The season continues to have a roller coaster feel to it although AFC Croydon Athletic will be looking to maintain their good form as the season moves toward the half way stage at Christmas. 

After the disappointment of a winless October the month of November has passed without defeat, writes Paul Smith. Draws against Erith Town and Rochester United alongside victories against Lewisham Borough and Sheppey United have restored some faith in the team that had previously been challenging at the top of the table.

A 5-1 midweek cup defeat to the Metropolitan Police was followed by a convincing 3-1 win against Corinthian. Manager Kevin Rayner will be looking to maintain this league form in to Christmas.

There isn’t a Boxing Day game but December sees The Rams competing in two local derbies.  ONSaturday December 16 it is Beckenham Town who visit the Mayfield Stadium. In the reverse fixture it was AFC Croydon Athletic who came out on top with a victory that helped push them up the table.

Since then Beckenham have had a good run of results and have pushed themselves into the top half. The last game before Christmas, with a 3pm kick-off, will be keenly contested and if you haven’t yet caught a game this would be the perfect way to start.

On Saturday December 30 it is the Croydon derby with AFC Croydon Athletic making the short trip to South Norwood to take on Croydon FC at the Croydon Sports Arena starting at 3pm.

Croydon FC currently sit in third place in the league and there is a real race on to be the top non-league team in
the borough. During November, two players have joined an elite club of players who have made 50 appearances in the maroon for The Rams. Nahum Green and Emanuel Oloyede both made their debuts in last season’s FA Cup tie at Colliers Wood United.

Amongst the other teams the Under 16s are again having a good season. Last season they reached two Under 15 cup finals including lifting the league cup and they are again en route to emulating that achievement. In November Lee North’s team had an excellent victory over Leatherhead to reach the 3rd Round of the Surrey County Cup as they look to go one better than last season.