UNDER 10 MATCH REPORT TANDRIDGE B DIVISION 24.2.08

CROYDON ATHLETIC A 2 TULSE HILL 1

Athletics squad was called into action for this game.

With just a bare 7 players and without their captain, Jake O'Brien and entire strike force, some players were asked to play out of position and they battled very hard to preserve their unbeaten season and keep top spot.

Makeshift forward William Dumbili held the line very well against a well organised Tulse Hill defence, but chances were few and far between in a goalless first half.

The second half saw Athletic attack from the off and Shaun McGrath played particularly well coming in for the absent Jamel Johnson.

Samuel Ibegbulam eventually broke the deadlock with a fine unchallenged solo run,

It seemed Athletic were on their way to another win, and two fine saves by keeper Ross Sutton, from set plays within a minute kept the score at 1-0.

Tulse Hill pressed and eventually got a deserved equaliser, from a shot which was deflected on its way in.

It seemed Athletic were going to drop a point, but with 5 minutes to go Jason Akiotu, ran half the length of the pitch and scored with a rasping shot to win the game.

Manager Jason O'Brien was proud of every one of his team, who had won a hard fought game, and Tarik Maizi earnt the Man of The Match award for his efforts, controlling the midfield and with his defending and attacking play.

The squad today was called into question and responded maginficently.

Next week a top of the table clash with Coulsdon Athletic beckons, who also are Athletic's League Cup final opponents.

Next weekend could well be a classed as a League decider