CAFC vs Billericay Town – Preview
Following the 2–2 draw at Wingate & Finchley, the Robins are back on the road on Saturday, travelling to Billericay for their final fixture before Christmas.
Carshalton Athletic
The Robins head into the clash with Billericay on the back of a dramatic 2–2 draw away at Wingate & Finchley. Carshalton fell behind early but responded strongly, scoring twice late in the first half through Bryan Ifeanyi and an own goal to take the lead into the interval.
Carshalton came close to holding on for all three points, only to concede an equaliser in stoppage time and settle for a draw. With Cheshunt involved in FA Trophy action last weekend, the Robins had a break from competitive football. However, manager Peter Adeniyi brought his squad in for training at Colston Avenue on Saturday morning as preparations continue for what promises to be a tough trip to Billericay.
Billericay Town
After missing out on the league title by a single goal last season and then losing to Dover in the play-off semi-finals, Billericay were among the pre-season favourites for the title. However, the Blues made a slow start to the campaign, which included a defeat at Colston Avenue, and manager Gary McCann left the club by mutual consent in September.
Results have improved under new manager Danny Scopes, with Billericay currently sitting on 27 points from their opening 20 matches – three points ahead of the Robins.
Head to Head
Last season’s meetings between the two sides produced a remarkable 12 goals, with each team claiming one victory. At Colston Avenue, the Robins staged a memorable comeback from 3–1 down to win 4–3. Luke Read scored twice, David Smith added another, and Fabio Saraiva completed the turnaround with a stunning long-range effort five minutes into stoppage time.
In the return fixture at New Lodge in February, Saraiva was again influential, scoring twice from the penalty spot. However, the Robins fell to a 3–2 defeat, with Femi Akinwande netting a hat-trick for the hosts.
Earlier this season at Colston Avenue, Carshalton edged a tight contest 1–0. Goalkeeper Matt Kerbey made several crucial first-half saves to keep the scores level before Kola Salami struck on 53 minutes. The tension eased when Billericay’s Ike Orji was sent off, allowing the Robins to see out the game and secure the three points.
Pre-Match Analysis
With two weeks to prepare for this fixture, Carshalton will arrive fresh and ready to go on Saturday. Billericay, meanwhile, played out a 3–3 draw at Aveley on Friday and have eight days to prepare themselves.
Given the close and entertaining encounters between the sides in recent seasons, supporters can expect another tight affair, with both teams keen to claim three points before Christmas.
Key Player
After scoring 14 goals last season in the National League South during spells with Hornchurch and Worthing, few would have expected Liam Nash to be plying his trade in the Isthmian Premier this season. Billericay’s capture of Nash on a two-year deal was a major statement of intent in their promotion push.
The 29-year-old has scored four goals so far this season and looked lively when facing the Robins at Colston Avenue back in August.
The Gaffer
Following Gary McCann’s departure by mutual consent, former Aveley manager Danny Scopes took charge at Billericay. Scopes enjoyed a successful spell at Aveley, securing promotions from both the Isthmian North and Isthmian Premier, before finishing seventh in his first season in the National League South and qualifying for the play-offs.
With significant experience at this level, Scopes has guided his side to a position six points outside the play-off places and will be eager to maintain momentum and apply pressure to the teams above.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Opponents: Billericay Town
Competition: Isthmian Premier League
Venue: New Lodge, CM12 9SA
Kick-off: 3pm
Admission: Adult: £13, Concession: £8, 12-17yrs: £5, 11 and Under: £1
Tickets: buy tickets here
