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or from the Office at Colston Avenue or write to the club enclosing a cheque for the number of required tickets. Match day admission will be held at the same prices for the third year running, Ł9 and Ł4.50 for concessions.

The Directors have decided not to run a reserve team next season. The main reason is that with the pitch being re-laid it has been recommended that we should try to substantially reduce the use of the pitch for a season. Hopefully this will result in a much better playing surface for the remaining teams. We will review the situation at the end of next season and may re-introduce a reserve side for the following year." Harry Driver

v Croydon Athletic 28th April

The Youth travelled to Croydon Athletic looking for a much improved performance from that given against Staines the previous week. A number of changes were made to the squad with two players from the Under 16's included.
The Youngsters set out in determined fashion and took the game to the home side and were more than a match for them. Then halfway through the first half a 'Paul Robinson' type mistake by Adam Peck following a back pass from John Campbell allowed the home side to draw first blood. Undeterred the Robins went up the other end and hit the cross bar from a Paul Gough shot.
As they searched for the equaliser the Rams scored a second following a loss of possession in the Croydon Athletic half.
The Youngsters finally got some reward for their excellent work when following a cross from debutant Lucas Wilmot. Kien Millington also making an impressive debut scored with a fine header. Half time 2-1
The youngsters played some excellent football as they strove for the equaliser. Their team spirit was very good and they pinned the home side back for long periods but unfortunately they could not get the equaliser their play deserved.
A special mention for Charlie Saunderscock who made his first start following his knee injury in pre-season.Charlie had an excellent game and lets hope he has better luck next season.

Team Adam Peck, John Campbell, Charlie Saunderscock, Rhys Turner, Ahmed Olufunmishee, Lucas Wilmot, Paul Gough, Kien Millington, Joshua Perry, Jack Whiteman, Jeffrey Osei-Bonsu, Subs Used Charlie Westell, Jeremy Osei-Bonsu, Steve Newman, Not Used, Shannon Ruth

Youth v Tonbridge Angels

The Youngsters final game of the season saw a number of players making their final bow as youth players.
Over the cause of the game the Youngsters did more than enough to get something out of the game. After giving away a soft goal in the opening 20 minutes, Gilberto missed a penalty and they certainly deserved to be level at the break. Half time 0-1.
The second half saw a determined effort to get something out of the game. Jack Whiteman had a goal disallowed for offside and Reece Wilson had a shot hit the post following some excellent build up play involving Dane Harriott and Jeffery Osei-Bonsu. Once again the failure to put the ball in the back of the net cost the Youngsters the chance to draw level and then go on and win the game.
Tonbridge held out for a 0-1 win.

Team: Adam Peck, Ahmed Olufunmishee, Rhys Turner, Danny Gridley, Steve Knight, Arron Huie, Paul Gough, Reece Wilson, Gilberto Esagio, Jack Whiteman, Jeffrey Osei- Bonsu. Subs Used Kien Millington, Jamie Thoroughgood, Kien Millington. Not Used, Jeremy Osei- Bonsu, John Campbell.

Youth Team Management

Hayden Bird has been reappointed as manager of the first team for the season 2008-09 and with overall responsibility for the direction of football at the club following a meeting of the Board of Carshalton Athletic last night. Harry Driver, Chairman, has said that Hayden has been asked to start work immediately on his plans for the new season.

The Youth were in action for the final match of the season at home to Tonbridge Angels last night, with Tonbridge winning 1-0. Report to follow...

The Reserves latest win on Saturday leaves the Robins in second place in the Suburban League Premier Division and they will be confirmed as runners-up if Metropolitan Police fail to take maximum points from their final game away to Burgess Hill tonight.

The Carshalton Athletic U12A were 2-1 wiiners against WAB Academy on Sunday, played on the main pitch at Colston Avenue. To view report goto: Juniors/U12A

The Carshalton Athletic Supporters were 10-4 winners against Carshalton Athletic 1st XI in a very entertaining afternoon. After the match, a shower and a drink day moved onto the night of Presenting awards to those who impressed during 2007/08 (The Great Escape) season.

The Ressies travelled to Burnham in a must win game to be within any chance of taking the runners up spot. The Team opened the game well playing some fantastic pass and move football which reduced Burnham to chasing shadows. Jamie King got his reward on his comeback trail with a good finish after a neat passing move to open the scoring early on. Carshalton then added a second after another good period of keep ball saw Qehaja bundled over in the box. Danny Elgar coolly slotted home from the spot. There were other chances created and just missed for King and Qehaja in a superb opening twenty five minutes. Burnham were let back into the game after a needless foul gifted them a free kick. Anthony Hall produced a Banks type save to flick the ball onto the bar but Burnham followed in to reduce the arrears at the break.

Burnham needed points to save themselves from relegation and battled well at the start of the second half as Carshalton lost their way. Carshaltons Qehaja hit a stunning volley which was well saved and Banton Brown went close before Anthony Hall made another good save in a one on one situation to keep them in front. Burnham were then reduced to ten on the hour after a player kicked out at King and they were punished as a Antonio Simeone fired home from a corner to give Carshalton breathing space. Massey and Thoroughgood both came on to see the game out and Burnham got a consolation goal in injury time with a great strike as Carshalton ended the season with another three points in a game which they made hard work of. The team will have to wait until tuesday to find out their final table position and are currently second with a a top three finish ensured by this victory.

Another good all round team performance with only two out and out defenders today, Karl Popovich and Paul Gough slotted in well to a young back line and some of the football played early on was a joy to watch with Wilson, Dell, King, Elgar, Qehaja and Banton Brown all involved. Simeone and Chaplin finished their season well with both having good games as they have most of this season.

Team Hall, Popovich, Gough, Simeone, Chapin, Wilson, Dell, King, Elgar, Banton Brown, Qehaja. Subs used. Massey, Thoroughgood. unused Bridgeman, Olunfunmishe.

The Reserves, after a couple of poor results at the beginning of April, are finishing off their campaign strongly and are back in good form with a 2-1 win last night. A good strong line up deservedly saw off an in form Wealdstone side who were competitive throughout. The first half ended Goalless with Carshalton playing some neat football at times on a difficult pitch. Jamie King and Danny Elgar went close and an excellent Vigan Qehaja effort flew just wide. The Wealdstone keeper made two good saves to keep it all square at the break.

The second half saw Carshalton continue to press. Simeone, Chaplin, Knight and Popovich were comfortable in defence and with King and Rayner winning most of the battles in midfield it seemed that Carshalton's advantage would be turned into goals. Midway through the half a Popovich pass found Qehaja and he showed great strength and a great touch before cooly slotting home to give Carshalton the lead. Carshalton then had further chances as Elgar having a good game fizzed a ball across the box which somehow Jamie King just failed to connect. Then the skillful Reece Wilson beat defenders before sliding a good ball across the box which no one could convert. Wealdstone were given a life line after Anthony Hall handled outside the box and from the free kick Wealdstone equalised with a good strike. Undeterred Carshalton pushed on and were soon back in front. A neat move ended with Wilson feeding Danny Elgar and he finished well to give Carshalton the lead. The lively Bridgeman then drew a good save from the Wealdstone keeper. It was good to see Jamie Thoroughgood on as a late sub and the youngster competed well against physical opponents.

Team; Hall, Popovich, Knight, Simeone, Chaplin, Wilson, Rayner, King, Elgar, Qehaja, Bridgeman. Subs used Banton Brown, Massey, Thoroughgood, unused Bradnick, Dell. goals Qehaja, Elgar.

The Youth, were away to Croydon Athletic last night losing 2-1. The Youth's last game of the season is on Monday night, May 5th at Colston Avenue against Maidstone United, 7.30pm KO. Further details to follow....

Carshalton Athletic  42 14  8 20 52  65 -13 50
Boreham Wood         42 15  5 22 56  73 -17 50 relegated
East Thurrock United 42 14  9 19 48  67 -19 50 relegated
Folkestone Invicta   42 13 10 19 49  70 -21 49 relegated
Leyton               42  4  4 34 35 123 -88 16 relegated

The 1st XI managed to avoid relegation today in a very tense match at home to Tonbridge Angels 2-0, with Boreham Wood losing away to Ramsgate 5-0. For Pics of the game, click on images above. Reports from Peter Randall & Alan Johnstone

Carshalton named an unchanged line-up from the 0-0 draw at Boreham Wood. Carshalton knew what was a needed, a win, and nothing else would do to keep us up.Tonbridge had there own reasons to want a win as they were still in with a shout of the play-offs. Carshalton started the better of the two sides and had a couple of chances to take the lead. But on 16 minutes Carshalton were awarded a penalty when Lovell handled the ball in the area, up stepped Matt Yorke to blast the penalty home to give the Robins a massive boost in their fight to stay up. The Angels looked to get themselves in to the game as a win for them would take them to the play-offs, The match was a very open affair Carl Rook and Mickey Collins both had chances to level the scores, but Carshalton had the better of the play and looked dangerous every time they went forward, looking to secure another goal it make the win safe. As half-time came we found out that Boreham Wood were loosing 3-0 to Ramsgate which meant we were just out of the bottom 4, but also meant Tonbridge couldn't make the last play-off place unless they scored a hatful in the second half.

