Carshalton Lose Against Cray Valley
Carshalton Athletic slipped to a second consecutive defeat, losing 1–0 at home to Cray Valley PM.
Goalkeeper Suspension explanation
Following an FA hearing on Thursday, Matt Kerbey was issued a suspension. The FA chose to start the suspension less that 48 hours after the hearing. The 48 hour timescale effectively removed the club’s statutory right to appeal the decision as it was impossible for the club to have an appeal heard before the suspension took effect. The club wrote the the FA asking for written reasons for the decision and stating its intention to consider an appeal (pending those written reasons) and to delay the commencement of the suspension until the club had a chance to receive the written reasons (for the decision) and to decide whether it was going to appeal. The FA refused. The club is now considering its option to lodge an official complaint regarding what we believe was an unjust, unfair and unconstitutional decision.
Our reserve keeper Fabian Witter was injured and so the manager secured another arrangement for a loan keeper but the manager was informed late on Thursday night that the player’s agent had prevented the loan. The manager did secure the signing of another keeper, but the paperwork was not completed in time, leaving centre-back Luke Read to deputise in goal.
The club wants to commend Luke for stepping forward. Luke Read’s performance was outstanding and he was not in any way to blame for the result. Luke Read is a hero.
Match report
Carshalton started the game brightly. After just six minutes, Tommy Bradford delivered a cross to Kola Salami, whose header beat Rowley in the Cray Valley goal but rattled the crossbar.
The assistant referee, however, had already raised his flag for offside.
The Robins continued to push forward. On 12 minutes, a neat passing move ended with Matias Bakare firing a powerful effort over the bar. At the other end, Read was called into action to deny former Carshalton midfielder Matthew Vigor, saving well to keep things level.
Carshalton kept pressing. Bakare whipped in a cross from the right which Salami met with a glancing header, sending the ball just wide. Moments later, Bryan Ifeanyi saw a powerful strike from outside the box blocked,
and Mason Saunders-Henry fired narrowly over after another promising move.
Cray Valley created chances of their own and almost took the lead on 41 minutes. A spell of pinball in the Robins’ box caused panic, but Carshalton eventually cleared, and the referee soon brought the first half to a close.
The second half began at pace, with the Robins nearly scoring on 47 minutes. Salami cut the ball back from the byline to Bradford, whose shot was well saved by Rowley’s outstretched foot.
Minutes later, the visitors came close when former Robin Tom Beere attempted an audacious lob over Read, who was off his line. The effort drifted just wide. Beere then turned provider, crossing for Vigor, but Read collected the header comfortably.
On 54 minutes, Rowley produced another important save, pushing away a powerful drive from Noah Nzuzi.
Carshalton felt they should have had a penalty soon after when Ifeanyi appeared to be brought down, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Despite numerous chances, the game somehow remained goalless – until the 71st minute. A Cray Valley corner from the left was met by Rowan Liburd, who headed home to give the visitors a 1–0 lead. Carshalton pressed for an equaliser but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities as the Millers defended resolutely. Just before the end, Akanbi saw a deflected strike hit the side netting, and from the resulting corner Dan Bowry headed over.
After four minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew for full-time, sealing all three points for Cray Valley, who return to Eltham victorious.
Carshalton now turn their attention to Saturday’s Isthmian League fixture away at Wingate & Finchley.
Up Next
Date: Saturday 6th December 2025
Opponents: Wingate & Finchley FC
Competition: Isthmian League
KO: 3pm
Venue: Maurice Rebak Stadium, Summers Ln, London N12 0PD
Admissions: Get Tickets Here – Adults £14 (£13 Online), Conc £9 (£8 Online), 10-16yrs £5, U10 Free
