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Computer programmer, 48, denies stalking 15-year-old Croydon schoolboy

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A MAN has appeared in court and denied stalking a Croydon schoolboy. 

Adam Hinkly, 48, pleaded not guilty to stalking and also to a charge of making indecent photographs of children, when he appeared at Croydon Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday). 

The self-employed computer programmer, of Deans Close, Croydon, is accused of approaching a 15-year-old boy on several occasions at Sandilands tram stop between January 1 and February 16 this year. 

At one point he is alleged to have passed the schoolboy a note in which he propositioned him. 

He is also alleged to have made 12 indecent images of children at his home on March 30 this year. 

Hinkly was given conditional bail ahead of his trial which is scheduled to begin on March 23, 2015. 

Computer programmer, 48, denies stalking 15-year-old Croydon schoolboy


If they want to loan me Manchester City duo I'd be happy, says Crystal Palace boss

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NEIL Warnock isn't too concerned about Manchester City's striker crisis ahead of Saturday's game at the Etihad Stadium and believes they still have enough quality to cope.

The likes of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic are all out – possibly for the rest of 2014 – meaning the club's only striker is 18-year-old Jose Angel Pozo.

Warnock, of course, is hoping City have an off-day on their home patch, while his own forward players need to start firing.

"If they want to loan me David Silva or Samir Nasri, I'd be quite happy to take them on board"," the boss joked to the Advertiser.

"We're worrying more about ourselves than them. We have to be on the top of our game to get anything out of it.

"We've been working hard on that this week. City are so bright with their movement, off the ball as well as on it.

"We have to hope they have one or two players below par, and we've also got to take chances when they come – that's the key to winning games.

"In every game we've had good chances to score goals and we haven't taken them. If you get one or two against City, you have to take them.

"City are on a good run and full of confidence, but so are we, we just need to score goals."

Warnock is also relishing a certain duel on the pitch in the north west, with a certain winger set for a good test.

"Zabaleta is probably the best full-back in the Premier League," he said. "It should be a good contest up against Yannick Bolasie."

For more from Warnock on the latest transfer news, don't miss Friday's Croydon Advertiser.

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

If they want to loan me Manchester City duo I'd be happy, says Crystal Palace boss

Palace set to find out Mile Jedinak departure date but he will miss Dover tie

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PALACE boss Neil Warnock is set to find out whether he will have skipper Mile Jedinak available for the New Year's Day game at Aston Villa.

The 30-year-old will join up with the Australia national squad ahead of the upcoming Asian Cup tournament, but it seems he will definitely miss the FA Cup clash at non-league Dover Athletic on Sunday, January 4.

"I am speaking to the Australian manager and I know he'll definitely stay for the QPR game (on December 28)," Warnock told the Advertiser.

"We're going to ask if Mile can play on January 1. The Dover game is far too close."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Palace set to find out  Mile Jedinak departure date but he will miss Dover tie

X Factor winner Ben Haenow on coming home to Croydon, marrying his girlfriend and cooking Christmas dinner

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BEN Haenow, Croydon's X Factor star, is looking forward to coming home next week to cook his family Christmas dinner.

And the former van-driver, who lived with his mum Rosanna Ward in her Shirley home before moving in to the X Factor house, said he expects to move home to Croydon soon.

"I'm living out of a suitcase this week but I'm going to try and find a place somewhere," said Ben. "Croydon is my home town so it will most likely be around there."

Since announcing his intentions to marry girlfriend of six-and-a-half years Jessica Jones in the X Factor arena audition Ben has been inundated with questions about when the pair will wed.

But Ben said setting up a home with Jess, a dance teacher who lives with her mum Janette also in Shirley, will come first.

He said: "It's going to be a really busy year so we'll have to see what happens. The next step will definitely be moving in, getting out of our parents houses and having a little place together is the dream."

And Ben said he is looking forward to coming home for a family Christmas next week, which will be spent at his aunty Marina Steel's house.

"Christmas day will just be eating and drinking and being merry, enjoying a normal Christmas and getting a little bit drunk and a little bit full up," said Ben.

"It's all about family for us and just all being together and being thankful for each other and all we've got.

"This year it will be about me saying think you to everyone for everything they've done for me throughout my life, and giving a little something back."

Haenow family tradition dictates Ben and big brother Alex to give the famous Nonna Rita a break and cook the festive dinner – with their secret ingredient, Coca Cola.

Ben said: "I'm looking forward to getting back in the kitchen and doing a bit of cooking and making some nice stuff for the family, Nonna Rita deserves a day off.

"I cook ham boiled in Coca Cola for three hours. We had it last year and it was really good, I know it sounds disgusting but once you try it you won't be disappointed!"

Ben may still struggling to get his head around winning the show, but number one fan Nonna Rita has been telling him to go and see Simon Cowell for years.

He said: "Nonna Rita is constantly saying "I was right wasn't I". Nonna Rita is always right, even when she's wrong, but this time she was right."

X Factor winner Ben Haenow on coming home to Croydon, marrying his girlfriend and cooking Christmas dinner

You Winston, you lose some: Are Ukip planning to drop Croydon's Winston McKenzie?

