Non League Groundhopping doing the 656

At Buckhurst Hill today watching the Stags secure another promtuon via the play offs and reaching step 4 for the first time in their history.

At Dulwich Hamlet tonight for the London Senior Cup Final against QPR u21s.

When I planned my second visit to Three Bridges I was really hoping this would be a title decider.

However on the day of the game Three Bridges were already champions and AFC Croydon were safely in the play offs.

Despite the above both teams produced one of the best games I have seen this season with a final score of 3-3. Nya Kirby (under 17 World Cup winner with England in 2017) rifling in a long range equalizer for Croydon with almost the last kick of the game.

Croydon had led early through Luke Dreher before the Bridges raced into a 3-1 lead by the 48th minute courtesy of goals from Kevin Rivera, Charlie Bennett and Reece Hallard.
Harvey Kedwall made it 3-2 from the penalty spot on 54 and thereafter it was end to end before
Nya's stunner.

My man of the match was Bridges number 9 Noel Leighton, he did not stop running and this along with his tenacity and guile will make him a nightmare for Premier league defences next season.

The way both teams approached and played the game is a testimony to what Non League football brings to the football table.

The passion, effort and willingness from both sets of players, managers and benches would have given the idea to the neutral that this was a cup final.
A crowd of 611, significantly up on the season average also witness a well organised trophy lift at the end of the game.

A lovely little ground 5 minutes walk from the station and a club with a strong emphasis on its youth development,, highlighted by a lap of honour at half time by its u13 and u14's after securing recent trophy success, one of which I believe was in the Netherlands.

Former player and current manager of five years James Crellin will now lead his team into the Isthmian League Premier where with this brand of football they should acclimatise comfortably.

As for AFC Croydon the plays offs will be tough, AFC Whyteleafe are a strong side along with Jersey Bulls and Sittingbourne who should seal the final spot.

Hopefully though the team just down the road from my boyhood home will win through.

Wishing both teams every success, a real credit to non league football.