CAFC vs Welling United – Preview
After an impressive victory at Burgess Hill Town on Tuesday night, the Robins return to Colston Avenue on Saturday to take on Welling United.
Carshalton Athletic
Following a tough spell earlier in the season – including heavy defeats to Dartford and Chichester – Carshalton Athletic have shown clear signs of improvement in recent weeks. That progress was underlined with a confident 4–2 win away at Burgess Hill Town on Tuesday night.
The Robins currently sit 13th in the table and will be aiming to build on that performance in front of their home fans at Colston Avenue, as Welling United make the trip to SM5.
Welling United FC
Welling were relegated from the National League South at the end of the 2024/25 season, finishing eight points from safety with 38 points from 46 matches. Their start to life in the Isthmian Premier League has been mixed, registering two wins and six defeats from their opening eight games.
Despite the struggles, both wins were noteworthy: a 2–1 away win at Chichester City in August, and a resounding 4–1 home victory over Canvey Island last Saturday – their first home win of the season.
With the entire playing squad departing after relegation, a slow start was perhaps inevitable. However, The Wings will be eager to start collecting points more consistently as they look to climb the table.
Head to Head
Due to Welling’s long-standing presence in the National League and Conference divisions, the two clubs haven’t met in league competition since the 2005/06 season – the last time Carshalton played at Step 2.
In October 2005, Welling secured a 2–0 victory at Park View Road. But Carshalton exacted revenge in the return fixture at Colston Avenue in February 2006, winning 1–0. That match featured a clean sheet from future Premier League goalkeeper Adam Federici, who was on loan at the Robins from Reading at the time.
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
Tolu Ladapo made his first start for the Robins in Tuesday’s win over Burgess Hill Town – and made an immediate impact. The former Lewes forward looked sharp throughout, scoring the Robins’ opener, assisting Ricky Korboa’s equaliser, and netting what turned out to be the winner (albeit with help from a Burgess Hill defender).
That eye-catching display will have certainly caught the attention of manager Peter Adeniyi, who has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal. Ladapo will be hoping he’s done enough to retain his place in the starting XI.
Pre-Match Analysis
With both sides experiencing inconsistent starts to their campaigns, Saturday’s clash is one both teams will view as winnable. Carshalton hit four goals away from home on Tuesday, while Welling matched that tally at home to Canvey Island last weekend.
Supporters heading to Colston Avenue will be hoping for another action-packed afternoon, with goals and entertainment likely on the agenda.
Key Player
Welling United announced the signing of striker Femi Akinwande from Billericay Town on Tuesday. A familiar face to Isthmian League fans – and to Carshalton supporters in particular – the 30-year-old forward had a spell at Colston Avenue during the 2022/23 season, scoring nine goals in 37 appearances in all competitions.
He later joined Hornchurch, winning the Isthmian Premier title in 2023/24, before moving on to Billericay last season, where he netted 15 goals in 30 matches. Three of those came against the Robins in a dramatic 3–2 win for Billericay at New Lodge in February, with Akinwande completing his hat-trick late on.
Carshalton will be wary of his threat and will need to keep Welling’s new front man quiet if they hope to record a clean sheet on Saturday.
The Gaffer
After ending his playing career on a high – making 32 appearances as Ramsgate won the Isthmian South East title with a remarkable 109 points – Lee Martin was appointed as Welling United’s manager on a two-year deal.
Martin made his Premier League debut for Manchester United in 2009, featuring three times for the Red Devils. He is perhaps best known for his spells in the Championship with Ipswich Town and Millwall.
Alongside his professional experience, Martin also brings several years of non-league know-how, having turned out for Ebbsfleet United, Dover Athletic, Ramsgate (twice), and Ashford United.
Although new to management, his deep knowledge of the non-league game from the latter stages of his playing career should stand him in good stead as he begins his journey in the dugout.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 27th September 2025
Opponents: Welling United
Venue: Colston Avenue
Competition: Isthmian Premier League
Kick-off: 3pm
Admission: Adults £12, Conc £9, U18 £6, Women & Girls FREE
Tickets: Here or purchase at the turnstiles
