GODALMING TOWN 0 v 1 CROYDON ATHLETIC

Chris Piper scored a late winner on Saturday as Croydon Athletic beat promotion rivals Godalming Town 1-0 at Wey Court.

A solid first half display saw Chris Bourne make an impressive debut at left back and the Rams had plenty of chances to go ahead with Scott Forrester working hard up front and the Godalming keeper Rodney Chiweshe managing to keep his side in it with saves from Gary Noel and Rory Hill.

The new defensive line-up dealt clinically with every Godalming foray into the penalty area, with Jeremy Williams strong at the back.

Goma Lambu, making his first start for a while due to injury, unfortunately suffered another blow when he had to be carried off just 18 minutes into the game with what was thought to be ligament damage.

Godalming had a couple of chances, but Ross Flitney was not stretched to make a save, and at the other end Tom Bolarinwa had a shot that was deflected out and Noel’s shot on the stroke of half time was kept out by the diving Chiweshe. The second 45 minutes was pretty much one way traffic for the Rams, mounting an onslaught on the Godalming goalmouth.

Some good work by Joe Howe in the 52nd minute saw his pass fall to Noel again, but his attempt went just wide, and the keeper saved again from Noel when he was through on goal.

Danny Waldren had a long range shot from 30 yards in the 60th minute that looked goalbound but it was deflected away. With the rain lashing down and the match reaching the 85th minute, an inspired run by Nathan Green down the left wing saw his cross go to Piper who made no mistake in putting the Rams one up and sending the travelling fans wild.

There was just time for one more great shot from Ben Godfrey from the edge of the box which went just over the bar, but the Rams came away triumphant against a strong Godalming team.

Croydon Athletic: Ross Flitney, Joe Howe, Chris Bourne, Danny Waldren, Ben Lewis, Jeremy Williams, Tom Bolarinwa (Nathan Green, 80), Chris Piper, Scott Forrester (Ben Godfrey, 72), Gary Noel, Goma Lambu (Rory Hill, 18) Subs not used: Bentley Graham, Neil Smith.