The second half was a more even affair, The game was mainly battled out in the midfield area, not many chances for either side in open play, the best chances for getting goals was from set-pieces. James Evans was looking dangerous taking the set-pieces, Tonbridge still went for it with gusto, desperately looking to get something from the game, but it was a lost cause for Angels as Ramsgate had scored a forth against Boreham Wood, which secured them the final play-off place,but put Boreham wood in grave danger. But Carshalton had to stick to the task as any slip-ups would have dire consequences. The game was getting very nervy when the referee signalled 5 minutes of injury time, where that came from only the referee will know. But Carshalton weren't to worry as in the second minute of injury time Carshalton made the game and our Ryman Prem Status safe, when we hit The Angels on the break. Dean Carpenter who had come on for the injured Michael Johnson broke forward and shot goalwards, the keeper deflected the shot back of Carpenter and the ball trickled over the line to send the Robins support completely mental. After nearly 10 minutes of injury time the final whistle went and The Robins were safe. Boreham Wood had lost 5-0 in the end and that sent them down, we stayed up on goal difference, which was absolutely fantastic,a great effort all round and we can now have a break and look forward to Ryman Premier Football next season. and a return of the local derby against Sutton United.

A goal in each half meant that the final home game ended with a wave of joy amongst the Robins team and spectators on the field and off and, not for the first time, Carshalton pulled themselves up through the relegation trap-door on the final day of the season to guarantee another season in the Ryman Premier Division with some mouth-watering games in prospect against Sutton, Dover, and possibly Tooting & Mitcham and AFC Wimbledon depending on the outcome of the play-off games. Results of games played in midweek had been kind to Carshalton, giving the Robins a realistic chance of what had seemed almost impossible at times in recent weeks, but a win from the final home game was imperative, something that had eluded the home team since mid-January.

Despite the tension the game attracted a healthy crowd, including a sizeable number of Tonbridge fans who were still hoping for a possible place in the play-offs, but Carshalton took the early initiative and both Johnson and Collins knocked in some dangerous balls from wide positions. On 16 minutes the Robins got the break they needed when Liam Collins played a short ball to James Evans and his cross was handled by Simon Glover in the area. With Charlie Side out injured and Phil Ruggles still recovering from the previous week’s miss, up stepped captain Matt York to blast the ball past Matt Read to give the Robins some breathing space. Shortly after a shot on the turn by Ismael Ehui sailed over and at the other end it looked as though a miss-kick by Liam Harwood might have given Angel’s Micky Collins a chance, but the linesman had spotted an infringement and the chance was denied. Ruggles could have increased the lead, but his contact with a low cross by the dangerous Collins was weak and Read saved easily. Gonsalves managed to put the ball in the back of the net when the Robins got players forward for a corner, but Harwood was clearly in an offside position and Tonbridge were able to clear the danger. The Angel’s best chance of the half came when Rook for once got the better of Harwood to head the ball into the path of Collins and his drive was good enough to beat goalkeeper Howe, but not the upright and the ball bounced to safety. Late in the half Carshalton’s Johnson collided with the perimeter fence and after an unsuccessful effort to continue he was replaced by Dean Carpenter. The Robins went in at the break with the narrowest of leads, but the news from elsewhere was better than could have been expected with Maidstone winning at Folkestone and Boreham Wood three down and heading for a thrashing at Ramsgate.

Ruggles and Ehui combined well early in the second half, but Ruggles finish lacked power. As the minutes went by Tonbridge came more into the game and a free kick for Tonbridge by Michael Philips following a foul by Dean Standen forced a fine save from Aaron Howe, tipping the shot over for a corner. The Robins were looking for breakaways as the half wore on, but Ehui looked to be still struggling with his recent injury and was twice closed down before he had the chance to shoot. Another dangerous ball into the area by Tonbridge was punched weakly away by Howe and after bouncing around in the area it was finally cleared off the line by Simon Cooper. Collins tried his luck for the Robins with a shot from long range that went narrowly wide and a crisp free-kick by Evans after he was fouled was held effortlessly by Read. The Robins were giving away too many free-kicks around the penalty area as legs tired and another goal-bound effort by Phillips was headed over by Harwood for a corner. Harte came on to stiffen the midfield in place of the exhausted Ehui as the Robins focussed on hanging on to their lead, but with ten minutes of normal time left an off-the-ball incident ended with Tonbridge’s influential midfielder Phillips being shown the red card and, at last, the pressure eased. With five minutes left the final drama occurred when the Robins broke forward with the Tonbridge defence outnumbered. The ball was fed to Dean Carpenter on the left and his initial shot was beaten out by Read, but only back into the path of Carpenter and off his body into the goal. The word spread that Ramsgate were five up against Boreham Wood and the Robins had leap-frogged over them and Folkestone to climb out of the bottom four to safety. A dream finish to a difficult season, but can we start again next week.

Howe, Cooper, Gonsalves, Harwood, York, Standen, Collins, Ruggles, Ehui (Harte), Johnson (Carpenter) Subs not used: Ursell, Watts, Barnard

The Reserves made it a double, winning 3-1 away to Whyteleafe. Report by Reserve Team Management

The ressies kept alive their hopes of the runners up with a convincing win at Whyteleafe 3-1. 15 year old Jamie Thoroughgood came into the squad after progressing well in the youth side and a strong side proved too good for a hard working Whyteleafe team. Carshalton opened really well and could have easily been four up in the opening twenty minutes. However a Vigan Qehaja finish and an Anthony Bridgeman volley put Carshalton in control and they were playing some good football on a poor pitch. Carshalton got sloppy and too casual as the half wore on and let Whyteleafe back in the game as they reduced the arrears before half time.

The second half was fairly scrappy until an Anthony Bridgeman burst midway through the half set up Vigan Qehaja and he coolly slotted home with a class finish selling defenders and the keeper a couple of dummies before netting. Whyteleafe were awarded a dubious penalty late on and Anthony Hall put this right with a good save from the spot kick. Carshalton deserved the points in another good team performance with Simeone, Chaplin and Qehaja having their customary good games. Jamie Thoroughgood on as a late sub didn't look out of place and the youngster done well on his reserve debut. Team; Hall, Knight, Simeone, Chaplin, Wilson, Elgar, King, Gough, Popovich, Qehaja, Bridgeman, subs used, Olunfunmishe, Massey, Thorougood. unused Bradnick.

The Youth match updates. The Youth team travelled to Horsham YMCA on 3 April and came away with 3 points following a 2-0 win. Goals by Gilberto Esagio and Rhys Turner gave the points to the youngsters who made hard work of seeing off the home side.
Team Adam Peck, Rhys Turner, Ahmed Olufunmishe, Steve Knight, Arron Huie, Ziyaad Hussein, Gilberto Esagio, Dane Harriott, Jack Whiteman, Mohammed Mohammed. Danny Gridley. Subs used Paul Gough, Charlie Saunderscock, Jamie Thoroughgood.

Youth v Kingstonian

Following the youngsters hard fought game at Kingstonian a few weeks previously the management were expecting a much better performance than was given by the youngsters, who went down 0-2.
Team: Adam Peck, Danny Gridley, Rhys Turner, Steve Newman, Arron Huie, Jamie Thoroughgood, Gerberto Esagio, Dane Harriott, Jeffery Osei-Bonsu, Ziaad Hussein, Subs Used; Mohammed Mohammed, Farron Rowe unused Jeremy Osei-Bonsu.

Youth v Maidstone Utd

The youngsters made a long trip down the A20 and came back empty handed after a poor performance, losing 5-0.Adam Peck was outstanding and kept the scoreline down.
Team: Adam Peck, Joshua Perry, John Campbell, Rhys Turner, Arron Huie, Paul Gough, Ahmed Olufunmishe, Gerberto Esagio, Jack Whiteman, Jamie Thoroughgood, Jeffery Osei-Bonsu Subs Used Mohammed Mohammed; Danny Gridley. Unused Jeremy Osei-Bonsu

Youth v Burgess Hill Town

Another long trip and no points losing 4-1,once again Adam Peck was outstanding and he must be the best goalkeeper in the league. Another good point was the first goal for 15 yr old Jefferey Osei-Bonsu. Dane Harriott also had a good game.
Team: Adam Peck, Steve Newman, Rhys Turner, Joshua Perry, Ahmed Olufunmishe, John Campbell, Arron Huie, Dane Harriott, Daniel Drake, Jeffery Osei-Bonsu, Jamie Thoroughgood Subs Used: Luke Reeves, Farron Rowe

Youth v Croydon Athletic

An excellent performance saw the youngsters run out deserved winners in this local derby. They got off to a great start with Ahmed Olufunmishe scoring with a free kick from over the half way line that flew into the net. They went further ahead with an excellent strike from young Jeffrey Osei-Bonsu. The visitors scored a consolation with 5 mins to go but the young robins held firm to win 2-1.
Team: Adam Peck, Steve Knight, Jeremy Osei-Bonsu, Ahmed Olufunmishe John Campbell, Arron Huie, Dane Harriott, Jamie Thoroughgoood, Ziadd Hussein, Jack Whiteman, Jeffery Osei-Bonsu Subs Used Daniel Drake: not used Charlie Saunderscock.

Youth v Staines Town

As good as the Youth were against Croydon they were dismal against the visitors who raced into a 2 goal lead after just 10 mins. There is not much to say about this performance .The scoreline says it all 1-8.Jeffrey Osei-Bonsu kept up his scoring run from the penalty spot.
Team: Shannon Ruth, John Campbell, Rhys Turner, Danny Gridley, Jeremy Osei-Bonsu, Arron Huie, Dane Harriott, Jamie Thoroughgood, Ziaad Hussein, Mohammed Mohammed, Jeffrey Osei-Bonsu Subs Used Daniel Drake, Steve Newman, Gilberto Esagio, Unused Adam Peck, Jack Whiteman

Youth Team Management

The Reserves got a point at Met Police in a good game between two strong squads last night, with Vigan Qehaja returning to action and scored both goals. Report by Reserve Team Management.

