The new look Croydon was highly anticipated by supporters at Albert Road, and the team did not disappoint. The Trams won the season opener 2-0 with two goals from David Green (45 & 78) in a match where they had most of the possession. 

The first chance came after five minutes with a corner from David Green which went far beyond the far post and cleared for a Croydon throw in. Soon came a header from Lee Peacock, which was caught by former Trams goalkeeper Dan Carpanini. Then Green went past a couple of opponents, only for KFU to clear the ball quickly. 16 minutes on the clock, and Khayrie Harris thought he’d put the ball past Carpanini, only for the goal to be ruled offside. Harris had another chance, after a cross from Green but the shot went wide of the post. At the other end, Tiwa Fujamade made a great save following a corner, with ‘T’ catching the ball very close to his opponent. Bailey McCarthy then crossed to Harris, whose long range shot landed wide of the post. But just before half time, came a goal kick from Fujamade, which went to Tyriq Grant, then to Green who happened to be in the right spot to put the Trams ahead. 

Eight minutes into the second half and Green hoped to double the lead only for Carpanini to make a save. A cross from the right wing went to Drew Graham, whose volley was saved by Carpanini. There was also a run on goal by Ollie Beauchamp,  only for his shot to be kicked away. Another run, this time from Grant, and another chance also saved by Carpanini. The Trams  then came close to conceding an own goal when the ball came off a defender and almost went in off the far post. A corner was then saved by Fujamade. Croydon finally, doubled their lead after 78 minutes when Green went around a couple of opponents, including the keeper, to tap the ball into the net. The lead could have been extended when a volleyed attempt went over the bar. Then KFU’s Jerome Walker’s shot hit the post, and the follow-up went wide. Green had a last chance for a hat trick just before the final whistle but his shot missed. 

Croydon are next in action against Staplehurst Monarchs with a 3pm kick off on Saturday August 13th.

Match Report: Suniel Bhardwaj

Photos: Paul Davis

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