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WINSTON McKenzie has admitted his "career is at stake" after a senior Ukip source told the Advertiser he could be deselected as the party's candidate for Croydon North and asked to step down as chairman of his branch.

It is understood the party's Commonwealth spokesman may be forced out – potentially as early as the end of the month – after losing the confidence of local members and senior figures within Ukip.

Mr McKenzie has been at the centre of a series of issues within his Croydon North and Lambeth branch, including a spat with two committee members, accusations of financial impropriety, and the closing of his branch office on the advice of the police.

The infighting is apparently the final straw for Ukip's leadership, which appears to have finally lost patience with the outspoken politician who, while campaigning in 2012, said gay people adopting children was akin to child abuse and declared to the nation's press earlier this year that Croydon was a "dump".

A well-connected source told the Advertiser that Mr McKenzie would "definitely" lose either his position as branch chairman or as Parliamentary candidate before next May's General Election, and potentially both.

Winston insists he still has the support of party leader Nigel Farage but admitted it had been suggested to him that he stand down as chairman. "My political career is at stake," he said this week.

Mr McKenzie has become one of Ukip's most well-known figures following high-profile media appearances – including being invited on BBC's Newsnight – and the infamous "carnival" in Croydon town centre in May.

According to our source, however, the show could soon be over.

"There's a groundswell of opinion to get rid of Winston as chairman, and indeed as a candidate, from among branch members and there is an opinion high up in the party that he has to get rid of one of those jobs," said the source. " It would be for the good of the party if it were both.

"The question is whether it happens this year or next year – so this month or January."

Mr McKenzie retained the support of key Ukip figures – crucially Mr Farage – after making derogatory comments about gay people during the Croydon North by-election in 2012.

He also received their backing after organising the party's disastrous "carnival" ahead of May's council elections.

Despite these public own-goals, it is the issues within his Lambeth and Croydon North branch which have called his future into question.

They centre around a £1,000 donation from a member and an allegation that Mr McKenzie and treasurer Marianne Bowness, a former mayoress of Croydon, misappropriated the funds.

Winston said proper paperwork had not been filed because both he and Ms Bowness had suffered family problems at the time, including the death of his father, but insisted all the cash had been used for election expenses.

The investigators' report found no evidence to suggest the money had been used inappropriately but detailed a number of areas where proper procedures had not been followed. Mr McKenzie and Ms Bowness survived the subsequent vote 11-8.

The former boxer has also been embroiled in a bitter dispute with two members of the executive group, who he suspended for allegedly disrupting meetings and questioning what happened to the donation.

"They have been causing considerable disturbances," explained Mr McKenzie. "They have disrupted every meeting we've had. They're out of order.

"They're bringing the whole branch into disrepute and poisoning various people against me."

One of the aggrieved parties, an 83-year-old man, was upset that Mr McKenzie had told other members about his mental health problems.

"I told him to have some time off because I couldn't put up with his moods. He took umbrage with that," said Winston.

"Then he took grave offence when I wrote to members to say I was fed up of all his problems.

"Yes, I wrote to members and told them he was unwell and it would be best if he left the branch. He was very upset and, obviously, so were some members [who said] 'Why would you mention his medication? How embarrassing!'

"I only repeated what he continually told all of us, so I didn't see it as being offensive. I was genuinely concerned for the old boy's health."

Mr McKenzie did eventually have the pensioner moved to the Croydon Central and South branch of Ukip. He fell out with another committee member after accusing him of accessing his Twitter account to send messages against the council's plans to introduce 20mph zones.

Mr McKenzie said the issues with both men, and disruption caused by protestors dumping manure on the doorstep, had led police to advise the owner of the branch's office to bar Ukip from using the premises. He is looking for an alternative venue.

Despite the problems, Mr McKenzie insists he retains enough support to carry on.

"I get on very well with all the top people in the party," he said. "They have immense respect for me. They're not losing patience. As far as Nigel Farage is concerned I bring a lot to the table.

"In terms of the branch, I suppose I retain 50 per cent. Maybe 60. It looks a bit of mess from the outside but I've been vindicated. I've done my time."

Asked about the suggestion he could be asked to step down, either as chairman or otherwise, Mr McKenzie said the possibility had been suggested to him in recent weeks but he vowed to continue.

"The regional officer did say, with all this noise going on, why don't I just step down [as chairman] and let them get on with it," he explained.

"He said it was just a suggestion but that it might save all the aggro and let me get on with my campaign."

The Advertiser approached Ukip central office this week and asked about Mr McKenzie's future, including whether he would be the Croydon North candidate next May. We have yet to receive a reply. 

'Winston has an enormous amount of baggage' 

OUR Ukip source said that senior figures within the party have lost patience with Winston.

"He survived previous mistakes because at the time we were being made out to be the BNP in blazers. One of the things you can't say about Winston is that he's white British, so therefore he's certainly not BNP.

"I think there was also a more subtle reason in that, in some respects, Nigel and Winston are very much the same person, in that they are extroverts with strong opinions. 

"Nigel has learned to temper it so it helps the party. Winston doesn't have that ability."

