CAFC Women vs Sutton United Reserves – Preview
After three straight league wins, attention now turns to cup action as the Robins begin their Surrey Divisional Cup defence at home to Sutton United Reserves.
Sutton United Reserves
Sutton United Reserves finished 5th last season, consolidating their place in the Surrey Premier Division with a record of six wins, three draws, and seven defeats.
This campaign, however, they’ve looked revitalised – winning all six of their league matches so far. They’re currently among the frontrunners for the title, alongside Carshalton and Dorking Wanderers U23, and have been in prolific scoring form, netting 34 goals already.
Carshalton Athletic
Following a 1–0 defeat against Dorking Wanderers U23, manager Aaron Lamont demanded a response from his players – and he got one. The Robins have bounced back impressively, recording consecutive victories over Manorcroft United, Walton & Hersham, and Oxted & District.
Having exited both the FA Cup and Isthmian League Cup, Carshalton now have two remaining opportunities for cup success – the Surrey Divisional Cup and the Capital Intermediate Cup. They’ll be eager to go deep in both competitions, especially the Surrey Divisional Cup, which they lifted last season.
However, the draw hasn’t been kind. The Robins face a tough opening test against local rivals Sutton United Reserves, one of the favourites for the trophy.
Surrey Divisional Cup
The Surrey Divisional Cup is a competition featuring teams from both the Surrey Premier Division and Surrey Division 1. Division 1 sides entered in the first round in October, while Premier Division teams join now in the second round (last 16).
With no seeding in the draw, Carshalton could have faced a lower-division side – but instead have been handed a tough challenge against league rivals Sutton United Reserves.
Last season, the Robins went all the way to lift the trophy. Starting in the last 16, they overcame Dorking Wanderers U23 with an entertaining 5–3 win at Colston Avenue, featuring goals from Josie Alderman, Kanita Throp, and a hat-trick from Abbie Measures.
A quarter-final walkover against Milford & Witley sent them into the semi-final versus Farnham Town, where they gained revenge for an earlier league defeat, winning 4–0 courtesy of goals from Kanita Throp, Sarah Chapman, and a brace from Maria Andrade.
The final, held at Dorking Wanderers’ Meadowbank Stadium, saw the Robins storm into a 3–0 lead against Croydon FC through Kanita Throp, Aisha Douglin, and Kenza Gueriani. Despite a late Croydon goal from current Carshalton forward Dee Badley, substitute Honey Dulley sealed a 4–1 victory to secure the club’s first piece of silverware.
With expectations high after last season’s triumph, the Robins will be keen for another strong run – though they face a stern opening test against an in-form Sutton side boasting a 100% league record.
Team News
Taylor McCrea continued her excellent form by scoring her 10th league goal of the season at Oxted & District. Remarkably, all 10 have come as a substitute, with the young forward being used primarily as an impact player. With cup matches often bringing opportunities for rotation, McCrea could be handed a start – and whether she begins the game or comes off the bench, few would bet against her adding to her tally against Sutton.
For Sutton, the experienced Sarah Chapman – who made the switch “across the border” from Carshalton – has quickly become a key player for the Amber and Chocolates. She’s already scored five goals this season and will no doubt be eager to make her mark against her former club.
Head to Head
Last season, the Robins did the league double over the U’s.
At Colston Avenue, Carshalton ran out 3–0 winners thanks to goals from Sarah Chapman, Heather Eade, and Georgie Edwards. In the return fixture at Collingwood Recreation Ground, Eade was on the scoresheet again, alongside Abbie Measures and Daisy Olley, as the Robins claimed another 3–0 win – a result that helped secure a 2nd-place finish in their debut season.
Pre-Match Analysis
With both sides in excellent form, Sunday’s clash at Colston Avenue promises to be a classic cup encounter.
Separated by just a few miles, local pride adds an extra edge to this fixture. Based on their current league performances, this matchup could easily be worthy of a semi-final or final – yet it arrives at the last 16 stage.
The two sides will meet again in league action in just three weeks, giving both managers a valuable preview of what to expect in the title race, which currently looks to be a three-way battle involving Carshalton, Sutton, and Dorking Wanderers U23.
A close, competitive game is expected – and if the scores are level after 90 minutes, the tie will be decided by a penalty shootout, ensuring a dramatic finish to what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Match Details
Date: Sunday 9th November 2025
Opposition: Sutton United Reserves
Competition: Surrey Divisional Cup (Last 16)
Venue: Colston Avenue, SM5 2PW
Kickoff: 2:30 pm
Admission: FREE
