BRIDON ROPES 3 – 2 CROYDON FC

Trams headed east across the prime meridian in the hope of finishing seventh but poor defending meant that their hopes went west.

It  started as a meaningless end of season game but gradually livened up. The first shot on target came from Zak Powell on nine when his calculated low drive was pushed wide of the upright and the resulting corner was headed wide of the far post. Bridon broke on seventeen but shot high and wide when a little more composure might have paid dividends.

On twenty-eight, Keiran Rufus was led a merry dance on our right flank which ended by him clattering his opponent at the second attempt. He could have no complaints about his yellow card and the resulting penalty kick was hammered home.

Trams showed some life with David Green contriving to find space but being upended for his troubles and Andy Walker winning the ball around half way but his forward pass was hit into touch. Then poor marking on the cusp of half time allowed the hosts a free header to double their advantage.

Certainly words of encouragement were despatched in the sanctity of the changing room at half-time as Trams started to show more purpose after the restart.

On fifty-one, Sam Morgan won the ball near the half-way line and played it into space for Andy Walker to run on to and hit inside the far post. Game on!

Cameron Beckles was sin-binned on fifty-five and when the penalty period had expired, he was replaced. Two minutes later, after Green had lost the ball in midfield, Tiwa Fujamade came to Trams’ rescue with a diving save to push the ball wide for a corner. On seventy, Croydon were back on terms when Jahquan Springer floated a curling free-kick over the home custodian and into the net.

Croydon generally had the upper hand at this stage and moved forwards purposefully. They thought that they had taken the lead on seventy eight when substitute Jordan Anderson’s height caused problems but the offside flag denied them.

Bridon having been on the ropes, weathered the storm and on eighty-five, Trams failed to clear a corner and the ball was stabbed home from close range to take the points.

That wrapped up Croydon’s 2022/23 season but watch this space for details of their end of season awards event.