CAFC vs Maldon & Tiptree – Preview
Following Tuesday night’s 3–0 defeat at Lewes, the Robins are on the road again on Saturday as they make the trip to Essex to take on newly promoted Maldon & Tiptree.
Carshalton Athletic
Carshalton Athletic will be hoping to put a difficult few weeks behind them when they travel to Maldon & Tiptree on Saturday afternoon. Tuesday’s 3–0 defeat at Lewes extended the Robins’ winless run to five matches in all competitions, a stark contrast to the excellent start they made to the campaign. Carshalton won each of their opening five league fixtures, collecting 15 points and moving to the top of the table following Brentwood Town’s visit to Colston Avenue.
The season began with consecutive 2–0 victories, starting with an impressive away success against AFC Whyteleafe before another clean-sheet win at home to Wingate & Finchley. Cray Wanderers provided a tougher test in the third fixture, but the Robins maintained their perfect record. Alex Hernandez cancelled out Carshalton’s opener, only for Matt Yates to restore the lead and secure a 2–1 victory.
Carshalton were forced to show their character again at Stanway Rovers after Stephen Toussaint put the hosts ahead inside the opening three minutes. Bates’ side responded strongly, with Jack Jebb converting from the penalty spot after Nathan Young-Coombes was brought down. Prince Kandolo then completed the comeback in the second half, heading home from a corner to make it four wins from four.
The perfect start continued against Brentwood Town as the Robins recorded another 2–0 victory. Young-Coombes scored both goals to continue his excellent start to the season and take Carshalton to a maximum 15 points from their opening five league games.
The winning run finally came to an end on Bank Holiday Monday at Three Bridges. Despite goals from Tope Fadahunsi and Young-Coombes, Carshalton were edged out 3–2 to suffer their first league defeat of the campaign. Attention then switched to the FA Cup, with Chertsey Town standing between the Robins and a place in the next round.
The first meeting at Alwyns Lane was a closely fought contest. Young-Coombes put Carshalton ahead before Luke Robertson equalised from the penalty spot, while the game became increasingly heated as both sides were reduced to 10 men. Jack Jebb was dismissed for the Robins, while Chertsey also saw Ridgley sent off. Neither side could find a winner, meaning the tie had to be settled in a replay at Colston Avenue.
The replay produced a very different opening, with Chertsey taking control and going into half-time two goals ahead. Lachlan Byrd and Luke Robertson found the net to put the visitors in a commanding position, although Carshalton responded after the break when Ada Okorogheye pulled one back. The Robins were unable to complete the comeback, however, bringing their FA Cup campaign to an end at the first hurdle for the second successive season.
There was further disappointment in league action against Dartford at Colston Avenue. The visitors dominated proceedings and recorded a convincing 3–0 victory, with Jez Pinder, Ben Greenhalgh and Dan Smith all finding the net. Carshalton then travelled to Lewes on Tuesday night looking to end their difficult spell, but the Rooks produced another strong performance to claim a 3–0 win through goals from Harry Mills, Charlie Walker and Ryan Gondoh.
The result was particularly disappointing given Carshalton’s recent record at the Dripping Pan, where they had won on their previous three visits. Instead, the Robins left empty-handed once again and now head to Maldon & Tiptree searching for a response.
The quality within Bates’ squad was evident during those opening five league games, when Carshalton established themselves among the early pace-setters. Saturday provides another opportunity to rediscover that form, end their winless run and begin building some momentum once again.
Maldon & Tiptree
Maldon & Tiptree arrive at the Maldon Stadium as newly promoted Isthmian Premier Division side after a remarkable title-winning campaign last season.
The Jammers secured the Isthmian North championship with 97 points, finishing ahead of Felixstowe & Walton United on goal difference. They scored 97 league goals and conceded just 33, while winning 30 matches and remaining unbeaten at home throughout the campaign.
The achievement brought Maldon into the Isthmian Premier Division for the first time in the club’s history and presents a new challenge against a host of established Step 3 sides.
Their opening day proved difficult as they suffered a 6–0 defeat at Dulwich Hamlet, but they responded immediately with a 1–0 home victory over Aveley. A 2–1 defeat to Dartford followed before Maldon bounced back with an impressive 4–1 victory at Leatherhead.
Their FA Cup campaign ended with a 6–1 defeat at Cambridge City, but the Jammers returned to league action with a 3–2 victory over Whitehawk.
That victory came during a significant week for the club, with Maldon confirming a change of ownership on 8th September. The new ownership group has outlined ambitions to secure the club’s future, strengthen its community links and build sustainably, providing supporters with a fresh sense of optimism.
Maldon’s league record currently stands at three wins and three defeats from six matches. With home advantage and a new chapter beginning off the pitch, the Jammers will be looking to build on their latest victory when Carshalton arrive.
Head To Head
The sides have never met in a league fixture, with their only previous competitive meeting coming in the 2011/12 FA Trophy.
Carshalton travelled to Maldon for the Third Qualifying Round tie and secured a 1–0 victory, with David Ray scoring the decisive goal.
