Croydon Athletic went top of Ryman League Division One South on Saturday after Rory Hill's goal gave them a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Walton Casuals at the KT Stadium.

Taurean McDonald-Roberts came near to scoring from close range in the early stages, and Croydon looked most likely with Gary Noel just failing to get on the end of a good cross into the box from Chris Bourne.

Hill had a long range strike from 20 yards after 17 minutes which skimmed the crossbar and Gareth Williams saw his shot in the penalty box hit the inside of the post and come out to keep the scores level.

Casuals looked dangerous from free kicks, with Nick Burton forcing Andy Little into a good save in the first half, and Casuals’ second free kick close to half time again forcing Little into the save.

Bourne sent a good ball in to Chris Piper towards the end of the first half but his shot went just wide of goal and a corner in to Noel saw his chance fall just wide of the post.

In the second half, Croydon continued to take control but they were unable to penetrate the Casuals’ goal, and Danny Waldren’s 61st minute strike was well blocked.

However, Croydon’s persistence finally paid off in the 65th minute when Hill's run into the box and final strike put the Rams ahead.

Croydon had a chance to go further ahead in the 75th minute when a penalty was awarded to them after a handball in the box, but Gareth Williams failed to convert the kick, hitting it against the crossbar.

The three points moved the Rams ahead of Worthing, who lost 2-1 at home to third-placed Folkestone Invicta, on goal difference with three games in hand.

  Croydon Athletic: Andy Little, Joe Howe, Chris Bourne, Danny Waldren, Jeremy Williams, Joe Dolan, Rory Hill, Chris Piper, Gareth Williams, Gary Noel, Taurean McDonald-Roberts.