Croydon FC manager Micky Reids' youngsters certainly did him proud at the Arena last Saturday when they saw off near neighbours Whyteleafe, and in doing so produced the only win for our local Ryman sides.

Dulwich Hamlet suffered defeat away at the fast improving Windsor and Eton, and with it a big dent in their promotion hopes, especially as three clubs in the top four also lost.

This latest defeat comes on the back of a good midweek win, knocking out Premier Division outfit St Albans 2-1 in the Bryco League Cup fourth round.

Croydon Athletic's dismal form continues as they were defeated away at Epsom & Ewell, in what has surely been their worst run of consecutive defeats for some time, and are now only six points off a relegation spot.

Down at the Arena, Croydon FC saw off the challenge of a confident Whyteleafe with a 2-0 win. Whyteleafe, who included a few ex-Croydon players, were favourites to win this one but a goal in each half changed all of that.

Croydon were rarely in trouble and deservedly took the lead on 24 minutes, when Craig Dundas saw off the challenge of Nigel Golly to fire home passed the keeper Rose.

Croydon came out in the second half and continued the pressure with Darren Hall a constant thorn in the Leafe's side. But it was ex Croydon legend Mark Dickinson who decided Whyteleafes fate when he elbowed young Chris Hollidge in the penalty area.

Hall stepped up and converted the penalty as Dickinson was making the long walk back to the changing rooms, having been sent off for the offence.

Croydon kept their two-goal advantage to the end as they picked up three valuable points.

As for Dulwich Hamlet, they travelled to Windsor and Eton in search of more promotion points, but were beaten 1-0 by a Windsor side that is slowly realising that promotion is possible for them too.

Croydon Athletic have forgotten what it is like to win a game. They made the short trip to Epsom & Ewell and lost again 1-0.

Fixtures for Saturday, February 1

Ryman League Division One South

-Whyteleafe home to Horsham

-Dulwich Hamlet home to Lewes

-Croydon FC away to Corinthian

Casuals

-Croydon Athletic home to Leatherhead

January 29, 2003 12:30