Though Mr McKenzie, once described as the most influential black politician in Britain by Respect's Lee Jasper, enjoyed backing from Mr Farage, there are those within the party who have been frustrated with his antics for several years.

Now it appears that the dissent is spreading to such an extent that his position locally is under serious threat.

Asked whether there would be a development before the election, our source said: "Oh good God yes. Definitely. The question is whether it is this year or next year – this month or January.

"I would doubt whether he would be the chairman or prospective candidate for Croydon North, or indeed anywhere, come May."

Questioned as to whether that would be for the good of the party, the source said: "Yes, definitely.

"Winston has an enormous amount of baggage. Certain people in the party were prepared to accept that, but it has come to a head now."

You Winston, you lose some: Are Ukip planning to drop Croydon's Winston McKenzie?

Purley Pool: Campaigners deny council claims the pool is in a 'dangerous' state of disrepair

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CAMPAIGNERS who are fighting to prevent the planned closure of Purley's swimming pool say the council is vastly overestimating the cost of keeping it open, and underestimating the impact the closure will have on 150,000 people in the south of the borough.

The decision to close the pool in April, revealed last week as the council's proposed 2015/16 budget was published, was heavily criticised by representatives of the Save Purley Pool campaign and Conservative councillors last night (Wednesday) during a council scrutiny meeting.

Council leader Tony Newman, of the ruling Labour group, said a new report, which would be published, had been produced in the last few months which showed the pool was in a "dangerous" state of disrepair.

The assertion the pool is a health and safety risk has since been denied by members the council's previous Conservative administration and campaigners.

Cllr Newman also said that though the budget showed a saving of around £750,000 from closing the pool, it would cost "many, many more millions than that to make it useable in the long term".

But Fred Wallis, of campaign group Save Purley Pool, claimed it would cost far less than that to keep the pool open, and dismissed reports of the building being "dangerous".

"When they talk about the dilapidated building they're living in cuckoo land. It's nonsense, we've been there this morning swimming and it's fine. They talk about the ceiling falling down, there's no such danger."

Councillor Phil Thomas, the cabinet member responsible for the pool under the previous Conservative administration, told the Advertiser this morning: "On no occasion did officers ever tell me there were any problems with health and safety."

Cllr Newman had, he said, "spun a story" on the state of the pool to "dig himself out of a hole".

During the meeting, Mr Wallis questioned whether it would cost £750,000 to keep the pool open next year.

He said: "The fact is they don't need to spend the amount of money they say to keep it open, the expenditure would only be around £20,000 to £50,000."

Cllr Newman said he had no reason to believe officers' estimates on the cost of keeping the pool open were false or misleading.

Mr Wallis also said it was unfair that the administration planned to spend £17million on a new pool in New Addington, while closing Purley.

"Why can't they spare some of that money to keep ours in Purley open?

"I spoke to a disabled swimmer yesterday who uses the pool as exercise for her back pain, she said 'this is my lifeline, if I can't swim, I'll be a cripple', and there are hundreds like her.

"Altogether, this is going to affect 150,000 people in the south of the borough. We heard talk a few years ago of a new pool between Coulsdon and Purley, but there's none of that now."

Questions were also raised, by Councillor Jason Cummings as to why the council couldn't spend some of £1million of non-earmarked reserves to keep the pool open, at least until a reasonable alternative was found or redevelopment plans firmed up.

But Cllr Newman dismissed the idea as it would "delay the much needed regeneration of Purley" which, he said, would be made possible after the pool's closure.

"You are overlooking the fact we have a brand new facility in Waddon.

"If you spend £750,000 on Purley pool that's other work the council can't do or job losses elsewhere."

Conservative Councillor Sara Bashford raised concerns about the "limited" parking spaces at Waddon, which number around 30, something Cllr Newman said "would be looked at".

Mr Wallis' petition to save the pool has so far attracted more than 600 signatures.

Purley Pool: Campaigners deny council claims the pool is in a 'dangerous' state of disrepair

Police appeal for help to find man, 71, with Alzheimer's who went missing walking his shih tzu

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POLICE are appealing for information as they search for a missing 71-year-old man with Alzheimer's from Croydon.

Michael Hall was last seen leaving his home to take his white shih tzu dog Suki for a walk at 8am yesterday (Wednesday).

Neither he or Suki have been seen since.

The Metropolitan Police described Mr Hall as a light skinned black man. He is slim and 5ft 4 tall.

He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black woolly hat, dark green trousers and wears glasses.

Suki the dog is chipped and was wearing an identity collar.

Anyone with information about Mr Hall's whereabouts can call police on 101 quoting reference 14MIS045358. 

Police appeal for help to find man, 71, with Alzheimer's who went missing walking his shih tzu

Palace boss gives injury update but admits striker set for further scan

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MAROUANE Chamakh is set for a further scan on his injured hamstring next week, says Palace boss Neil Warnock.

The striker is definitely out of this weekend's clash at Manchester City, and it looks likely he will miss the Boxing Day game with Southampton.

Warnock admitted he had another couple of knocks to contend with ahead of Saturday, but nothing serious, while James McArthur should be fine to start despite playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks.

