CAFC vs Aveley – Preview
Following Saturday’s 4–2 home defeat to Brentwood Town, the Robins have two games remaining to secure their Step 3 status, beginning with a trip to second-placed Aveley.
Carshalton Athletic
Despite a 2–1 defeat to Dulwich Hamlet on Easter Monday and Saturday’s 4–2 loss to play-off-chasing Brentwood Town, the Robins have been in good form in recent weeks, having picked up 11 points from a five-game spell prior to those matches.
That run began with a 3–1 victory over now-relegated Canvey Island. The Robins fell behind early when Mike Finneran headed home from a free-kick, but Carshalton levelled in the 26th minute as Bryan Ifeanyi converted a penalty following a handball. The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 51st minute when Luke O’Neill brought down debutant Nathan Young-Coombes as the last man. The numerical advantage allowed Carshalton to control the remainder of the game, with goals from substitutes Tolu Ladapo and Charlie George securing a vital three points.
After waiting nearly four months for that win, the Robins made it back-to-back victories with a 1–0 win at Cheshunt, where Nathan Young-Coombes’ 74th-minute strike proved decisive in a tight encounter.
Steven Bates’ side then extended their run to three consecutive wins with a 4–1 home victory over Wingate & Finchley. Young-Coombes opened the scoring in the third minute, before Denzel Akyeampong doubled the lead after 19 minutes. Leading 2–0 at half-time, Carshalton made a fast start to the second half, going 3–0 up through Fabio Saraiva. Wingate pulled one back through Romeo Akinola, but Tolu Ladapo’s late penalty sealed a convincing win.
Carshalton made it 10 points from four games in March with a 3–3 draw away at league leaders Folkestone. The hosts took the lead through Ben Mason, but the Robins responded with three first-half goals from Ryan Huke, Tolu Ladapo, and Nathan Young-Coombes.
Folkestone improved significantly after the break and struck back through Liam Smith and Ryan Kingsford. Carshalton were forced to withstand a late onslaught but held on for what could prove to be a crucial point in the battle for survival.
On Saturday, Carshalton hosted play-off-chasing Dartford and led at half-time after Ryan Huke scored in the 38th minute. Dartford turned the game around to lead 2–1 through Sam Odaudu and Rohan Vaughan. The Robins looked set to leave empty-handed, but in stoppage time, Denzel Akyeampong’s cross was headed home by Fabio Saraiva to secure a 2–2 draw.
The Robins then had a quick turnaround, making the short trip to face Dulwich Hamlet on Easter Monday. The game could not have started worse, with former Robin David Smith scoring within the first minute and Anthony Jeffrey doubling Hamlet’s advantage after 25 minutes. Carshalton pulled a goal back in the 59th minute through Nathan Young-Coombes but were unable to find an equaliser, as Dulwich secured a 2–1 victory.
Carshalton then hosted play-off-chasing Brentwood Town. The Robins took the lead after 15 minutes through Luke Read but were pegged back just a minute later via an own goal. Brentwood went ahead in the 54th minute through Kymani Thomas, but the Robins responded, making it 2–2 when Ladapo’s ball into the box was turned in by a Brentwood defender. However, Brentwood made their pressure count, with Thomas scoring his second of the game to make it 3–2, before Daniel Ogunleye sealed a 4–2 win in stoppage time.
Carshalton have just two games remaining: Aveley (2nd) away, and St Albans City (11th) at home on the final day of the season. It is a tough end to the campaign, but the Robins still have their future in their own hands, sitting one point ahead of Hashtag United and two ahead of Cray Valley PM.
Aveley
Aveley FC was founded in 1927, beginning in local leagues before joining more established competitions after the Second World War. The club gradually built a reputation in the London League, Delphian League, and later the Isthmian League. Over the decades, Aveley have experienced a mixture of promotions, relegations, and cup successes, establishing themselves as a resilient semi-professional side.
However, the most notable period in Aveley’s history has come in recent years, particularly since the late 2010s. After several near-misses in the Isthmian League North Division- finishing second in both 2018–19 and 2019–20 – the club finally achieved promotion in the 2021–22 season by winning the division title.
What followed was a remarkable rise. In 2022–23, Aveley not only won the Isthmian League Cup but also secured a second consecutive promotion via the play-offs, reaching the National League South for the first time in their history. This back-to-back success marked the club’s highest-ever level.
Their first season at that level (2023–24) was highly competitive, with a seventh-place finish and a play-off berth, where they narrowly lost in the quarter-finals. However, the following 2024–25 campaign proved far more difficult, as Aveley finished bottom and were relegated back to the Isthmian Premier Division.
Many sides struggle after relegation into the Isthmian Premier Division, but not Aveley, who boast a record of 23 wins, 11 draws, and just 6 defeats from 40 games so far. This leaves the Millers in second place on 80 points, and they secured their play-off spot on Saturday with a 1–0 win at St Albans.
