Croydon Athletic travelled to the Isle of Wight for their first Ryman League game of the season and beat Newport 2-1.

The Athletic have had a few comings and goings as they prepared for the new season and some of their new signings were on parade on Saturday along with new coach Dave Garland.

The Rams made the early running and had Newport on the back foot from the off.

The Athletic took a deserved lead on 33 minutes when last season's player of the year, Barry Stevens opened his account with a goal off the back post.

The Rams increased their lead just on half-time when former Banstead Athletic player Micky Beal fired home a free kick.

The Athletic controlled the second half until seven minutes from time when Athletics' James Hall was sent off. It was backs to the wall for the remainder of the game for the Rams and further pressure was exerted when Newport's Gavin Keogh scored in the 90th minute. But Athletic took the points which made the long journey home much more sweet.

Croydon FC have also been busy in the transfer market during pre season but were beaten 1-0 away at Epsom and Ewell in the Associate Members Group Cup. This is a game the Trams felt they should have won as chances went begging and their first goal of the season would just not come.

Whyteleafe were also involved in Ryman League Division One action at the weekend against Hampshire outfit Bashley at Church Road. The Leafe were held to a 1-1 draw that will have been a disappointment to the home fans and manager, Stuart Massey.

Always at this time of the season I stick my neck out and give some of my predictions for the season ahead. For automatic promotion I see Dover Athletic as being likely candidates along with Horsham and I see Croydon Athletic being among the play-offs with Whyteleafe joining them.

Croydon FC in Division Two will find it hard going and I give them an outside chance of gaining promotion. In all cup competitions I feel Croydon Athletic will pick up some silverware possibly in the London Senior Cup. But in the FA Cup and in the Trophy they have tricky ties away at Ramsgate and Slough Town.

Whyteleafe have a tough FA Cup draw at Ashford Town and Croydon FC have a good chance to progress in the FA Cup with a home tie against Frimley Green with the winners travelling to Horsham.