EFL: Croydon moves two games clear of Division 2 relegation battle after a 35-point win over Mulgrave

CROYDON overcame a scare from winless Mulgrave to move two games clear of the Eastern Football League Division 2 relegation zone after scoring its second win of the season.

Justin Ficorilli kicked four goals for Croydon. Picture: Andrew Tauber

CROYDON overcame a scare from winless Mulgrave on Saturday to move two games clear of the Eastern Football League Division 2 relegation zone after scoring its second win of the season.

It appeared an upset was on the cards when the Lions kicked the last two goals of the first half to hold a 14-point lead at the main break.

But the Blues responded to pile on 13 goals in the second half to record a 35-point win.

Croydon’s two victories this year have come against the bottom two sides, leaving Mitcham and Mulgrave to make up two games to avoid relegation from Division 2.

Croydon coach Morris D’Alessandro said he felt his side had some breathing space with a 2-4 record as it looks to avoid its second demotion in seven years.

“It was very important for our footy club, there’s still a lot of water to go under the bridge but I guess it was nice to get that little bit of a buffer,” D’Alessandro said.

“We got a fair bit of confidence out of that game so we’re hoping to move out of that (relegation) zone to be honest and move up the ladder a bit with some better results.

“We’re hoping the second half when they get a bit more continuity and playing a little bit more football together that the results will come.”

The Blues produced six goals to one in the third term on their way to a 17.9 (111) to 11.10 (76) win.

Jarrod Clark and Justin Ficorilli were influential up forward with four goals each, while Ewan Wadsworth and Luke Harrington were adjudged Croydon’s best.

After a large player turnover during the summer, D’Alessandro said he was confident of some improved performances in the second half of the year.

“Externally it might look (like) we talk about it or we’re thinking about the relegation zone but internally we’re really comfortable with what we are doing and the direction we are taking,” he said.

“The players have been absolutely super, there’s been no drop in enthusiasm and they understand it is going to take a little bit of time for the results to come.”