One goal was enough to end a losing spree and secure a Derby cup victory for AFC Croydon.

The ups and downs of football have certainly been evident in the opening weeks of the season for The Rams who are sitting in the bottom half of the table. 

Having taken the higher ranked Herne Bay to a replay before losing out in the FA Cup,  the valiant performances of AFC Croydon Athletic were followed by a run of eight games that saw just one draw and seven defeats. 

The Rams bad run came to end with a closely fought victory over local rivals Croydon FC who are based in South Norwood, writes Paul Smith.

This included heavy defeats at home to neighbours Beckenham Town and also away to Sheppey United alongside a defeat at Dulwich Hamlet in the London Senior Cup. 

That is the same Dulwich team that will feature live on TV when they take on Carlisle United in the FA Cup. 

The Rams  have dropped to 16th in the table but have games in hand.

The prospect of Croydon FC visiting the Mayfield Stadium took on special significance this season after they were relegated last year. The League Challenge Cup pitted the two sides against each

other in the opening round tie. With local bragging rights at stake it was an important time for the Rams to get back some form. Much to the delight of the home supporters they duly obliged. 

A first half goal from Joe Nwoko was forced home after a long throw was headed on. It proved to be the only goal of the game but it was enough to secure a place in the next round and a home game against another lower division side, FC Emstead, that takes place on  November 12.

November is going to be an important month in the league and with several home games it is also a good chance to come and watch. On November 9, Chatham-based team Lordswood are the visitors and on 

November 19 Punjab United. With the FC Elmstead game between the two.

Both the U23 and U18 have been in action over the last month and have put in some good performances providing excellent opportunities for younger players to catch the eye of the management. 

Within the junior section the U16s have made their way into the 3rd Round of the Surrey County U16 Youth Cup having beaten Motspur Park and Redhill in earlier rounds. 

The Under 12s will play their first County Cup match on November 3 and will be hoping to progress.

As Croydon’s most senior non-league team, based in Thornton Heath, your support is always welcome.

Fixtures and news is available at: 

www.afccroydonathletic.co.uk

       @AFCCroydonAth