Crowborough Athletic F.C. produced a committed and disciplined performance to secure a deserved 2–0 victory over Beckenham Town F.C. in a match that required real patience and resilience from the Crows.

The game began with Crowborough looking lively. Inside five minutes they had already won a corner as they looked to establish early pressure. Lyons then delivered an excellent corner shortly afterwards but it drifted through the area with no one able to apply the finishing touch. The early exchanges hinted at what kind of contest it would be. Only seven minutes into the game it felt as if the ball had hit more heads than feet. Beckenham clearly favoured the long pass and the flicked header as their main route forward. At times the aerial battle became so frequent that it almost made you forget you were meant to be watching football.

Crowborough continued to push forward despite the stop start nature of the game. In the 10th minute Lyons saw a shot pushed away by the Beckenham goalkeeper after a low effort from distance. Five minutes later Forster carried the ball forward with purpose and fed Duncan. Duncan showed good footwork to create space before firing a shot that struck the post. It was a reminder that the Crows were growing into the game and beginning to threaten.

Chances continued to arrive for the home side. A Crowborough effort in the 19th minute forced another save from the Beckenham keeper and moments later another corner followed as the pressure mounted. In the 21st minute another Crowborough chance again ended in the goalkeeper’s gloves. By the 27th minute Ayoola had been brought down in a promising position which earned Crowborough a free kick in a dangerous area.

As half time approached Crowborough continued to search for the breakthrough. Lyons stepped up to take a free kick on 39 minutes that flew into the side netting. There was also a moment of confusion late in the half when a decision between the referee and the assistant led to a corner being awarded before the whistle blew as the ball was delivered into the area. With Beckenham receiving treatment in added time the half eventually came to an end with the score still level. Crowborough had created several opportunities and felt unfortunate not to be ahead.

The second half began with the same intent from the Crows. A couple of chances came and went before the breakthrough finally arrived on the hour mark. Ayoola produced a moment of quality as he arrived onto the ball and struck a lovely dipping cross that sailed over the goalkeeper and into the net to give Crowborough a deserved lead.

Crowborough sensed their moment and continued to press. Duncan found the net five minutes later but the effort was ruled offside. Ayoola soon found himself in a similar position to his earlier goal but this time his final touch lacked the same precision and the goalkeeper gathered the ball comfortably.

The second goal finally arrived in the 75th minute. Elliott Duncan made no mistake as he finished well to double the advantage and spark celebrations among the Crowborough players and supporters.

The final stages saw Crowborough manage the game professionally. Substitutions were made as Ayoola and Forster made way for fresh legs. Beckenham pushed forward with set pieces including a scramble in the box following a corner that eventually ended with a handling offence. Frustration began to show from the visitors and over the course of the game Beckenham collected three yellow cards.

Crowborough stayed composed throughout and continued to compete fairly. Against another team that liked a long pass and a header they kept their focus and discipline. The Crows left everything on that pitch and showed the character needed to see the game out.

The matchday sponsor was Stephen Tester Independent Funeral Directors and Josh Turner was named player of the match.