CAFC Women vs Manorcroft United Women – Preview
Carshalton Athletic welcome fellow Tier 7 side and Surrey Division 1 North runaway champions Manorcroft United to Colston Avenue this Sunday for a tough friendly encounter.
Robins Review
The Robins delivered a statement 4–1 win over higher-tier local rivals Sutton United in a friendly at Colston Avenue on Sunday, with braces from Heather Eade and the unlikely hero Evie Nebbitt sealing an emphatic victory. Looking to maintain the momentum built in recent weeks, manager Aaron Lamont has arranged another friendly this weekend—this time against fellow Tier 7 outfit Manorcroft United. While Manorcroft may not have Sutton’s pedigree, they represent a stern challenge. The Surrey-based side are one of the most exciting emerging teams this season, having capped off their debut campaign as runaway champions of the Surrey Division 1 North. With a decisive Surrey Premier clash against league favourites Farnham Town and a League Cup Final showdown against Croydon FC on the horizon, these preparatory fixtures are crucial for the Reds.
Manorcroft United
Like the Robins, Manorcroft United are in their inaugural season and compete at Tier 7 of the Women’s Football Pyramid. While Carshalton play in the Surrey Premier Division, Manorcroft operate in the parallel Surrey Division 1 North. The Surrey-based newcomers enjoyed a near-perfect 2024–25 campaign, storming to the league title with a flawless record—12 wins from 12, finishing on the maximum 36 points. By contrast, runners-up Molesey Athletic recorded seven wins and five draws, finishing a distant second on 21 points, 15 adrift.
While the Surrey Premier featured 11 teams this season, Division 1 North was a much smaller competition, comprising just five sides: Walton & Hersham, Hersham, Egham Town, Molesey Athletic, and champions Manorcroft. Egham endured a particularly difficult season, losing all 12 of their matches and finishing on –1 point due to an unspecified deduction.
Manorcroft’s title charge began in early September with a dominant eight-match winning streak, highlighted by a staggering 14–0 league rout of Egham Town and a 7–0 triumph over the same side in the Surrey Divisional Cup first round. In mid-November, they secured a crucial 4–2 win against second-placed Molesey Athletic, further cementing their title credentials. Their only competitive defeat of the season came in early December, bowing out of the Surrey Divisional Cup in the second round with a narrow loss to Oxted & District—despite leading 2–1 at half-time—following a two-week break in fixtures.
League play resumed on 19 January, and Manorcroft immediately picked up where they left off, thrashing Egham Town 12–0. Across their three meetings with Egham in all competitions, the aggregate scoreline stood at a staggering 33–0. In their final five league games, Manorcroft remained unbeaten, netting 23 goals and conceding just eight to seal the Division 1 North title in dominant fashion.
Likely line-ups
Carshalton Athletic
Solly, Riley, Nebbitt, Measures, E. Andrade, Allen, Edwards ©, Throp, M. Andrade, Gueriani, Eade
Manorcroft United
Croft, Frampton, Hamilton, Hicks, Kerswill, Petroccia, Pike, Rowbottom, Smith ©, Taylor, Waters
Team news
Carshalton Athletic
The Robins’ only long-term absentee remains forward Josie Alderman, who has been unavailable due to relocating. However, she is expected to return in time for the Reds’ crucial League Cup Final against Croydon FC at Meadowbank. Sarah Chapman was also missing from Sunday’s fixture, though her absence was due to family commitments rather than injury. With several players putting in standout performances, particularly in attacking roles, it may prove challenging for the veteran striker to reclaim her starting spot up front.
Manorcroft United
Despite their season having concluded, Manorcroft are expected to field a strong starting XI. The friendly presents a valuable opportunity for the newly crowned Surrey Division 1 North champions to test themselves against a quality Carshalton side, as they prepare for the step up to Tier 6 next season.
Pre-Match Analysis
Manorcroft United have been ruthlessly clinical in front of goal during the 2024–25 season. The Surrey-based side has found the back of the net an impressive 69 times while conceding only 14. Their away form is equally formidable, with six matches, six wins, 23 goals scored, and just eight conceded. However, it’s their recent form over the last six matches that will be of particular concern to Aaron Lamont’s side heading into Sunday’s friendly. Manorcroft have maintained a perfect record during this stretch, scoring 34 goals and conceding only eight. For context, the Robins are just two goals ahead in the “Goals Scored” column and three ahead in “Goals Conceded.” Expect a tightly contested encounter.
Key Player
Forward Millie Dufton is undoubtedly Manorcroft United’s standout player. Leading the team’s scoring charge with an impressive 28 goals, Dufton has netted all but one from open play, with just a single penalty to her name.
The Gaffer
The manager of Manorcroft United’s women’s team, Mark Beaumont, is an FA Level 1 qualified football coach deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of female footballers. Passionate about growing participation in grassroots football, he plays a pivotal role in his local community, where he also manages and coaches the Under-18s Girls team. Under his guidance, the team has inspired younger players, with many looking up to them as role models. This success has been fueled by the growing influence of the England Lionesses and the increasing prominence of elite women’s football through the Women’s Super League (WSL), which has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among aspiring female footballers.
Match Details
Date: Sunday, 11 May 2025
Venue: Colston Avenue
Kick-off: 02:30 PM
Admission: Free Entry
