CAFC vs Sheerwater – Preview
Carshalton Athletic’s pre-season schedule continues on Tuesday evening with a short trip across Surrey to face Step 5 side Sheerwater.
The Robins will be looking to build further fitness and momentum as preparations for the 2026/27 Isthmian Premier Division campaign continue. The visit to Sheerwater provides another valuable opportunity for the squad to gain minutes, while allowing the management team to continue assessing players ahead of the new season.
Supporters can look forward to another pre-season test under the lights as the Robins continue their summer schedule.
Carshalton Athletic
The 2025/26 season was a challenging one for Carshalton Athletic, with the Robins battling throughout the campaign before securing their Isthmian Premier League status on the final day.
Carshalton made a strong start, opening the season with a 2–0 win over Cray Valley PM at the Artic Stadium before following it up with a 1–0 victory against Billericay. However, their early momentum was disrupted by an FA Cup exit, as they lost 3–2 to Wingate & Finchley in a replay during a seven-game winless run. The Robins responded well, recording back-to-back league victories over Burgess Hill Town and Welling United.
Cup competitions proved frustrating, with Carshalton exiting the FA Trophy at the first hurdle against Cheshunt, losing in the Surrey Senior Cup on penalties to AFC Whyteleafe, and suffering defeat to Binfield in the Isthmian League Cup.
In the league, the Robins enjoyed an unbeaten run of six games between late October and mid-November. The spell included victories over Potters Bar Town and Lewes, alongside draws against Hashtag United, Ramsgate, Canvey Island and Aveley.
However, that run was followed by a difficult period, with Carshalton going 16 games without a win. During this time, manager Peter Adeniyi stepped down, with Steven Bates taking charge of first-team affairs.
Bates endured three defeats at the start of his tenure before finally ending the club’s winless run in March with a 3–1 victory over Canvey Island. Further wins against Cheshunt and Wingate & Finchley helped lift confidence, and the Robins went on to collect 10 points from four games during an important spell in the fight for survival.
A dramatic 3–3 draw away at league leaders Folkestone proved a crucial result, while another late comeback against play-off contenders Dartford saw Carshalton secure a 2–2 draw at Colston Avenue.
The final weeks of the season remained tense. The Robins suffered narrow defeats against Dulwich Hamlet and Brentwood Town before securing a valuable point away at high-flying Aveley with a goalless draw.
That set up a decisive final-day fixture against St Albans City. Carshalton knew a positive result was needed to avoid relegation, and a composed performance saw them claim a 1–0 victory. The result secured another season of Isthmian Premier League football and capped a dramatic end to the campaign.
Pre-season ahead of the 2026/27 campaign began on a positive note, with the Robins recording an impressive 4–0 victory over Bromley in their opening friendly. Results then became more challenging, as they suffered narrow defeats to Hampton & Richmond, Farnborough and Hanworth Villa. However, the Robins bounced back in emphatic fashion on Monday evening, returning to winning ways with a commanding 6–0 victory over Sutton Common Rovers.
Sheerwater
Founded in 1958, Sheerwater Football Club has been a cornerstone of the local community in Woking, Surrey, for more than six decades. Established by John French and a group of local football enthusiasts, the club began life in the Woking & District League before progressing through the Surrey football pyramid. Over the years, Sheerwater earned a reputation as a resilient community club, overcoming financial and sporting challenges while maintaining its place in non-league football.
The club’s most successful recent period began in the late 2010s. After finishing fourth in the Combined Counties League Division One in 2017–18, Sheerwater produced a superb campaign in 2018–19, winning the Division One title and securing promotion to the Combined Counties Premier Division. That achievement marked a significant milestone, establishing the club at Step 5 of the National League System.
Since promotion, Sheerwater have worked hard to consolidate their position. The move into the new Eastwood Centre ground in 2021 provided a modern home and coincided with improved performances, including a top-half finish in the 2021–22 season and encouraging runs in the FA Vase and FA Cup.
