Here it is, the final game of the season and a crucial one in shaping the ultimate outcome of what has been an excellent 2023/24 season for the Blues. After Tuesday night's results elsewhere, by our reckoning, the final day equation is as follows:
Chatham Town and Enfield Town have already secured playoff places, meaning there are two places up for grabs between ourselves, Horsham and Billericay.
If we win or draw on Saturday, regardless of the outcome of other fixtures, we will secure a playoff spot.
If we lose on Saturday, we can still secure a playoff spot but will be relying on either Horsham to lose by a greater margin than we do (away at Concord Rangers) or Billericay to fail to win (at home to Margate)
Our Opponents
Carshalton Athletic reached National League South in the mid 2000s but were relegated after a short stay in the 6th tier. Upon their return to the Isthmian Premier League, the Robins had mixed fortunes; reaching the playoff final in 2008/09 but also receiving a reprieve from relegation in 2012/13. Their extended stay at this level was short-lived as they were ultimately relegated the following season which saw them end up in the Isthmian South division in 2014/15. In their 4th season at that level, Carshalton were crowned champions, securing the title in style with a 7-0 win on the final day. Since then, Carshalton have performed well in their latest spell at this level, finishing 2nd in their first season back, losing to Merstham in the playoffs before two solid mid-table seasons in 2021/22 and 2022/23.
This season, Carshalton currently occupy 9th place, and can finish anywhere from 8th to 12th depending on results on the final day, meaning a 3rd consecutive midtable finish this season. In the early stages of the season, Carshalton were one of the quickest out of the blocks, including the opening day 5-0 humbling of Potters Bar, meaning that they were in the playoff places until early November. Since dropping out of the top five, the Robins have consistently remained in the chasing pack, with a playoff place remaining achievable until only a couple of weeks ago.
Did you know?
Ex-England manager Roy Hodgson counted Carshalton Athletic amongst his clubs during his playing career. He ended his career at the Robins while working as a teacher before making the move into football coaching with Swedish side Halmstad in 1976.
Head To Head
The away fixture against Carshalton in November was a 3-2 thriller, with the Blues taking all three points. Anointed Chukwu and Elliot Long gave the Blues a two-goal lead either side of the interval before Oluwabunmi Babajide halved the deficit. Elliot Long reinstated our two-goal lead before Matt Everitt's goal for the Robins ensured a nervy last quarter of an hour in South London. Last season at the Maurice Rebak Stadium we were 3-0 victors thanks to an own goal and an Antonis Vasiliou brace.
Last Time Out
In the month of April, Carshalton have had a mixed set of results; they started the month with a 3-0 win over local neighbours Dulwich Hamlet in front of a bumper 1,000+ crowd, however they have not secured a win in their last three matches; losing 1-0 at Whitehawk, drawing 3-3 with Bognor Regis and losing 2-1 to Billericay.
For the Blues, Saturday's defeat in Margate was our first in over a month, and the Blues will be looking to bounce back as we have seen them do so many times this season. Hear more about Ahmet's thoughts on the season below:
Players To Watch
Carshalton have already named their award winners this season, which seems a good place to start! Lexus Beeden was awarded best newcomer and manager's player of the season while Luke Read got player of the season. Read spent a sole season at Merstham before returning to Carshalton this season, chipping in with eight goals. Read was also winner of a couple of awards last season in his sole season with Merstham. Meanwhile fellow defender Lexus Beeden has played 45 times for the Robins this season in all competitions, having signed from Sevenoaks Town in the summer. Clearly Carshalton have a couple of masters in the art of defending and the Blues will need to be at their best to break down the Robins on Saturday.
For Wingate & Finchley, our awards evening will follow the conclusion of the match at 6.30pm. All Blues supporters are welcome to join as we look to round up what has been an excellent season, with countless great performances throughout the year from across the pitch.
Adult tickets can be purchased in advance here or on the gate on the day, while concession tickets can be purchased on the gate with valid ID and all under 18s go FREE. For our final match of the season we are offering an early bird deal where entries before 2.30pm can get a ticket and a pint at the bar for £15 (concessions £10). Normal prices (£12 adults / £8 concessions will be charged for entries after 2.30pm). Cash and card is accepted throughout the Maurice Rebak Stadium.
Photos courtesy of Martin Addison.
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