Combined Counties League

Premier Division

Croydon 1

Banstead Athletic 1

A freak goal enabled Banstead Athletic to level in the second half, but the visitors' improved defence of late again gave them a good platform.

A few weeks ago, Croydon might well have won. They did not allow Banstead much time on the ball and their keeper was rarely tested in the first half.

The hosts had a chance when A's keeper Mark Rouse came for the ball a little way into the game but missed the connection.

Banstead cleared after a scramble. Then Croydon put an effort just over the bar and later shot wide.

Rouse, at full stretch, managed to push two shots from corners to safety.

He pushed the ball out from a free-kick on 28 minutes, too, but Martin Smith powered it back past him.

Banstead failed to take chances to level before the break.

In the second half, Croydon applied pressure and were holding onto the ball more than Banstead.

But the visitors had a stroke of luck when Mu Mann's cross hit full-back Joe Loyza on the foot and finished up in the net.

On 70 minutes Wallace made way for Stefan Martin and a stalemate looked likely.

Croydon battled hard to break Banstead down but the A's stood firm and were good for their point.

Right on full-time, Carl Gibbs was yellow carded for making his point of view known to an official.

Banstead: Rouse, Jelly, Dilloway, Davidson, Patterson, Quintyne, Sammut, Chalke, Maan, Gibbs, Wallace. Substitutes: Hawkins, Martin, Summers, Owusobekoe, Graham, Amis.