"Marouane has not ripped it but he has overstretched," the boss told the Advertiser.

"He will not be available this weekend and we will have to him scanned again next week. There is some fluid around it at the moment.

"They're delicate, hamstrings, and he's done it twice before. We just need to get through these next few games.

"There or one or two knocks but nobody is looking doubtful. James McArthur is in a little bit pain with his ribs but he'll play like he did last week."

And Warnock revealed Adrian Mariappa has a chance of making the squad for the weekend too.

"He trained on Tuesday," he said. "He's not bad and I wouldn't write him off, depending on what options we've got."

Don't miss the full interview with Warnock in Friday's Croydon Advertiser.

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Palace boss gives injury update but admits striker set for further scan


Police discover cannabis factory hidden behind false wall in South Norwood

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POLICE have discovered a cannabis factory hidden behind a false wall in South Norwood.

Officers used an angle grinder to access the stash which in a disused car repair garage in Oliver Grove at 7am on Wednesday.

The plants were behind a false wall in a locker room which was concealed by two lockers bolted to a hidden door.

The factory was fully-functioning and contained around 70 plants which were ready to be harvested.

No one was present at the scene but the police involved in the investigation are attempting to trace the owners of the property.

It is the second cannabis farm discovered by Selhurst Policing Team this week. News of the find was later tweeted by Sergeant Kenny Parker.

The energy supplier confirmed to the police that the factory was being powered by an illegal connection, which has now been made safe.

Sgt Parker said: "Selhurst Policing Team will take action when people suspect the presence of drugs in their community.

"It appears that in this case the electricity supply had been diverted and was being sourced through an illegal connection.

"Combined with the heat and equipment there is a real risk of fire causing harm to people, buildings and property.

"We urge our community to contact us if they suspect this activity is taking place and we will treat their information with confidence."

Police discover cannabis factory hidden behind false wall in South Norwood

Croydon gang member and the girl who tried to hide his gun and crack cocaine jailed for 22 years

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A CROYDON gang member and the girl who helped hide his gun and drugs have been jailed for a total of 22 years. 

Titus Baffoe, 26, was driving through Anerley with Gemma Irving, 20, on July 18 when the car they were travelling in was stopped by armed police.

They searched Irving's bag and found a loaded Smith and Wesson handgun containing six rounds of ammunition together with gloves. Police also found a significant quantity of crack cocaine concealed in her clothing. 

The pair had been travelling from Margate, where Irving lived, to South Norwood when the vehicle was stopped at 6.30pm.

Baffoe, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of possessing a loaded firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and offering to supply drugs. 

He was sentenced to 16 years today following a three week trial at Croydon Crown Court. 

Irving, of Hertford Road, Margate, was found guilty of possessing the handgun and the crack cocaine, and was handed a six year sentence.

Detective Inspector Paul Dorey, of Trident Gang Crime Command, said Irving's sentence should serve a deterrent to gang members and the young women who help them.

He said: "Today saw the conviction of a dangerous criminal intent on endangering people's lives through the possession and no doubt use of this loaded firearm that was primed ready to go.

"Titus Baffoe used his previous knowledge of police investigative methods and forensic techniques to evade capture. 

"He used a young woman in an attempt to distance himself from the gun and drugs. 

"However the professional and thorough investigation by the officer in the case exposed his lies."

Det Insp Dorey added: "Gemma Irving, who was 19-years-old at the time of arrest, made a life changing decision on the July 18 to assist Baffoe in this criminal act.

"She concealed the loaded gun and crack cocaine to protect him from capture. 

"These convictions serve as a reminder to anybody involved in the possession and use of firearms that officers from Trident Gang Crime Command will continue to actively pursue and place them before the courts even when operating outside of London.

"It also provides a health warning and wake up call to young women who agree to hold on to firearms and drugs on behalf of gang members."

Croydon gang member and the girl who tried to hide his gun and crack cocaine jailed for 22 years

Police organise early Christmas dinner for elderly Fieldway residents

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ELDERLY Fieldway residents were given an early Christmas dinner by the estate's police officers on Monday.

PCSO Jamie Hawes and PC Ricky Phillips organised turkey and all the trimmings for 53 residents of sheltered retirement flats Beech House and Ashwood Gardens.

The dinner was laid on for the festive pensioners at Wolsey Infants School and was all provided through contributions from local businesses.

Meat Express on Central Parade, New Addington, provided two large turkeys. Waitrose provided two members of staff along with mince pies and Christmas puddings, as did Greggs in New Addington.

Wolsey Junior School provided a minibus service while Wolsey Infants raised £200 to put to the costs of the event and sang carols for the pensioners. New Addington's Good Food Matters project raised £87 and donated home-made preservatives.

Any funds left over will be used to purchase goods for food banks.

Attendees were also treated to a free raffle and two rounds of free bingo with prizes.

Police organise early Christmas dinner for elderly Fieldway residents

Updated: Man, 71, who went missing after leaving home to walk his dog is found

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A 71-YEAR-OLD man reported missing earlier today has been found safe and well.

