The Angels’ promotion hopes were dealt a severe blow on Saturday as they went down to 3-2 in a thrilling contest against Croydon Athletic at Mayfields. Ray Powell and Danny Glozier twice gave the visitors an advantage but top scorer Eben Allen and Andy Martin hit levellers. Barry Stevens headed home an 86th minute winner following an unfortunate dismissal of the impressive Glozier on the stroke of half time.

There were two changes in personnel from the side that picked up three points at home to Lymington and New Milton last weekend. Danny Ward (recently signed for Kingstonian) and Steve Sodje (slight knock) missed out whilst Luke Piscina and Ray Powell replaced them in the starting eleven. Jay May was still suspended and Danny Lye was missing due to family issues.

The Angels got off to the best possible start when they took the lead after only 16 minutes. A glorious chip over the top of the defence by Wade Falana found Ray Powell who beat the offside trap and coolly slotted home his left-footed effort underneath the advancing Luke Garrard. Just ten minutes later, the scores were level again as Eben Allen stroked home a spot kick following a rash challenge on Andy Martin by Jerome John, earning the keeper a yellow card. The Angels retook the lead just prior to the interval as the impressive Danny Glozier scored his first goal for the club. Good interplay between Ray Powell and Luke Piscina found the latter having a shot on goal thwarted by the goalkeeper, only to see the emerging Glozier finish from a matter of yards. The Angels’ left-back was once again in the thick of the action with just seconds remaining in the first half, but for all the wrong reasons as the tide turned and ultimately cost the Angels dearly. The referee gave the on-loan Gravesend and Northfleet man his marching orders following a rather innocuous looking challenge on substitute Jamie Byatt. However, the visitors held out until the half-time whistle and took a deserved lead into the break.

Wade Falana picked up a knock during the first period, giving Jon Main the opportunity to impress and add to his goal tally for the season. ‘The Rams’ were quick to make the most of their one-man advantage and were back on level terms for the second time thanks to a crisp finish from former Wales U-21 and Crystal Palace striker Andy Martin. The Angels seemed to respond well and had chances to once again poke their noses in front but Fraser Logan and Jon Main were unable to hit the target. The hosts too had their own opportunities before a late killer blow sunk the Angels and grabbed maximum points for the home side. Barry Stevens latched onto the end of a beautiful Hyatt cross to head home past the helpless Jerome John on 87 minutes and send the 254-strong crowd wild. The majority in attendance thought the game was well and truly over but the Angels still had time to launch one last attack. A scramble in the penalty area eventually found substitute Jon Main who shot, only to see his effort rebound off of the upright, much to the heartache of the travelling Angels.

Angels Online Man of the Match went to striker Ray Powell for his overall commitment and work ethic. Danny Glozier also looked impressive prior to his red card and their were encouraging performances also from Drew Watkins and big target man Wade Falana.

Report by: Gary Cornwell

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