Steyning Town 1 AFC Croydon Athletic 1

The Barrowmen’s run of defeats came to a welcome end on Saturday with a well deserved point from a 1-1 draw at home to mid table AFC Croydon Athletic.
After the previous week’s improved second half performance at Ramsgate we came into this fixture with high hopes of ending our baren run of form.
On a slate grey and chilly afternoon at the Birchwood Stadium, we started the match with promise and looking sharp with some strong running down the left from Ross Edwards. We flowed, linking up well and really good scoring chances fell to Charlie Meehan and Lucas Murrain, but unfortunately to no avail.
A good attempt by Danny Howick also flashed just over the Croydon cross-bar.
However, down the other end our visitors were also looking sharp and on 28 minutes they broke the deadlock. A deep cross from the right found their number 7 Luke Dreher, at the far post, who headed downward wide of Stromberg to put the South Londoners in front.

The goal came as a blow but did not deter us and we regrouped to get back into the match. Near the break Meehan broke through one on one with their keeper but fired his shot just wide of right.

Half time – Town 0 AFC Croydon 1
We came out for the second half determined to attack and find an equaliser. We continued to link up well and take the game to them, skipper Jack Barnes driving things well in midfield.
After going close again a few times, on 68 minutes our perseverance was rewarded …. Danny Howick motored through the middle to unleash a 35 yard piledriver of a shot that missiled off his boot to billow the top corner of the Croydon net and send the home crowd wild with delight!!
The goal well and truly energized us and with the vocal crowd behind us instead of sitting on it we continued to attack.
Fresh legs off the bench helped our cause and Meehan again went close. A great volley by Barnes was also well saved by their keeper. We defended well at the end to keep out some late attacking and Stromberg saved well.
Yes, a great second half performance and we ended the day quite unlucky not to have all 3 points in the bag but it feels good to have at last ended our run of defeats.
We did not let the set back of going a goal behind bring us down and we always kept our shape and determination, and oh what a goal from Man-of-the-match Danny Howick….a real Howick-zer!!
Well done one and all, very encouraging going forward and if we start taking our chances ………well!!
Next up – next Saturday we head over to Kent again, this time for a date with Hythe Town (KO @ Reachlands Stadium 3pm).
Final Score – Steyning Town 1 AFC Croydon Athletic 1

Attendance = 147

Town line up – Stromberg, Kazlauskas, Fuller, Barnes (c), Howick, Manlila, Shooman, Edwards (Pollitt), Meehan, Murrain (Gratwick), Killick (Hoarty)

Unused subs  – Da Costa,  Osei

Photo: Today’s MOM was Danny Howick. Presented with his award today by Tom and Ross from matchday sponsors Mansell Mctaggert . We appreciate their support very much.

And that goal: It’s in here.