Carshalton Athletic finished a busy November with an impressive victory that really highlights their promotion aspirations, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

 

The Robins, while also enjoying some big games in both FA cup competitions, have taken 10 points from five league matches including a 4-0 defeat of Cray Wanderers last Saturday.

 

That was the Wands' first away loss in the league this season and the three points put Carshalton just outside the Isthmian Premier play-off positions.

 

And defender Bobby Price, whom got himself on the scoresheet last weekend, believes that victory could be an important catalyst as his team look to get back into the top five.

 

"Three points were crucial against Cray as they are above us in the league, so it was a massive win," Price said after match.

 

"We know they are a good side but we got our tactics spot-on and the boss was happy with the performance.

 

"Scoring an early goal helped take the pressure off a bit, allowing us to play the ball around nicely, and the game was never really out of our hands."

 

That early strike came in the fifth minute via Christie Pattisson's impressive first-time angled strike and top scorer Ricky Korboa added the second just 15 minutes later.

Cray, despite starting the league’s current top scorer Joseph Taylor that afternoon, found it difficult to penetrate the home defence although keeper Kleton Perntreou made one fine save to deny Tom Murphy before the break.

But the Robins weren’t seriously troubled as the second-half wore on - Price coolly converted a spot-kick won on the hour mark and captain Paris Hamilton-Downes headed home a corner kick to seal victory.

Those last two goals have put Carshalton's regular full backs on three goals each for the season, but Price isn't going to relinquish spot-kick duties to his skipper any time soon.

"I felt confident I would score the penalty and no-one else seemed to want it, so I'm happy to keep taking them," smiled Price.

"We had a laugh in the dressing room afterwards and Paris jokingly said he's taking the next one, but we'll see.

"It isn't really a competition though. It doesn't matter who scores the goals as long as we keep winning. That's what really counts."

Next up for Carshalton is a home game against in-form Bognor Regis Town on Saturday 7th December (kick-off 3pm).

The Robins are asking fans from both clubs to bring any spare food as Carshalton Athletic will double the total donation in aid of local food banks. More details: https://www.carshaltonathletic.co.uk/post/charity-drive-to-aid-local-community