Treleaven on the scoresheet again.
With Crow's captain Jason Barton having to drop to the bench after suffering a few knocks in recent games and with Croydon FC arriving late, you would have understood it had both teams started the match with a bit of caution and trepidation.
However, that's not what transpired and a terrific and entertaining spectacle was served up by two teams who wanted to play football the purists way and would rather pass the ball to a colleague instead of launching it to an area of the pitch so their team mates can use their physical strength and size to dominate the opposition.
Croydon attacked from the off and looked bright and creative which they carried through the whole game and Hampson had to be quick off his line to smother a Trams attack.
At the other end the Crows started just as brightly and had a similar intent to attack at every opportunity. Ridley and Treleaven combined to give our current top scorer a very early chance but the Croydon 'keeper just got to the ball first.
However, after only 3 minutes the Crows scored the first goal of the game, a shot by Treleaven is partially blocked but Ridley is on hand to leap salmon like in the air and head the ball low down past goalkeeper, Ameyaw, and into the net.
The half carried on in the same vein with both teams intent on going forward at all times and Jack Funnell, who replaced Connor Charlton from the side that played at Rochester United, tried his luck next when is effort from 25 yards was well handled by the Croydon stopper.
Ridley just failed to tuck away a delightful Rich cross but the away side, whilst not having as much possession as the Crows, gradually started to excerpt a bit more pressure but the Crow's defence stood firm as Craveiro hit a screamer which just went over and he tried it again a few minutes later, unfortunately for him though, the result was the same.
Hot shot Treleaven then had a chance for the Crows but his dipping shot just goes over the bar with the Croydon stopper clearly well beaten. The Croydon number 11, James, then shoots wide and with time ticking away in the first half, Ryan Waterman, had his name taken for a robust challenge on Croydon full back, Curtis, who, to his credit, did not make anything of it.
The first half literally flew through due to the attitude of the two sides and the referee, who I personally feel had a very good game.
The Crows were happy to have gone in 1-0 up, especially as they had shaded the first half and had the better chances but they were caught slightly cold after 3 minutes of the restart when the ever dangerous Craveiro fired in a cross-shot over Hampson, on the angle, which gave the Crow's 'keeper no chance.
Therefore, it was 1-1 and all to play for as both teams kept up their attacking intent, the visitors had an effort that went narrowly wide, Hampson made a good double save but it was not all one way as Ridley, Treleaven and the ever willing Ademiluyi did their bit to keep the Trams defence busy.
Even defender Dan Tear managed to get forward and blasted a 30 yard effort wide after being set up by Paul Butler as the home side looked to restore their advantage. This they did on 70 minutes when Funnell, who played well throughout the game, put over a great cross that Ademiluyi, who jumped higher than the 'keeper and two defenders, was able to head into the net to the delight and rapture of the Crow's players and spectators.
The away side looked to get on even terms straight away and their most dangerous player on the night, Craveiro, probably should have done better but lobbed the ball over the bar when well placed. Also, Hampson had to save another effort from the same player as the time ticked away.
Funnell was replaced on 78 minutes by the fresh legs of Charlton as the Crows look to protect their lead whilst the away side were pouring forward as instructed by their management from the bench.
Ademiluyi was causing the Trams defence some nervous moments with his pace and skill but the Trams really should have made it 2-2 after a sweeping move at pace saw substitute, Badar Mohammed, side foot an effort wide of the post, much to the relief of the Crow's players.
As is often the case when one team misses a gilt edged chance, after all it has happened to us this season, the other team march up the other end and score. So it was the case this time as Treleaven hit a cross come shot which eluded everyone as it nestled nicely in the corner of the net and therefore, it became 3-1.
Credit to both teams for putting on a great game to watch and for playing the game in a great spirit for the whole 90 minutes and now the Crows can look forward to welcoming the current league leaders, Erith & Belvedere to the Community Stadium on Saturday in good spirits.