Recap

Croydon Athletic Women 3-0 Actonians: Dominant Display Maintains Perfect League Form

Croydon Athletic Women maintained their perfect league record with a commanding 3-0 win over Actonians, continuing their fine run of form in the league. A few tactical adjustments were made for this match, with the full-backs pushed up to the wing and the wingers dropping back, leading to some early reshuffling. However, the team adapted quickly, and the changes ultimately paid off in a comprehensive victory.

The first opportunity of the match fell to Actonians, who tested Croydon’s defence with a shot from 10 yards that was well saved. That early scare seemed to spark the home side into life, and shortly after, they were unlucky not to take the lead. A well-struck shot was brilliantly saved by the Actonians goalkeeper, and the resulting rebound fell tantalisingly close to the goal, only for the follow-up effort to fly just over the bar.

It didn’t take long, though, for Croydon to get on the scoreboard, and they did so in spectacular fashion. McLeod-Graham picked up the ball on the edge of the box and audaciously lobbed the keeper, who was rooted to the spot, to give Croydon a well-deserved lead. The hosts could have doubled their advantage soon after when McDougall whipped a dangerous ball across the six-yard box, but no one was able to get a touch to finish into the unguarded net.

However, the second goal did arrive, and it came from another well-worked move. Lambert was picked out with a ball across the face of goal and, showing great composure, she slotted it home to make it 2-0. The home side were left frustrated just before the break, though, as two more goals were ruled out for offside – both decisions coming from very tight calls – but they went into the break firmly in control with a two-goal lead.

The second half was more of the same as Croydon continued to dictate the play. Kabadaki made it 3-0 with a powerful shot from distance that beat the Actonians goalkeeper at the near post. She almost had her second soon after with a thunderous effort from 25 yards that crashed off the crossbar and appeared to cross the line, but despite clear evidence, the referee waved play on.

Actonians struggled to create many chances as Croydon continued to dominate. The visitors’ defence, along with some fine saves from their keeper, kept the scoreline at 3-0, despite several more clear-cut chances for the home side. Croydon had a few near-misses as they rattled the woodwork late on, and had a shot cleared off the line. It was a testament to Actonians’ resilience, but Croydon’s attacking intent and relentless pressure made the result feel inevitable.

The final whistle blew with the scoreline still 3-0, securing a deserved victory for Croydon. A dominant performance in all areas, and a result that keeps their perfect league run intact.

Player of the Match: A special mention goes to Saffiah Robinson, whose tireless work in midfield was crucial to Croydon’s success, earning her the Player of the Match honours.

This win extends Croydon Athletic Women’s unbeaten league streak, with the team continuing to look like one of the strongest sides in the division.