CAFC vs Hampton & Richmond – Preview
Following Carshalton’s opening pre-season friendly against Bromley, the Robins are back at Colston Avenue on Saturday as they welcome Step 2 side Hampton & Richmond Borough.
Carshalton Athletic
The 2025/26 season was a tough one for Carshalton Athletic. The Robins started well, opening the campaign with a 2–0 win over Cray Valley PM at the Artic Stadium, thanks to goals from Bryan Ifeanyi and Tommy Bradford. They followed that up a week later with a 1–0 victory over Billericay.
The Robins suffered an early FA Cup exit, narrowly losing 3–2 to Wingate & Finchley in a replay during a seven-game winless run. However, they bounced back with consecutive wins over Burgess Hill Town (4–2) and Welling United (2–1).
Cup competitions proved difficult for Carshalton. They exited the FA Trophy at the first hurdle with a 2–1 defeat to Cheshunt, were knocked out of the Surrey Senior Cup on penalties by AFC Whyteleafe, and suffered a 3–0 home defeat to Binfield in the Isthmian League Cup.
The Robins did put together a six-game unbeaten run in the league between late October and mid-November. This included draws against Hashtag United (2–2), Ramsgate (2–2), Canvey Island (2–2), and Aveley (1–1), along with wins over Potters Bar Town (2–0) and a thrilling 3–2 victory at Lewes’ Dripping Pan.
However, following that win at Lewes, Carshalton endured a 16-game winless run. During this period, manager Peter Adeniyi stepped down, with Steven Bates taking over.
Bates’ first three games in charge all ended in defeat – against Ramsgate (2–1), Welling United (2–1), and Potters Bar Town (2–1). However, he ended the club’s barren spell at the beginning of March with a 3–1 win over Canvey Island at Colston Avenue. This was followed by a 1–0 victory at Cheshunt and an impressive 4–1 win over Wingate & Finchley.
Carshalton made it 10 points from four games in March with a 3–3 draw away to 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 after the break and hit back through Liam Smith and Ryan Kingsford. Carshalton had to withstand a late onslaught but held on for what proved to be a crucial point in the battle for survival.
The Robins then hosted play-off-chasing Dartford and led at half-time thanks to Ryan Huke’s 38th-minute strike. Dartford turned the game around through Sam Odaudu and Rohan Vaughan to lead 2–1. Just as it seemed Carshalton would leave empty-handed, Denzel Akyeampong’s stoppage-time cross was headed home by Fabio Saraiva to secure a dramatic 2–2 draw.
A quick turnaround followed, with a short trip to face Dulwich Hamlet on Easter Monday. The match got off to the worst possible start as former Robin David Smith scored inside the opening minute, before Anthony Jeffrey doubled the hosts’ lead after 25 minutes. Carshalton pulled one back through Nathan Young-Coombes in the 59th minute 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 almost immediately by an own goal. Brentwood went ahead in the 54th minute through Kymani Thomas before Carshalton responded to make it 2–2 when Ladapo’s delivery was turned into the net by a Brentwood defender. However, Brentwood capitalised on their pressure, with Thomas scoring again to make it 3–2 before Daniel Ogunleye sealed a 4–2 victory in stoppage time.
Carshalton travelled to Essex to face Aveley on the penultimate weekend of the season. Despite the hosts sitting second in the league, the Robins produced a determined performance to secure a 0–0 draw and pick up a valuable point.
Carshalton needed a positive result on the final day, with 10th-placed St Albans City visiting Colston Avenue. It was a nervy afternoon, but a fantastic first-half strike from Nathan Young-Coombes was enough to seal a 1–0 victory, leapfrogging Hashtag United and securing Isthmian Premier League football for another season.
Pre-season got off to the perfect start as the Robins cruised to a 4-0 victory over Bromley in their opening friendly on Saturday. Charlie George stole the show with a superb hat-trick, while Tope Fadahunsi added the fourth to complete an impressive performance.
Hampton & Richmond
Hampton & Richmond Borough FC were founded in 1921 as Hampton FC and have grown into one of the best-established non-league clubs in south-west London. The club adopted its current name in 1999 to strengthen its identity across the wider London Borough of Richmond upon Thames while continuing to play at the historic Beveree Stadium, their home since 1959. Nicknamed “The Beavers”, the club has built a proud reputation for developing players and competing consistently at Steps 2 and 3 of the English non-league pyramid.
In recent years, Hampton & Richmond Borough have been regular competitors in the National League South. Under long-serving manager Gary McCann, the club established itself as a competitive force, reaching the National League South play-offs during the curtailed 2019–20 season and enjoying memorable FA Cup runs that included appearances in the First Round Proper.
Following a change of ownership in late 2022, Mel Gwinnett was appointed manager and successfully guided the Beavers away from relegation danger during the 2022–23 campaign. The following season proved even more encouraging, with Hampton finishing ninth in the National League South and remaining in play-off contention for much of the campaign before narrowly missing out.
Former goalkeeper Alan Julian took charge ahead of the 2024–25 season, overseeing another challenging campaign in one of non-league football’s most competitive divisions. Alan Dowson returned as manager in December 2025, with Hampton once again avoiding relegation after finishing 18th. Although the club ended the season in the lower half of the table, Hampton & Richmond Borough continued to demonstrate resilience while maintaining their National League South status. With more than a century of history behind them, the Beavers remain an ambitious community club determined to compete at the highest level of non-league football.
