MATCH REPORT

PLAYER PROFILE

Celebrating Excellence: AFC Croydon Athletic Awards Evening

On Saturday 10 May 2025, the AFC Croydon Athletic family came together to honour a season of dedication, passion, and outstanding performances across both our Men’s and Women’s teams. Amidst the buzz of friendly faces and the clinking of glasses, players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters celebrated those whose contributions shone brightest on and off the pitch. With gleaming trophies, heartfelt speeches, and proud applause, the evening was a fitting tribute to everyone who has propelled our club forward this season.

 The end of the 2024/25 Season:

AFC Croydon Athletic’s 2024–25 campaign in the Isthmian League South East Division marked their first season at Step 4 after promotion from the Combined Counties Premier South, and they ultimately secured a respectable 12th-place finish out of 22 clubs. Over the course of 42 league fixtures, the Rams amassed a total of 58 goals whilst conceding 54, giving them an average of 1.38 goals scored and 1.29 conceded per match. Their defence managed to keep seven clean sheets (roughly 17 % of all games), but late goals and defensive lapses in tightly contested matches often proved costly. Offensively, they boasted several standout performers who combined pace and creativity to unlock stubborn defences, evidenced by narrow victories.

However, consistency remained an issue: when up against teams in the top half, Croydon Athletic struggled to maintain intensity for a full ninety minutes. Despite those setbacks, the squad showcased resilience by bouncing back with spirited displays at home, six of their seven clean sheets came at Thornton Heath’s Mayfield Stadium and by grinding out important draws on the road. In cup competitions, they reached the semi-finals of the London Senior Cup before bowing out to higher-tier opposition, demonstrating the squad’s potential to challenge stronger sides. Several academy graduates seized their chance in the first team, and those emerging talents laid solid foundations for the next season.

In the 2024–25 campaign, the Croydon Athletic Women competed in the Greater London Women’s Football League Division 1 South, finishing top of the table after 18 matches with a record of 12 wins, 5 draws and only 1 loss, scoring 49 goals and conceding 19 overall. At home they were formidable (5 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss, scoring 20 and conceding 9), while away form stood at 7 wins and 2 draws (29 for, 10 against). This consistency not only clinched the divisional championship and secured promotion to Division 1 but also fuelled deep runs in cup competitions, such as narrow penalty‐shootout victories in the Capital Women’s Cup.

Men’s Team Awards:

Our Men’s squad has had a season combining raw youthful talent with experienced heads to deliver memorable performances. Here are the honours they walked away with :

Players’ Player of the Year: Cian McCarthy

Cian McCarthy was honoured as the Men’s Players’ Player of the Year by his own teammates, a clear testament to the respect and trust he has earned within the dressing room. Cian’s commitment never wavered: he approached every gam with the same unwavering intensity. Week in, week out, his consistency shone through, he proved himself to be a dependable linchpin upon whom the entire team could rely. It was precisely these high-quality performances that prompted his peers to cast their votes in his favour. For the club, witnessing Cian receive this accolade is a proud moment: he truly embodies the fighting spirit and collective unity of the Rams.

Top Goal Scorer: Brandon Pierrick

Brandon Pierrick finished the 2024/25 campaign as Croydon Athletic’s top goalscorer, and it’s easy to see why. Pierrick consistently delivered when the Rams needed him most. His movement off the ball, combined with a calm confidence in his finishing, turned half‐chances into decisive moments throughout the season. Teammates and fans alike could rely on him to change the course of a game. In short, Pierrick’s golden season earned him this well‐deserved accolade and the deep admiration of the entire Croydon Athletic community.

Managers’ Player of the Year: Brandon Pierrick

Brandon Pierrick was named Manager’s Player of the Year for 2024-25 after a campaign defined by goals, leadership, and relentless drive. Week in, week out, he led by example. His unwavering commitment on the pitch consistently inspired his teammates and gave the squad a winning edge. This accolade from the gaffer is a fitting acknowledgement of Pierrick’s influence and exceptional performances all season long.

Young Player of the Year: Junior Savane

Junior Savane secured the Young Player of the Year award for 2024–25 after delivering a breakthrough season brimming with energy, growth, and fearless displays. Time and again, he seized opportunities to showcase his raw talent. His rapid development and unwavering confidence have marked him as one of the most exciting prospects in the squad, and his fearless performances suggest that a bright future awaits. Keep pushing, Junior—this is only the beginning.

Fans’ Player of the Year: Amadou Tangara

Amadou Tangara earned the Fans’ Player of the Year award for 2024–25 by consistently demonstrating calmness under pressure, commanding presence between the posts, and an unwavering commitment to the badge. His shot-stopping heroics and reassuring leadership at the back quickly made him a fan favourite, and even in his absence from the awards evening, supporters made it clear that their voices belonged to him. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to Amadou’s tireless work ethic and the trust he’s built with the stands.

Clubperson of the Year: Kenny Gisanrin

Kenny Gisanrin truly embodies the heartbeat of Croydon Athletic: his unwavering dependability, ever-present support, and tireless dedication behind the scenes keep the club running smoothly day in, day out. Kenny’s 100 % commitment never wavers. His selfless contributions may go unseen on the pitch, but they form the foundation upon which our success is built. Thank you, Kenny, for everything you do.

Women’s Team Awards:

Our Women’s side enjoyed a fantastic season too, blending flair and determination to record some historic victories. Their award winners were:

Here’s to another season of thrilling football, unwavering camaraderie and the next crop of award winners ready to write their names into Croydon Athletic lore.

Player of the Year: Daveeka Gayle

Daveeka Gayle was named Player of the Year after delivering a string of standout performances throughout the season. Her leadership on and off the pitch kept the team organised and motivated, while her relentless work rate and energy proved contagious. Daveeka was the the engine at the heart of the team all year long. A massive congratulations to Daveeka for a thoroughly deserved accolade.

Top Goal Scorer: Gemma Lambert and Kaydence Kabadaki

Gemma Lambert and Kaydence Kabadaki shared the Women’s Team golden boot for 2024–25 after combining clinical finishing with moments of sheer brilliance throughout the season. Time and again, each found the back of the net when it mattered most, whether with precise strikes from the edge of the box or instinctive tap-ins in crowded penalty areas. Their goals not only secured vital points but also lifted the entire squad’s confidence on big matchdays. A huge congratulations to both Gemma and Kaydence for an outstanding display of attacking prowess this season.

Players’ Player of the Year: Aiyana Glayze

Aiyana Glaze earned the Players’ Player of the Year award for 2024–25 after being voted by her teammates for her class, unwavering consistency, and infectious team spirit. Week after week, Aiyana led by example. Her calm presence on the pitch and genuine care for everyone off it made her a natural leader in the dressing room. Well deserved, Aiyana.

Most Committed Player of the Year: Isis Osei-Tutu

Isis Osei-Tutu was honoured as the Most Committed Player of the Year after a season defined by her relentless work rate, positive attitude, and unwavering passion. Whether tracking back to support the defence, driving forward to press opponents, or offering words of encouragement to teammates, Isis consistently led by example. Her dedication in training and on matchdays never went unnoticed, and she inspired both her fellow players and the fans with her tireless spirit. A true example to the squad and our supporters, this award is a fitting tribute to everything she brings to Croydon Athletic.

Managers’ Player of the Year: Isis Osei-Tutu

Double honours for Isis Osei-Tutu at the 2024/25 Croydon Athletic awards evening!! A huge congratulations to Isis Osei-Tutu, crowned Managers’ Player of the Year. An outstanding campaign full of commitment, quality and consistency.

Well-deserved recognition at this year’s Croydon Athletic awards evening!