Michael Hall was reported missing after leaving his Croydon home to take his white shih tzu dog Suki for a walk at 8am yesterday.

He was found in Lambeth, police said this afternoon.

Updated: Man, 71, who went missing after leaving home to walk his dog is found

New Addington man's charity radio and Christmas lights spectacular

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PLENTY of people go the extra mile at this time of year with their festive lights spectaculars.

But Paul Murphy has gone one step further - by creating a lights show set to music.

The 47-year-old has been decorating his home in Leveret Close, New Addington, every Christmas for 20 years.

This year, however, he's taken his display to another level with a dazzling computerised light show, which motorists can enjoy to music by re-tuning their car radio.

Paul, a carer, set up the display with his son John, 19, and has spent his spare time over the past 10 months on the "painstaking and laborious" task of programming the lights to the music.

He decided he wanted to use the display to raise money for charity and has so far raised more than £275 to help his fellow estate resident Malachi Reid, 10, walk unaided again.

"In the beginning, when we decided to do this to music, I said to my eldest I'd like to do it for charity," said Paul.

"Because I live in New Addington I wanted it to be something local.

"Pathfinders [the community group] put me in touch with Malachi's Only Wish. So I went and had a cup of tea with his family and told them I wanted to raise money and they were behind me all the way."

Paul invited Malachi, who has cerebral palsy, to switch on the lights on Friday, December 6, in front of a crowd of about 130.

"He sat there and he looked amazed. All together the launch night was brilliant and our Facebook page went mental," Paul added.

"We had some good feedback. One lady said beforehand there weren't a lot of lights so thought it was going to be rubbish, but when she saw it with the music she went 'wow'."

Paul said he was inspired to decorate his house after visiting America.

He said: "I went over to Florida for Thanksgiving at my sister-in-law's house who asked me to give her a hand with the lights display.

"I'd love people to embrace the Christmas spirit like they do over there."

The 30 minute shows, which feature prog-rock versions of Christmas classics run from 5-9pm every night until January 6.

Those watching can tune their radio to 100.7fm to hear the music along with the light show.

Donations to Paul's lights appeal for Malachi can be made online at www.justgiving.com/ MerryMurphyChristmas

New Addington man's charity radio and Christmas lights spectacular

Palace midfielder McArthur makes his mark in Potters draw

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BOSS Neil Warnock praised James McArthur's performance in the Eagles' 1-1 draw with Stoke City on Saturday.

The midfielder scored his first goal for the club by heading home Yannick Bolasie's cross after just 11 minutes, before putting in another steely display.

"The lads have really given me everything, I can't complain at all – I thought we slightly shaded it and I'm disappointed not to get three points," said Warnock.

"It was nice to get James McArthur on the scoresheet. We've got to get him and Joe Ledley scoring more goals. With the way Yannick Bolasie and Wilf Zaha or Jason Puncheon create things, we've got to get more goals from other areas.

Asked whether it was McArthur's best display in a Palace shirt, Warnock said: "I think he's had six or seven like that, if I'm honest."

"I just feel that he complements the set-up and it gives Yannick a little more freedom and Wilfried because he does get into the box at the same time as defend so it was really pleasing.

"I've been ribbing him this week about not scoring. I asked him if he'd scored this year and he said 'Yeah, once at Wigan', so he's been due one and it was good to see that. It won't do him any harm."

Warnock is well aware Palace could have picked up more points if they had been ruthless in recent matches.

He said: "I think that's five games, really, where we could have and should have won so we've just got to convert more of our chances and opportunities.

"I always feel we have good balance, we've got decent creativity and we're just not taking our opportunities.

In a cagey opening ten minutes, both sides looked to get going without creating any real chances.

But then, in the space of 90 seconds, the game had witnessed two goals. Palace opened the scoring when Bolasie got down the left and delivered for McArthur to score his first for the club with a looping header over Asmir Begovic.

Moments later, the home fans' celebrations were cut short as Peter Crouch levelled. Bojan Krkic squared to Jonathan Walters from the right, the attacking midfielder's goalbound shot was deflected and Crouch was unmarked at the back post to sweep home.

Just shy of the hour-mark, McArthur nearly found himself on the scoresheet again. Bolasie beat a couple of players before sliding in the Scotsman, who turned sharply and saw his effort saved by Begovic.

It was hardly a classic in south London, with very few chances at either end afterwards.

Into the second period and Palace had a chance to restore their lead with a free-kick out on the left.

After a clever routine by McArthur and Bolasie, the ball was struck towards goal by Jedinak but deflected up and over for a corner.

McArthur, on the lookout for his second Palace goal, nearly got it when he curled a shot towards the bottom corner from the edge of the box but Begovic got down superbly to claw away.

Warnock decided to make a change on the hour, with Jason Puncheon coming on for Zaha. And as much as the Eagles looked good going forward, it was trying to find someone to put it in the back of the net that was proving difficult.

It seemed a matter of time before a potential change, with Dwight Gayle and Fraizer Campbell on the substitutes' bench ready and waiting.

Indeed, the former came on for the Moroccan, who limped off towards the changing rooms.

