Carshalton Defeated At Dartford
Carshalton fell to a 4–1 defeat against Dartford in Saturday’s Isthmian Premier League fixture.
There was a sense of optimism in the Robins’ camp after seeing off Billericay last weekend, but they were unable to build on that momentum as the Darts reversed the scoreline from last season’s meeting at Princes Park.
Manager Peter Adeniyi, serving the second game of his touchline ban, made two changes from last weekend’s side, with Dylan Pepe and Luke Read returning to the back line.
Both teams started brightly, with Dartford slightly edging the early exchanges. The home side had a great chance in the fourth minute when Sam Odaudu flicked the ball across goal to Ben Frenpah, who found himself unmarked – but he headed wide.
Despite Dartford’s promising start, Carshalton created the best chance of the match soon after. Bryan Ifeanyi drove down the left and played in Kola Salami, who had scored in the same fixture last season. Salami cleverly beat his defender and poked a shot past Dartford goalkeeper Jonny Henly – only to see it come back off the post.
At the other end, Dartford’s Olly Box tried his luck with a curling effort, but it drifted just wide of the far post.
In the 23rd minute, Carshalton were awarded a penalty after Aziz Sankoh played a short corner to Tommy Bradford, who was brought down in the box by Sam Okoye. The referee pointed straight to the spot. Bradford – who had scored from the spot in the season opener against Cray Valley PM – stepped up confidently and slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sending Henly the wrong way to give Carshalton a 1–0 lead.
Dartford pushed for an equaliser and looked threatening from set pieces, with Odaudu’s long throws and a series of corners putting the Robins’ defence under pressure. One such delivery found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Matt Kerbey.
Carshalton had a good chance to double their lead when Sankoh threaded a pass through to Salami, who held the ball up well before feeding David Smith. Smith worked space for a left-footed shot,
but Henly was quick to close the angle and saved with his feet. Mason Saunders-Henry then went close, creating space on the edge of the area and curling an effort narrowly wide.
But in first-half stoppage time, Dartford drew level. A long ball forward from Henly was only partially cleared and fell to Olly Box, who took it down well and curled a fine finish past Matt Kerbey. It was a blow for the Robins, who had done enough to be ahead at the break.
Dartford had the ball in the net again just before the whistle, but the flag was raised for offside. During the move, Luke Read – recently back from injury – took a knock and was unable to continue, with Fikayo Atewologun replacing him at the interval.
The hosts came out firing in the second half and took the lead on 53 minutes. A deep free kick from Sam Smith was launched into the box, and Dan Smith rose highest to head home past Kerbey.
Carshalton looked to respond, with Saunders-Henry working space on the right to deliver a cross to David Smith. His header was saved, though the flag was already up for offside.
Soon after, Dartford made it 3–1. Jez Pinder, later named Man of the Match, won a free kick just outside the box and stepped up to take it himself – curling a low strike that slipped under Kerbey and into the net.
Moments later, it was four. Callum Jones cut in from the right and found Olly Box, who was given space to shift the ball onto his left foot and curl a brilliant strike into the top corner – his second goal of the game. Dartford nearly added a fifth when Jones struck from range, but Kerbey did well to parry the effort away for a corner.
Carshalton continued to battle, but were unable to create any clear chances as the full-time whistle approached. It was a frustrating afternoon for the Robins, who couldn’t build on the momentum of last weekend’s win.
For Dartford, it was a much-needed first victory of the season as they look to climb the table following their third-place finish last year.
Carshalton will look to bounce back on Bank Holiday Monday when they host Chichester City at Colston Avenue.
Up Next
Date: Monday 25th August 2025
Opponents: Chichester City FC
Competition: Isthmian League
KO: 3.00pm
Venue: Colston Avenue
Admissions: Get Tickets Here
