CAFC Women vs Bognor Regis Town – Preview
Following their 4–3 victory over Dorking Wanderers U23 in the Surrey Divisional Cup semi-finals, the Robins return to action on Sunday with a trip to Sussex to take on sixth-tier side Bognor Regis Town in a friendly.
Carshalton Athletic
Since a 5–4 defeat to local rivals Sutton United Reserves in November, the Robins have been in outstanding form across all competitions, winning their last seven matches.
They responded to that setback by winning their final match before Christmas, securing a 2–0 victory away at Croydon FC courtesy of a debut brace from Nadia Sabania.
The Robins began 2026 strongly with a 3–1 home win over Merstham, thanks to goals from Honey Dulley, Dee Badley and Nadia Sabania. They then continued their Surrey Divisional Cup defence in emphatic fashion, beating South Park Reigate 13–0 in the quarter-finals. It was an impressive display, with nine different players getting on the scoresheet: Sabania (3), Davies (2), McCrea (2), Badley, Dulley, Eade, Gooding, Gueriani and Underhill.
Although they had no competitive fixture the following weekend, Carshalton faced higher-tier opposition in a friendly against Richmond & Kew and impressed once again, running out 5–1 winners. The goals came from McCrea (2), Badley, Dulley and Gueriani.
The final game of January saw the Robins host Chessington & Hook at Colston Avenue. Dee Badley scored four goals – including a hat-trick in a devastating 10-minute spell – while Honey Dulley and Nadia Sabania also found the net in a commanding 6–0 victory.
Carshalton then travelled to Walton & Hersham and raced into a 3–0 half-time lead thanks to a brace from Badley and a Dulley strike just before the break. The Robins picked up where they left off in the second half, adding further goals through McCrea, Ward and Dulley before conceding a late consolation, sealing a 6–1 win.
Last time out, the Robins hosted Dorking Wanderers U23s in the semi-finals of the Surrey Divisional Cup. Carshalton made a fast start, with Bianca Underhill opening the scoring after three minutes, but Dorking equalised through Maisie Dale. Carshalton went into half-time 2–1 up following Dee Badley’s strike before the break, but Dorking levelled in the second half through Holly Crane. Carshalton went ahead for a third time via a Georgie Edwards free kick, and Badley made it 4–2 shortly after. Holly Crane pulled a goal back to set up a nervy finish, but the Robins held on to book their place in the final for the second consecutive season.
This weekend brings a break from competitive action, but a stern test awaits with a trip to face Bognor Regis Town, who currently sit top of the London and South East Counties League (Division 1 South) table – one division above the Robins.
The Title Race
Last season, Farnham Town won the Surrey Premier Division title with 15 wins and just one defeat. Carshalton mounted a strong challenge, winning 13, drawing one and losing two of their 16 matches, but that proved insufficient for either the title or promotion. An average of 2.5 points per game would typically be enough to win a league, yet that may not be the case this season either.
This time, three teams are firmly in contention as the campaign approaches its decisive stages. Dorking currently lead the way with 36 points from 13 games and a goal difference of +48. Sutton United Reserves sit one point behind on 35 points, also with a goal difference of +48. Carshalton are third on 33 points, having recorded 11 wins and two defeats, with a superior goal difference of +59.
The stage is therefore set for a dramatic conclusion, with several pivotal fixtures still to come. Dorking and Sutton face each other twice – on Sunday at Dorking and again in April at Sutton – while Carshalton will seek revenge when they travel to the David Weir Leisure Centre to face Sutton at the end of March. With a three-way title race unfolding, further twists and turns seem inevitable, and all three sides will hope to be crowned champions in the spring.
This weekend, Carshalton are not in league action but instead face Bognor Regis Town in a friendly. While the Robins’ focus will be on that game, Dorking take on Sutton at Oakwood Sports Centre, with the winner set to end the weekend top of the table.
Bognor Regis Town
Bognor Regis Town compete in the London and South East Counties League Division 1 South, the sixth tier of the women’s pyramid – one level above the Robins.
Last season, Bognor narrowly missed out on promotion, finishing second out of 11 teams with 13 wins, five draws and two defeats, ending the campaign just five points behind eventual winners Aylesford.
This season, the Rocks are pushing for promotion again and currently sit top of the league, with 11 wins, one draw and four defeats from their 16 games so far. Bognor have completed league doubles over Sevenoaks Town, Montpelier Villa, Bexhill and Steyning Town Community, as well as beating Ashmount Leigh (3–0), Hastings United (2–0) and Leatherhead (2–1). The Rocks also beat Frimley Green home and away; however, those results were voided after Frimley Green withdrew from the league.
Despite sitting top, three other teams remain close behind with games in hand and could overtake the Rocks if results go their way. Saltdean United Development sit second, three points behind with three games in hand. Eastbourne Borough are third, seven points behind with five games in hand, while Leatherhead are fourth, eight points behind with four games in hand.
As a result, the title race is not entirely in Bognor’s control, but the Rocks will be aiming to win their final two league games and hope other results go their way to secure both the title and promotion to tier five.
Team News
Last time out, Aaron Lamont introduced three new faces for the cup semi-final against Dorking. Forward Abigail Claringbold, who has spent time at Brentford, was thrown straight into the starting line-up. Remmi Gardner, also formerly of Brentford, was on the bench along with Laney Garcia.
With some important games still to come and the possibility of a league and cup double still alive, Lamont will feel the need to maintain strength in depth within his squad.
Elsewhere, striker Heather Eade is facing surgery after suffering a serious knee injury against South Park in the Surrey Divisional Cup. Eade had been enjoying a stunning season up to that point, recording 16 goals and 12 assists in just 12 games. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the cost of her surgery and rehabilitation.
Pre-Match Analysis
With key fixtures approaching for both sides, Sunday’s match presents an important opportunity to build momentum and match fitness ahead of the run-in. The Robins are in excellent form, having won their last seven games, but Bognor look set to provide their toughest test in some time.
Bognor, meanwhile, sit top of their league, although three other sides could overtake them depending on how they capitalise on their games in hand. The Rocks have won their last three league matches and will be aiming to deliver a strong performance against the Robins ahead of their final two fixtures against Hastings United and Ashmount Leigh.
Last month, Bognor’s Nyewood Lane stadium reopened following upgrades to the changing rooms and floodlights, along with the installation of a new 3G playing surface. This may suit the Robins, who are accustomed to playing on an artificial surface at Colston Avenue.
Match Details
Date: Sunday 22nd March 2026
Opposition: Bognor Regis Town
Competition: Friendly
Venue: Nyewood Lane, PO21 2TY
Kickoff: 3pm
Admission: Adults £2, U16 FREE
