CAFC vs Whitehawk – Preview
Following their exit from the Surrey Senior Cup on Tuesday, the Robins return to league action this Saturday with a trip to Whitehawk.
Carshalton Athletic
In league competition, the Robins have shown good recent form, picking up a 4–2 win away at Burgess Hill Town before defeating Welling 2–1 at Colston Avenue. However, they have since been knocked out of both the FA Trophy and the Surrey Senior Cup at the first hurdle. A 2–1 home defeat to Cheshunt in the FA Trophy was followed by a penalty shootout loss away at AFC Whyteleafe in the Surrey Senior Cup.
Whitehawk
Whitehawk have made a solid start to their 2025/26 league campaign, winning three, drawing three, and losing two of their eight league fixtures so far. They currently sit just one point behind the Robins in the table but have two games in hand.
Their best form came in August, when they recorded three consecutive league victories – beating Cray Valley PM 3–2, followed by 1–0 wins over Wingate & Finchley and Dulwich Hamlet. However, they are now winless in their last six matches in all competitions. Like Carshalton, they exited both the FA Trophy and their County Cup in the past week, suffering defeats to Canvey Island and Horsham (the latter on penalties).
Head to Head
Last season, the two sides met on a cold Monday night in January at Colston Avenue. Nabeel Ghannam, making his debut, opened the scoring after just four minutes, with Mason Saunders-Henry doubling the lead early in the second half. It looked like a comfortable victory for the Robins, but Andrew Briggs pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 84th minute, and Charlie Lambert equalised deep into stoppage time.
The reverse fixture at the Enclosed Ground took place on Non-League Day in March, with special tickets handed out to spectators. In front of Whitehawk’s second-biggest home crowd of the season, Jordan Maguire-Drew scored twice – once from the penalty spot and again in the second half – dealing a major blow to Carshalton’s playoff hopes.
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
Bryan Ifeanyi has impressed in recent weeks. Introduced at half-time against AFC Whyteleafe, he scored twice in normal time and converted his penalty in the shootout. He’s also won penalties in back-to-back home games against Welling and Cheshunt, causing problems for defenders with his direct play. Ifeanyi will be a key part of Adeniyi’s game plan on Saturday, as Carshalton look to stretch the Whitehawk backline.
Pre-Match Analysis
With both teams now out of the FA Cup, FA Trophy, and County Cup, full focus turns to the league. Both sides have had mixed starts to the season but will know that a strong run of form could propel them up the table.
Historically, the Enclosed Ground has not been a happy hunting ground for the Robins. They lost 2–0 there last season and suffered a 1–0 defeat to a stoppage-time winner in the 2023/24 campaign. Carshalton will be looking to set the record straight on Saturday.
Key Player
Striker Charlie Lambert is the focal point of Whitehawk’s attack. He has scored six goals in 11 appearances this season, including the winner against Dulwich Hamlet and a brace in their FA Cup win over Hayes & Yeading. Having netted a late equaliser at Colston Avenue last season, Adeniyi will be well aware of the threat Lambert poses, and will be looking for a strong performance from his defence to keep him quiet.
The Gaffer
Shaun Saunders returned to manage Whitehawk in November 2024. After a poor start to the season before his appointment, Saunders steadied the ship and guided the Hawks to a safe 16th-place finish. This season has started more positively, with 12 points from their opening eight games, and Saunders will be aiming to push further up the table this time around.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 11th October 2025
Opponents: Whitehawk FC
Venue: The Enclosed Ground, BN2 5TS
Competition: Isthmian League
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Admission: Adults £13, Conc £8, 11-18 £5
Tickets: Here or Purchase at Turnstiles
