South London derby day emerged at St Paul’s today as Croydon Kinetic SCL came to town.
Croydon started this one off really brightly, peppering Millwall’s box but no way through for the side in green.
The movement with the ball was beyond Kinetic, it was clear to see where Croydon got the second part of their name from. It eventually paid off as a shot from the very edge of the box was spilled by the keeper and the follow up was easily poked in.
It was a slow start by the next generation, having to grow into this one eventually. Millwall started to show their ability. Samsun having multiple chances but not able to finish as the keeper scooped everything up.
However, when you get chances you need to finish or you get punished. A moment of brilliance by the from the Croydon SLC attacker as he danced his way past Millwall and slotted home to mark a mesmerising goal to double Croydon’s lead. A move that would probably win Strictly Come Dancing.
For all of the opponents brilliance so far this was far from done, Kenny’s darting run from defence sparked a counter attack who brought it out wide and from there Samsun was slid in who finished the move confidently, another fantastic goal in the contest and Millwall’s deficit halved.
As the half closed, not many chances would arise for either team as the tempo of the match slowed right down. The whistle would eventually blow, and Croydon Kinetic SLC would take a slim advantage heading into the interval.
The slow tempo trickled into the second half as no one could really stamp authority over the other team. An extremely scrappy affair where both teams are giving their all.
Millwall finally got their break, a penalty given after clumsy play in the box by the visitors. Chris would slot home with a cooly taken penalty to bring us back level.
Croydon got their act together, the attacking momentum shown in the first half was back as they searched for the lead. Multiple chances would come and go but nothing could go in the goal, this affair has started to become end to end and the scrappiness has started to evaporate.
One goal changes everything, and that’s exactly what Croydon did. A ball fizzed accross the area fell into the hand of the Croydon striker who put away the chance. As the end of the game fell, Croydon would add a 4th and a 5th before the game finished. A valiant effort for the B team to pull level, but ultimately a step too far.
Written by Reece Endicott.
