Pre-season continues at Colston Avenue as Carshalton Athletic hammered Burgess Hill Town last Saturday, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

There were five different scorers as the Robins won 6-1 against their visitors from West Sussex, a result that gave the club a first friendly win at the third attempt.

But, while the result will be a confidence booster, player/manager Peter Adeniyi was happier with the performance as he continues to hone his squad.

“That was the best we’ve played since the friendlies have started but there’s still work to do,” said Adeniyi after the match.

“We wanted to put out a strong line-up and the boys listened to what we wanted from them.

“But we still have some familiar faces to return while looking at a few who are looking to join. Competition for places breeds excitement and I feel the club is in a strong position at the moment.”

Carshalton rushed into a 3-0 lead on Saturday as a sixth minute strike by Ryan Gondoh was sandwiched between two goals by Jerry Amoo.

Skipper Paris Hamilton-Downes and striker Raheem Sterling-Parker also added to the scoreline to give the Robins a healthy lead by half-time.

Town pulled a goal back on 80 minutes but substitute Jordan Cheadle had the last word as he fired in a 20 yard rocket before the final whistle.

“We are getting closer to the squad we want come the start of the season, but we want to give newcomers a chance to impress,” added Adeniyi.

“Some of the newer faces have improved over the past three games as they’ve become more comfortable in our environment.

“I’m sure we will have some news concerning new signings before the start of the new season.”

The home fans were happy to see Sterling-Parker back on the score sheet as the forward continues his rehabilitation from a long-term injury that has kept him out since last November.

“It feels great to be back out on the field and I’ll improve with the more games I play,” he said.

“If tough because I haven’t played with this intensity for months but I can feel myself getting fitter.

“I’ve actually enjoyed the running we’ve been doing in training recently, it’s been very beneficial. I hope I can get myself back into contention and scoring goals once the season starts.”

Carshalton went 2-0 up against a Charlton Athletic XI on Monday evening via Ricky Korboa and a penalty by Gondoh, but the visitors scored twice at the death to earn a draw.

The Robins have three more friendlies and all of them are at home:

Dulwich Hamlet (Monday 29^th July)

Brighton and Hove Albion (Tuesday 30^th July)

Malden and Tiptree (Saturday 3^rd August)

Carshalton Athletic have pulled off arguably their biggest signing in years ahead of the start of the new Bostik Premier season in August, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

Player/manager Peter Adeniyi has penned a three-year deal to remain as first-team manager of the Robins, while also taking on new responsibilities at Colston Avenue.

Peter Adeniyi and Paul Dipre (pic credit: Chris Bushe)

The 39-year old will also head up the club’s youth academy for 16 to 18-year olds and help oversee the squads at both under 19 and under 23 levels.

And he is relishing the tasks ahead as the club prepare for the start of the new season.

“I was delighted to sign off on this long-term opportunity,” said Adeniyi who is entering his fourth season at the club.

“It was an easy decision as everyone has been amazing since I came here, from my colleagues to the backroom staff and especially the fans who have supported us throughout all the ups and downs.

“It’s a big compliment for the club to commit to me for three years and I’m going to do my best to help it get as high up the footballing ladder as possible.”

Carshalton’s successful youth academy, which has provided the first-team with several established graduates over the past eight years, was rebranded as the ‘Carshalton Athletic Pure Football Academy’ earlier this summer.

Its aim is to continue to nurture homegrown talent with a view of promoting players into the first-team, or even further as in the case of ex-Robin Mickel Miller who signed for Scottish Premier outfit Hamilton Academical over a year ago.

“I’ll take all my new responsibilities in stride but it’s really exciting,” Adeniyi added.

“The chairman and myself are keen to keep the young players coming through to the first-team and even beyond if they are good enough.

“If we can find more like Mickel, Tommy Bradford, Ricky Korboa, Bobby Price and Paris Hamilton-Downes then it’ll make all the hard work extra worthwhile.”

Adeniyi has been in charge of Carshalton’s first-team for three seasons and has led the club to a Bostik South title and a second-place finish in the Premier last season.

