CAFC vs AFC Whyteleafe – Preview
On Tuesday, the Robins are back in cup action, making the short trip to AFC Whyteleafe for the 1st Round of the Surrey Senior Cup.
Carshalton Athletic
Last season, the Robins reached the Semi-Finals of the Surrey Senior Cup for the first time since 2011/12.
In the Preliminary Round, Carshalton hosted Epsom & Ewell. Kwaku Frimpong scored twice to give the Robins an early lead, before being dismissed after receiving two yellow cards. Epsom pulled one back, but Carshalton held firm to progress.
In Round 1, the Robins beat Raynes Park Vale 2–0 at Colston Avenue, with Michael Dada netting his first goals for the club, scoring both. Round 2 saw Carshalton travel to Abbey Rangers, where Nabeel Ghannam opened the scoring. The hosts equalised in the second half, but Nathan Paul-Lavaly, on loan from Bromley, grabbed a late winner.
The Quarter-Final brought a commanding 3–0 home win against Kingstonian, courtesy of goals from Sankoh, Saraiva, and Ifeanyi. That set up a Semi-Final away to Dorking Wanderers, where the Robins were undone by a late Rob Milsom penalty, as Carshalton lost 1 – 0 at Meadowbank.
AFC Whyteleafe
Last season marked AFC Whyteleafe’s first Surrey Senior Cup campaign since their reformation. They bowed out at the first hurdle in a thrilling 5–3 defeat to Kingstonian. Despite that, their season was a major success: they won the Combined Counties Premier South and reached the FA Vase Final. Former Robin Daniel Bennett gave them an early lead at Wembley, but they were eventually beaten 2–1 after extra time by Whitstable Town.
The league title was not without drama. Going into the final day, Jersey Bulls topped the table, with Redhill second and Whyteleafe third. However, Jersey were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, dropping them to third. With all three clubs winning on the final day, Redhill briefly thought they had secured the championship, only for their own points deduction for the same offence to push Whyteleafe into top spot – securing a fourth successive promotion.
Now competing at Step 4 for the first time, Whyteleafe have started strongly. They sit in the play-off places with 5 wins, 1 draw, and 3 defeats, and Church Road has become something of a fortress in recent years.
Head to Head
The Robins and Whyteleafe share a good relationship, regularly contesting pre-season friendlies.
Last season, Carshalton hosted Whyteleafe at Colston Avenue and ran out 4–0 winners. This summer, with Colston Avenue’s 3G pitch being renovated, Whyteleafe hosted the fixture. Carshalton surged into a 3–0 lead thanks to Saraiva, Ifeanyi, and Smith, but the hosts hit back with two goals to set up a nervy finish. The Robins held on for a 3–2 victory.
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
With a busy schedule, the Surrey Senior Cup often provides opportunities for younger players to step into the first team. Manager Peter Adeniyi – who also oversees the academy – works closely with the club’s youth prospects and is in a unique position to judge their readiness.
Last season, the likes of Donte Augustus, Stanislaw Cyndrowski, Aaron Ackland, and plenty more all featured in the competition. With the Academy currently enjoying a strong FA Youth Cup run, winning three ties so far, more minutes for the youngsters seem likely.
Pre-Match Analysis
Given Whyteleafe’s form and strong home record, Adeniyi would probably have seen them as one of the tougher possible first-round opponents.
However, the short journey means a sizeable following of Robins supporters is expected, which should create a lively atmosphere.If the tie is level after 90 minutes, the match will go straight to penalties – setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
Key Player
Centre-back Helge Orome has been pivotal for Whyteleafe since joining at the start of the 2023/24 season, when the club was still at Step 6. As captain, he has led them to back-to-back promotions and was central to their FA Vase run, proudly leading the team out at Wembley.
Recently making his 100th appearance for the club, Orome is also a goal threat, having scored against Three Bridges, Sevenoaks, and Broadbridge Heath this season.
The Gaffer
Until the end of last season, Whyteleafe were jointly managed by club owner Kelly Waters and Eniolo Gonnella. Waters stepped down in the summer, leaving Gonnella in sole charge.
Originally brought in as assistant manager before becoming co-manager, Gonnella has started well in his first solo campaign, guiding Whyteleafe into the play-off spots and kicking off the season with back-to-back 5–0 wins against Chipstead (FA Cup) and East Grinstead Town.
Match Details
Date: Tuesday 7th October 2025
Opponents: AFC Whyteleafe
Venue: Church Road, Whyteleafe, CR3 0AR
Competition: Surrey Senior Cup 1st Round
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Admission: Adults £10, Conc £6, U16 £4
Tickets: Purchase at Turnstiles
