Croydon Athletic 1-3 Cray Wanderers WFC
Women’s FA Cup | Sunday, 23 August 2026
Croydon Athletic kicked off the 2026/27 competitive campaign with a spirited, hard-fought performance in the Women’s FA Cup against an experienced Cray Wanderers side.
The visitors started on the front foot, testing the Rams’ backline with sustained pressure. Goalkeeper Eva delivered a sensational Player of the Match performance, pulling off more than a dozen crucial saves to keep Croydon in contention before Cray broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 31st minute.
Croydon responded five minutes later with a historic milestone. Ella capitalised on a swift attack to become the first women’s player to score at home for AFC Croydon Athletic in the FA Cup, levelling the score at 1-1. The Rams pushed hard and nearly completed the turnaround before the break, going into half-time level following an inspiring dressing-room talk from new Women’s Ambassador Nadia Rose.
The second half began with immediate adversity as Cray regained the lead just 12 seconds after the restart. Despite Croydon pressing forward in search of an equaliser, Cray secured a third on the counter as substitutions were being readied, sealing the tie.
While the result ends the cup run, the Rams take substantial positives into the league campaign – highlighted by Ella’s historic goal, Eva’s heroics in goal, and the squad’s collective resilience against top-tier opposition.
We congratulate Cray Wanderers Women and wish them the best of luck in the next round.
Next Up
- Fixture: Croydon Athletic vs Islington Borough
- Competition: League Opener
- Date & Time: Sunday, 6 September 2026 | 2:00 pm Kick-off
- Venue: Home
Come down and get behind the team. Come on you Rams!
