AFC Croydon Athletic boss Kevin Rayner: We expect a tough local derby against Croydon

AFC CROYDON ATHLETIC boss Kevin Rayner says he’s expecting a tough local derby at home to Croydon tomorrow.

The Rams were held to a goal-less draw at Bearsted yesterday that puts them in tenth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with four points on the board from their opening three league outings.

“Saturday saw us pick up a point at Bearsted and they seemed far happier than us to get a point,” said Rayner.

“Something’s better than nothing but we weren’t quite sharp enough on the day and Bearsted deserved their point.

“The season is beginning to pick up pace and I would expect us to improve throughout September as all of the squad will be back and in full contention for places.

“We have so far shown we will be competing again this season and will expect to be at the right end of the table at the end of the season.”

The Rams have home advantage over their neighbours Croydon, who were defeated 3-1 at home by new league leaders Canterbury City yesterday.

The Trams have won once and lost two in the league and lie a couple of places below Rayner’s side.

Rayner said: “On Monday we have a local derby with Croydon.  We will still have a decent side until we are at full strength.

“Croydon have started well and we will expect a tough derby.  They have a link with Merstham this year and will be bolstered by the addition of one or two, good quality players throughout the season and this should see them improve this year.

“It’s great to have this game on the Bank Holiday Monday and hopefully the game will be well attended and we can get the result we are looking for.”

Visit AFC Croydon Athletic’s website:  http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/afccroydonathletic

AFC Croydon Athletic  v  Croydon
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Bank Holiday Monday 28 August 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Mayfield Stadium, off Mayfield Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7 6DN