Croydon Athletic did nothing to alleviate their off-field problems on Saturday as they crashed 1-0 at home to derby rivals Whyteleafe.

The Rams were charged last week with 24 breaches of an FA rule regarding payments to contracted players and slipped nearer the foot of Ryman Division One South with this defeat, courtest of Scott Simpson's goal.

There was little to separate the sides in the first half, though Croydon had two good chances falling to George Landais but the striker was unable to convert them.

As the half drew to a close, Whyteleafe’s Karl Douglin had an opportunity to put the away side one up but shot over the bar following a good break.

It was the Leafe who got the all-important goal with the lively Simpson latching on to a rebound out from Charlie Mann in the Croydon goal in the 67th minute.

The Rams also had the ball in the back of the net in the 70th minute but unfortunately Connor French was judged to be offside.

Croydon had a few other chances with Tony Cuff and Elliott Jones both coming close, but it was the away side who left with the derby victory.

It leaves the Rams third bottom with just 12 points from 17 games while Leafe climb to 17th following their first league win in more than two months.

Croydon Athletic: Charlie Mann, Colin Hartburn, Peter Wedgeworth, Rob Carter, Justin Hemmings, Elliott Jones, Tony Cuff, Billy Marshall, Connor French (Ben Lockett, 74), George Landais, James Fray. Subs not used: Michael Corbett, Kery Kedze, Prince N’Gokomu