Croydon Women’s development side seal league and cup double

BY MATT LIMB

Croydon Women’s Development Team ended their season on a new high, adding a cup win to their League Two title triumph in thrilling fashion.

They beat rivals Queerspace in a hard-fought nail-biter marked by high quality and standout individual performances from both sides. 

Queerspace started strongly as if to make amends for earlier league defeats by Croydon and looked more likely to gain an edge early on.

Both sides had better scoring opportunities early in the second half but Croydon appeared to be getting the upper hand with better possession overall. However, Queerspace always posed a threat with lightning-quick counterattacks.

Croydon’s pressing brought Jade Asagba close with a looped shot over the crossbar before the assured Gracie Leigh Dunkley sent Trams’ fans wild with a cracking 25-yard strike that sailed into the net.

Queerspace too are made of stern stuff, and fought back, levelling within minutes.

Croydon’s defence was opened up by a smart left-sided run and cute finish in the box by the skilful Sage Osei-Afrifa, past the reach of Angelina Hewitt-Williams.

Jamily Arcanjo was soon running at defenders again from deep, leaving several stranded on a long run then slotting neatly home to put Croydon back in the lead.

Croydon finished strongly and were chasing a third when the ref’s whistle blew to deliver the result their performance merited.

Proud Head coach Lenin Nadison said, “This is such a great bunch. They’ve been amazing and a league and cup double is no more than they deserve for all their hard work. All credit to Queerspace for battling so hard and coming close.”

PICTURES: PETE BOWELL