The reserves kept their slim hopes of the runners up spot alive with a point at Met Police in a good game with two strong squads, marred only by an over fussy official. Carshalton were strengthened up with Hall, Qehaja,Rayner and Williams coming in and Met Police had several 1st team regulars getting a run out. Met Police had the better of the opening ten minutes with the ball pumped forward quickly. A dubious pen saw Met Police take the lead early on converted by Martyn Lee. The rest of the half was Carshalton's and Vigan Qehaja showed a touch of class with a neat finish on the half hour mark, to draw Carshalton level. Carshalton were unlucky not to go in ahead after a goal line clearance denied Qehaja. The second half saw Carshalton on top and early on, neat play from Wilson set up Rayner and his crisp shot saw Will Packham make a great save. Packham denied Qehaja with another fine save and also tipped over a Wilson effort to keep Carshalton out. Carshalton were playing and competing well with Jamie King and Tony Chaplin in good form. Against the run of play Met Police found themselves in front after a good cross was nodded home by Met Polices Williams. The final ten minutes was frantic with Carshalton looking to get back on level terms and in which Qehaja levelled with another good finish. Both sides nearly snatched it, with chances at both ends in the final minute. Carshalton must look to take seven points from their remaining games to stand any chance of taking the runners up spot. Team; Hall, Chaplin, Simeone, Olunfunmishe, Williams, Wilson, Rayner, King, Elgar, Bridgeman, Qehaja. Subs used Knight, Popovich, Carter. unused; Gough, Massey Arnold

The 1st XI have been handed a lifeline in their bid to remain in the Ryman Premier. They have to win on Saturday, no matter what! and the Supporters will undoubtedly have a major role to play as the 12th man. The players are going to find the match extremely tense, with so much pressure riding on their shoulders but with the 'Robin's Choir', sure to be in fine voice throughout the match, the players will know they are not alone in their endeavours. The simple permutations are thus: 1. Carshalton to beat Tonbridge and Folkestone v Maidstone draw, then Carshalton stay up. 2. Should Carshalton to beat Tonbridge (1-0), and a win for either Folkestone or Maidstone, then either Boreham Wood or Hastings United have to lose by 3 goals, then Carshalton stay up. That's it, very simple. COME ON YOU ROBINS!

The 1st XI travelled to Borehamwood today, drawing 0-0, which leaves last day nerves yet again for Supporters. After 41 league matches, and having watched some excellent performances and some not so good, everything rests on the last day of the season again; or will it? It could all be over bar a miracle by Tuesday night.

Should Folkestone Invicta win at home to AFC Hornchurch on Monday night, they'll be safe. Boreham Wood are home to Staines Town on Tuesday night and should they win too, or manage a draw, they'll be safe. All that would mean Carshalton have to hope Leyton, who have had a dreadful season, have to beat Hastings United at home and hope Folkestone beat Maidstone and for Carshalton Athletic to beat Tonbridge Angels at home, and with Tonbridge still in the chase for the playoffs it aims to be an interesting afternoon all round.

Carshalton travelled to Boreham wood, needing a win to pull us out of the bottom 4. The robins made 4 changes from Tuesday nights defeat at Ashford, Out went Barnard, Graves, who had got injured in the Ashford game, Rob Ursell and Dean Carpenter, and back in came, Howe, Cooper, Ruggles and Johnson. The match started rather scrappy , but with 6 minutes played Boreham Wood nearly took the lead, a good run and cross from Gary Burrell found Simon Thomas unmarked, but he headed wide. soon after Chris Bangura also saw a header go just wide from a right wing cross by Mark Burgess. Carshalton's first effort came on 12 minutes when James Evans free-kick found Liam Harwood who the played a short pass to Charlie Side, but his effort was easily gathered up by the home keeper. Midway through the half ,the Wood nearly took the lead when a corner found Simon Thomas 20 yards out but his piledriver was brilliantly saved by Aaron Howe. The Robins best effort of the half fell to Liam Collins, whose 30 yard strike was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Noel Imber. Phil Ruggles nearly gave the Robins the lead just before halt-time, but his shot never troubled Imber in the Wood goal. 0-0 was the score at half-time.

The second half was a tepid affair as both sides struggled to string a run of passes together. We were forced into a change after Charlie Side picked up a knee injury and had to come off, Rob Ursell replaced him. Nothing much happened in the opening 10 minutes, but Carshalton were given a huge lifeline when Michael Johnson won a penalty after being brought down by Marvin Samuel. Up stepped Phil Ruggles but his weak penalty was easily saved by the Wood's keeper, a missed penalty which could be absolutely catastrophic to our Ryman Prem League survival hopes. The rest of the half was a very dull affair, with either side unable to create any good efforts on goal. The closest Boreham Wood came to scoring was when just on the hour, Liam Collins was turned by Bangura, who threaded a pass through James Evans legs to Gary Burrell, but his effort curled well wide. But the game fizzled out into a bore 0-0 draw which was not a real surprise as the last 3 games between the sides had only produced 1 goal. Boreham Wood will have been pleased with the point as it makes them safe now, as for Carshalton it doesn't help us at all, and as other results went against us it will now go down to the last game of the season, yet again our Ryman Prem survival is out of our hands. Att 358

Line-up: Howe, Cooper, Gonsalves, Standen, Harwood, York, Collins, Evans, Side (Ursell), Ruggles, Johnson (Watts)

Unused: Carpenter, Harte and Barnard.

The Reserves travelled to Fleet Town today, losing 0-1. Report by Reserve Team Management. A young reserve side travelled to lowly Fleet in a confident mood after a good performance on Monday in which only the ability to find the net was missing. However, Fleet opened the scoring on twenty minutes after a changed Carshalton side allowed Fleet a soft goal which was to turn out to be the only goal of th game. Jamie King and Lance Bnaton Brown should have equalised before half time but just failed. The second half was dominated by Carshalton as Fleet got deep and clung on to their lead fighting for everything until the end. Carshalton's approach play was good and just a failure in the final third and a lack of composure in front of goal saw a fourth consecutive game without a goal. The side must now win on Wednesday night at Met Police to salvage any chance of finishing runners up this season. All in all another frustrating watch as chances came and went. Team :Peck, Knight, Massey, Simeone, Chaplin, Wilson, King, Gough, Elgar, Banton Brown, Bridgeman. Subs used; Olunfunmishe, Hickman, Bradnick.

The Youth Team won last week 2-1 at home to Croydon Athletic, which was a superb result. Report of recent Youth games to follow once Youth Team Management re-attain internet connection with their new supplier.

The 1st XI failed to ease the worries of relegation, losing 3-0 away to Ashford Town (middx) last night and now need to win both of their last two fixtures and hope other results go their way to avoid dropping down to Ryman Division 1 South.

We made just the one change from Saturday's defeat, Rob Ursell came in for Ismail Ehui who had got injured training with Fulham. Phil Ruggles was still unavailable. The first substitution was made even before the game started as we had to change into Ashford's blue away shirt, as our white one clashed with Ashford's orange and white strip. Hayden experimented with a different formation, swapping our usual 4-4-2 for a 3-1-5-1 formation with Matt York just ahead of the defence and Charlie side on his own up front. Carshalton struggled to adapt to the new formation. The first 20 minutes or so were bereft of any real efforts but The Robins had started the brighter of the two sides, James Evans had a couple of efforts on goal but didn't take them. But on the half hour it was Ashford Town who took the lead, A left side corner was hit long to Wes Goggin , his cross found Russell Canderton, who headed past Richard Barnard when he came out but didn't get a good connection to the cross. And as the rain started to fall, Carshalton struggled with the wet conditions and soon found themselves with a mountain to climb after a deep cross found ex-robin Warren Harris five minutes later, which doubled their lead without any more real efforts on goal half-time came, and Carshalton looked a beaten side 2-0 down and in deep trouble.

Hayden reverted back to a traditional 4-4-2, bringing on Michael Johnson for Dean Standen, and pushing Carpenter back to the left side of the defence. Hoping for a change of fortunes that didn't come. In fact Ashford came close to making it 3-0, when Wes Goggin's shot was parried by the keeper into the path of Scott Todd but he just failed to connect. Carshalton failed to create any real chances this half, Liam Collins and Michael Johnson had a couple of half efforts, Collins shot never troubled the home keeper and Michael Johnson shot wide after being put through. The conditions were getting very difficult now making the pitch more and more unplayable. We soon lost David Graves who got injured in a challenge with Town's Gavin Smith, meaning both players had to go off, Cooper came on for Graves and slotted in at right back. A defence splitting pass found Scott Todd clear on goal but the Robins keeper came out and swept the ball clear. Ashford made the game safe when the referee awarded them a very controversial penalty, it came from Ricky Wellard's free-kick that was punched away by Barnard, but the referee saw something in the box and blew for a penalty, much to the shock of the Robins players, and a couple of Town's players looked surprised as the decision as well, up stepped Wes Goggin, Barnard saved the penalty but the rebound fell to sub Jon Palmer, who fired back past him into the net. Game over, we had a little pressure at the end, Michael Johnson forced the home keeper into a save. But we fell to our second successive defeat which leaves our Ryman Premier League status hanging by a very thin thread. Att 233

Line-up: Barnard, Graves (Cooper), Gonsalves, York, Harwood, Standen (Johnson), Collins, Evans, Side, Ursell (Watts), Carpenter.