Head to Head
The sides met in pre-season in 2025. On a Tuesday evening at Colston Avenue, the Robins took the lead on the hour mark when David Smith scored with a bicycle kick. However, Hampton equalised in the 74th minute, with both sides ultimately settling for a 1–1 draw.
Carshalton and Hampton & Richmond met again in March 2026 in another friendly encounter, this time at Bedfont Sports Club. Despite goals from Nathan Young-Coombes and Fareed Salifu, the Robins slipped to a narrow 3–2 defeat. However, the match gave several players valuable minutes ahead of the thrilling 3–3 draw at Folkestone Invicta.
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
The post-season is a busy time for football managers, especially at non-league clubs, and Steven Bates has been working hard to build his squad ahead of the new season.
Midfielder Fabio Saraiva – an influential figure for the Robins – was the first player to be announced as retained, along with defenders Fikayo Atewologun and Denzel Akyeampong. Former Millwall winger Kavalli Heywood will also be part of Bates’ squad this season, as will midfielder Charlie George.
Striker Nathan Young-Coombes, who scored an impressive five goals in nine games after joining Carshalton, including crucial winners against Cheshunt and St Albans, has also agreed terms for another season. The former Brentford man has been working hard during the off-season and will be looking to continue where he left off once the campaign gets underway.
A number of new signings have also been announced. Forward Tope Fadahunsi joins the club after leaving Chatham Town. The striker scored 17 goals in all competitions last season as Chatham reached the play-offs, including one at Colston Avenue in January.
Defender Ethan Kaiser arrives after an excellent season with Brentwood Town, while goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski joins after most recently featuring for Havant & Waterlooville.
However, there have also been some departures. Club legend Tommy Bradford has left after 14 seasons at Colston Avenue, joining Isthmian South East side Merstham. Luke Read, after making more than 200 appearances for the club, has moved closer to home by signing for beaten play-off finalists Brentwood Town. Last season’s top scorer Bryan Ifeanyi has stepped up two divisions to join National League side Forest Green Rovers under manager Robbie Savage, while Kola Salami has also moved up a level by signing for National League South side Dover Athletic.
Pre-Match Analysis
Saturday’s game will provide another valuable test for Steven Bates’ side. The second of eight pre-season friendlies, it offers Bates another opportunity to assess his squad, continue developing tactical patterns, build fitness and begin identifying his strongest side ahead of the opening league fixture on Saturday 8th August.
Facing a Step 2 opponent will provide an excellent measuring stick for the Robins, and with both meetings between the sides last season proving to be closely contested, supporters will be hoping for another entertaining encounter.
Key Player
Hampton & Richmond Borough have strengthened their midfield with the signing of Theo Widdrington, an experienced and technically gifted player who arrives after a successful spell at Aldershot Town. At 27, Widdrington brings a wealth of National League experience and a reputation for composure on the ball, intelligent passing and relentless work rate.
A product of Portsmouth’s academy, Widdrington has built his career through determination and consistency. After beginning his senior journey with Bristol Rovers, he gained valuable experience during loan spells at clubs including Havant & Waterlooville, Bognor Regis Town, Welling United and Hemel Hempstead Town before establishing himself at King’s Lynn Town. His impressive performances there earned him a move to Aldershot in 2023, where he became a regular presence in midfield and played an important role in the club’s FA Trophy-winning campaign at Wembley in 2025.
Comfortable operating as both a central and defensive midfielder, Widdrington combines tactical awareness with leadership qualities and a calm approach in possession. His ability to dictate the tempo of games, break up opposition attacks and contribute in both defensive and attacking phases makes him an excellent addition to the Beavers’ squad.
The Gaffer
Alan Dowson has built a strong reputation as one of non-league football’s most respected and experienced managers, with his name closely associated with Hampton & Richmond Borough. A former defender, Dowson began his playing career at Millwall before spells with Fulham, Bradford City, Darlington, Slough Town, Gateshead and Walton & Hersham. After retiring from playing, he quickly established himself as a successful manager in the non-league game.
Dowson first took charge of Hampton & Richmond in September 2014 and transformed the club’s fortunes. After stabilising the team in his first season, he guided the Beavers to the Isthmian League Premier Division title in 2015–16, securing promotion with an exciting side that scored over 100 league goals. He then led Hampton to consecutive National League South play-off campaigns, helping establish the club as a competitive force at Step 2 before departing for Woking in 2018.
Following managerial spells at Woking, Dartford, Hemel Hempstead Town and a coaching role at Aldershot Town, Dowson returned to Hampton & Richmond for a second spell as manager in December 2025. His return was welcomed by supporters who remembered the success and attractive football of his first tenure. Known for his energetic approach, strong man-management and preference for attacking football, Dowson has consistently demonstrated an ability to build competitive squads despite operating with limited budgets. His extensive experience and passion for non-league football continue to make him a key figure at Hampton & Richmond as the club looks to compete at the top end of the National League South.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 11th July 2026
Opponents: Hampton & Richmond
Venue: Colston Avenue
Competition: Friendly
Kick-off: 3pm
Admission: Adults £10, Conc £8, U18 £5, Season Ticket Holders FREE, Women & Girls FREE. Tickets are £1 cheaper if paying by card.
Tickets: purchase at the turnstiles
