CAFC Women vs Manorcroft United – Preview
Following their FA Cup exit, Carshalton Athletic Women will be aiming to bounce back with a strong performance as they kick off their South East Counties League campaign away at newly-promoted Manorcroft United on Sunday.
Manorcroft United FC
Manorcroft United enter the Surrey Premier Division this season after a dominant campaign in Surrey Division 1 North, where they were crowned champions with a perfect record – 12 wins from 12 games. Their 69 goals scored (an average of nearly 6 per game) and just 14 conceded underline their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Clearly ready for the step up, they’ll be eager to test themselves against Carshalton in what promises to be a competitive opening fixture.
Their FA Cup campaign was due to begin last Sunday but instead progressed via a walkover, as their opponents withdrew after the draw. That result has set up a mouth-watering Second Qualifying Round tie at home to Reading FC, who were a Championship side as recently as the 2023/24 season. With that clash looming, Manorcroft will want to build momentum and avoid heading into such a high-profile tie off the back of a league defeat.
Carshalton Athletic
Carshalton ended pre-season on a high, comfortably beating Tonbridge Angels, and took that confidence into their FA Cup tie against South London. Things started well, with Dee Badley opening the scoring and earning Player of the Match honors. However, South London fought back with three unanswered goals to eliminate the Robins at the first hurdle. It was a disappointing result, but Carshalton will need to regroup quickly ahead of this tough season opener against a side unaccustomed to losing.
Team News
New signing Dee Badley, who joined from league rivals Croydon FC, has hit the ground running – scoring 8 goals in her first 5 appearances for the Robins. Her standout performance in the FA Cup last weekend underlined her threat, and she’ll be a key player again on Sunday. If she continues this fine form, she could be pivotal in unlocking the Manorcroft defence.
Head to Head
The two sides met in a friendly back in May as Carshalton prepared for their league finale against Farnham Town and the Surrey Divisional Cup Final versus Croydon FC. In front of a strong Colston Avenue crowd, it was Manorcroft who struck first and led 1–0 at the break. But the Robins responded emphatically in the second half – Honey Dulley scoring twice before Georgie Edwards sealed a 3–1 comeback victory.
Pre-Match Analysis
Both teams enjoyed excellent seasons last year and will be among the division’s title contenders. Their May meeting showed that Manorcroft are no pushovers, and another close battle is expected – this time with league points on the line. With only 18 league games, every result matters. A slow start could prove costly, as Carshalton saw last season when Farnham pulled clear early.
Manorcroft, having not yet played a competitive fixture this season due to their FA Cup bye, might take time to find their rhythm. That could give Carshalton a slight edge as they look to make a winning start to their league campaign.
Match Details
Date: Sunday 14th September, 2025
Opposition: Manorcroft United
Competition: South East Counties Womens Football League
Venue: Coopers Hill Recreation Ground, TW20 0JX
Kickoff: 2:00 pm
Admission: FREE
