CAFC vs Cray Valley PM – Preview
Following Saturday’s 2–1 defeat at St Albans, the Robins return to Colston Avenue this weekend as they prepare to take on Cray Valley PM.
Carshalton Athletic
After a six-game unbeaten league run, the Robins suffered a narrow 2–1 loss at St Albans on Saturday. Carshalton took the lead in the 66th minute when Bryan Ifeanyi converted from a Luke Read cross, but the Saints struck back late with goals in the 89th and 93rd minute. Both goals came from set pieces – a frustrating blow for Adeniyi’s side, who arguably deserved more from the game based on their performance.
With no midweek fixture, the focus now turns to recovery and preparation ahead of Cray Valley PM’s visit to Colston Avenue on Saturday.
Cray Valley PM
Champions of the Isthmian South East in 2023/24, Cray Valley earned promotion to the Isthmian Premier and surprised many by finishing 4th last season with 77 points, securing a playoff place. They came within seconds of beating Dartford in the semi-final before conceding a late equaliser and eventually losing in extra time.
This season has been more challenging. The Millers currently sit 18th with 17 points from their first 18 matches. However, recent results suggest improvement, with 1–1 draws against Billericay and Dartford and an impressive 3–1 win away at Dulwich Hamlet.
Head to Head
Cray Valley PM have proven something of a bogey side for the Robins in recent years. As a lower-division team in 2023/24, they knocked Carshalton out of both the FA Cup and FA Trophy, then completed a league double in 2024/25 with 1–0 and 2–1 wins.
This season, however, Carshalton hit back. On opening day at the Artic Stadium, the Robins impressed and took the lead through a brilliant strike from Bryan Ifeanyi. A penalty followed after Kola Salami was brought down – Barney Williams was sent off for the challenge – and Tommy Bradford calmly converted from the spot to seal a 2–0 victory.
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
Carshalton Athletic welcomed Alex Body to the club last week after his move from Leatherhead. Body began the season at Hartley Wintney, scoring five league goals before switching to Leatherhead, where he added another in their victory over South Park in November.
He made his Robins debut off the bench at St Albans and looked bright. Adeniyi will have been encouraged by his impact, and Body could be in contention for a start on Saturday as the manager looks to integrate him into the squad.
Pre-Match Analysis
With Carshalton in good form despite the setback at St Albans, and Cray Valley beginning to pick up results after a slow start, Saturday’s match is likely to be tightly contested. Recent meetings between the sides have all been close: each of the Millers’ four wins in recent years has come by a single goal, while Carshalton’s 2–0 win in August was competitive throughout.
Both clubs are keen to climb the table, and with neither wanting to settle for a draw, a lively finish could be on the cards if the match stays tight going into the closing stages.
Key Player
Former Carshalton midfielder Tom Beere is now the captain at Cray Valley PM. After leaving Colston Avenue, Beere had spells at Cray Wanderers and Horsham before reuniting with Steve McKimm – whom he previously played under at Tonbridge Angels and Carshalton.
The 30-year-old brings significant experience, including time in the EFL with AFC Wimbledon, where he scored the winning goal in their 2016 League Two playoff semi-final against Accrington Stanley. He scored in this fixture last season and recently found the net in the win at Dulwich Hamlet, despite spending time sidelined with injury this year. He will be keen to lead his side to three points on Saturday against his former club.
The Gaffer
After a year in charge of the Robins in 2022/23, Steve McKimm took over at Cray Valley PM. His first season was a major success – winning the Isthmian South East with 95 points and guiding the club to the FA Cup First Round, where they drew 1–1 with Charlton Athletic at The Valley before bowing out in the replay at the Artic Stadium. Both ties were broadcast on the BBC.
A strong follow-up campaign saw Cray Valley finish 4th in the Isthmian Premier and narrowly lose to Dartford in the playoffs. This season has been more difficult, but McKimm has a proven record in this division, having won promotion via the playoffs with Tonbridge Angels in 2018/19.
He’ll have extra motivation heading into Saturday’s match as he looks to get one over his former club following their defeat to the Robins on opening day.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Opponents: Cray Valley PM
Venue: Colston Avenue, SM5 2PW
Competition: Isthmian Premier League
Kick-off: 3pm
Admission: Adults £12, Conc £9, U18 £6, Women & Girls FREE
Tickets: Here or Purchase at the turnstiles
