Competition: Velocity Cup First Round
Date: Tuesday, 8th September 2026
Venue: The JM Clark Stadium
Attendance: 80
AFC Croydon Athletic suffered a narrow late exit from the Velocity Cup on Tuesday night, falling 3–2 to Erith Town in an exciting, end-to-end battle at The JM Clark Stadium. Both sides set a relentless pace from the opening whistle, delivering high-energy attacking football and plenty of drama for the supporters.
Match Highlights
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15′ — GOAL (0–1): Cian McCarthy handed the Rams an early lead, finishing off a sharp opening move in a breathless start to the match.
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17′ — GOAL (1–1): The advantage was short-lived as Erith Town responded almost immediately through Jefferson Aibangbee to level the score.
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53′ — GOAL (2–1): The Dockers took the lead early in the second half when Deven Reid-Solanki found the net amidst continuous end-to-end action.
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82′ — GOAL (2–2): Brandon Pierrick struck late in the game to pull Croydon level, capping off a series of relentless attacks and setting up a thrilling finale.
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88′ — GOAL (3–2): With penalties looming after a fiercely contested box-to-box second half, Erith Town’s James Dyer netted the winner two minutes from time to send the home side through.
Lineups & Match Details
AFC Croydon Athletic:
Aaron Zziwa, Finley Marjoram, Noah Watson, Sam Blackman, Jack Paxman, David Bremang, Jordan Johnson-Palmer (James Taylor 60′), Greg Cundle (Kadell Daniel 60′), Cian McCarthy, Ben Wynter (C), Brandon Pierrick.
Subs Used: David Boateng (78′), Tushaun Walters (78′), Ronnie Vint.
Erith Town:
Harrison Firth, Elliott Wenham, Daniel Blunn (Michael Arthey 57′), Jerome Jayaguru, James Dyer, Tyler Anderson (Sidney Petters 73′), James Miles, Jefferson Aibangbee (Bethel Gboda 86′), Ross Craig (C), Deven Reid-Solanki, Jonas Petkevicius.