Head to Head
Prior to this season, the last time the sides met was during the 2022–23 campaign, when Aveley were last in the Isthmian Premier League. In the match at Colston Avenue in October 2022, Carshalton won 1–0 thanks to a first-half strike from Calvin Ekpiteta. Among the Aveley line-up that day was Bryan Ifeanyi, now a popular figure at Colston Avenue.
The return fixture at Parkside in March 2023 ended in a goalless draw. Despite taking just one point from the two meetings, Aveley went on to secure promotion to the National League South after beating Hornchurch in the play-off final.
This season, the sides met at Colston Avenue in November in a match that started three minutes late in support of the ‘3UP’ campaign. The Robins made the brighter start, opening the scoring after 11 minutes through former Aveley winger Bryan Ifeanyi. Aveley responded and equalised with a penalty in first-half stoppage time from Ollie Peters. Both sides pushed for a winner in the second half, but neither could find a breakthrough, and the match ended 1–1.
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
Saturday saw another goal for Luke Read, who netted his sixth of the season by opening the scoring in Carshalton’s 4–2 defeat to Brentwood Town. Despite playing most of the season in defence, Read is fourth in Carshalton’s league scoring charts, behind Ifeanyi (11), Salami (9), and Ladapo (7).
Read has a knack for scoring important goals, including the 84th-minute winner in last season’s 1–0 away victory against Potters Bar.
Comfortable across the back line and in midfield, Read’s versatility has been vital for Steven Bates’ side since his appointment in February. He will be expected to play a key role in the final two fixtures against Aveley and St Albans as the Robins look to secure their Step 3 status.
Pre-Match Analysis
Aveley come into the game off the back of a 1–0 win over St Albans, a result that secured their place in the play-offs with two games remaining. They sit second, two points clear of Billericay. Finishing second would provide a significant advantage, ensuring home ties in both the play-off semi-final and, if they progress, the final. While they may have one eye on the play-offs, Saturday’s match remains important.
Carshalton’s defeat to Brentwood, combined with other results, has made for a tense finish to the Isthmian Premier Division season. Welling leapfrogged the Robins into 17th place following their win over Dulwich Hamlet, and they also have a midweek fixture against already-relegated Potters Bar. A win in that game would move them four points clear of Carshalton with just two matches left.
Hashtag United and Cray Valley played out a 1–1 draw on Saturday. Hashtag sit one point behind Carshalton, while Cray Valley are two points back, with both sides having an inferior goal difference.
With two games remaining, Carshalton’s fate is still in their own hands – two wins would guarantee Step 3 football next season. It could even be decided this weekend: the Robins will finish outside the bottom four if they win at Aveley, Hashtag United lose to Ramsgate, and Cray Valley fail to beat Folkestone at home.
There is added complexity surrounding Hashtag United’s voluntary relegation and how that may impact other teams if they finish outside the bottom four. However, manager Steven Bates will be focused solely on results on the pitch as his side aim to secure the required points against Aveley and St Albans.
Key Player
Following his move from Hashtag United, Toby Aromolaran has made a fast start at Aveley. The 27-year-old is known for combining his football career with a high-profile television presence, making him a unique figure in modern non-league football.
Aromolaran began his career in youth football with Thurrock before progressing into senior football with clubs such as Tilbury, where he gained early experience and scored regularly. He has since had spells with Basildon United, Cheshunt, Witham Town, and Coalville Town, steadily building a reputation as a forward with pace and attacking instinct.
He became more widely recognised during his time at Hashtag United, where he made over 100 appearances and scored more than 20 goals. His performances led to a move to Aveley in late 2025.
Since joining, he has made an immediate impact, scoring seven league goals, including braces in 3–0 wins over Cray Wanderers and Cheshunt, underlining his ability to influence games both as a starter and from the bench.
In addition to football, Aromolaran is well known for his appearance on Love Island in 2021, where he finished as a runner-up, making him one of the most recognisable players in non-league football.
The Gaffer
Following Aveley’s relegation last season, Brett Munyard was appointed ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. He represents a new generation of young, ambitious coaches.
Munyard began his managerial career with White Ensign, guiding the club from Step 7 to Step 5 of the non-league pyramid. He later moved to Brightlingsea Regent in 2021, where he took over a struggling side on an eight-game losing run and successfully led them to safety.
Before joining Aveley, he had a brief spell at Maldon & Tiptree, overseeing an impressive nine-game unbeaten run. Although short, this period reinforced his reputation as a manager capable of quickly improving performances.
At Aveley, Munyard has taken on the challenge of leading the club following relegation from the National League South. It has been a successful season so far, with the team sitting second and already securing a play-off place. Known for his enthusiasm and work ethic, he is determined to build a successful side and connect with supporters, combining ambition with a clear focus on development.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 18th April 2026
Opponents: Aveley
Venue: Parkside, RM15 4PX
Competition: Isthmian League
Kick-off: 3pm
Admission: Adults £14, Conc £10, U16 £5
Tickets: Purchase at the turnstiles