With the clock ticking down, Barry Bannan also came on for the hard-working McArthur before Stoke nearly snatched three points through Crouch, but Speroni leapt to his left to save.

Three minutes were added on by referee Kevin Friend but the best thing he could have done was to put the fans out of their misery.

And with no further chances to report on, he did just that.

Palace move up on to 15 points, one point outside the drop zone.

Palace midfielder McArthur makes his mark  in Potters draw

South Croydon gain promotion at first attempt

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SOUTH Croydon Swimming Club have had a busy month, ending with them finishing runners-up in the National Arena League South East Division Two, confirmed on Saturday, thereby gaining promotion to Division One at their first attempt.

South Croydon were only beaten by Sutton & Cheam SC and actually won the first two galas, at Gillingham and Hastings, which guaranteed their qualification for the third and final gala, along with the top six teams in the league, at Dover, on Saturday night.

South Croydon and Sutton & Cheam were clear leaders with Ashford Town some way behind in third place.

Many personal-best times were recorded and, pleasingly for swimmers and coaches, no disqualifications were reported.

A team of South Croydon swimmers recently attended the London Regional Winter Championships, at the London Aquatic Centre.

Dylan and Kane Nurse recorded several huge PBs, particularly in the 1500m freestyle with Dylan also achieving a consideration time in the 200m breaststroke for the South Zonal Meet at the end of January.

Ella Corby also added a couple of PBs in her favoured long-distance freestyle events, while achieving her eighth consideration South Zonal time while breaking the Croydon Borough 400m freestyle record, subject to ratification.

Great PBs at this Level One London regional event were also achieved by Kate Purser (50m freestyle), Amy Davies (100m and 200m breaststroke) and Aaron Vencatachelum (50m freestyle).

In the South Croydon Swimming Club's championships, three weekends of back-to-back events took place at Whitgift School. The club's swimmers gained many PBs and 18 club records were broken.

In the nine-ten age-level events, Molly Bradley won her first trophy for the 50m backstroke and Christopher Finch, who has shown marked improvement, produced a PB in the breaststroke.

Records were broken by Kane Nurse (200m individual medley, Dylan Nurse (200m breaststroke), Amy Davies (11-12 100m breaststroke, 200m breaststroke open, 100m backstroke), Emma Davies (U10, 50m freestyle and 100 IM), Ella Corby (800m freestyle open, 200m freestyle open, 200m IM open, 13-14 backstroke, 100m backstroke open, 100m freestyle open, 50m freestyle), Laura Chisholm (50m butterfly), Callum Black (13-14 100m breaststroke ) and Kate Purser (50m butterfly open).

The club can now look forward to a break from competition until the middle of January.

South Croydon gain promotion at first attempt


Wasteful Counts miss out on Ample reward

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OLD Walcountians' brave effort against third-placed Old Amplefordians ended in a narrow defeat at Clock House on Saturday.

Walcountians made the worst possible start when, in the fourth minute, a dropped pass close to their line gave the visitors an early Christmas present that they gratefully accepted.

Eight minutes later, Walcountians were in front after powerful No 8 Jonny Evans broke clear from his own half and, with support from hooker Rob Fleming, put wing Chris Drinkwater away to hand off the remaining Amplefordians defence and touch down.

Fly-half Tom Harrison's conversion put Walcountians in front. The visitors responded with a vengeance and had the upper hand for the rest of the first half. The Amplefordians pack were effective and drove Walcountians backwards in the tackle.

The Amplefordians backs were also a constant threat and, in the 18th minute, they regained the lead when a textbook move put their left-wing, Svehlik, in for a try.

Walcountians had three opportunities to regain the lead through penalties, but Harrison narrowly missed with all three. Meanwhile, Amplefordians extended their lead in the 33rd minute when sustained pressure by their forwards led to a try.

Walcountians were unlucky to lose three of their best players, flanker Joe Henderson, Evans and wing Drinkwater to injuries, but the replacements all performed well.

Five minutes into the second half, replacement flanker Tom Housden got on the scoresheet when he charged down a clearance kick, won the race to the loose ball and touched down.

This put Walcountians within a converted score of victory.

As the second half progressed, Walcountians gained the upper hand over Amplefordians up front and pressed forward in a bid to score the decisive try.

However, Amplefordians' defence proved too strong and the Walcountians backline was unable to find a way through.

With five minutes to go, Amplefordians stunned Walcountians with a counterattack from their own half that was finished off by inside-centre Joe Wright.

The home side refused to let their heads drop and their continued pressure was rewarded four minutes into stoppage time when hooker Rob Fleming burrowed his way over for a converted try from a ruck close to the Amplefordians line.

Walcountians now have a month-long break from the league and return to action on January 17 when they take on Cranleigh, at Wildwood Lane, Alfold Crossways, (kick-off 2.15pm).

Wasteful Counts miss out on Ample reward

Trinity halt Berkhamsted run

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TRINITY School beat previously undefeated Berkhamsted School 27-12 in a physical NatWest Cup tie.

The opening exchanges formed the start of a fabulous contest between two schools, who played some entertaining rugby.

