It’s been frustrating as we know we should be still in the mix and we have thrown away lots of opportunities, admits AFC Croydon Athletic boss Kevin Rayner

AFC CROYDON ATHLETIC boss Kevin Rayner says he feels frustrated that his side are not challenging for the title.


 

The Rams have climbed up into fourth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with 52 points from their 28 games and are 12 points adrift of leaders Ashford United, with a couple of games in hand.

AFC Croydon Athletic host Canterbury City at Mayfield Stadium in Thornton Heath today.

“I’m expecting a tough game today against Canterbury, who have some good players and are a well organised side,” said Rayner.

“I’ve been pleased with our performances in the last two games that have seen us remain in fourth-place in the table.

“We had a particularly poor January and that combined with a couple of home draws had put us out of the championship race.

“It’s been frustrating as we know we should be still in the mix and we have thrown away lots of opportunities in those games.

“Still, our last two wins as Sheppey (3-1) and Corinthian (2-0), were good performances.

“We were a little unlucky with injuries and although there’s still one or two it was good to get former Bromley regular Liam Harwood back on the pitch last week and he should be in the line-up today.

“Warren Mfula, who has impressed all season, has broken the club’s season scoring record after scoring his 37^th goal of the season last Saturday, has recovered from a knock and will be fit to face Canterbury."

After today's game, the Rams play Sevenoaks Town (home, 11 March), Ashford United (away, 18 March) and Crowborough Athletic (home, 25 March).

Rayner said: “We will certainly still have a big say in the title race as we play the top three this month and if we can win all of those games things may become much tighter at the top.”

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

AFC Croydon Athletic  v  Canterbury City
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 4^th March 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Mayfield Stadium, off Mayfield Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7 6DN