Post-Match Report: AFC Croydon Athletic 3-0 Burgess Hill Town – Akanbi Brace and Kirby Thunderbolt Seal the Points!
Croydon Athletic Secure Back-to-Back Home Wins in Convincing Fashion
Date: Saturday 5th April 2025
Venue: Mayfield Stadium
Competition: Isthmian League – South East Division
Final Score: AFC Croydon Athletic 3–0 Burgess Hill Town
Attendance: 148
Referee: Billy Wooten
AFC Croydon Athletic turned on the style at the Mayfield Stadium with a dominant 3-0 victory over Burgess Hill Town in the Isthmian League South East Division. A first-half brace from Ibby Akanbi and a long-range stunner from Nya Kirby in the second half sealed all three points for the Rams in front of a lively home crowd.
With relegation no longer a concern, Keith Millen’s side were free to express themselves—and it showed. From start to finish, Croydon controlled the tempo, created chances, and displayed impressive fluidity going forward.
First Half: Akanbi at the Double
It took just 13 minutes for Ibby Akanbi to break the deadlock, latching onto a well-placed ball from Nya Kirby and coolly slotting home to give Croydon an early lead. The Rams continued to pile on the pressure, and just four minutes later, Akanbi struck again—this time beating the offside trap with a perfectly timed run and finishing confidently to make it 2-0.
Burgess Hill Town struggled to respond, with Chris Whelpdale and Kieran Rowe both picking up bookings before the half-time whistle. Croydon’s backline—led by the solid Tangara in goal—was rarely troubled, and the hosts went into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion.
Second Half: Kirby Screamer Confirms the Win
After an encouraging but ultimately fruitless spell from Burgess Hill early in the second half, Nya Kirby settled matters in style. On 59 minutes, he picked up the ball from distance and unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner—leaving the keeper rooted and the crowd stunned. The 30-yard effort was one of the best goals seen at Mayfield this season and a deserved reward for Kirby’s tireless midfield performance.
Despite a flurry of late substitutions—including appearances from Jay Beckford and David Omilabu—Croydon maintained their defensive shape and looked just as likely to add a fourth. Ghassimu Sow and Ben Cheklit added fresh legs, while Tangara ensured a clean sheet with a calm and commanding presence at the back.
Key Match Stats
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Goals:
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13′ – Ibby Akanbi (Croydon)
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17′ – Ibby Akanbi (Croydon)
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59′ – Nya Kirby (Croydon)
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Bookings:
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41′ – Junior Savane (Croydon)
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45+1′ – Chris Whelpdale (Burgess Hill)
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47′ – Kieran Rowe (Burgess Hill)
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86′ – Josh Bayliss (Croydon)
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90+1′ – Hamish Morrison (Burgess Hill)
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Substitutions:
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Croydon: Kamara, Bayliss, Cheklit, Sow, Omilabu
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Burgess Hill: O’Neill, Lawson, Beckford, Allen, Overy
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Manager’s Reaction
Danny Kedwell praised his side’s “togetherness and attacking sharpness”, noting the importance of ending the season strongly. “We want to give the fans something to look forward to for next season, and today was a great step in that direction.”
League Position
The result sees AFC Croydon Athletic stay 15th in the table, with safety from relegation confirmed. While promotion is out of reach this season, performances like these are helping to build a solid foundation for 2025/26.
Next Fixture
The Rams are back in action next week as they continue their campaign in the Isthmian League South East Division. Full details will be announced shortly.
Final Thoughts
It was a perfect afternoon at Mayfield: strong performances across the pitch, a clean sheet, and three expertly taken goals. With Akanbi and Kirby in form and the team playing with growing confidence, Croydon Athletic supporters have plenty to be excited about.
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