Unused: Harte and Howe.

The Reserves were home to Metropolitan Police Reserves last night in the Suburban Premier League. Report by Reserve Team Management.

The Reserves cant buy a goal at the moment and were unlucky again to lose 0-1 at home to an experienced Met Police team. Met Police had the better opening fifteen minutes but thereafter Carshalton were pretty much in control for the rest of the game but failed to score. After scoring 60 times this season the reserves luck seems to have run out. The woodwork twice and a goaline clearance helping Met Police to keep a clean sheet. The overall play from Carshalton was good and the first half ended goalless with Carshalton on top. The second half saw Carshalton miss a couple of chances and Met Police get a great slice of luck as a clearance ricocheted into the Met Police forwards path and he finished superbly with their only shot in the half. Credit to Met Police who defended stubbornly and held out to ensure the runners up fight in the table will go to the wire. Team; Wheeler, Knight, Williams, Arnold, Elgar, Carter, Rayner, Popovich, Banton Brown, Wilson, Simeone; Subs used: Bridgeman, Gough, King. Not used; Hickman.

The Youth were away to Burgess Hill Town last night in the Ryman Youth League losing 4-1. Report to follow.....

We have one more league game left this season which is on Sunday at Chislehurst with second place already secured we can head to Chislehurst full of confidence, the boys have had a great season considering we only put this team together last summer, all the boys have been outstanding this season and we have enjoyed working with them all.

Even last Summer when we were getting beat we believed that this group of players could achieve something this season, yes we have had some setbacks like the semi final defeat but the way the boys have reacted since that defeat has been great, lets hope we can now go to Chislehurst and come home with two points. Colin, Kevin and Tom

Carshalton welcomed Hastings Town to the Rec today, in yet another 6 pointer. Carshalton made just the one change from last weeks victory against Wealdstone, David Graves came it for the unlucky Simon Cooper at right back. The game was a scrappy affair, with both teams giving the ball away. The first chance of the half fell to Hastings, A left side corner was headed goalwards by Adams, but a Robins defender got back to clear the effort off the line. 13 minutes had gone by and Town were given a penalty after Dean Standen fouled Steve Elliot in the box, up stepped Sam Adams who dispatched the penalty to give Hasting the lead. Within a couple of minutes Carshalton's first chance fell to Charlie Side, a good ball from midfield found him in space he turned but his shot was blocked by the keeper. Seven minutes later and Hastings's Adams nearly doubled their lead but was denied by a great save from Richard Barnard in the Robins goal. The robins looked surprisingly lacklustre and were giving away possession to the opposition far too easily. Our next chance came via two defenders, Lewis Gonsalves pass found David Graves but he dragged his effort just wide of the post. Hastings themselves didn't really trouble our defence and seemed to already be playing for time. Carshalton's next couple of efforts came via James Evans free-kicks, his first one found Liam Harwood but he headed wide, and soon after from a similar place his free-kick found Ismael Ehui but his cushioned back header went over the bar. Half-time came with Hastings having the advantage, Carshalton needed to improve greatly in the second half to try and get something from the game.

The start of the second half was rather a turgid affair, Ismael had a chance to put us level from David Graves cross, but his shot didn't really trouble the keeper as it went wide. For the second week in a row Carshalton had a man advantage when Town's keeper rushed our and handled the ball outside the area, the referee after consulting the lines-man sent the keeper off, and as Hastings didn't have a sub keeper on the bench, Striker Sam Adams took over the gloves and went in goal. Liam Harwood took the resultant free-kick, and hit the wall with it, the ball rebounded into the path of Ismael Ehui but his shot went over the cross-bar. Soon after, after constant baiting from the Hastings manager to the referee he was sent too the stands. Carshalton nearly had a good chance after a good build-up, Liam Collins, free-kick was headed down by Dean Standen into the path of Graves but he headed the chance over the cross-bar. Carshalton made a double change and brought on Michael Johnson and James Henry for Dean Carpenter and James Evans. Charlie Side set up James Henry soon after but he shot wide. Carshalton were struggling by now and kept giving away possession to Hastings. David Graves had a great effort for the Robins but his shot was bravely blocked by Nathen Simpson. David Graves was again involved and his header found Charlie Side but he fired wide. Side also had a chance right at the end to level for the Robins but his shot was blocked. The final whistle blew and after two good away performances, the home form again was poor which has left us in the bottom four yet again.

Barnard, Graves, Gonsalves, York, Harwood, Standen, Collins, Evans(Henry), Side, Ehui, Carpenter(Johnson), Not used: Cooper, Harte, Howe

Should Carshalton Athletic beat Hastings and Ashford Town, I believe our status will be assured in the Ryman Premier Division. However, if we lose on Saturday, we could well find ourselves back in the bottom four.

Having worked so hard to win our previous two game games at Leyton and Wealdstone, we are now out of the relegation zone. Although our ultimate goal is for a respectable mid-table placing, our first priority is, having moved out of the bottom four, to ensure we never return there! With the league being so tight, we can take nothing for granted and must continue our winning ways.

Tomorrow we face a team in a similar position. Hastings have enjoyed a number of good results and have fought their way out of the relegation zone. They are currently one point ahead of us, but with our game in hand, tomorrow’s game is vital.

Our support in the last two games has been superb. At a critical period in our season, the Carshalton Athletic supporters have really got behind the boys. Your vocal support is really appreciated and has been a great help to the confidence of all the players. On behalf of everyone both the management and the players, thank you very much!

Squad: Richard Barnard, Aaron Howe, Simon Cooper, Stuart Harte, Ryan Watts, Dean Carpenter, David Graves, Lewis Gonsalves, Liam Harwood, Matt York, Dean Standen, James Evans, Jason Henry, Liam Collins, Michael Johnson, Charlie Side, Ismeal Ehui

The Youth were away to Maidstone United last night in the Ryman Youth League losing 0-5. Report to follow.....

The Youth were home to Kingstonian tonight in the Ryman Youth League. They lost unfortunately 0-2. Report to follow....

The Reserves were away to AFC Wimbledon tonight in the Suburban Premier League. They too lost unfortunately 0-2. Report by Reserve Team Management

The reserves lost their first away league game for six months at AFC Wimbledon and pretty much sees the end of any title hopes. Carshalton dominated the game in which AFC scored two goals in two minutes in the second half. A really dubious penalty and a ricochet from Danny Wheelers clearance. Carshalton had Danny Wheeler returning in goal and included Matt Howard, Tommy Carter and Jamie King in the squad. Carshalton were the stronger side in the opening half but poor finishing was to be their undoing. Several chances were spurned as the half ended goalless and in which we lost Lance Banton Brown to injury. The second half saw Carshalton in control until the game turned in two minutes. A long ball forward was easily dealt with by Tony Arnold and under no pressure and with no opposition anywhere near him the ball bounced up and touched his arm. Unbelievably the linesman gave AFC a penalty and they took the lead against the run of play. Immediately they extended the lead after another stroke of good fortune. Carshalton still had chance after chance and would not have scored if they had played 180 minutes. Bridgeman and Hickman missed some good chances and Wilson and King went close. All in all a frustrating night, after which the team will need to improve or run the risk of destroying a really promising season.
Team; Wheeler, Chaplin, Olunfunmishe, Simeone, Arnold, Elgar, Wilson, Dell, Howard, Bridgeman, Banton Brown. Subs used: Hickman, Carter, King. Unused Williams.

In the Ryman Premier League tomorrow night, a game of interest for Robin supporters will be Heybridge Swifts at home to Staines Town. A win for Heybridge will ease their relegation worries, though a win for Staines will consolidate their Playoff chances.

After last weeks good win over bottom side Leyton, we had a tougher looking task against Wealdstone. We made just the one change from last weeks win, Dean Carpenter came in for Rob Ursell who was on the bench. The early signs were there, Dean Standen saw a 20 yard drive blocked by the keeper, but no corner was given, but soon enough Carshalton couldn't of wished for a better start to the game as we were 2-0 up within the first 5 minutes. With barely 1 minute played we took the lead with a rather fortunate goal, Ismael Ehui broke through the home defence, one on one, his powerful shot hit the onrushing keeper, rebounded back onto him and it bobbled into an unguarded net, we were off and 2 minutes later it was 2-0 to the Robins, A cross came in and Charlie Side was bundled to the floor by Aaron Goode , The ref pointed to the spot and rather harshly sent the player off. Charlie Side struck the penalty home to give the Robins a cushion, and Wealdstone had to play out the remaining 85 minutes with 10 men. The Stones were rocked by The Robins great start, and never really recovered for the first half. Carshalton grabbed the bull by the horns and totally dominated the remainder of the half, with slick passing football which was a joy to watch. The next chance came to the Robins on 18 minutes, Simon Cooper who was getting forward quite often, had a shot fumbled by the home keeper, but no-one in a Robins shirt could follow it up. Charlie Side received a pass from Dean Standen, turned his defender but his effort was gathered by the keeper. Wealdstone, who were struggling to string a good run of passes together made an early change, they replaced Ryan Ashe, with Andre Delisser. Carshalton were continuing as they were, Ismael Ehui had a chance after Matt York set him up, he turned his marker but fired into the keepers arms. The Stones only real chance of note, came from a corner, which found Chris O Leary but he headed wide. Wealdstone were given a lifeline with a rather controversial goal, Peter Dean's effort found the net, but the linesman was flagging for an off-side, the referee over-ruled his assistant and the goal was allowed to stand, and just before the interval Peter Dean broke through our defence, and was rather dumped to the ground by Richard Barnard in the Robins goal, but much to the annoyance of the home support the penalty wasn't given. Carshalton went into the break 2-1 up.

