Croydon Women’s development side continue winning new season start with comeback victory against Camden Town

BY JASON CASEY

Croydon Women’s development side beat Camden Town United 6-5 on Sunday.

For the Trams, there was none of the two recognised keepers available so it was decided players would take turns.

Other positional changes were implemented and several new trialists also got to play. The ensuing first 45 minutes was a total shambles and the Trams went into the half-time five goals to one down

Most of the goals were caused by the inability of the Trams defence to properly clear their lines with a compact yellow wall of players sitting between the defence and midfield.

As player-coach, Badley gave a rousing half-time speech about “winning or losing we do it together” and of the team playing and encouraging each-other. Captain Jade Asagba also gave a motivating speech and the mood of the team lifted. Gracie Leigh Dunkley was put back to bolster the defence and Asagba put up front.

Shola Johnson was unleashed to free-roaming midfield. Unbelievably the changes worked. Asagba got an early wonder goal. Dunkley cleared the danger at every opportunity. Newbie Fallon Giles grew in stature as the game progressed.

Chantal Wallace’s control and distribution was inch-perfect and Sarafina Denton put in a lot of good tackles as slowly the Trams got back into the match. Asagba got another and Badley and Shola added two more to even the match with five minutes remaining.

A nice move down the left by the yellows and a looping cross into the box was snatched out of the air by Yolanda Martin and the ball lofted to the halfway line. Badley won the challenge and ran goalwards pursued by her opponent. As Badley near the edge, she unleashed a rocket that hurtled above the flailing arms of the Camden stopper and the comeback was complete. 6-5.

Moments later the whistle was blown and the unthinkable had happened. Motivation and tactics had won through. It was a worthy goal to seal Badley’s hat-trick and continue the Developments side 100% start.

PICTURES: PETE BOWELL