Carshalton Bow Out Of FA Trophy
Carshalton’s FA Trophy campaign came to an early end as they were knocked out at the first hurdle by Isthmian League rivals Cheshunt, who secured victory at Colston Avenue.
Manager Peter Adeniyi made two changes to the side that triumphed over Welling the previous weekend. Laurence Ernest and Josh Shonibare returned to the starting line-up, with Olly Hamstead and Mason Saunders-Henry dropping to the bench.
Cheshunt took the lead in the 21st minute. Sam Granville pounced on a misplaced Carshalton pass and surged forward, beating Ernest to go through on goal before slotting the ball under goalkeeper Matt Kerbey to put the visitors ahead.
Nine minutes later, Carshalton were level. The Robins won a free-kick on the right-hand side, which was taken by Sankoh.
His curling delivery evaded everyone – including Cheshunt keeper Preston Edwards – and nestled into the far corner.
Midway through the second half, Cheshunt regained the lead. After winning possession, Granville and Matthias Fanimo combined with a neat one-two, allowing Fanimo to deliver a dangerous cross into the box. Read’s headed clearance only reached Lordon Akolbire, who controlled the ball on his chest before firing a first-time volley into the back of the net.
As time ticked down, Carshalton were handed a golden opportunity to equalise. Bryan Ifeanyi, who had also won a penalty in last week’s game against Welling, was brought down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot.
Captain Tommy Bradford, who had converted all four of his penalties this season, stepped up. However, his low effort clipped the outside of the post and went wide, to the frustration of the home crowd.
The missed penalty seemed to deflate the Robins, and Cheshunt were able to see out the game, progressing to the First Round Proper. For Carshalton, it’s back to the drawing board after exiting the FA Trophy at the first hurdle for the third successive season.
Attention now turns to Tuesday’s Surrey Senior Cup tie at AFC Whyteleafe, as the Robins look to build on last season’s impressive run to the semi-finals.
Up Next
Date: Tuesday 7th October 2025
Opponents: AFC Whyteleafe
Competition: Surrey Senior Cup Round 1
KO: 7:45pm
Venue: Church Road, Whyteleafe, CR3 0AR
Admissions: Adults £10, Conc £6, U16 £4