Carshalton were forced into a change, Charlie Side picked up a slight knock so as a precaution, Phil Ruggles replaced him. Wealdstone came out a little stronger, and had a very good chance to level the scores when Lee Chappel's cross nearly found Andre Delisser, but he failed to connect. Carshalton were a little slack for the beginning of the half, but on 65 minutes we extended our lead, Carl Martin gave the ball away to Dean Standen who ran through and set up Dean Carpenter who fired home. This appeared to be the death knell for the Stones as they went into their shell, and Carshalton again dominated play and should of had a forth when Phil Ruggles missed a sitter above all sitters !, Ismael Ehui ran to the by-line found Ruggles completely unmarked and with an open goal 6 yards out, he scuffed his shot badly and somehow the keeper got back to make the save. Carshalton continued to bomb forward, and soon enough the 4th goal came, yet another good run from Liam Collins found Phil Ruggles at the far post, this time he made no mistake and tapped the ball home. The was game over as far as the Stone's were concerned, they looked a beaten side and Carshalton took advantage. The goal of the game came within 4 minutes with a quite brilliant solo effort from Simon Cooper, he won the ball from the half-way line and ran at the home defence, they just backed off and gave him the space he wanted, and just on the 18 yard line slammed the ball past Keita Karamoko, he ran over to the Robins support and celebrated with us. Game over, and if we wanted to we could of got 1 or 2 more, but we took our foot of the pedal, and we let them pull one back, Stone's captain Chris O'Leary put a little respectability to the score and fired home to make it 5-2. But Carshalton saw the remainder of the game out rather comfortably, to gain an invaluable 3 points that pulled us out of the relegation zone and well and truly have the Stones looking over their shoulders. If we continue to perform like we did today we will be safe!. (Att 268)

Line-up: Barnard, Cooper, Gonsalves, York, Harwood, Standen (Ursell), Collins, Evans ,Side (Ruggles), Ehui (Henry), Carpenter.

Unused Subs: Watts, Johnson

Last Saturday I stated we faced the biggest game of the season. Seven days later and I’m saying exactly the same! Next week I will be repeating myself and will continue to do so until our Ryman Premier Division Status is assured.

It was certainly good to win last weekend. Although Leyton are clearly struggling, to beat any team at this level 4-1 away from home is a good result. Boosted by three new players, we started the game very brightly and were three goals ahead within the opening half an hour. I think it is fair to suggest our half time lead could have been doubled with a little more composure in front of goal and to be fair, two or three fine saves.

I was delighted with the contribution of the new players. Ismeal scored the best goal we have scored in weeks and bagged another, Charlie scored on his return and led the line very well while Liam Collins showed his experience as Conference South footballer.

On the subject of new players, the experience of Richard Barnard has been another positive since his arrival. At 28, Richard has a wealth of experience which has already proved beneficial to our young team. Hopefully, Aaron will be fit within a week or so, so having two very good goalkeepers in our last five games can only be advantageous.

Although we were naturally delighted to win, it’s important to be realistic. I believe we need another three victories to be absolutely certain of maintaining our status, so beating Leyton is literally just the first step forward. On Saturday, we will face far sterner opposition in Wealdstone in another game we need to win. Looking at the fixtures of the teams around Carshalton Athletic, I would anticipate three points will take us out of the relegation zone, so the stakes are high.

The team news is as follows:

Dwayne Plummer has been released and signed for East Thurrock. With new players arriving, someone had to make way and with Dwayne injured, we decided it was in his best interests to move on. He has signed for East Thurrock but is still troubled with a knee injury and is unable to play.

Tony Quinton will have his operation as soon as the season finishes.

Luke Simpson will also go under the knife early in May to recover from Gilmore’s Groin.

Barry Stevens torn stomach muscle has now made a full recovery but he is still struggling with a groin strain.

David Graves will serve the second of his two game suspension.

Aaron Howe is responding to treatment and rest but will not be available for selection for at least another seven to ten days.

Stuart Harte is also struggling to be fit enough to travel.

Dean Carpenter has recovered from a knee injury and is available for selection.

The ressies put in a woeful performance and lost last night to a hard working but ordinary Whyteleafe team after being out fought for most of the match. A pretty dull game for the football purists as the first half saw both sides squeeze up and leave little room to play. Reece Wilson had the only effort on goal with a good snap shot which the keeper saved. A scrappy encounter ended goalless at half time.

Whyteleafe defended well and it was no surprise to see them take the lead after the forward prodded home after a mix up in the Carshalton box. Carshalton had a good spell when Wilson was played in well and should have scored but hit his shot at the keeper from close in. The remainder of the half saw Whyteleafe very dangerous on the break and Carshalton struggling to get going. Whyteleafe scored a second after Carshalton failed to defend in the wide area and a Whyteleafe cross was superbly volleyed home late on to seal victory. Whyteleafe were one of the only sides this season to outbattle Carshalton and deserved their victory which helps in their fight against relegation and puts a massive dent in Carshalton's title ambitions. The only worthy note for Carshalton was the return of Jamie King on as a late sub after returning from his injury sustained last October. Team: Hall, Williams, Simeone, Campbell, Chaplin, Dell, Bridgeman, Wilson, Massey, Bridgeman, Banton Brown. Subs used: Qehaja, Gough, King, Unused: Popovich, Knight.

The 1st XI won 4-1 away to Leyton yesterday. New signing Ismeal Ehui scored 2 followed by Charlie Side and Phil Ruggles. Report by Alan Johnstone

Carshalton paid a visit to basement boys Leyton, in front of a very small crowd which seemed to be mostly made up by Robins supporters. Hayden gave our 3 new signings Ismail, Liam Collins, starting places and we welcomed back to the Robins Charlie Side who had returned from Margate. Liam Harwood was back and took the place of David Graves who was starting his two match suspension. Carshalton started well and took early control of the game. Our first chance fell to Ismail after only two minutes, a good pass from midfield split the home defence and sent him through but with the keeper closing him down he fired over the cross-bar. All three new signings were involved in our next chance, when Liam Collins set up Ismail, who then found Charlie Side, but the ball was just beyond his reach. Again we split the home defence when Ismail was played through, but this time the home keeper came out and tipped his shot over the bar. 18 minutes had gone by and Carshalton turned their dominance into goals, Dean Standen took advantage of a misplaced header from a Leyton defender, he ran on and fired goalbound, the keeper blocked his shot, the rebound fell to Ismail and he side-footed home. Within 5 minutes we had double our lead, and Ismail bagged his second , when he slammed home a half volley. Carshalton dominated the play and could of scored more, and with 15 minutes left of the half The Robins made it 3-0, James Evans spotted Charlie Side unmarked and slid a ball through and he finished to give the score a very one sided look. Leyton very rarely troubled the Robins defence their only real chance of note, came from a right-wing cross, but McCoy's header just flashed wide. James Evans had a good free-kick go just wide of the post just before half-time. But we went into the break with a comfortable lead.

We were forced into a change after Cooper had picked up a knock, Stuart Harte replaced him. Carshalton started the second half slowly, and we allowed Leyton to pull a goal back, Andrew Thomas got free from his marker, and fired goalbound, Richard Barnard did well to get down to it , but the rebound fell to the same player who side-footed it home into the unguarded net. This woke up the Robins, and we got back into the game, and made a change Rob Ursell was replaced by Michael Johnson. Chances were again coming our way. Liam Collins, who was having a good debut, found Charlie Side with a header, Charlie then ran on goal but dragged his shot wide. Phil Ruggles was our last sub and came on for the effective Ismail. Leyton nearly gave us a goal when Des Thomas mis-judged Michael Johnson cross and nearly turned it into his own net. But it wasn't long before we got our 4th goal of the game thus making the game safe. Liam Collins again was involved, when his cross found Phil Ruggles unmarked and he fired past the home keeper to give the score a comfortable look. Carshalton still had time to nearly get a 5th goal. Matt York was involved in our final chance when he set up Phil Ruggles who shot flew over the cross-bar. In the end though it was a comfortable win for the Robins. All three debutants had very good games, with Fulham loanee playing well by bagging a brace, but man of the match was new signing from Hayes Liam Collins who was involved with everything we created.

The reserves have to pick up maximum points in their games to keep up any possible title challenge and left it late today in a poor encounter to take all the points. Graham, Rayner, Wilson and Qehaja were in from the 1st team squad and Jamie King was amongst the subs for the first time since October as he looks to recover from a horrible injury last year. The reshuffled side couldn't convert a number of chances in the first half with the Harefield keeper doing very well. Graham and Banton Brown could both have had two goals apiece in the first half. Harefield never troubled Hall in the Carshalton goal as Carshalton couldn't get any flow to the game as it ended all square at the interval. The second half saw Carshalton have the majority of possession but still failing to create much. Martin Dell forced the keeper into a good save and a number of corners and free kicks were defended well by Harefield. The clock began to tick away but the sides mentality is to get the result. A Succession of corners and free kicks had to pay off at some stage and with eight minutes remaining, a knock down from Simeone fell kindly for Banton Brown and he tucked home to give Carshalton a deserved lead. The points were all that mattered today and although the performance was not up to the standard required, the team never looked under any real threat and Anthony Hall kept his umpteenth clean sheet of the season having a relatively quiet day. Team; Hall, Arnold, Williams, Simeone, Wilson, Rayner, Graham, Qehaja, Elgar, Banton Brown, Dell, Subs used; Knight, Hickman, Gough, Unused: King, Massey. Scorer Banton Brown.
The reserves entertain Whyteleafe on Monday 7.30pm. Reserve Team Management

The youth travelled to Cobham to play high flying Kingstonian on Thursday. With the win against AFC Wimbledon fresh in the minds the youngsters were
optimistic about the game, keeping the same starting 11 as last week. Playing some excellent football the youngsters took the game to Kingstonian and played some excellent football against the more direct style of their opponents.

