Bradford Penalty Downs The Wings
Tommy Bradford’s second-half penalty proved decisive as Carshalton Athletic edged out Welling United 2–1 at Colston Avenue on Saturday.
Following Tuesday’s 4–2 victory away at Burgess Hill Town, the Robins came into the game in high spirits. Manager Peter Adeniyi made just one change to his starting XI, with Fikayo Atewologun returning to the defence in place of Laurence Ernest. New signing Noah Nzuzi was named on the bench for the first time, having impressed in training. For Welling, former Carshalton forward Femi Akinwande made his full debut, following his recent move from Billericay Town.
Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was held in memory of Chichester City’s Billy Vigar. The 21-year-old sadly passed away on Thursday after sustaining a serious brain injury during an Isthmian Premier League fixture against Wingate & Finchley the previous weekend.
Both teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect, and the minute’s silence was impeccably observed by all 512 in attendance. Rest in Peace, Billy.
The game began with both sides taking time to settle. Carshalton had the first real opportunity in the 9th minute when Muirhead broke from midfield and won a free kick, with Majoyegbe receiving a yellow card for the challenge. From the resulting set piece, Smith had a half-chance – he held off his marker after receiving the ball to feet but couldn’t find the target with his shot.
After this, Welling began to take control. In the 12th minute, Zac Hambury’s effort was blocked inside the area after a swift break. Soon after, Akinwande tested Matt Kerbey with a powerful strike from 25 yards, forcing the Carshalton keeper to push it away for a corner.
Akinwande continued to be a threat. Using his strength to hold off Luke Read, he fired just over the bar, and moments later he produced another low drive from the edge of the box, which Kerbey saved comfortably.
Despite Welling’s dominance, it was the Robins who took the lead in the 42nd minute. Jack Paxman was booked for a foul, and from the resulting free kick, the ball was laid off to Mason Saunders-Henry.
His strike from range took a wicked deflection off a Welling defender, wrong-footing Freddie Norman and finding the back of the net.
Carshalton pushed for a second before the break. Ladapo’s effort was saved by Norman, and he nearly turned provider with a cross from the right that found David Smith, whose header went narrowly wide.
The referee blew for half-time with Carshalton fortunate to be ahead, given the chances Welling had created.
The second half began with Carshalton on the front foot. Bryan Ifeanyi delivered a dangerous cross that found Smith, but his header was blocked for a corner. Welling hit back and found the equaliser in the 60th minute. Hambury whipped in a brilliant cross, which Akinwande flicked on to Logan Dobbs, who forced the ball home from close range. Just three minutes later, Welling nearly took the lead, Hambury firing into the side netting.
Sensing the momentum shift, Adeniyi made a double substitution, introducing Ming and debutant Nzuzi in place of Saunders-Henry and Hamstead. The changes paid off quickly. In the 75th minute, Ifeanyi was brought down in the box by Hambury, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Captain Tommy Bradford, already three-for-three on penalties this season (against Cray Valley, Dartford, and Chatham), stepped up.
He calmly slotted his effort low to Norman’s right, just out of reach of the Welling keeper despite diving the right way.
Adeniyi then brought on Korboa and Salami for Smith and Ladapo. Korboa, who had scored off the bench on Tuesday, found space to shoot but couldn’t trouble Norman. The Robins’ final change saw Lucas Dyer replace Ifeanyi as they looked to protect their slender lead.
Drama unfolded in the 90th minute when Welling thought they had a penalty. Former Robin John Ufuah went down under pressure from Ming, but the referee waved play on – much to the frustration of the visiting supporters and coaching staff.
Carshalton held firm as Salami tested Norman again, forcing a save with his feet.
Welling surged forward one last time, but Kerbey made the final save of the match to preserve the lead.
After six minutes of added time – plus a little more – the final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the Robins faithful, as their team recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
However, the tension wasn’t quite over, as Welling manager Lee Martin was shown a red card for confronting the referee after full time.
For Carshalton, it was a vital three points, lifting them to 9th in the Isthmian Premier League. The Robins now turn their attention to cup action: they host Cheshunt in the FA Trophy at Colston Avenue on Saturday, before travelling to AFC Whyteleafe for a Surrey Senior Cup tie on Tuesday 7th October
Up Next
Date: Saturday 4th October 2025
Opponents: Cheshunt FC
Competition: FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round
KO: 3pm
Venue: Colston Avenue
Admissions: Adults £12, Conc (Over 65) £9, U18 £6
