croydon started with Nigel, Becky, Dom & Sarah in 1st attack, leaving Ed, Kathy, Johan and Jane in defence. The game couldnt have started better, with Croydon taking the lead from a goal by Sarah within about 5 seconds of the start. Things looking good to begin with, however, this was short live as the following 3 goal all went to Mitcham. So we are down 1-3 but we are not giving up a good sign and we score the next taking the score to 2-3, only for Mitcham to score the next taking the score to 2-4. The rest of the half continued goal for goal up until half time and at the break, the score was 6-8 to Mitcham, however, we all felt that we should have been at least level in score at that point but the luck wasnt with us. However, we were playing as a team and we were looking hungry and determined at the half time pep-talk, so we had the belief and desire. The 2nd half began with that belief turning into goals and Croydon score 3 without reply taking the score to 9-8 and from there on the team never really looked back. Determination, and confidence coming through, and with good chances being created all the time. Despite this, however, we just werent able to shake Mitcham off fully, trading goals equally, well into the 2nd half. Then it happened, Croydon got themselves 3 goals up with the score being 14-11. Surely this would be it, and the game to Croydon? Actually, not quite, Mitcham didnt have the same script as us, and they rallied again and got back to 14-13. No-one knew how much time was left on the clock as we were all just too engrossed on what was happening on the pitch. We all knew there wasnt much though. The game was very tight, and the next goal was important. Thankfully, Croydon slotted it taking the score to 15-13 and giving us that 2 goal gap back. Unfortunately Mitcham again, were not reading the script properly, and managed to get one back on the change around almost immediately and we were back to the gap being a single goal. 15-14 how much time left? None as it happens as the referee blows for full-time, and a deserved victory (albeit a slender one) goes to Croydon. Well done 2nd team. An enthralling game to watch with the right result at the end of the game. You all showed fire, grit, determination, belief and a will to win, and to cap it all, it was a great team effort. Lets keep that going! Ian Oh, and I apologise if I offended anyone on the pitch with my occasional choice of language, from the side-line, during the game. Match Report by Ian | Updated by Ian Final Score: Croydon 2 15 vs 14 Mitcham 1Nigel(4)Dom(2)Ed(2)Johan(2)Jane(3)Sarah(1)Becky(1)Kathryn(0)
