Finn brilliance keeps slim play-off hopes alive for Blues (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Finn brilliance keeps slim play-off hopes alive for Blues

11:23am Monday 2nd April 2007

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An opportunistic strike from Barry Stevens and some individual brilliance from Tony Finn clinched a 2-0 win for Met Police at Croydon Athletic on Saturday left the Blues with an outside chance of reaching the play-offs.

Both teams started well, with Stevens, Stuart Harte and Jon Daly testing Rams keeper Dave Hyatt, while Will Packham produced two good saves from the home side's most dangerous player, Moses Ademola.

The Police went ahead after 19 minutes, when Hyatt failed to hold Craig Brown's fierce drive and Stevens was quickest to react inside the six-yard box.

In the 38th minute, Finn sealed the victory with a superb solo effort. Collecting a cross just inside Croydon's area, he side-stepped three defenders befotre unleashing a right-foot piledriver into the roof of the net.

The second half was a more dour affair, although Daly twice went close with his head from corners. The Rams had a golden chance late on to pull a goal back but Simon Mitchell hit his shot tamely at Packham from 12 yards.

The only bad news for the Blues was a first-half groin injury for midfielder Carl Hutchings.

Met Police will take on Ryman Division One South rivals Tooting & Mitcham in the Surrey Senior Cup final at Gander Green Lane on Tuesday, April 24, after defeating Premier Division side Carshalton Athletic 1-0 at Imber Court last week, courtesy of a Jon Daly goal in the 28th minute.

The Blues last won this competition in 1933.