Combined Counties League Division One
AFC Croydon Athletic 3 Farleigh Rovers 0
EMBARRASSED boss Barry Regelous apologised to the Farleigh Army after this humiliating local derby defeat at Mayfield Stadium on Saturday.
The visiting players also owe their freezing fans an apology following this disgusting display which was simply not worthy of league leaders in front of Rams' biggest crowd of the season so far, 105. The hosts climbed to second spot in the table, eight points behind Foxes but with four games in hand.
Still top of the tree after Christmas, this was Foxes' first league defeat since the 2-1 home reverse against Banstead Athletic at Parsonage Field on September 27, their recent nine-match winning run in all competitions being a seemingly distant memory.
Regelous admitted afterwards: "We were beaten by the better team today, as simple as that. They were quicker to the ball and wanted it more than us."
Why on earth that should have been the case when preparation had involved Christmas Eve training and detailed player-by-player scouting reports by club secretary Peter Collard and club coach Joe Canning following Rams' thrilling 3-3 home league draw with Worcester Park is anybody's business.
Only one chance, when Martin Smith was denied by goalkeeper Daniel Burnett at the near post after 39 minutes following fit-again captain Adam Cassim's through ball, was simply unacceptable.
With ex-South Park striker Karl Parker having signed, competition for places will hot up in the new year and faltering Foxes must bounce back in style.
The visitors suffered a blow after 32 minutes when first-choice goalkeeper Andrew Osei showed his frustration in leaving the field with his troublesome leg injury, being replaced by Richie Bull.
Antony Williams' side broke the deadlock after 43 minutes when Enzo Benn crossed from the right for lanky striker Louis Blake to head home.
They made it 2-0 after 63 minutes, captain Tony Martin heading home Callum Maclean's cross from the left.
Victory was assured three minutes later, Danny Penfold shooting home from close range, punishing centre-back Liam Neaves who was dispossessed by Blake who put in Penfold to complete Foxes' wretched day.
To make matters worse, Neaves, Jack Naraine, Smith and head coach Tim Moffatt were all cautioned by referee Tony Aslam, along with four Rams' players.
Rams' fans taunted their title rivals with chants of "Top of the league? Not for long!"
Painful memories like the 4-0 league defeat at Alton Town in September. Hopefully, a happier new year is in store.
Farleigh Rovers: Andrew Osei (Richie Bull 32 mins), Dan Canning, Gary Webb, Ellis Burke (Joe Chandler 67 mins), Adam Cassim (capt), Liam Neaves, Jack Naraine, Jamie Jagdeo (Jordan Regelous 83 mins), Martin Smith, Tim Moffatt, Javaun Henry. Unused subs: Luke Stevens, Jamie Williams.
