Wingate & Finchley's winning run of four wins in all competitions came to an end on Saturday, as a last gasp goal saw Dulwich Hamlet take a 2-1 win to break Blues' hearts in front of nearly 3,000 fans at Champion Hill. Tuesday night provides a chance to bounce back from Saturday's late disappointment, and also to put things right from the earlier clash against the Robins in August, where we lost 3-2 in South London.
Our Opponents
In their recent history, Carshalton Athletic reached the National League South in the mid 2000s but were relegated after a short two season 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 then receiving a reprieve from relegation in 2012/13. Their extended stay at this level was short-lived as they were relegated the following season, taking their place 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 in 2017/18 to return to the Isthmian Premier League. Since then, the Robins 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.
Last season, Carshalton continued the pattern of recent seasons, with another solid mid-table finish, finishing 12th place with 61 points, 15 points behind the final playoff spot but 22 points ahead of the relegation zone. Carshalton made an excellent start to the season last year, and were in the top three in October, only to suffer a difficult period which saw the Robins drop into the bottom half in November. A strong start to 2024 saw Carshalton occupy a playoff spot briefly in March, before the Robins fell away to ultimately finish back in mid-table.
So far this season, Carshalton have made a good start, currently sat in 10th place with 16 points from their 11 matches so far this season (W4 D4 L3). As well as this, the Robins reached the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round, beating Haywards Heath, South Park and Melksham Town before succumbing 4-0 at the hands of National League South side Boreham Wood.
Head to Head
Our trip to Carshalton earlier in the season was a thriller, Dominic Vose gave the Robins a two-goal lead in the first half before goals from Luke Deslandes and Ben Frempah saw us draw level around the hour mark. Within five minutes, the Robins were back ahead through Paris Hamilton-Downes and managed to hold on for the final 25 minutes to see out the victory. Last season, our home game against Carshalton had many positive memories as it was the clash that confirmed our place in the playoffs, on the final day of the season. Two goals from Elliot Long and one for Anointed Chukwu saw us to a three goal victory back in April.
Last Time Out
On Saturday, Carshalton secured a 2-1 win over Folkestone Invicta, coming from behind to win thanks to goals from Mason Saunders-Henry and debutant David Smith against his former club. Prior to that, the Robins were in Surrey Cup action against Epsom & Ewell, winning 2-1 in that game too thanks to a brace from Kwaku Frimpong.
Players To Watch
David Smith is Carshalton's latest forward addition, signed from Cray Wanderers. Smith has already scored against the Blues at the Maurice Rebak Stadium this season, netting the goal which knocked us out of the FA Cup for Cray Wanderers in the 2nd Qualifying Round replay, and he made a goalscoring start to his Carshalton career on Saturday against Folkestone.
Defender Luke Read was named Carshalton's player of the year last season and has stayed at Colston Avenue for the 2024/25 season, continuing to be a regular in the side. The Robins have conceded just 11 goals in their 11 league games this season so far, making their defence the second best in the league behind only second placed Billericay.
For the Blues, it is hard to look past striker Ogo Obi, the Blues' number 9 has scored 14 goals in 17 games in all competitions this season so far, including a rocket against Dulwich Hamlet at the weekend, and a hat-trick in our 6-1 win over Hendon a fortnight ago. Meanwhile on the left side of defence, Loic Hernandez played another 90 minutes on Saturday, as the ex-Barnet man looks to cement his place in the Blues backline.
Tickets are available online or on the gate. Our bar and hot food stand will be open this evening and cash and card are accepted throughout the Maurice Rebak Stadium - we look forward to welcoming you to N12! For those unable to make it, we will have radio coverage this evening, keep an eye on our social channels for the link.
Photos courtesy of Martin Addison.
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