And club chairman Paul Dipre revealed there was no doubt his current manager was the man to deliver the club’s ambitions.

“Working with Peter over the past three years has been a pleasure. We share the same values, work ethic and we’ve had a lot of laughs along the way,” said chairman Paul Dipre.

“This commitment represents the trust and faith I have in his ability to achieve my aims both on and off the pitch.”

The last set of trials for the Pure Football Academy take place on 5th July – for more information please click here.

And Carshalton Athletic’s first pre-season friendly is now less than a month away as Tooting and Mitcham United visit Colston Avenue on Saturday 13th July (kick-off-3pm).

Carshalton Athletic scooped major honours last weekend as the Isthmian League hosted its annual ‘end of season’ ceremony, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

At the event, held down by the seaside in Brighton, the Robins were revealed as ‘Bostik Premier Team of the Season’ and they also won the league’s ‘Respect Award’.

Korboa in ‘team of the year’ (pic credit: Chris Bushe)

Midfielder Ricky Korboa, who finished the season with 15 goals, also made the ‘Bostik Premier Best Eleven’ which was voted for by the managers of each club in the division.

Broadcaster and former Eastenders star Tom Watt handed over the main award on the night to Robins matchday secretary Christian Kemble, citing the club’s second-place finish following promotion and the impressive run to the FA Trophy third round proper as reasons for the accolade.

And the ‘respect award’ is earned by the club with the cleanest disciplinary record from across the season, taking into account any incidents of misconduct on and off the pitch.

“I’d like to say a huge well done to the management team and players,” commented Carshalton chairman Paul Dipre.

“I’m proud of everything although the respect award means a lot to me. It shows how this club continues to progress in the right direction.”

Korboa was “happy to be named in the team of the year” and has recently agreed to remain at Carshalton for the 2019/20 season.

Carshalton Athletic’s first upcoming pre-season friendly is at Colston Avenue on Saturday 13th July against Tooting and Mitcham United (kick-off TBC).

Carshalton Athletic have made a statement of intent by securing a vital player for next season’s assault on the Bostik Premier League, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

Striker Harry Ottaway arrived at Colston Avenue last Christmas with the club sitting lower mid-table and going through a bad patch of results.

CAFC sign Harry Ottaway (pic credit: Chris Bushe)

But, by contributing eight goals and 12 assists after the New Year, he was a major catalyst in helping the club eventually finish second in the league.

And the decision to remain as a Robin seemingly wasn’t a tough one for Ottaway to make.

“I was made to feel very welcome here when I joined and I felt even more at home once I gave something back with my first goal against Haringey,” Ottaway said upon signing last week.

CAFC have signed the impressive Harry Ottaway for next season

“This is a great club. I had two good chats with Paul Dipre (chairman) and we got to know each other well, which is nice because normally a player would only speak to the manager.

“And I can’t wait to play for Peter (Adeniyi) again too, we are old friends and he’s doing a fantastic job here.”

Even though Ottaway firmly installed himself as a fans’ favourite during his short spell last season, the man himself feels he has more to give as Carshalton look to build on that positive second-place finish.

“I haven’t been fully fit for a long time but I felt good by the end of last season,” the 30-year old explained.

“I’m hoping a rest, then a good pre-season with consistent training will mean the fans will see more from me.

“If everyone else is like me then they’ll already feel excited to crack on. To come second after climbing nicely out of mid-table was good but this group now has experience of the division and I think we’ll be challenging up there next season.”

Ottaway is one of four children and he believes the values instilled in him by his parents has helped shaped the kind of footballer he is today.

“I’ve been taught to be a team player from an early age,” he smiled, “and as I got older I realised the benefits of that on a football pitch.

“I hope I can further repay the faith shown in me by Paul, Peter and the fans.”

There was also more good news out of Colston Avenue recently as defender Bobby Price also committed himself to the cause next season.

The 23-year old, a product of the club’s youth system, finished his seventh senior season as a Robin with three goals and eight assists while also captaining the team on several occasions.

