Rams climb to promotion to co-owner Stormzy’s delight – Inside Croydon

NON-LEAGUE NEWS: AFC Croydon Athletic clinched promotion to the eighth tier of English football with a thrilling and tense 2-1 play-off final win at Knaphill last night.

Nervous 90 minutes: Rams fans at the start of last night’s crucial play-off final at Knaphill. Somewhere in the crowd were Stomzy and Maya Jama

The match was watched by the club’s new co-owner, rapper Stormzy, accompanied by his girlfriend Maya Jama, who both joined in the post-match celebrations.

The Rams scored the brunt of the break against their Combined Counties Premier Division South rivals. Brandon Pierrick scored the opener when he brought down Cian McCarthy’s cross, fought off two challenges and fired home.

Two minutes into the second half, the Rams doubled their lead. Pierrick raced down the wing before laying off to Louie Theophanous who took a touch before sliding the ball home.

Transformer: Jermaine McGlashan

That’s how the score remained until the last 10 minutes when Knaphill – who had finished third in the division to Athletic’s fifth – threw everything at them. The hosts won a penalty – and missed!

Knaphill then went a man down but was awarded another penalty, leaving Stormzy’s side to hang on to their slender lead with some resolute defending.

Croydon Athletic finished the league season 38 points behind champions Farnham Town, who were unbeaten throughout the 38-game season and were only held to a draw three times.

But it’s the Rams who will join them, thanks to a very strong end-of-season run of form that saw them move up from 17th in October when Jermain McGlashan was appointed manager by new owners Stormzy, Wilf Zaha and Danny Young, to be fifth by May and going through two tough away play-off games.

“What an incredible six months for Jermain McGlashan and all his team,” the club wrote on Twitter.

With Stormzy and Maya Jama in attendance, last night’s match, played at Kaphill’s ground near Woking, attracted celebrity paparazzi and sports hacks alike.

Owner’s Delight: Stormzy joins the Rams for the post-game celebrations

Maya Jama reportedly “cut a stylish figure in an oversized black blazer and cargo pants as she grabbed a beer before heading to the game.” Which is nice.

The result means AFC Croydon Athletic will step up next season and play Isthmian League football at the Mayfield Stadium for the first time in more than 12 years – since the predecessor club left amid scandal and tragedy surrounding its owners.

Last night, according to other reports, “Victoria sparked wild celebrations, with the entire team and coaching staff flooding the pitch. Stormzy, wearing a Croydon Athletic scarf, was hoisted on the players’ shoulders as they celebrated.

“He then joined them in the dressing room as they continued the party with dancing and singing, while the rapper was seen drinking bottles of beer with the players.”

Read more: How Stormzy’s football dream becomes a reality Mayfield
Read more: Trophy-winning manager Giles decides to leave the club
Read more: Stormzy is changing the game by opening his #MerkyFC headquarters

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