I can't really give a match report as I dont know most of the players .
But honestly I was blown away how good we were today. Tooting looked like a league above in the first half. This is for me the best squad since Frank Wilson won the league.
From the first minute we pushed them around in defence. We pushed the ball around and kept it. Number 7 and 2 was getting at them. On another day Shay Brennan scores the goal line clearance.  On another day Shay scores the shot that skipped over the bar. If the Tooting players play like they did in the first half they will win the league by Christmas.  Excellent first half.
Croydon was obviously getting frustrated and the game boiled over 10 minutes before half time when the ref decided to take a water break. This really took the purple patch away from us a little with our number 3 being booked i have been told for throwing water ?
The second half we started well. Croydon made a change and started coming forward more but Tooting still looked the better team. Then a really strange think happened.  The ref blew for a foil to them and then our number 3 decided to foul their player all most off the ball for a second yellow. The red card completely turned the game. Croydon was able to pass the ball around more until the ref who missed a obvious hand ball by their keeper awarded Croydon with a soft penalty for a raised foot.  After they scored we did have a go and although I feel cheated a little by the officials I can not take away anything from the players and staff.
Croydon thought they was coming for a easy game. I am really proud of everyone today at Tooting.  Supporters was also in fine form with their singing.
The only bad thing apart from losing and number 3's red card was Jamie Byatt getting a red card after the match. I think the ref was poor today and he looked a little smug after the game. He clearly upset Jamie with his words. I didn't hear what the ref said. Too many yellows cards for both teams today. It was a blood and guts local FA Cup Derby and he could of let most things go with a word in their ear. It wasn't a nasty match . Just very competitive, very entertaining and every player including Toby played really well.

Last edited by Gary Walker (18/8/2025 9:25 am)