“I wanted to stay here and I want us to push on and try to win the league next season,” said Price.

He joins fellow academy graduates Ricky Korboa and Tommy Bradford as contracted players for the new campaign ahead.

* Carshalton Athletic have announced their pre-season friendly schedule beginning in July. All games will be played at Colston Avenue: Tooting & Mitcham Utd (Saturday 15th), Cray Valley (Monday 17th), Burgess Hill Town (Saturday 20th), Charlton Athletic (Monday 22nd), Dulwich Hamlet (Monday 29th), Brighton & Hove Albion (Tuesday 30th), Maldon & Tiptree (Saturday 3rd August).

Carshalton will aim to go ‘one better‘ next season as the club has already begun planning for the future, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

The Robins came in second upon their return to the Bostik Premier after a five-year absence, plus the club went on to reach the last 16 of the FA Trophy before bowing out in a replay against Conference National outfit Barnet.

Ricky Korboa in action (pic credit: Chris Bushe)

And, although they lost a play-off semi-final against Merstham earlier this month, the optimism among the supporters was further buoyed this week as forwards Tommy Bradford and Ricky Korboa committed to the cause next season.

“I’m so proud of what we all achieved and we haven’t left ourselves room for much improvement,” said player/manager Peter Adeniyi.

“But the hard work for myself, the chairman and the management team will start sooner rather than later.

“We are all on the same page. We want to go one better than how we finished last season and that’ll be the aim.”

Bradford, who made his first-team debut aged 17, ended the season with 10 goals including a fantastic free kick away at Worthing which was his 100th club goal in Carshalton red.

“This is a great place to be and everything is in place for us to challenge for the league title next season,” commented the 24-year old after putting pen to paper.

Korboa was Carshalton’s top goalscorer with 15 goals and he went on to scoop a sackful of trophies at the club’s end-of-season awards.

He won five of the seven awards on the day, including ‘goal of the season’, ‘players’ player’ and ‘fans player’, with forward Harry Ottaway and the versatile Jacob Mendy scooped the remaining two.

“I was humbled and grateful for all the awards, it was the last thing I expected,” Korboa said after the event.

“Missing out on promotion wasn’t the end of the season we wanted for ourselves and the fans, but what we did achieve was great. Let’s hope we can go one better next season.”

Carshalton Athletic can reflect on the past season proudly despite suffering defeat in the play-offs last week, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

The Robins’ first season back in the Bostik Premier League after five years away ended with the club finishing in second place, plus they reached the last 16 of the FA Trophy and took National Conference club Barnet to a replay.

Carshalton welcomed fifth-placed Merstham for a play-off semi-final last Thursday but the Moatsiders completed a hat-trick of victories over their hosts this season by winning 2-1 via a late strike by Kershaney Samuels.

Peter Adeniyi scoring (pic credit: Chris Bushe)

But player/manager Peter Adeniyi, whom scored his side’s goal in that game, believes once the dust has settled everyone associated with the club should be able to walk tall.

“Firstly, I want to thank everyone within the club including the chairman, my management and coaching team, everyone behind the scenes and the players for all their efforts,” said Adeniyi after the game.

“It’s been a fantastic season in which everyone on the pitch gave everything. I’m extremely proud of what they’ve achieved.

“And the fans’ support both home and away has been amazing, even when we went through some bad spells. We didn’t want to disappoint them tonight but we’ll re-group over the summer and look ahead to next season.”

There was a rainbow over Colston Avenue before kick-off but it was Merstham that struck gold after just two minutes – top scorer Walter Figueira capitalised on a poor back pass to drill home his 19th of the season.

But Carshalton were only behind for 15 minutes as Adeniyi met Bobby Price’s low centre before guiding it first-time across goal and inside the far post.

“It was always going to be a tight affair and neither team really dominated. We created the better chances after equalising but, after half-time, perhaps people didn’t want to make mistakes,” Adeniyi lamented.

