The Rams are still in two cup competitions after a run of luck saw them snatch a last minute victory in one match and despite losing a penalty shoot out  in another they may still receive a bye in to the next round.   

The end of October started with a win over Corinthian and  it appeared the team had turned the corner after a miserable month but two further home league defeats put paid to that notion.

There were at least signs of better performances in cup competitions as well as a little controversy too, writes Paul Smith. A home tie against FC Emstead saw the Rams go ahead three times only for the visitors, who are high-flying in the division below, striking back.   Extra time failed to separate the sides and it went to a penalty shoot-out that the visitors won.   

However, that isn’t the end of the story as the FC Emstead newly signed striker who scored two goals in the game had, the week before, played and scored in the same competition for his previous club meaning he should have been cup-tied.   

The league are investigating and the likelihood is that the Rams will continue in the competition.   

The only other game was a visit to play Virginia Water in the Specsaver Surrey Senior Cup which was another entertaining match with the Rams going through 2-1 with the winning goal scored by Dominic Ogun whose free-kick found the back of the net in the 93rd minute.

The draw for the next round of the Senior Cup was made live on BBC Radio Surrey which The Rams matched at home with Guildford City.   This was the team that Rams Manager Kevin Rayner had charge of previously and won back to back Combined Counties League championships with, so is very much a game to look forward to on January 21 at Mayfield Stadium.

December sees a long-awaited home game after a break of four weeks.   On  December 14 they will look to get their season back on track against Erith Town before a trip to top of the table Beckenham Town on  December 21.   Between Christmas and New Year the Rams entertain near neighbours Fisher on Saturday December 28 and then begin 2020 by welcoming Erith & Belvedere to Mayfield Stadium on January 4. All games kick off at 3pm.  

The U23 and U18 teams continue to be in action, supporting the work of the first team as they provide important development opportunities for younger players.   On December 9 the Under 18s are at home to Horley Town and then on December 11 the U23s are at home to Merstham .   

For fixtures and news: www.afccroydonathletic.co.uk or Twitter @AFCCroydonAth