Berkhamsted scored in the corner with less than five minutes on the clock, but Trinity hit back two minutes later through a well-worked first-phase move that saw England wing Gabriel Ibitoye cross the line.

Towards the end of the first half, the power of the Trinity pack and their aggressive defence proved too much for Berkhamsted with Mofe Wilkey, Dom Augustus and particularly Callum Dougall making ground with every carry, plus a string of line breaks.

They went into half-time with a commanding lead of 24-5, thanks to further tries from full-back Bryan Hotston and fly-half Charlie Fatoma.

The second half was just as exciting, but with fewer points scored. Both sides set out to attack, but missed opportunities, and in the end it was Trinity who prevailed.

Director of rugby Aaron Liffchak was delighted with the performance, saying: "Our defence was outstanding, but it was our attacking lines and support that pleased me the most."

Director of sport Matt Richbell added: "It was another excellent performance from a very talented bunch of rugby players and a superb set of coaches. We are very proud of what they have achieved and we look forward to hosting Dulwich in the new year.

"Trinity versus Dulwich seems to have become a regular fixture in national rugby competitions and it is always a tense yet exciting game."

Trinity halt  Berkhamsted run

Palace boss Warnock wants to buy early for the new year

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PALACE boss Neil Warnock has revealed he's hoping to tie up "one or two" deals for the beginning of January, admitting he's hopeful on one in particular.

The manager and co-chairman Steve Parish have made a forward their number one target.

Warnock recently flew to Madeira to watch a game between CD Nacional and Maritimo in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, but it turned out to be a waste of time, with the player failing to impress the 66-year-old.

"I had one or two positive phone calls on Wednesday morning which I was happy about," the boss said.

"I am just trying to get one or two in for January 1, rather than the end of the transfer window.

"It's just trying to move along with it all really. I am feeling optimistic about one of the targets having spoken to the club in regards to taking the player.

"You just have to keep pushing away. We've had scouts out, we've had everyone looking.

"Strikers are still the priority. We need a physical presence up front.

"We are looking at a number of targets, it's just getting them over the line.

"We are trying to scout, but the problem with the foreign leagues, for example, is that they all close around Christmas.

"Everybody at the club is at whatever games are on at the moment having a look. And you can't rely on DVDs either when looking at players.

"I got back recently from a trip abroad. I flew out to Madeira to watch a player – and he wasn't that good."

One player who does return to Selhurst Park soon is Glenn Murray, on loan at Reading.

And it seems Warnock is keen to take a look at the 31-year-old back in a Palace shirt if he can, depending on talks over a fee between the Eagles and the Royals.

"Glenn's loan ends on January 1 – I don't know all the ins and outs yet, but I've asked to have a look at him myself," said Warnock.

"The thing is, I think both clubs have agreed a fee if they decide to take him but not only have they got to come up with that fee, the player has got to agree it as well.

"I don't think it's straightforward. Put it this way, I'm in no rush for him to go. I would be playing him on Saturday at Manchester City if he was back at Palace."

In terms of other possible comings and goings at Palace, Warnock has set the record straight on speculation ahead of the transfer window.

The likes of Michu and Peter Crouch have been earmarked as possibilities for the Eagles next month, while it has been suggested that Roma full-back Ashley Cole is a loan target.

And the boss admitted he'd be interested in the former England defender, despite claims from the player's agent that Cole will not be leaving Italy.

"I saw that on Wednesday – I'd definitely have him," said Warnock. "I'd have him tomorrow if I could. I don't think it will happen but I would have him, I think he's super."

Of reports linking Crouch to SE25, Warnock said: "I think he's been linked with everybody – any London club."

And in regards to Michu, the boss added: "Not for me, not that I'm aware of."

Meanwhile, just before the Advertiser went to press, Warnock was set to negotiate when Mile Jedinak will leave to meet up with the Australian national squad for the Asian Cup, which kicks off on January 9 (see article on the left).

Palace boss Warnock wants to buy early for the new year

X Factor winner Ben Haenow hopes to thank Croydon fans with home town gig

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ON SUNDAY night Ben Haenow brought the X Factor crown to Croydon for the first time.

And the 29-year-old from Shirley said he would "definitely" like to come home and play at Fairfield Halls or Ambition festival in the summer.

He said: "Of course I would it's my home town, I'd love to come back and play for Croydon.

"The home support has been really, really overwhelming. I never expected people to get behind me that much. They have made my dreams come through.

"It's been absolutely unbelievable. Dermot called my name and I didn't even have time for it to set in and they chucked the mic at me and I was singing it again!

"I swallowed about three mouthfuls of confetti in that last performance, it was brilliant."

Last week around 4000 people braved the rain to watch Ben perform his homecoming gig outside the Whitgift shopping centre, which he said is still one of the "best days of my life".

"I'm proud to come from Croydon and I hope I've done them proud," said Ben. "From the bottom of my heart I genuinely can't thank people enough forgetting me to where I am. It just shows you what a community spirit we've got and I think we can all be proud of that as well."

The prize for winning the X Factor is a £1 million record deal and Ben is already off to a flying start with another item ticked off his bucket list with his first single, Something I Need, at number one in the iTunes download chart at the time of writing.