“The game came down to just a few moments and, unfortunately for us, Merstham got two goals to our one.”

The decisive moment came when Samuels tried his luck from 20 yards and the ball went in via the glove of keeper Billy Bishop whom saw it late through a crowd of players.

And then the dismissal of striker Omar Koroma for a second yellow card compounded Carshalton’s misery on the night.

“That was another moment that went against us. Maybe if we’d had 11 on the pitch right until the end things might’ve been different but I wish Merstham all the best in the final,” added Adeniyi.

“I know the boys are disappointed, and they should be as it’s part and parcel of the game, but no-one would’ve expected us to finish second in the league. We know what we are capable of and I want them to feel proud and be ready to push on after our break.”

Carshalton Athletic have already announced ‘early bird’ season ticket prices for the 2019/20 season – tickets are just £130 for adults, £90 for seniors (over 65) and £30 for juniors until 17th May. There are also special ‘pay as you go’ tickets but there only 200 available. More details: www.carshaltonathletic.co.uk

Carshalton Athletic rounded off an impressive return to the Bostik Premier League last weekend while ensuring more excitement for their fans to come, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

The Robins, who returned to the division as Bostik South champions after a five-year exile, finished in second-place on a last day full of twists and turns.

‘Battle of Play-Off Hopefuls’ (pic credit: Chris Bushe)

Carshalton won a ‘Battle of Play-Off Hopefuls’ by beating visiting Bishop’s Stortford 2-1 and other results went their way to ensure that top two finish.

And, ahead of a play-off semi-final against Merstham, whom took the last spot away from Stortford by beating Worthing 4-2 and moving into fifth, Carshalton captain Paris Hamilton-Downes reflected on a last day full of drama.

“We didn’t speak about ifs and maybes before the game, we just focused on going to win it,” said Hamilton-Downes.

“But, including the other results going our way, the overall day was amazing. To finish second is an fantastic achievement considering we were lower mid-table in January.

“And now we have the play-offs to come which will give us a chance to make this season even more memorable.”

Both sides knew victory on Saturday would guarantee involvement in this season’s play-offs but Carshalton striker Harry Ottaway calmed any early nerves by tucking in a second minute goal.

And top scorer Ricky Korboa doubled that lead on 24 minutes as his drove his 15th goal of the season inside the top right-hand corner.

But, following a corner kick shortly afterwards, Stortford defender Sam Robbins bundled in from close range to reduce the arrears before the break.

“We felt, after going two-up, that we could push on and maybe score a few more in the first-half,” lamented Hamilton-Downes, “but we gave away a bit of a cheap goal and put us on the back foot for periods after the break.”

Carshalton were grateful to goalkeeper Billy Bishop for making a superb double save to deny Stortford’s ex-professional striker Jamie Cureton on 68 minutes.

Ricky Korboa scoring (pic credit: Chris Bushe)

But the Robins were also guilty of missing chances to extend their lead before the final whistle eventually sparked ecstatic celebrations among the home fans.

Carshalton have now won nine straight home league matches since a defeat back in January by, oddly enough, Thursday night’s opposition Merstham.

The Moatsiders have beaten Carshalton twice already this season and each time with only 10 men after suffering red cards within the first 30 minutes of each game.

“It’s funny because Kalvin (Morath-Gibbs) said to me if we did finish second then of course we’d get Merstham,” Hamilton-Downes smiled.

“But we won’t think about the past. We are at home where we feel comfortable and I know we can give anyone a good game.

“We’ve got a few days to recover and we’ll have a good training session early in the week. We’ll be ready for this one.”

Carshalton Athletic vs Merstham in the Bostik Premier play-off semi-final at Colston Avenue is on Thursday 2nd May (kick-off 7.45pm).

Carshalton Athletic enjoyed a mixed Bank Holiday weekend as their play-off aspirations now go down to the last game of the season, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

The Robins remained third in the Bostik Premier on Good Friday as Ricky Korboa scored twice in a 2-0 victory against relegation-threatened Burgess Hill Town at Colston Avenue.

