AFC Croydon Athletic are sitting seventh in the league table at the end of February with 11 games to play including five home games. February was a good month, with The Rams chalking up good home wins against Sheppey United and Chatham Town, who both sit above them in the league, writes Paul Smith. 

The game against Chatham Town was particularly pleasing as they are looking to win the league and arrived having won their previous 11 games in all competitions.  

Pacey forward and leading scorer Nahum Green, who is nearing 100 appearances for The Rams and striker Joe Nwoko scored the goals in a 2-1 win.   

Nwoko’s goal curled in from just outside the area proved to be the killer blow in the game.   Influential captain and centre defender, Jamie Thoroughgood, marshalled the defence to ensure Chatham were unable to force the equaliser.

March will see two home games. On Saturday 2, AFC Croydon entertain Beckenham based Glebe FC and then on March 16 they welcome Hollands and Blair who are from Gillingham.   Both these games take place at the Mayfield Stadium, Mayfield Road in Thornton Heath at 3pm.   There are some difficult long journeys too with trips to Canterbury City midweek on (6), to Crowborough Athletic (9), Deal Town (23) and then another match up with Chatham Town (30).   

There are also some other interesting games taking place at Mayfield Stadium.   On Sunday  March 10 it plays host to the first of two London FA U16 representative team games, against Middlesex FA and then on Sunday March 31 against the Amateur Football Association team, both at 1pm.   On Thursday March 28 it hosts the Tandridge League U16 Cup Final with a 7.30pm Cup Final.

Turning to the junior teams, the Under 15s sit top of their league having had an excellent campaign whilst both the Under 12 an Under 11 team are in Spring Cup action hoping to lift more silverware to add to the U11 Eagles Cup win before Christmas.   The Club’s Junior Academy is going from strength to strength with FA qualified coaches guiding the players and teams week in, week out.    Although this season is moving towards its conclusion the planning for next year is well underway.

The Junior Academy will be holding trials during April and May. This is a good opportunity for aspiring players, both boys and girls, between seven and 13 along with boys up to 15-year’s-old to try out for the teams.   The first trial is on Saturday April 13 at Mayfield Stadium in the morning.   Interested in joining? Email junioracademy@afccroydonathletic.co.uk to register for this trial and to get more information about joining the club.