CAFC Women vs Merstham – Preview
After a weekend off, the Robins return to action on Sunday as they travel to Merstham for a Surrey Premier Division fixture, looking to maintain their perfect league record.
Merstham
During the off-season, AFC Whyteleafe merged with Merstham, with the club now operating under the name Merstham FC. AFC Whyteleafe chairman Kelly Waters, speaking on the merger, said:
“One of our challenges was the lack of a girls’ player pathway to have enough players at the right standard. Knowing Merstham had a girls’ pathway but no senior team at that level, Sarah (Collett, Merstham Director of Football) and I wondered if a merger might be the perfect way to strengthen the women’s team and help the women to succeed. Whyteleafe’s players, staff and league place merging with Merstham’s pathway, infrastructure and director seemed like a perfect match.”
As AFC Whyteleafe last season, it’s fair to say it was a tough campaign – an understatement, in fact. They finished bottom of the London & South East Regional League (Division 1 North), suffering relegation with a record of 0 wins, 1 draw, and 21 defeats.
Now donning amber and black instead of green and white, the Moatsiders appear to have found a more suitable level of competition. They began their season with a narrow 3–2 defeat to Tooting Bec in the FA Cup, before recording a 2–0 home win over Croydon FC in their league opener. Most recently, they fell to a close 4–3 defeat against current league leaders Sutton United Reserves – although this result is currently being disputed with the league.
Carshalton Athletic
Following a disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of South London FC, the Robins have bounced back strongly in the league. They secured back-to-back wins against Manorcroft United and Dorking Wanderers U23s, netting an impressive 12 goals across the two games.
The encounter with Dorking was especially challenging, with Carshalton grabbing a dramatic last-minute winner courtesy of Kenza Gueriani in stoppage time.
Team News
Carshalton’s squad depth was on display against Dorking, where Kenza Gueriani, despite her excellent form, started on the bench. She made an immediate impact after coming on, scoring the decisive goal three minutes into stoppage time. Her performance will no doubt boost her chances of returning to the starting XI for Sunday’s clash against Merstham.
Pre-Match Analysis
With both sides enjoying a break last weekend, expect a high-tempo start as they look to return to action refreshed. Sutton United Reserves took full advantage of Carshalton’s absence, defeating Walton & Hersham 6–2 to go three points clear at the top of the table. The Robins, however, remain in second place with a game in hand, although Sutton’s win over Merstham is currently being disputed with the league.
Sutton’s perfect start means there’s no room for slip-ups. Manager Aaron Lamont will be hoping for a more controlled performance after the narrow escape against Dorking Wanderers, secured only by that stoppage-time strike.
Match Details
Date: Sunday 5th October, 2025
Opposition: Merstham FC
Competition: South East Counties Womens Football League
Venue: The Hybrid Fitness Stadium, RH1 3QB
Kickoff: 2:00 pm
Admission: £3 Adults, Children (U16) £1.