"How mad is that! Just to have released a single!" said Ben. "There are people like Bruno Mars in second place so to even be up there in the running with those names makes my head spin."

But Ben, who used to spend all day listening to the radio in his van, said he has yet to hear Something I Need come on the radio.

"I think that will be a really surreal experience," he said.

Ben, who has lead the public vote since week four of the competition and received 57% of all votes cast for the final, said he didn't know what the public perception of him was until his victory.

"It really humbled me to learn that. You see the audience reaction and the reaction from the judges but you don't know what the masses are thinking, people at home could be throwing their dinner at the TV," said Ben.

"I'm not getting mobbed, the supports been fantastic and I can still pop out and get my milk," he added.

Before X Factor Ben was in a rock and roll band called Lost Audio with brother Alex, and the winner said he is looking forward to writing his own music again.

"I'm really looking forward to getting gin the studio, working with my brother and working with Simon again," said Ben.

"I want to be fully involved in the direction I'm going in and I want to have a big input. I have a big back catalogue of original songs so it would be nice to bring those to the table and see if there's anything we can do with them.

"We've had a little discussion with Simon and he's really happy for me to get involved."

X Factor winner Ben Haenow hopes to thank Croydon fans with home town gig

The Campaign to End All Campaigns: We get it, Mr Barwell, there's an election on

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THE Advertiser today launches the Campaign to End All Campaigns – calling on Gavin Barwell MP to stop launching campaigns.

The Croydon Central MP set up a petition to save a recycling centre in New Addington on Tuesday, meaning he has now launched five campaigns in little more than a month.

That's five times as many as his Labour rival Sarah Jones and more than he set up in the previous four and a half years since being elected in May 2010.

Mr Barwell admitted he might be "overdoing it", but said his prolific petitioning reflected the number of important issues which had emerged in recent weeks.

But, as he prepares to announce a sixth, as yet undisclosed, campaign in the new year, the Advertiser has set up one of its own.

"Gavin, we get it, there's an election on," said an Advertiser spokesman.

Mr Barwell's quest to break a world record for pre-election campaigning began on November 10, when he came out against the Labour-led council's plans to introduce selective licensing of landlords. A week later he set up a petition to oppose another council plan, this time about building housing on school playing fields.

If you're fed up with signing petitions, sign our petition at the bottom of this page

Labour then claimed it had no intention of doing this, despite including the idea in its new asset strategy which it approved at the following cabinet meeting, and eventually amended the document in private, with council leader Tony Newman claiming he had done so to stop Mr Barwell "standing outside school gates scaring the living daylights out of children and parents".

On December 1, the MP announced his third campaign to "fight" for a new entrance at East Croydon Station, the only pre-planned effort of the five.

Barely a week had passed when, clearly suffering from withdrawal symptoms, he was back on the campaign trail – this time petitioning to stop an as yet unannounced plan to build on green fields at the bottom of Gravel Hill, complete with a group shot of mainly Conservative councillors posed at the site.

Then, this week, Mr Barwell set up a fifth petition, this time opposing the council's plan to close Fishers Farm recycling centre in New Addington to make way for housing.

In contrast Sarah Jones, Labour's prospective candidate for Croydon Central, is lagging behind with just one campaign – for East and West Croydon stations to be moved from zone 5 to 4. Not one to pass up an opportunity, Mr Barwell has got in on the act and publicly backed that idea too.

Asked this week whether he might be getting a bit carried away, he told the Advertiser: "There's a danger of overdoing it but, the trouble is, lots of issues have come up at the same time.

"The original intention was to do the East Croydon bridge one, because that has been simmering away for a little while. Then obviously a whole lot of other issues have come out of what the council has announced, said or done.

"It's not ideal but I think it's more an issue for the media than for voters because most of the campaigns are geographically focused. People will care about what affects their local area and not notice the other ones.

"But you do have to be careful not to be seen to try to do too many things at the same time."

Mr Barwell's petitions require residents to provide their e-mail addresses, prompting some to suggest they were in fact cleverly disguised exercises in data collection, an accusation Mr Barwell disputes.

"Anyone who signs up and then decides they don't like the bulletins can press the unsubscribe button on the e-mails and they won't receive them anymore," he said.

"My view is that when people sign up they want to get feedback on what is happening on the issue.

"On the school fields petition I sent several e-mails over the last few weeks updating people on various elements on the story.

"I've not had any complaints."

Mr Barwell is not done yet, with at least one more campaign planned though he declined to reveal the details until its is announced in January.

Unconvinced the former Coulsdon West councillor can go cold Turkey this Christmas, the Advertiser is calling on residents fed up of being asked to sign petitions to sign a petition calling on Mr Barwell to stop setting up petitions. Sign up below, no email address required.

Campaign in the neck 

December 16: Sets up campaign to stop council closing recycling centre in New Addington

December 9: Launches petition to protect green fields at bottom of Gravel Hill from development

December 1: Fights for a new entrance at East Croydon station

November 18: Save Our School Fields campaign begins

November 10: Landlord licensing petition set up 

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The Campaign to End All Campaigns: We get it, Mr Barwell, there's an election on

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