MATCH REPORT

PLAYER PROFILE

Tooting & Mitcham United | Match Preview

Croydon Athletic make the short journey to Imperial Fields to take on Tooting & Mitcham United in the Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday. There is nothing quite like a local derby – and nothing quite like an FA Cup derby either!

Croydon have started the season strongly with three wins from three games. A victory over Roffey in the previous round set up this clash against a Tooting side who themselves overcame AGC Varndeanians.

Tooting & Mitcham United currently ply their trade in the Combined Counties League Division One South. They sit mid-table at this early stage, having picked up four points from their three home league games. Their most recent result was a win over Abbey Rangers, following a heavy defeat against last season’s play-off finalists Cobham. Their opening fixture ended in a goalless draw with Corinthian-Casuals.

Tooting boast a long history in the FA Cup, having first entered immediately after World War II. They have reached the First Round proper on 10 occasions, most recently in 2009. Supporters with even longer memories will recall their famous 1975/76 run, which ended in the Fourth Round against Bradford City.

In recent years, the club was relegated from the Isthmian League in 2023 after 66 years of continuous membership. Now in their third season at this level, they finished a disappointing 13th two years ago – though they did the double over Croydon that year. Ultimately, however, it was the Rams who secured promotion.

Amongst Tooting’s squad is former Ram Shay Brennan, who scored four goals in 13 appearances last season. He has already netted twice in four games this campaign. Declan Smith, another ex-Croydon player, made two brief appearances in maroon several years ago.

Croydon remain without David Boateng but otherwise have a full squad to choose from, with Nya Kirby available again after serving a suspension carried over from last season. He will be eager to make his mark, having watched the opening three victories from the sidelines. Both strikers, Reece Grant and David Bremang, found the net in the midweek win over Merstham, while Kadell Daniel hit a brace last weekend at Sevenoaks Town – exactly the sort of selection headache manager Danny Kedwell will welcome.

The London FA also announced today the draw for the London Senior Cup, which has paired these two teams again in the First Round at Mayfield Stadium. But make no mistake – the FA Cup is the prize both sides will be focused on.

The winners will go into Monday’s draw for the First Qualifying Round. If the tie ends level, a replay will be required. With Imperial Fields being the closest ground to Mayfield Stadium, a strong travelling Croydon support is expected to make the short trip across Mitcham.