Recap

Match Report: Broadbridge Heath 2-2 AFC Croydon Athletic

Isthmian League – South East Division

A resilient second-half performance from Croydon Athletic earned them a valuable point at Broadbridge Heath on Tuesday evening, as they fought back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw. Despite trailing 2-0 at the break, the Rams showed great character after the restart, with goals from Shay Brennan and Elijah Anthony earning them a share of the spoils in a pulsating contest.

First Half: Broadbridge Heath in Control

The match began with Broadbridge Heath in the ascendency, taking an early lead in the 22nd minute when Brad Peters pounced to put the hosts ahead. The home side continued to dominate possession and doubled their advantage in the 39th minute through Callum Dowdell, whose strike left Croydon Athletic with a mountain to climb going into the break.

The Rams had struggled to break down the Broadbridge Heath defence in the first half, and a few defensive lapses meant they were left with plenty of work to do in the second period. Despite a few promising moments, the visitors were unable to trouble the hosts’ goalkeeper, and the half-time whistle blew with Broadbridge Heath firmly in control.

Second Half: Croydon Fight Back

Croydon came out for the second half with renewed vigour, and their persistence paid off in the 56th minute. Shay Brennan was on hand to finish off a well-worked move, pulling one back for the Rams and breathing new life into their performance.

The equaliser came 20 minutes later when Elijah Anthony struck in the 76th minute to make it 2-2, much to the delight of the Croydon supporters. The Rams were now well and truly in the game, and Broadbridge Heath struggled to regain the control they had in the first half.

There were some nervy moments in the closing stages, including a yellow card for Broadbridge Heath’s Kevant Serbonij in the 88th minute, but Croydon held on to earn a hard-fought point.

Key Moments

22’: Brad Peters gives Broadbridge Heath the lead.
39’: Callum Dowdell doubles the hosts’ advantage.
56’: Shay Brennan pulls one back for Croydon.
76’: Elijah Anthony scores to equalise for Croydon.
88’: Kevant Serbonij is booked for Broadbridge Heath.

What’s Next?

Croydon will be keen to build on this strong second-half showing when they return to action in the league this Saturday when we welcome Sittingbourne to The Mayfield. With their eyes firmly on a playoff spot, they’ll look to carry this momentum into their next fixture.

Full-Time Stats
Full-time: Broadbridge Heath 2-2 AFC Croydon Athletic
Half-time: Broadbridge Heath 2-0 AFC Croydon Athletic
Attendance: 87
Venue: The BodyMould Mattresses Stadium
Referee: Michael Ryan

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