Jeffrey Osei-Bonsu was pulled down following a strong run down the left and from the resulting free kick superbly delivered by Dane Harriott, Jack Whiteman headed the opening goal.This was no more than the youngsters deserved.Half time 0-1

The youngsters continued to look comfortable against the Kingstonian attacks in the second half but in a ten minute spell the shape of the team was affected by injuries to firstly Steve Newman and then to Rhys Turner.

The youngsters then gave 2 goals away by silly mistakes, firstly John Campbell who had had a sound game at the back thought a ball was going out but it was chased down by the Kingstonian forward who squared the ball for his collegue to level. Then John called for a ball lofted into the box which Luke Reeves left for him but John did not make contact and the ball fell to a Kingstonian forward who scored easily.

The youngsters poured forward looking to get an equaliser that they thoroughly deserved but the home side held on.A cruel result for the boys who played really well.

Team Adam Peck,Ahmed Olumfunmishee, John Campbell, Rhys Turner, Steve Newman, Arron Huie, Dane Harriot, Paul Gough, Gilberto Esagio, Jack Whiteman, Jeffrey Osei-Bansu. Subs used: Luke Reeves, Ziyaad Hussein, Mohammed Mohammed. Not used; Jamie Thoroughgood, Jeremy Osei-Bansu

Youth Team Management

Whether we should or shouldn’t be in this position, talk of injuries and suspensions are now irrelevant. Carshalton Athletic have six games to play and every game is a big game.

Although disappointed with the results over Easter, I thought the players applied themselves very well and gave us reasons for optimism. For sixty-five minutes, the team were excellent away to Billericay, only to see over an hour of hard work being completely ruined by twenty five minutes of panic. In simplest terms, if Carshalton Athletic perform as we did for sixty-five minutes on Good Friday in our remaining games, we will be a Ryman Premier Division Football Club next season. If we panic as we did in the last twenty five minutes, our position in this league will be in serious jeopardy.

On Easter Monday we entertained second placed AFC Wimbledon and undeservedly lost 0-2. With AFC Wimbledon scoring their second in the 90^th minute, I didn’t consider the final score to be a fair reflection of the game. AFC Wimbledon are a very good team with very experienced players. I thought our players gave a very good account of themselves in a very encouraging performance.

One obvious positive was the debut of Richard Barnard. Equally, Jason Henry continues to look dangerous on the right wing, while Lewes Gonsalves, James Evans, Phil Ruggles and the skipper performed to a very high level. Although we lost, the team spirit, desire and general application of the players could not be questioned. If the boys continue in the same vein, the league table will look very different in three to four weeks.

With the Transfer Deadline approaching, behind the scenes, I have been working hard to improve the squad. On the training ground, myself and Jeff are working hard to install good habits, better organisation and install confidence in the players that will be help us through the month ahead. Away from training, it’s been a standing joke that I am walking around with the phone glued to my ear trying to negotiate eleventh hour deals to improve the team!!

Three of those eleventh hour deals were completed today. I am delighted to welcome Ismeal Ehui, Liam Collins and Charlie Side to Colston Avenue.

Ismeal is a twenty one year old professional with Fulham. He is striker in the Ian Wright mould who will give us a more firepower in the opponents third of the field. Ishy is highly rated at Fulham and has recently been on loan at Scunthorpe. I would like to thank Les Reed for helping me complete this deal so quickly.

Liam Collins is a winger from Hayes & Yeading. It was always my intention to try to sign Liam in the Summer but I am delighted he has agreed to join us earlier. Liam is a player of Conference South quality and I am delighted he has signed for Carshalton Athletic in this vital period.

In Charlie Side, we have a player who requires no introduction. I was disappointed when Charlie left the Club in July, he was a favourite both on the terraces and in the Dressing Room. However, Charlie has a great affinity with the Club and his ripped up his Football Association Contract with Margate in order to return to Colston Avenue.

All three players are in the squad tomorrow. Despite Leyton’s recent form, we are taking nothing for granted. We have three points to fight for and the team have absolutely no room for complacency.

Aaron Howe (thigh strain), Tony Quinton (hip), Barry Stevens (torn stomach muscle), Dwayne Plummer (knee), Dean Carpenter (knee) and David Graves (who serves the first in a two game suspension).

Squad: Richard Barnard, Simon Cooper, Stuart Harte, Ryan Watts, Lewis Gonsalves, Liam Harwood, Matt York, Dean Standen, James Evans, Jason Henry, Liam Collins, Michael Johnson, Phil Ruggles, Robert Ursell, Charlie Side, Ismeal Ehui.

On a snowy afternoon at the Avenue, and in front of a bumper Easter Monday crowd. The Robins played host to 2nd placed AFC Wimbledon. Carshalton looked for a change of fortunes after Friday's disappointing loss. The Dons themselves were stung by Friday's surprise defeat to East Thurrock. Hayden made three changes from Friday's defeat. Aaron Howe who was injured was replaced in goal by new signing Richard Barnard, Liam Harwood was dropped as Lewis Gonsalves came back, and Dean Standen, was replaced by Jamie Evans.

The game didn't spring into action, until the 10th minute, when the Don's had the first chance of the game, A cross came in from the right and was headed goal-wards, but Lewis Gonsalves got back to head off the line. The Robins had a chance from Dean Carpenters cross, but the keeper got down to save Ruggles's efforts. Soon after AFC's Daniel Webb took advantage of poor marking from the Robins defence to be through on goal, but David Graves made a goal saving block to deny Webb. Michael Johnson found ex-Don Rob Ursell just in the edge of the D, he twisted two defenders but pulled his shot wide. Wimbledon were starting to assert them-selves to the game and the dangerous Steve Ferguson was starting to find space on the left side of our defence, and pulling Dean Carpenter out of position, got a shot on goal which was blocked by Barnard, the rebound fell to Robin Shroot but his effort was also saved by the Robins keeper. Halfway through the half the Don's took the lead, Carshalton were caught napping by a quickly taken free-kick, and Steve Ferguson found space and side-footed home. Carshalton were up against it, but AFC Wimbledon's defence were very rarely troubled. They had another chance when Webb then out stripped Dean Carpenter, but shot wide when well placed. Our only real chance of note came from James Evans corner which was headed on to Ursell but again he shot wide. Just before the break Carpenter was injured when he collided with the fence, so we had to shuffle our back four when Cooper replaced him.

Wimbledon started the second half stronger, and they had the first chance of the half when Hatton's corner found Robin Shroot, but he shot went wide of the post. AFC's Ferguson was still causing problems for us. and his cross found Alfie Potter but his shot was brilliantly blocked by Simon Cooper. Carshalton had a great chance to level the scores when we were awarded a free-kick just out-side the 18 yard area, after Gonzales was scythed down by AFC's Mark Beard. Michael Johnson took the kick, which the keeper dropped, but we weren't quick enough to take advantage. Carshalton were getting pushed back as AFC went for it, AFC's next chance came from a quick counter-attack from our corner, Alfie Potter broke out on the left, cut inside and shot from 20 yards out but it went over the bar. We made another change when Michael Johnson came off for Zak Graham, as we looked for more options up front. Zac Graham nearly levelled for the Robins when he was on the end of an Evans cross, but he headed wide when well placed. AFC nearly made it 2-0 on 75 minutes but Sroot's header was deflected onto the cross-bar by Matt Yorke. Afc were on the attack now and our defence had to be on top of their game's to keep the score down, both Graves and Gonsalves made goal saving blocks. The game was reaching its end and we threw on Plummer, and ended the game with 4 up front just to try and get something from the game. we had two scrambled efforts just before the end, but the ball just wouldn't cross the line. And as we bombed forward, AFC hit us on the break and made the game safe for themselves on 89 minutes. A quick break caught us out and the excellent Steve Ferguson scored his second and took the points back to Kingston, and it leaves the robins deep in relegation mire.

AFC Hornchurch 9-0 Leyton,
Chelmsford City 0-0 Heybridge Swifts,
East Thurrock United 2-4 Maidstone United,
Harlow Town 2-2 BillericayTown,
Hastings United 6-1 Folkestone Invicta,
Horsham 0-3 Tonbridge Angels,
Ramsgate 1-0 Margate,
Staines Town 2-0 Ashford Town (middx),
Wealdstone 1-1 Harrow Borough

The Youth entertained high flying AFC on Weds week and put in a great performance to win 1-0.

With 15 year old Jeffrey Osei-Bonsu making his debut up front the youngsters tried a more offensive format than of late. It certainly worked and the side created a number of chances in the opening 15 mins. Gerbert Esagio starting on the left of midfield had a good game and was a constant threat the AFC. Paul Gough returned to provide some experience to midfield and he has certainly gained confidence from playing in the reserves. As usual Adam Peck had a good game in goal saving from point blank range from an AFC forward. With 10 mins to go in the first half Rhys Turner headed in a corner from the right to score his first goal for the youth since coming up from the U16's.The youngsters went at half time 1-0 up.

The second half was a repeat of the first with the youngsters moving the ball around well and creating chances. John Campbell also fresh from the reserves steadied the back line.

