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First Division Preview: Unbeaten Records Collide at Croydon

There may be only seven SCEFL First Division fixtures on Saturday, but there is no shortage of interest, with the standout game bringing together the Division’s two remaining unbeaten sides.

Croydon host Hythe Town in a fascinating contest between two teams who have reached 12 points in very different ways.

Croydon have played six and remain unbeaten with three wins and three draws, while Hythe have a perfect four wins from four. Cup commitments mean the Cannons have several games in hand, but they have made maximum use of their league opportunities so far, conceding just twice.

Something therefore has to give at the Arena – although a draw would, of course, preserve both unbeaten records.

Leaders Lordswood Back at Home

Lordswood begin the weekend top of the table after Tuesday night’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Lydd Town took them to 16 points.

They now welcome Welling Town, who sit 15th with five points from six matches.

Lordswood have combined plenty of attacking threat with an excellent defensive record. They have scored 16 times and conceded only three in seven league games, giving them a +13 goal difference which currently separates them from Rochester United at the summit.

With Rochester not in league action on Saturday, Lordswood have an opportunity to move three points clear.

Thamesmead Look to Continue Scoring Run

Third-placed SC Thamesmead travel to Greenways having already scored 21 league goals – comfortably the highest total in the Division.

Their latest victory was certainly not straightforward. Thamesmead trailed Bridon Ropes 2-0 on Monday night before scoring five unanswered goals to win 5-2 and briefly move top of the table.

Greenways sit ninth on eight points and will be looking to respond after a dramatic 1-0 defeat at Sheppey Sports, where the decisive goal arrived in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Lewisham Head to Bridon

Lewisham Borough travel to bottom club Bridon Ropes looking to get back to winning ways.

Borough sit seventh on ten points after their narrow 1-0 defeat against Lordswood last time out.

Bridon have certainly provided entertainment recently. A 6-2 victory over Tooting Bec was followed by a 3-2 defeat at Halls and Monday’s extraordinary 5-2 loss to Thamesmead, despite having led 2-0.

With 15 goals scored and 23 conceded in seven matches, Bridon’s games have rarely been short of action.

Important Points Elsewhere

Minster host Banstead Athletic with the home side looking to bounce back from Tuesday’s late defeat against Rochester United.

Minster led until the 86th minute before two Rochester goals in three minutes turned the game around. They remain tenth on seven points, while Banstead arrive with four points from six matches.

Stansfeld welcome FC Elmstead with the visitors facing another quick turnaround following Wednesday night’s 3-2 defeat against Staplehurst Monarchs.

Elmstead led that game 2-0 before being pegged back, while Stansfeld have quietly put together an improved run and are unbeaten in their last three league matches.

Completing the programme, Tooting Bec host Halls AFC.

The teams are level on five points, although Halls have played one game fewer. Halls recorded their first league victory with a 3-2 win over Bridon last time out, while Tooting’s most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw at Welling Town.

The weekend’s headline fixture may be Croydon against Hythe, but there could be movement throughout the table. Lordswood have the chance to strengthen their position at the summit, Thamesmead can keep the pressure on the leading pair and several clubs further down will see Saturday as an opportunity to make progress.

With the First Division still tightly packed, another interesting afternoon awaits.

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