CAFC Women vs Dorking Wanderers U23 – Preview
After two consecutive away games against South London FC and Manorcroft United, the Robins return to Colston Avenue this Sunday to host Dorking Wanderers U23s.
Dorking Wanderers U23
Dorking Wanderers remain in the Surrey Premier Division this season, following an impressive third-place finish last year (from a nine-team league). They ended the 2024/25 campaign just behind Carshalton, with a record of 10 wins, 2 draws, and 4 defeats, scoring an impressive 59 goals along the way.
As U23/reserve sides are not eligible for the Women’s FA Cup, Dorking played their first competitive fixture of the new season last weekend – a commanding 4–0 league win at home over newly promoted Oxted & District.
With their first team playing in the fifth tier of the women’s football pyramid, Dorking’s U23s will once again feature a pool of young, developing talent, eager to gain experience in senior football and push for promotion to the senior squad.
Carshalton Athletic
The Robins’ historic debut in the Women’s FA Cup didn’t go to plan, ending in a narrow 3–1 defeat away at South London FC. But they bounced back strongly last Sunday in their league opener, securing an impressive 9–0 victory at Manorcroft United.
Remarkably, Carshalton played most of that match with 10 players following a controversial red card for goalkeeper Beth Yarrow. The performance was a statement of intent – not just in terms of resilience but also attacking depth – and they’ll be looking to build on that momentum in front of their home crowd.
Team News
With six different scorers in Sunday’s win, manager Aaron Lamont will be encouraged by the depth in his attacking options. Notably, four of the nine goals came from the bench – including one from Sarah Chapman and a second-half hat-trick from Taylor McCrea. Both players will be pushing for starting roles against Dorking, giving Lamont positive selection headaches ahead of the weekend.
Head to Head
Carshalton and Dorking faced each other three times during the 2024/25 season – twice in the league and once in the Surrey Divisional Cup. The first meeting came in September at Colston Avenue, where the Robins were still finding their feet as a new side. Dorking capitalised on that slow start and came away with a 2–0 win, courtesy of goals from Bates and Kamara.
The teams met again in December in the last 16 of the Surrey Divisional Cup, also at Colston Avenue. This time, Carshalton turned the tables in an entertaining 5–3 victory, with goals from Josie Alderman, Kanita Throp, and a hat-trick from Abbie Measures. That result kick-started a strong cup run, which saw the Robins eventually lift the trophy with a 4–1 win over Croydon FC in the final at Meadowbank in May.
Their third and final meeting of the season took place in February at the Oakwood Sports Centre, where Carshalton produced a dominant performance to win 7–0. Kenza Gueriani found the net, while Maria Andrade, Heather Eade, and Evie Nebbitt all scored twice in a one-sided affair.
Pre-Match Analysis
Both teams recorded convincing opening-day victories and will feel they have what it takes to challenge at the top of the Surrey Premier Division this season. It’s early days, but this fixture already has the makings of a potential six-pointer.
Carshalton were strong at home last season, losing only once at Colston Avenue in the league – but that one defeat came at the hands of Dorking. Manager Aaron Lamont will be mindful of the threat they pose, particularly with their pace and movement in the final third.
With the men’s team playing away on Saturday, Carshalton fans will be looking to Sunday’s match for their Colston Avenue football fix – and they could be in for a cracker.
Match Details
Date:Â Sunday 21st September, 2025
Opposition: Dorking Wanderers U23
Competition: South East Counties Womens Football League
Venue:Â Colston Avenue
Kickoff:Â 2:30 pm
Admission: FREE