Whilst the visitors huffed and puffed they could not break down the defence of the youngsters and they held out for a thoroughly deserved win. Lets hope this is a good omen for Easter Monday's game!

Team Adam Peck, Ahmed Olufunmishee, John Campbell, Steve Newman, Arron Huie, Dane Harriott, Paul Gough, Gilberto Esagio, Jack Whiteman, Jeffrey Osei-Bonsu, Rhys Turner, Subs used: Dan Drake. Not Used: Luke Reeves, Charlie Saunderscock, Jeremy Osei-Bonsu.

Youth Team Management

The Reserves game at Whyteleafe today was called off. Their next fixture will be next week, Saturday 29th March at home to Harefield United.

Boreham Wood 0v2 Horsham Attendance 142
Harrow Borough 0v2 AFC Hornchurch Attendance 184
Heybridge Swifts PvP Staines Town
Leyton 0v3 Ramsgate Attendance 63
Maidstone United 0v1 Chelmsford City Attendance 565
Margate 3v3 Wealdstone Attendance 310
Tonbridge Angels PvP Hendon

The Robins named an unchanged line-up from last weeks draw with Heybridge, as we visited 9th placed Billericay Town. Carshalton were playing against the near gale blowing across the pitch in the first half. Both sides started rather cautiously, and for the first 15 minutes or so, efforts on goal were very few and far between. The first real chance of the game fell to Carshalton's Jason Henry after Dean Carpenters run and cross, but he could only drag his shot over the bar. Carshalton were starting to look strong now as we started to get our passing game together, but without really creating problems for the home defence and keeper. The Robins goal came from a set-piece, Rob Ursell's right wing corner, was cleared to Michael Johnson, who gave the ball back to Rob who drove forward twisting and turning two defenders, he floated in a cross which found Phil Ruggles who fired home to put the Robins into the lead. Carshalton were playing well, having the more possession, and creating chances which we were unable to finish. We also had a succession of corners, but couldn't take advantage of them to extend our lead. Billericay's only real chance of note, came from the pacy 7 Woods-Garnes, who was just starting to make headway for Town on the right wing, his cross found Steve Heffer whose shot was cleared off the line by the Robins defence. The half came to an end with Carshalton having a deserved 1-0 lead, on the back of playing some great football which pinned the Town's defence back.

Town made a change at half-time and brought on Lee Hodges for Paul Shaves. The first effort of the half fell to Carshalton's Dean Carpenter, who won the ball in midfield and run on goal, the space opened up, but his shot went just wide. Billericay thought they had levelled the scores when Leon Hunter lifted the ball into the net only to see it chalked off for off-side. On 56 minutes Carshalton doubled their lead when Rob Ursell's corner was brilliantly headed home by the un-marked Liam Harwood, to give us a unassailable lead, or so we thought. Bradley Woods-Garnes was starting to cause us problems on the right wing, with his pace. Jason Henry and Rob Ursell both missed good chances for the Robins. The weather took a turn for the worst and a hail storm showered the pitch, and on 64 minutes Town pulled them-selves back into the game, lax defending from the Robins let Woods-Garnes cut in from the right and score past Howe. This was pivotal to the game as the Robins were rocked on their heels, within 10 minutes Billericay brought the scores level when more slack defending allowed Tommy Tejan-Se to fire home unmarked, Billericay now sensing they can go on and get a point or even a win from the game upped their effort., Carshalton lost Rob Ursell, when he picked up a knock, Dwayne Plummer coming back from his own injury problems replaced him. And soon after he nearly got his first league goal for Carshalton after Michael Johnson set-him up, but he shot into the keeper. The Robins had lost all their composure by now and it was no surprise that Town scored a third, again Woods-Garnes had ample room on the wing, his cross found Billy Bricknell completely un-marked and he slotted home to sent the home crowd wild on 85 mins, as again Carshalton managed to shoot them-selves in the foot. We had no answer, and just before full-time Billericay's Rikki Burbridge made it 4-2, to take away the 3 points. Carshalton were left to mull over a very poor last half-hour, which again had cost us valuable points. We now find our-selves 2nd from bottom with 2nd placed AFC Wimbledon who surprisingly lost at home to East Thurrock United, visiting the Rec on Monday. Att: 532

Carshalton Athletic Youth won last night at home to AFC Wimbledon by 1-0. Report to follow....

The Reserves kept up their title challenge with another power packed display winning at Beaconsfield last night 4-1. A Monday night trip to Beaconsfield is not the most attractive fixture, however the squad applied themselves superbly and were too strong for a hard working Beaconsfield team. Carshalton started well and were playing some quick flowing football creating plenty of chances. Paul Gouth opened the scoring bundling home from close range. Carshalton extended the lead after a great move saw them quickly open up the Beaconsfield defence and after good work from Banton Brown and a superb delivery from Reece Wilson, Paul Gouth burst into the box to tap home for his and Carshalton's second. Carshalton were playing some great stuff and the Beaconsfield keeper pulled off two superb saves from Anthony Bridgeman to keep Beaconsfield in the game. Beaconsfield got a lifeline after a mix up in the defence saw them reduce the arrears when the game should have been out of sight. The second half saw Carshalton make hard work of it. The only shock of the night was that Lance Banton Brown was felled in the box and from the spot Martin Dell missed for the first time this season. Still it wasn't long before the impressive Banton Brown added number three with a good finish. Another crisp finish from Banton Brown secured the fourth goal and sealed victory. A really good all round performance with Tony Chaplin filling in well at centre back and Jeremy Williams and Tony Arnold doing well at full back. The youth players Paul Gouth and John Campbell have grabbed their chance and both doing exceptionally well. Reece Wilson was outstanding in the opening 45 and his and Danny Elgars trickery were creating a number of chances. Lance Banton Brown proved a real handful again and has turned in a run of really solid performances. The Beaconsfield goalkeeper had a superb game saving a penalty and making some fantastic saves to keep the score respectable. Team; Hall, Williams, Chaplin, Campbell, Arnold, Wilson, Dell, Gouth, Elgar, Banton Brown, Bridgeman. Subs used; Hickman, Massey, Bradnick. Scorers Gouth2, Banton Brown 2.

As part of its commitment to developing football in the community, the Club has forged a link with Fulham FC to assist with the Government funded Kickz Programme which aims to engage young people in constructive activities, break down barriers, reduce anti-social behaviour and increase sporting opportunities for those taking part. The initiative is supported by the Metropolitan Police and 25 professional football clubs nationwide, including Fulham FC who have done much good work in neighbouring Merton. The Premiership club were delighted when several of the young players taking part in the Programme were invited to train with Carshalton Athletic’s Under-18 team and two of the players, Dane Harriot and Mohammed Mohammed, have subsequently signed for the Robins Youth team and are now playing regularly.

The photograph below (by Anthony Nash) shows (left to right) Soye Briggs (Fulham FC Community Partnership Manager), Kien Millington, David Tshibango, Wilfred Matouki, Jeremy Owusu-Annsah, Mohammed Mohammed, Jeffery Owusu-Annsah, Harry Driver (Chairman CAFC) and Mark Hudson (Youth Development Director, CAFC)

The youth including six 15 year olds in the squad played a very strong Leatherhead side away last Thursday, 13th March. The home side started very quickly and scored in the opening couple of minutes following a quickly taken corner. The youngsters were clearly slow to get going and could have been further behind but from some good goalkeeping from Adam Peck. The youngsters lost Joshua Perry early in the game to a knee injury. They went further behind following a well worked goal by the home side.

The youngsters dug deep to get back into the game and stem the attacks from the rampant home side. Half time 2-0

Some re-organising at half time saw a much better performance in the second half. The youngsters closed down much better and scored a great goal from 30 yards by 15 year old Dane Harriott. With the youngsters back in the game they pushed forward seeking an equaliser. Leatherhead continued to look dangerous and in the last 10 minutes made the game safe when they scored direct from a free kick from outside the box.

Well done to Leatherhead who were the better side and deserved to win and good luck to them in the championship race.

Team: Adam Peck, Joshua Perry, John Campbell, Rhys Turner, Ahmed Olufunmishee, Arron Huie, Jack Whiteman, Dane Harriott, Steve Knight, Ziyaad
Hussien, Osa Ombamwonyi. Subs used: Jamie Thoroughgood, Luke Reeves, Mohammed Mohammed. Not used: Charlie Saunderscock

Youth Team Management

The Robins had three new signings on their squad today. James Henry started on the right wing in place of Fontana, and on the bench was Wayne Wilson and Vigan Qehaja. Carshalton looked to avenge our 3-0 defeat that we received at Heybridge, in what was one of our worst performances of the season. Carshalton started brightly of the two sides. We had a great chance on 4 minutes when Michael Johnson set up Rob Ursell whose shot was cleared off the line, the rebound fell to Phil Ruggles but his first time shot was blocked by Ollie Morris-Saunders in the Swifts goal. We were looking dangerous as we looked to get an early grip on the game. Michael Johnson was instrumental on the left side and he nearly set up another Robins goal, his floating cross was just punched away by the keeper with James Henry on close attendance. James Henry was also having a good game on the right on mid-field and his pace was causing the Swifts left-back all sorts of problems. Heybridge had very little to offer up front and hardly made a chance for them-selves in the first -half. 25 minutes had gone by and Carshalton were very close to taking the lead. Rob Ursell's corner found Carpenter just inside the 18 yard box unmarked, he shot first time but was denied on the line by Gary Burrell. Carshalton continued to take the game to our visitors, and had plenty of opportunities to get the goal they deserved. Another right hand side corner caused problems for the Swifts defence, the ball fell to Dean Standen but he fired well over the bar when well placed. The Swifts only real meaningful chance came just before half time when the Robins defence didn't pick up Gary Burrell but his shot was deflected for a corner, from the corner we hit Heybridge on the break, Stuart Hart, won the ball and pushed forward ,his cross found Rob Ursell in space but he dragged his shot wide of the post. So both sides went in level at the break but Carshalton had enough chances to go into the break in the lead.

