CAFC vs Sutton Common Rovers – Preview
Carshalton Athletic are back in action at Colston Avenue on Monday night for their fifth pre-season fixture, as they welcome tenants Sutton Common Rovers.
The Robins will take on the Step 5 side as preparations continue ahead of the new campaign, with both teams looking to build fitness, test new combinations and get valuable minutes into their squads.
The match will also see Sutton Common Rovers in familiar surroundings, having shared Colston Avenue with Carshalton Athletic since the summer of 2024.
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 for 2026/27 began positively, with the Robins recording an impressive 4–0 win over Bromley in their opening friendly. However, results have since proved more challenging, with narrow defeats against Hampton & Richmond, Farnborough and Hanworth Villa.
Sutton Common Rovers
Sutton Common Rovers Football Club (SCR) has a history that stretches back to 1978, when it was founded as INRAD FC in Carshalton by Alan Salmon. The club began as a local amateur side before progressing through different levels of grassroots football. Following sponsorship changes, the club became Centre 21 FC and later adopted the Sutton Common Road name, eventually becoming known simply as Sutton Common Rovers.
After establishing itself in local football, SCR continued to grow and in 2004–05 made the move into Saturday football. The club later progressed through the Surrey South Eastern Combination and Middlesex County League before joining the Combined Counties League in 2007–08, marking an important step in its development within the non-league pyramid.
A major part of SCR’s modern history has been its search for a permanent home. Over the years, the club has shared grounds with several neighbours, including a successful six-season groundshare with Sutton United at Gander Green Lane. When that arrangement ended, SCR moved to Whyteleafe’s Church Road ground for the 2022–23 season.
In 2024, Sutton Common Rovers announced a new groundshare agreement with Carshalton Athletic, returning the club to its home borough of Sutton. The move saw SCR play at the War Memorial Sports Ground, Colston Avenue, giving the club a local base and strengthening its links with the community where it was originally formed. The partnership with Carshalton Athletic represents another important chapter in SCR’s history as the club continues to develop and compete in non-league football.
Known as “The Commoners”, Sutton Common Rovers’ story reflects ambition, resilience and the dedication of players, volunteers and supporters who have helped the club progress from a small amateur team into an established non-league side.
Head To Head
The sides met in pre-season in 2025. Despite the gap in league status, Sutton Common Rovers made a bright start and took an early lead. The Robins eventually found a way back into the contest, equalising in the closing stages when Nabeel Ghannam converted from the penalty spot. The friendly finished all square at 1–1.
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
Monday’s match will be Carshalton’s fifth pre-season fixture. It has been a mixed start to the Robins’ preparations, with a convincing 4–0 victory over a Bromley XI followed by narrow defeats to Hampton & Richmond Borough (1–0), Farnborough (3–1) and Hanworth Villa (2–1).
The fixture gives manager Bates another valuable opportunity to assess his squad, continue refining tactical patterns, build match fitness and begin identifying his strongest starting XI ahead of the new league campaign.
With less than three weeks remaining until the season gets underway with a trip to AFC Whyteleafe, preparations are entering a crucial phase as the Robins look to build momentum before the competitive action begins.
Key Player
One of the SCR’s most experienced players, Tom Collins returns for the 2026/27 season after a dependable campaign at Colston Avenue
Operating primarily in midfield, Collins brings energy, composure and intelligence to the centre of the park. His ability to read the game, retain possession and drive the team forward makes him an important part of the Rovers’ engine room, while his versatility and work rate allow him to influence matches in a variety of roles.
Last season, Collins made 32 appearances and contributed four goals, underlining his ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch. Whether breaking up opposition attacks, linking defence with attack or arriving late in the box, he consistently demonstrated the qualities that make him such a valuable member of the squad.
Away from the statistics, Collins’ experience and professionalism are equally important. He leads by example every time he steps onto the pitch and provides invaluable support to the club’s younger players, helping to maintain the high standards expected throughout the squad.
Retained for the 2026/27 campaign, Collins remains a key figure as Sutton Common Rovers look to build on last season. His consistency, commitment and determination embody the spirit of the club, and supporters will be hoping to see him continue to make a significant contribution in the months ahead.
The Gaffers
Lee Flavin and Darren Salmon form a complementary management partnership at Sutton Common Rovers, combining decades of non-league experience, strong player management and a deep commitment to the club’s long-term development. Together, they have built a reputation for creating competitive teams while maintaining the family values that have become synonymous with Sutton Common Rovers.
Darren Salmon is one of the defining figures in the club’s history. Having spent around three decades involved with Sutton Common Rovers, he helped transform the club from its grassroots beginnings into an established Step 4 side, overseeing promotions, cup successes and some of the most successful years in the club’s history. His influence extends well beyond the first team, with a strong focus on youth development, club infrastructure and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Sutton Common Rovers. Few managers have had such a lasting impact on a non-league club, and his passion for the Commoners remains evident in everything he does.
Lee Flavin brings a different but equally valuable skill set. A highly respected figure within non-league football, Flavin has earned recognition as an outstanding recruiter, coach and man-manager. His extensive network across the non-league game has enabled Sutton Common Rovers to attract talented players, while his tactical knowledge and calm leadership have strengthened the squad on and off the pitch. As a player-manager in previous spells and now joint manager, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to build positive relationships with players and create a professional environment despite the challenges of semi-professional football.
The partnership works because their strengths complement each other. Salmon’s unrivalled knowledge of the club and strategic vision combines naturally with Flavin’s recruitment expertise, coaching ability and day-to-day management of the squad. Both share a hands-on approach, placing equal importance on commitment, togetherness and representing the club with pride.
After reuniting as joint managers, the pair have guided Sutton Common Rovers through one of the most challenging periods in the club’s recent history. Although results have brought inevitable highs and lows, they have remained committed to rebuilding the squad, developing players and preparing the club for its next chapter. Their determination reflects the resilient spirit of Sutton Common Rovers itself – a club built on hard work, community and a belief that success comes through unity.
For supporters, Lee Flavin and Darren Salmon represent more than just the management team. They embody the values that have defined Sutton Common Rovers for many years: loyalty, ambition, resilience and an unwavering dedication to the club’s future.
Match Details
Date: Monday 20th July 2026
Opponents: Sutton Common Rovers
Venue: Colston Avenue, SM5 2PW
Competition: Friendly
Kick-off: 7:45pm
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
