Recap

Match Report: Croydon Athletic 1-3 Sevenoaks Town

Croydon Athletic’s hopes of maintaining their winning run were dashed by a second-half collapse as they fell to a 3-1 defeat against Sevenoaks Town at The Mayfield Stadium on Tuesday evening. Despite leading at the break, the Rams couldn’t hold off a determined Sevenoaks side, who struck three times in a strong second-half performance.

First Half: Croydon Take the Lead

It was a lively opening to the match as both teams looked to assert themselves early on. Croydon made the first real impact on the scoreboard in the 8th minute when Shay Brennan opened the scoring, finishing coolly to give the home side a 1-0 lead.

The Rams were in control for much of the first half, with chances to extend their lead. However, they struggled to make the most of their opportunities, and despite a yellow card for Luke Dreher in the 45+2 minute, Croydon maintained their slender advantage at half-time.

Second Half: Sevenoaks Storm Back

The second half saw a complete turnaround in fortunes for the Rams. Sevenoaks came out of the blocks quickly, and just seven minutes after the restart, Rodney Eruotor found the equaliser for the visitors in the 52nd minute.

Croydon made a couple of early substitutions, with Jefferson Aibangbee and Kadell Daniel replacing George Brooke and David Omilabu respectively in the 53rd and 55th minutes, in an attempt to stem the tide. However, the visitors were now in the ascendancy and continued to apply pressure.

In the 72nd minute, Sevenoaks made a double substitution, bringing on Ayomide Majekodunmi for Joshua Wisson and Gael Kileba for Eruotor, and these changes paid off just 12 minutes later. Majekodunmi pounced on a defensive lapse and scored in the 84th minute, putting Sevenoaks ahead 2-1.

The visitors were far from done, and a third goal in the 87th minute from substitute Warren-Hughes Mfula sealed the points, making it 3-1.

Croydon’s Late Push

With the game slipping away, Croydon tried to regroup but could not find a way back. Junior Savane replaced Ambrose Gnahore in the 78th minute, and Ghassimu Sow came on for Kevant Serbonij in the 76th minute to provide fresh legs. However, it was clear that Sevenoaks had control of the match.

Despite a spirited first-half performance, Croydon were unable to hold onto their lead, as defensive mistakes and missed chances ultimately cost them dear in a 3-1 defeat.

Key Moments

8’: Shay Brennan opens the scoring for Croydon.
52’: Rodney Eruotor equalises for Sevenoaks.
84’: Ayomide Majekodunmi puts Sevenoaks ahead.
87’: Warren-Hughes Mfula extends Sevenoaks’ lead.

Manager’s Reaction

A frustrated Keith Millen reflected on the match, saying: ““We were good in the first half. We scored and should have had two or three more, but that’s been an issue for us as long as I can remember. We’re missing chances, and that’s fine to an extent, but what we can’t afford to do is concede goals so easily in the second half.”

“The goals we conceded were criminal,” he stated. “It’s just too easy for teams to get past us. The balance of the squad is not right. At the moment, we don’t look like keeping a clean sheet, and when you’re on a run like we are, that’s the first thing you need to focus on – making yourself difficult to break down and getting that clean sheet to build confidence.”

What’s Next?

The Rams will be looking to bounce back from this disappointing result when they head to Burgess Hill Town on Saturday in the Isthmian League. With defensive improvements high on the agenda, Croydon will hope to regain their momentum in the coming fixtures.

Full-Time Stats

• Full-time: AFC Croydon Athletic 1-3 Sevenoaks Town
• Half-time: AFC Croydon Athletic 1-0 Sevenoaks Town
• Attendance: 103
• Venue: Mayfield Stadium

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