The Robins went on to enjoy a memorable run in the competition that season, reaching the last 16. They defeated Lincoln City along the way before eventually exiting against Newport County.
Saturday’s fixture will therefore be the first league meeting between the two clubs and their first competitive encounter in almost 15 years.
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
After missing the previous two matches, captain Fabio Saraiva returned to the starting lineup against Lewes.
Saraiva has become one of the most influential figures in the Carshalton squad since joining from Leatherhead. His ability to dictate play from midfield, deliver dangerous set pieces and provide composure under pressure has made him an important part of Bates’ side.
His influence was evident during the early stages of the season, when he scored the decisive free-kick in the 2–0 victory over Wingate & Finchley.
His importance extends beyond his technical qualities. Saraiva was named both Players’ Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year for the 2024/25 campaign, with his tackling, passing range, set-piece ability and long-range shooting all key components of his game.
With Carshalton looking to end a five-match winless run, having their captain back in the side could provide valuable experience and leadership.
Pre-Match Analysis
Saturday’s meeting brings together two sides experiencing contrasting moments in their seasons.
Carshalton’s opening five league victories placed them among the early pace-setters, but the Robins have now gone five matches without a win in all competitions. Defeats against Three Bridges, Dartford and Lewes, alongside FA Cup elimination by Chertsey Town, have halted the momentum they built so impressively during August.
The challenge is now to rediscover the qualities that made Carshalton so effective. Their early victories were built on attacking threat, defensive organisation and an ability to respond when games became difficult.
Maldon, meanwhile, have experienced a mixed start to life in the Premier Division. Three victories and three defeats from their opening six league games represent a solid introduction to Step 3, particularly given the difficulty of stepping up from the division below.
The Jammers have already shown their ability to compete, beating Aveley and Leatherhead before their recent 3–2 victory over Whitehawk.
Home advantage could also prove important. Maldon went unbeaten at home during their title-winning campaign last season, and although the Premier Division presents a significantly tougher challenge, the familiarity of the Maldon Stadium and support from the home crowd will provide encouragement.
The recent ownership change has added another layer of interest to Saturday’s fixture, with renewed optimism surrounding the club.
For Carshalton, the task is to produce a reaction and begin rebuilding the momentum that made such an impressive start possible.
Key Player
Chaynie Burgin is likely to provide one of the biggest threats to the Carshalton defence on Saturday.
The striker has considerable Isthmian League experience, having represented clubs including Haringey Borough, Potters Bar Town, Chatham Town and Hashtag United. He has also previously played for Maldon & Tiptree, scoring on his debut during the 2021/22 season.
Carshalton supporters will need little reminding of Burgin’s ability after seeing him produce a moment of individual brilliance against the Robins last season while playing for Hashtag United.
The match at Parkside ended in a 3–1 victory for the hosts, with Burgin causing problems throughout. He struck the post after getting on the end of a long throw before testing Molyneux again.
Then, deep into stoppage time, Burgin received the ball on the left, spotted Carshalton goalkeeper Henry Molyneux off his line and produced a superb long-range finish to complete the scoring.
It was a goal that demonstrated his ability to create something from seemingly harmless situations. Burgin can lead the line, compete physically with defenders and is not afraid to attempt something ambitious when the opportunity presents itself.
He has already made an impact since returning to Maldon, scoring in the 4–1 victory over Leatherhead before finding the net again in the 3–2 win against Whitehawk.
The Carshalton defence will therefore need to remain alert to the threat he poses, particularly around the penalty area. Having already scored a memorable goal against the Robins, Burgin will be hoping to make another decisive contribution on Saturday.
The Gaffer
Maldon & Tiptree manager Mark Hawkes brings considerable experience of management at Steps 2, 3 and 4 to Saturday’s encounter, having overseen more than 300 matches during a career that has included spells with Chelmsford City, Heybridge Swifts and Bishop’s Stortford.
Hawkes made a significant impression during his time with Heybridge Swifts before taking charge of Chelmsford City in November 2013. At the time of his departure, Heybridge were second in Ryman League Division One North.
His appointment at Chelmsford represented a step up to Step 2 football, and during the 2013/14 season he helped the Clarets move away from a relegation battle and secure their National League South status.
Chelmsford subsequently finished comfortably in mid-table the following season, with Hawkes remaining in charge until January 2016.
He later gained further experience with Bishop’s Stortford before returning to Maldon & Tiptree in June 2026, taking over from Kevin Horlock following the Jammers’ promotion-winning campaign.
His task is now to establish Maldon in the Premier Division for the first time in the club’s history. The Jammers have already recorded three league victories under his management, including wins over Aveley, Leatherhead and Whitehawk.
With Maldon enjoying home advantage and Carshalton searching for a response, Saturday provides another intriguing test for the experienced manager as he looks to guide the Jammers through their first season at Step 3.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 19th September 2026
Opponents: Maldon & Tiptree
Competition: Isthmian League
KO: 3pm
Venue: The Maldon Stadium, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ
Admissions: Adult £12, Concession £7, U16 Free
Tickets: Purchase Here or at the turnstiles