As the rain started to fall, Carshalton came out with the same purpose they had in the first and quickly pushed Heybridge back in defence. Michael Johnson broke free on the left and his inch perfect cross just eluded Phil Ruggles, the keeper gathered up and cleared his line. Swifts had a good chance as they broke free on the right, but The Robins defence did well to defend their lines and the attack was competently delt with. The match pace slowed down as Carshalton seemed to be running out of ideas. Heybridge were not good enough to create any meaningful chances on goal. Just on the hour Carshalton made a double change, Wayne Wilson and Virgil Qehaja came on for Rob Ursell and Dean Standen, as we looked to freshen things up. Chances were becoming few and far between by now, Aaron Howe was hardly troubled in the Robins goal as was Ollie Morris- Saunders in the Swifts goal. Michael Johnson again found space on the left of mid-field, his cross found Qehaja but his effort was deflected over for a Robins corner, but nothing came of the corner. We used our last sub and brought on Ben Rayner for Phil Ruggles who seemed to pick up a knock. Just as the game was heading for a 0-0 draw Carshalton took the lead on 82 minutes. Great team play involving Matt York and James Henry, the ball found its way to Ben Rayner whose first time shot nestled into the corner of the net to give the Robins the lead, it was his first touch after just coming on 30 seconds before. But the Robins joy was short lived when 3 minutes later Heybridge were given a life-line, Liam Harwood was adjudged to of handled the ball in the Robins penalty area, so the ref gave the penalty. Up stepped Stafford Browne to tuck the penalty home past Arron Howe's left. The ref brought the game to a close and we shared the points, Carshalton had enough chances win the match. but as other results went against us we slipped to 3rd from bottom in the league table. (Attendance 198)

CAFC Lineup: Howe, Harte, Carpenter, Graves, Harwood, York, Henry, Standen(Wilson), Ruggles(Rayner), Ursell(Qehaja), Johnson, Not used: Cooper, Hall

Our U16's were asked to play a friendly match against a Swedish team, Limhamn Bunkeflo 2007. The match was played at the back of the stadium Wrythe Rec KO 10 am this morning. Carshalton won 3-1. Our visitors then came to watch the First team game and will now go on to play Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and West Brom U16's during their tour in the UK. Carshalton hope they enjoy their visit to the UK.

The Youth Team were away to table toppers, Leatherhead last night. Unfortunately Leatherhead continued to march on towards the title with a 3-1 win over the Robins.

The 1st XI's match away to Ashford Town Middlesex last night was cancelled due to the poor weather this week. The match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 15th April, KO 7.45pm.

The Club is again offering cheap admission for under 17s this coming Saturday for the game against Heybridge Swifts as it repeats its “Kids for a Quid” offer. Boys and girls 16 or under accompanied by an adult and with a voucher will be allowed in for only Ł1.

The 1st XI are away to Ashford Town (Middx) tonight. There is a pitch inspection at 3.30pm today. Check with the club before travelling, 0208 6428658 or check out message board CAFC = http://forums.footballwebpages.co.uk/forum.jsp?id=27

The Youth Team travelled to Sevenoaks to play Crockenhill FC in the Quarter final of the Kent Youth Cup last week Thursday 6th March. It was an excellent opportunity to progress in the competition but this was not to be. The youngsters struck the woodwork 4 times in the opening 15 minutes and look set to enjoy the game.

Unfortunately for all their possession the only had a good goal from the lively Ziyaad Hussien to show for their first half performance Half time 0-1

Instead of going on to comfortably progress to the next round the youngsters spurned chances in the second half and became frustrated with themselves. Crockenhill battled away and with six minutes to go following a mix up between John Campbell and Rhys Turner which allowed a cross to be put away by the Crockenhill forward. The game then went into extra time and during this period both Gilberto Esagio and Osa Obamwonyi were sent off despite this the youngsters were unlucky not to score the winner.

During the penalty shootout unfortunately Arron Huie missed to give Crockenhill the tie 5-4 on penalties.

Team: Adam Peck, John Campbell, Ryhys Turner, Joshua Perry, Steve Newman, Ziyaad Hussein, Dane Harriott, Jamie Thoroughgood, Jack Whiteman, Arron Huie, Osa Obamwonyi. Subs Used: Gilberto Esagio, Mohammed Mohammed, Ahmed Olufunmishee.

Youth Team Management

The Robins paid a heavy price for another poor home performance, exchanging places with fellow strugglers Folkestone and slipping into the bottom four. The absence of three outstanding defenders, the suspended Harwood and the injured Carpenter and Gonsalves forced Hayden Bird to reshuffle his back four, but the experiment of switching midfielder Stuart Harte into central defence misfired badly as the Robins found themselves two goals down in only sixteen minutes. The Robins were the first to have the ball in the net , but Fontana’s effort was disallowed for an earlier offence, and Invicta took full advantage of the strong wind and defensive uncertainty to take the lead on five minutes when Lloyd Blackman seized onto a poor defensive header to blast his shot past goalkeeper Howe and off the cross-bar from just inside the area. Invicta’s Corbett missed the chance to put his side two goals to the good when he failed narrowly to make contact with a fierce cross from the right, but the reprieve proved to be temporary when Blackman picked up his second, this time getting the better of Cooper on the opposite flank with the Carshalton defence pulled out of position before scoring with a low shot. Midfield signing Dean Standen was sent on for his Robins debut to replace the unfortunate Harte with the versatile Matt York switching to the centre of the defence to play alongside Graves, but the damage had been done and it was clear that the Robins would have to step up their game to have any chance of any joy from the game. The nearest the Robins came to a goal in the first half was an effort by Michael Johnson who cut in from the left. Johnson’s shot beat Invicta keeper Mitten, but unlike Invicta’s effort it hit the bar and bounced over. Folkestone produced some rugged defending and full back Watson finally received his overdue caution for one too many fouls on Johnson. Goalkeeper Mitten was also fortunate when he kicked out at Johnson just inside the area, but after speaking to his assistant the referee was happy to let play continue.

Folkestone should have put the result beyond doubt early in the second half, but Ben Sly put the ball wide of the far post when allowed an unchallenged header from a corner. The Robins were enjoying a greater share of possession and were back in the game when Fontana’s low cross from the right found Dean Standen on the edge of the six yard box and the man from Margate slipped the ball under statuesque Mitten for a simple goal. Carshalton threw caution to the wind and pushed forward in search of the equaliser and were almost made to play when a quick break gave Blackman the chance to cut in from the right. His shot across the face of the goal had Howe beaten, but he was denied his hat-trick when the shot hit the foot of the far post before going out for a goal kick. Reece Wilson came on for Simon Cooper, leaving three for Carshalton at the back and further chances were inevitable, but fortune had taken a day off when York’s firm header from an Evans corner clipped the top of the cross-bar. Samuel Kola was doing well for Folkestone as they dug in at the back and did all they could to break up play and frustrate Carshalton. For all their hard work, the Robins only real chance came in the final minutes when Fontana delivered another low cross from the right. The ball beat keeper Mitten and his defenders, but Johnson at full stretch failed by the narrowest margin to make contact and put he ball in at the far post. With a series of tricky games ahead, the Robins will have to reproduce their form of January to preserve their Premier Division status, but with key players injured or departed, on current form this will be no easy task.

The ressies great league form carried on at Eastleigh yesterday. The reserves have only had one league defeat since October last year and keep up this years title challenge with another strong performance. Carshalton fell behind midway through the 1st half after being caught on the break. Carshalton missed a couple of good opportunities before the dynamic duo of Banton Brown and Dell culminated in an equalizer. Lance Banton Browns pace saw him hacked down in the box and Martin Dell stepped up to tap home the pen. Moments later it was the same scenario, a good flick from the strong Qehaja sending Banton Brown away and as he raced into the box he was hauled down. Martin Dell stepped up and crisply shot home to give Carshalton the lead. Carshalton retained the ball well with the impressive Qehaja and Banton Brown proving far too strong for the Eastleigh defence. The second half saw a poor opening ten minutes as Eastleigh looked to get back in the game. Carshalton got their game going again and looked too strong all over the park and kept the ball well playing some neat football on a superb surface. Carshalton wrapped the game up after Lance Banton Brown tucked home from close range after good work from Qehaja. Eastleigh looked beaten and Carshalton comfortably saw the game out with youth players John Campbell and Paul Gouth impressing in their roles. Antonio Simeone organised his defence superbly again yesterday and the team spirit and overall squad performance was very pleasing as Carshalton deservedly came home with all the points.

Team: Hall, Jelley, Campbell, Simeone, Arnold, Bridgeman, Dell, Chaplin, Elgar, Qehaja, Banton Brown. Subs Used, Massey, Hickman, Gough. Unused: Knight. Scorers Dell2, Banton Brown.

The 1st team lost today 2-1. Folkestone scored after 5 minutes and 19 minutes, both from Lloyd Blackman but the Robins rallied getting a goal back after 67 minutes from new signing Dean Standen but couldn't find the equaliser. (att 242). Report to follow....