Kalvin Morath-Gibbs in action (pic credit: Chris Bushe)

But a crunch match at play-off rivals Tonbridge Angels ended in rare defeat as the home side won 1-0 and the two clubs swapped places in the league.

Seven clubs can now mathematically make the four play-off spots and fourth-placed Carshalton have to play in-form Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday, but victory against their fifth-placed opponents will secure the Robins a coveted top five finish.

“The game (at Tonbridge) wasn’t the best and 0-0 would’ve been a fair result in all honesty,” said defender Kalvin Morath-Gibbs after Carshalton fell to only a second defeat in 17 league games.

“Fair play to Tonbridge for taking their only chance. We didn’t create much ourselves which was disappointing but I didn’t feel like we deserved to lose on the day.”

The game on Easter Monday was played in relentless spring sunshine and neither goalkeeper had a save to make as the two sides failed to get out of second gear.

It was Morath-Gibbs whom had Carshalton’s best chance of the game just before the break but, following a corner delivery, he headed off target from close range.

The match seemed destined to end goalless until a 78th corner for the home side was headed back into the mix and Craig Stone planted a header just inside the top near corner to send the home fans wild.

And results elsewhere now mean Carshalton’s margin for error is razor-thin when Bishop’s Stortford arrive at Colston Avenue for the final day of the official league season.

“We know what we have to do this Saturday, a win will be enough for us to be in the play-offs and that’s what we are all aiming for,” added Morath-Gibbs.

“A draw might also be enough but then we are relying on other teams dropping points, which isn’t ideal, so it’s three points or bust in our eyes.”

Bishop’s Stortford have won their last seven consecutive league games while Carshalton have won their last eight home matches – this mouthwatering match kicks-off at 3pm on Saturday 27th April.

Carshalton Athletic did their play-off dreams the world of good as they recorded a comfortable win on the road last Saturday, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

The Robins now currently sit fourth in the Bostik Premier after a 3-0 victory away at free-falling Enfield Town and their destiny is now very much in their own hands.

Three victories in the last three fixtures of the season would guarantee the club a chance to fight for promotion.

Goalscorer Harry Ottaway (pic credit: Chris Bushe)

And striker Harry Ottaway, who scored the opening goal against Enfield, believes he and his teammates can keep up the form that’s seen Carshalton only lose once in last 15 league games.

“We need to keep this momentum up as our goal is to be in the play-off places come the end of the season,” said Ottaway whom has been directly involved in 17 Carshalton goals since joining just after Christmas.

“There is a good energy around the camp right now but we can’t get too ahead of ourselves. We need to focus on our game and maintain the high standards we’ve set recently.”

It was hard to believe the first-half at Enfield ended goalless as the home side saw a fierce 20 yard free kick expertly saved by Robins keeper Billy Bishop on the half hour.

Then, just before the break, Carshalton were awarded a spot-kick for a foul on Ricky Korboa but Ottaway saw his low effort parried away by goalkeeper Joe Wright.

But the striker atoned for that just three minutes after the restart by slotting past Wright from 15 yards for this seventh goal of the season.

Fellow forward Omar Koroma doubled that lead two minutes later, tapping home after Wright parried a Tommy Bradford effort, before player/manager Peter Adeniyi sealed victory with a smart first-time finish just before the hour.

“The first-half wasn’t too clever and my penalty wasn’t the best, credit to their keeper for saving it, but we came out all guns blazing in the second-half,” added Ottaway.

“It ended up being a good result and that’s the most important thing to get right at the moment.”

Carshalton’s next test is against Burgess Hill Town who are scrapping to save their Bostik Premier credentials and whom beat the Robins 3-2 back in December.

“It’s just another game of football as far as we are concerned,” Ottaway mused.

“It doesn’t matter where either club is in the table or what happened before, it’s about who wants it more on the day.

“That can be a great leveller so we have to be on top of our game and make sure we don’t do anything silly.”

Carshalton Athletic vs Burgess Hill Town is on Friday 19th April (kick-off 3pm).