Trams season ended five days earlier than they had hoped when they faced their nemesis in the Play-Off semi-final. And for the second season running to the same opponents!
Croydon gave a committed and disciplined defensive display and were clearly determined not to lose but the well-resourced home team had that little bit extra which gave them the edge.
The hosts first chance came in the first minute a free-kick to the rear upright caused palpitations but Albert Penney got down well to deny them.
Three minutes later, Trams drew a fine save out of George Kamurasi who was at full stretch to block Kanon Fitton’s pile driver. Cameron Macmillan landed a cross on the roof of the net on seven and when the hosts broke, only a finely timed challenge kept them at bay.
Dons had that look about them that it was only a matter of time before they scored, such was the pressure being exerted although Trams were working their socks off.
The opener came on thirty-six when the Dons appeared to waltz through to slot home. What had hitherto been a hard task suddenly became a lot more difficult!
So the Dons went in with the slenderest of advantages. Within minutes of the restart, they again went close. A shot following a flag kick was blocked and the rebound blasted over and Penney was forced to punch clear shortly afterwards.
And suddenly – on fifty-one – the game was all but over– Sam Smith who had replaced the injured Alfie Clark just before the interval – was red carded for a dogso offence and the resulting penalty converted.
The two goal margin was there for the Dons to be comfortable and cut off all Trams avenues. A free-kick was headed over before former Tram Pat McKay was red carded but even back on even numbers, Trams were unable to find the net. The hosts were happy to delay matters and stymie Trams momentum hence ten minutes were added on for stoppages but in the end, they were worthy winners.
So it proved a disappointing end to a roller coaster campaign which could possibly have been better had it not been for two fallow periods in August and December.
Team: Penney, Walters, Friend, Rufus, Clark (Smith), Barton (Dwyer), Dale (Jenkins), White, Fitton (Ward), Arif (Akinwunmi), Macmillan
Report by Steve Tyler