What a difference a week makes in football.

Last week there was only one fixture to speak of while this week not only did we have midweek Cup games but a Saturday with a mixed bag of League football, FA Vase and two sending offs.

In the Premier Division, Croydon had a difficult away game at Aldershot Town and despite the 2-0 defeat Croydon's display was much better than the heavy trophy defeat recently.

Against a strong Aldershot team and the usual large crowd, the home team secured victory with two goals from set pieces tanks to finishes from Payne on seven minutes and Coll on 56 minutes.

Croydon did create chances and striker Nick McDonnell saw his first-half effort deflected onto the crossbar.

But the biggest disappointment for manager Ken Jarvie was McDonnell's sending off on 80 minutes and the fact he felt Croydon should have taken something from the game.

This defeat leaves Croydon too close for comfort in the bottom four of the Premiership.

In Division One, Whyteleafe had goalkeeper Andy Iga sent off in their 5-1 home loss to table toppers Bognor Regis Town.

Bognor went in front through Russell on eight minutes but Whyteleafe equalised soon after when Leon Dillon outpaced Bognors defence to score on 15 minutes.

The score stayed that way until the second half when the game exploded into the visitors favour with a four-goal blitz starting with Hudson on 50 minutes and Howell on 60 minutes from the penalty spot.

It was then that keeper Iga got his marching orders for a second yellow for kicking the ball away.

Leigh Douce took over between the sticks and picked the ball out of the net twice after strikes from Whyatt and Russell again to keep Bognor in top spot.

Also in Division One, Dulwich Hamlet, who produced some good displays in knocking Billericay out of the trophy, followed up with a classy display at home to second-placed Aylesbury United in a 3-3 draw which saw the visitors lucky to come away with anything.

Dulwich took control early on and took the lead when Danny Ward fired home from 20 yards.

Dulwich should have increased their lead further during the first half but they had to wait until just after the restart when Charley Side broke through to put the Hamlet into a two-goal lead.

But Aylesbury had other ideas and Marshall pulled one back for the visitors on 74 minutes and went on to equalise four minutes later when Clarke fired home.

Dulwich fought back and deservedly took the lead again, this time from the boot of Danny Husbands. Again Dulwich let Aylesbury off the hook and Marshall fired home the equaliser three minutes from time.

Chairman-manager Martin Eade can be proud of his young side and look forward to Saturday's local derby at Whyteleafe.

In the FA Vase, Croydon Athletics hammered Wessex League side Brockenhurst 5-2.

This puts Athletic into the fourth round and a Villa Park final appearance is more than a dream.

Simon Liddle was in devastating form as he helped himself to a hat-trick. The other scorers were Tony Quinton and Gavin Harrison.

This win comes on top of a League Cup win at Hemel Hempstead during the week.

Fixtures for Saturday: Premier Division: Croydon FC away to Heybridge Swifts. Division One: Whyteleafe home to Dulwich Hamlet. Division Three: Croydon Athletic home to Dorking.

December 12, 2001 13:00