CROYDON FC 1 – 1
GREENWAYS
Croydon missed the chance to definitely qualify for the playoffs as Greenways, in a place below them and also with an outside chance for the playoffs, equalised with a 93rd minute goal. However, for Greenways to qualify for the play offs, even with a game in hand, they would have to score twenty goals to overcome Croydon’s goal difference, and Croydon would have to lose both the remaining matches. But for Croydon, one win would have meant certainty to the play offs, but have to wait until Saturday.
To start off with, Greenways had the upper hand but were very much denied by Croydon. Six minutes into the game, goalkeeper Albert Penney jumped up to stop a Greenways goal. The visitors had a free kick and Tom Friend headed that out. They also had a corner, which Croydon partly cleared and resulted in a throw in. The 19th minute saw a challenge on a Croydon player, and the Trams got a penalty. Unfortunately, Red Jenkins’ shot ended into orbit, probably to replace the Artimis rocket aiming for the moon. Jenkins was in good company though, as Greenways got a free kick a few minutes later, which too was aimed for outer space.
Tom Barton took a corner, which was on target, only to be caught by Shaun Wicks. There was a challenge on Jack White, leaving him flying in a move worthy of WWE. The offender was let off, scot free, with no card given. Croydon did get a chance later, followed by a free kick from Barton that ended wide of the post. At the other end, there was a cross from Simon Walton that was caught by Penney. After a throw in, Barton gained back possession and took a shot, which was mishandled at first but Wicks eventually held on. There was a through ball to Cameron Macmillan, who looked certain to score, but when about to take a shot, he trod on the ball before losing possession. With five minutes of the first half to go, Alex Arif’s shot was saved and off the rebound Barton had an attempt that was cleared soon afterwards. Greenways got a corner that Croydon cleared, but Aaron Sanderson had an attempt that Penney saved.
The second half had fewer chances for both sides, but just as much action as the last twenty or so minutes of the first half. Greenways got a corner that was cleared, the visitors had some short passes that were defended and Greenways’ Ross Penrose was confused for a moment, clearing towards his own goal. Croydon carried on defending, playing a game of head tennis, but Greenways’ Jack Clark had a shot that ended high over the crossbar.
There was a good move starting with a Tom Friend backheel to Kieran Rufus who crossed to Kanon Fitton who was close to scoring. Fitton finally scored after 73 minutes, though. There was a cross from Macmillan and Fitton’s header sped past Wicks. However, the aftermath saw Wicks angry for conceding the goal, and punched Arif in the back of the head and got sent off for his crime. Arif continued for a few minutes before eventually coming off for Olusegun Akunwunmi.
Croydon aimed to take advantage of Greenways being a man down. It took another eight minutes before there was another chance. Macmillan had a go only for a defender to put the ball out for a throw in. Macmillan had another go that went straight to the replacement keeper Penrose. Sadly for Croydon, Greenways got a penalty. Although Penney was able to stop Joe Thomas’ shot, the rebound reached Dan Ashton who scored three minutes into added time.
Croydon: Penney, Walters, Friend, Rufus (C), Dwyer, Fitton (Ward 78), Arif (Akinwumni 84), Macmillan, White, Barton (Dale 61), Jenkins (Palmer 77).
Subs (unused): Spellward
