Croydon Edge Past Ashford as Kirby and Pierrick Strike Early
Date: Saturday 1st March 2025
Venue: Mayfield Stadium
Competition: Isthmian League – South East Division
Attendance: 155
Referee: Daniel Trout
Final Score: AFC Croydon Athletic 2–1 Ashford United
AFC Croydon Athletic continued their solid run of form under new management with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ashford United at the Mayfield Stadium. First-half goals from Nya Kirby and Brandon Pierrick gave the Rams an early advantage, and while Ashford pulled one back through Louis Collins, Croydon held firm to claim all three points.
First Half: Early Goals Set the Tone
It didn’t take long for the Rams to assert themselves. In the 14th minute, Nya Kirby opened the scoring with a composed finish following a slick move through midfield. Just over ten minutes later, Brandon Pierrick doubled the lead, taking advantage of a defensive lapse to slot the ball home and make it 2–0.
Croydon looked in control for much of the first 45 minutes, playing with energy and purpose in front of the home crowd. The two-goal cushion proved crucial as Ashford began to grow into the game after the break.
Second Half: Collins Pulls One Back but Croydon Stay Resolute
Ashford United came out with more urgency in the second half and found a lifeline when Louis Collins scored in the 59th minute. Despite the momentum shift, Croydon remained disciplined, with the backline and midfield doing the gritty work to limit Ashford’s chances.
Manager Keith Millen made timely substitutions, bringing on Ghassimu Sow, Josh Bayliss, Shay Brennan, and Junior Savane to shore up the squad. A few late scares came and went, but the Rams held on for a vital three points.
Manager Reaction: Keith Millen Reflects on Gritty Performance
Post-match, manager Keith Millen was honest in his assessment of the performance.
“I wouldn’t say it was our best performance of the three games I’ve had, that was probably the worst in terms of fluidity. But that comes from the pressure these lads are putting on themselves. They want to do well, and that’s taken its toll a bit.”
Despite having managed Ashford previously, Millen insisted there was no added emotion in this fixture.
“It was just another game for me. It’s football, people make decisions, you move on. I was more focused on our group and continuing to build momentum.”
New Signings Earning Their Stripes
The manager also praised the impact of new signings and their integration into the squad.
“They’re doing well and it takes time, but I’ve said from day one, this is about building for next season. The competition is strong and they’re fighting for places. On the 3G, in training, we’re a different class. That confidence will carry into matches.”
Next Fixture: Herne Bay (Away)
Looking ahead, Croydon will face a tough away test against Herne Bay, a side battling for survival in the division.
“They’re fighting for their lives, so it’ll be tough. But so is every match now. These boys just need to keep working hard and the results will come – we’ve got six points from three games under me. Couldn’t ask for more.”
Match Summary
- Goals:
- 14’ – Nya Kirby (Croydon)
- 25’ – Brandon Pierrick (Croydon)
- 59’ – Louis Collins (Ashford)
- Substitutions:
- Croydon: Sow, Bayliss, Brennan, Savane
- Ashford: Penfold, West
- Cautions:
- 61’ – James Dunne (Croydon)
- 77’ – Cian McCarthy (Croydon)
- 90+5’ – Junior Savane (Croydon)
Key Takeaways
- Third match under Keith Millen yields 6 points from 9
- Kirby and Pierrick continue to impress in the final third
- New signings bedding in well as squad depth improves
- Croydon remain in 15th, well clear of relegation
