Match Report: Croydon FC 0–0 Bridon Ropes FC
SCEFL Division One – Saturday 23 August 2025 • 3 pm KO • Croydon Sports Arena
Attendance: 89
An engrossing stalemate unfolded at Croydon Sports Arena as Bridon Ropes FC held firm to a 0–0 draw against Croydon FC on a sun-dappled Saturday afternoon.
The early exchanges were fiercely competitive, with both sides probing and probing—neither able to find that cutting edge in the opening 15 minutes. Bridon’s Manny Oshinowo came closest to breaking the deadlock on 15 minutes, chancing his arm with a volley that soared just over the bar—a tantalising preview of what might have been.
Croydon responded with nearly as much threat: on 32 minutes their number 9 ghosted into the box and drilled a powerful shot against the crossbar. The ball’s deflection into safety was a collective sigh of relief for Bridon’s backline.
The most contentious moment arrived just before the break. A seemingly innocuous challenge in the area resulted in a baffling spot-kick decision by the referee. Joshua Schoeffer took a booking for the incident, but the penalty itself crashed off the bottom left post and was expertly hoofed clear by an alert and well-marshalled Bridon defence. The score remained level as the teams trooped in at half-time.
The second half calmed into a midfield tug-of-war, with the majority of play confined between the penalty areas. Bridon’s defensive shape held firm, denying Croydon any real openings.
The closest Bridon came to snatching a late winner arrived in the 88th minute. Sub-on Sam Sarpong found himself clean through on goal, one on one with Croydon’s keeper—but the Croydon custodian produced a superb save to deny what felt like a breakout moment.
Full-time: Croydon FC 0–0 Bridon Ropes FC
While the two sides couldn’t find a breakthrough, the clean sheet and resolute defending were cause for cheer among the Ropes faithful. Manager Lee Roots will no doubt be pleased by the team’s defensive resilience and the grit shown when it mattered most.
Debutants sprang to action delightfully: Rash Leacock added energy and composure to his performances, Charlie Norcott impressed on his own debut, while Anthony Skordilis turned in a commanding full debut display from midfield.
Looking ahead, the Ropes are next in action Wednesday 27 August, travelling to Lewisham Borough FC, and then return home Saturday 30 August to welcome Rochester United for their first home fixture of the season.
With this battling display as a foundation, confidence is high that Bridon Ropes can carry this unwavering spirit forward into the coming fixtures.
#UpTheRopes #SE7 #WeAreCharlton
Bridon Ropes FC Squad vs Croydon FC
- Albert Penney
- Jason Bye
- Adrian Brown
- Joshua Schoeffer
- Ian Kemp (c)
- Rash Leacock
- Shegs Akinwunmi
- Anthony Skordilis
- Manny Oshinowo
- Patrick Da Lomba
- Eman Bestman
Substitutes:
12. Sam Sarpong
14. Jack Keen
15. Ben Fahey
16. Chandler Kasai
17. Charlie Norcott
