CORINTHIAN CASUALS 2 CROYDON ATHLETIC 4

Croydon’s better finishing settled Saturday's pulsating Ryman League Division One South match, writes Malcolm Parker.

On seven minutes, Casuals' first real attack saw a clearance header met by Glenn Boosey, whose 25-yard volley flew into the top corner.

Croydon equalised three minutes later, when a rasping free-kick by Chris Piper took a slight deflection and flew into the net.

Aaron Cole-Bolt had a good chance on the edge of the area, but hit his shot over the bar.

Keeper Luke Naughton then reacted well and just beat Gary Noel to a loose ball.

The last 20 minutes of the first half belonged to Croydon.

Gareth Williams should have done better with a free header from six yards, when he completely missed the target.

Gary Noel had a superb shot that Casuals keeper Naughton somehow blocked and which trickled across the goal and past the post.

Minutes later, the same player shot over the bar after drifting past two defenders.

Just before the half-time, whistle Williams brought another stunning save from Naughton.

Croydon started the second half strongly and, on 48 minutes, Piper got the ball in midfield before running past two defenders and firing inside the post.

A sweeping Casuals move involving Boosey and Kane Sergeant split Croydon’s defense and Justin Owusu-Bekoe set up Scott Corbett who swept home the equaliser.

Six minutes later on the hour mark, Noel was allowed a free run down the middle and he calmly slotted home to give Croydon the lead again.

Casuals had the chance to draw level again when Corbett was brought down in the area.

Substitute Dale Hennessey who had only been on the itch a few minutes fired the spotkick high and wide.

Another great reaction save from Naughton from Rory Hills stinging drive was pushed clear. Croydon out the result beyond doubt as Piper was put through and despite his first shot being saved, hit home the rebound for his hat-trick. Noel should have had another as he rounded Naughton, but put it into the side netting from a narrow angle. In added time debutant Darren Chalke headed just past the post.

Casuals: Luke Naughton, Jason Turley, Byron Brown (Dale Hennessey), Darren Chalke, Youseff Metwali, Aaron Cole-Bolt (Sam Robinson), Scott Corbett, Kane Sergeant (Jamal Carr), Carlton Murray-Price, Julian Owusu-Bekoe, Glenn Boosey

SUBS NOT USED Danny Green, Nicky Ogbanufe