Croydon win London Senior Trophy

 

Croydon are the London Senior Trophy Champions, after beating Wimbledon Casuals 1-0 in the final at Carshalton Athletic FC.

Fred Obasa scored the winner for the Trams two minutes into the second half. “This one was for the fans,” Obasa said afterwards. “Happy to score the match-winner and secure this trophy for the club.”

It is Croydon’s first silverware for 15 years, and follows Cup heartbreak just 4 days ago, when Erith Town pipped them in the Kent Senior Trophy Final at Maidstone.

Croydon’s London Senior Trophy campaign was impressive and the win fully deserved as they failed to  concede a single goal throughout the competition.

First Team Manager Liam Giles  could not have been more delighted. “Croydon FC’s support absolutely unbelievable again,” Giles said. “Fifteen years without a trophy – we will celebrate with the trophy and some beers after Saturday’s home game.”

 

 

Croydon had the better of the first half, best highlighted by Ryan Hall firing over when one-on-one with the Wimbledon ‘keeper. The Trams made an electric start to the second through thanks to experienced forward Obasa. Receiving the ball on the right, Obasa drove into the box and fired a right-footed shot low into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

Trams goalkeeper George Kamurasi was vocal throughout the game and he came up trumps late on, making two big saves to deny Wimbledon an equaliser and a way back into the tie, with referee Alistair Potter eventually blowing his final whistle after 96 minutes to seal a memorable victory.

Further reaction can be found on the Croydon Social Channels, which dedicated the win to  “Andy, Nellie, Dave West, Fred and any other Croydon fans we’ve lost over the years, this is for you.”

The London Senior Trophy will be on show at the Croydon clubhouse prior to kick off on Saturday against Bridon Ropes.