A difficult 2023–24 campaign saw the club battling relegation before new manager TJ Barbato guided the team to safety. Under his leadership, Sheerwater have continued to progress, building a more competitive squad and playing an attractive brand of football. The 2025–26 season proved to be their strongest yet at Premier Division level, with a club-record 54 points, a ninth-place finish, and another run to the Second Round Proper of the FA Vase. These achievements reflect a club that continues to grow both on and off the pitch while remaining firmly rooted in its community values.
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.
Defender Laurence Ernest has also departed the club after an impressive season at Colston Avenue, earning a move to National League South newcomers Walton & Hersham following their promotion.
Pre-Match Analysis
With a short turnaround from Monday’s game against Sutton Common Rovers, there is likely to be some rotation within the squad. Several players from the academy setup could be handed the chance to impress as they look to force their way into manager Bates’ plans for the season ahead.
Sheerwater enjoyed an impressive campaign last season and, with their new season getting underway a week earlier than Carshalton Athletic’s, the Sheers will be eager to hit the ground running. That should make for a competitive test for the Robins as they continue their preparations ahead of the new campaign.
Key Player
Kareem Foster will once again bring pace, flair and international experience to Sheerwater after being retained for the club’s 2026/27 campaign. The Cayman Islands international winger has become an exciting attacking option, combining direct running with the confidence to take on defenders and create chances in the final third.
A product of Cayman Athletic, Foster has continued his football journey in England, developing his game through the non-league system before making his mark at Sheerwater. Comfortable on either flank but most effective from the left, his quick feet, acceleration and willingness to drive at opposition full-backs make him a constant attacking threat.
His performances have also earned recognition on the international stage, representing the Cayman Islands in World Cup qualifying and other senior internationals. That experience has helped shape a player who brings composure and determination whenever he pulls on the Sheers shirt.
Foster’s impact since arriving at Sheerwater has made him a popular figure among supporters, with his energy, creativity and eye for goal adding an extra dimension to the club’s attack. His retention is another positive piece of business as the club builds its squad for the new season, ensuring continuity while keeping one of its most dangerous wide players at the Eastwood Centre.
With another season ahead, Sheerwater fans will be looking forward to seeing Foster continue to excite from the wing, using his international pedigree and attacking quality to help drive the club towards a successful 2026/27 campaign.
The Gaffer
TJ Barbato has made a significant impact as First Team Manager of Sheerwater FC since taking charge in January 2024. Arriving during a challenging period with the club battling relegation, he immediately inspired a turnaround, guiding the team to an important victory in his first match in charge. His leadership helped restore confidence within the squad and ultimately played a key role in securing the club’s place in the Combined Counties Premier Division South.
Beyond ensuring survival, Barbato has focused on building a competitive and sustainable team. He has worked hard to retain key players, recruit promising new talent and establish a positive culture based on commitment, hard work and teamwork. His emphasis on player development and squad unity has strengthened Sheerwater both on and off the pitch, laying the foundations for continued progress.
The 2025–26 season marked another milestone under Barbato’s leadership. Sheerwater achieved a solid ninth-place finish in the league, collecting 54 points and demonstrating clear improvement from previous campaigns. The season also saw individual players flourish, with several receiving end-of-season awards in recognition of their performances. Barbato further strengthened the club’s future by expanding his coaching staff ahead of the following season, reflecting his commitment to sustained growth and long-term success.
TJ Barbato’s achievements extend beyond results alone. His ability to rebuild morale, develop players and create a clear footballing identity has earned him respect throughout the club. His leadership has helped establish Sheerwater as a competitive, ambitious and well-organised side with a promising future.
Match Details
Date: Tuesday 21st July 2026
Opponents: Sheerwater
Venue: Eastwood Centre, Woking, GU21 5RF
Competition: Friendly
Kick-off: 8pm
Admission: Adults £5, Concessions £3, Kids FREE
Tickets: purchase at the turnstiles
