Carshalton Slip to Defeat at Brentwood
Carshalton Athletic fell to a narrow 3–2 defeat against Isthmian Premier League leaders Brentwood Town in a closely contested match on Saturday.
Following Tuesday night’s loss away at Wingate & Finchley, manager Peter Adeniyi made three changes to his starting XI. Janneh, Gody, and Dada made way for Mason Saunders-Henry and two familiar faces returning to the club – Olly Hamstead and Ricky Korboa.
Hamstead, a defender, rejoined the Robins after spells at Hemel Hempstead and Uxbridge, having departed Colston Avenue in December 2024. His return was a welcome boost to the backline. For Korboa, it was a homecoming – the 29-year-old returned to the club where he began his senior career at just 17. He scored 64 goals across seven seasons for Carshalton, earning a move to League One side Northampton Town, where he made his EFL debut. After subsequent spells at Sutton, Woking, Livingston, and Maidenhead, Korboa is back in red – and straight into the starting lineup.
The match kicked off at the Brentwood Centre Arena and saw a fairly even first half, with both sides creating half-chances. Korboa nearly marked his return with an early goal, but his shot was well saved by Brentwood keeper Minter. Brentwood responded in the 14th minute with a deflected long-range effort from Johnson, but Kerbey reacted well to save.
Carshalton went straight up the other end, with Kola Salami using his pace to break through the defence, but a Brentwood defender did just enough to narrow the angle and block the shot for a corner.
Brentwood thought they had opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Daniel Ogunleye – who scored 43 goals for the club in all competitions last season – found the net after latching onto a long ball. However, the flag had already gone up for offside. Kerbey was called into action again in the 34th minute, producing a fine save from a header – although once again, the assistant referee had flagged for offside.
The game sprang into life in the 40th minute. Carshalton pushed forward, with Salami picking up the ball just outside the box. He spotted Ifeanyi unmarked on the right and played him in. The winger cut inside and rifled a shot into the far corner past Minter to give the Robins the lead.
But the advantage was short-lived. Straight from kick-off, Brentwood attacked and won a corner. Max Hudson delivered, and Ogunleye was on hand to steer the ball past Kerbey for his fourth goal of the season.
As half-time approached, Carshalton restored their lead. A long ball over the top wasn’t dealt with by Romel Royal, allowing Salami to pounce. The striker burst through and fired a low shot through Minter’s legs to make it 2–1 to the Robins at the break.
At half-time, Carshalton made a change with Pepe replacing Shonibare. Hamstead moved to right-back, allowing Pepe to take his place in central defence. Early in the second half, Salami had a half-chance but saw his effort blocked.
Twelve minutes into the second half, Brentwood began to assert control in search of an equaliser. Hudson’s cross found Vaivada, who volleyed over. Three minutes later, Charlee Hughes controlled well and got a shot away, but Kerbey saved comfortably.
On 65 minutes, Kerbey again denied Vaivada, tipping his effort around the post for a corner. Brentwood thought they had levelled from the resulting set piece, with Edwards poking the ball home. The referee initially appeared to award the goal, but was instead signaling for a foul on Kerbey – much to the frustration of the Brentwood players. One received a yellow card for dissent.
Carshalton had perhaps been fortunate to still be ahead, but the pressure finally told three minutes later. Louie Johnson controlled the ball on the edge of the area, flicked it up, and smashed a powerful shot beyond Kerbey to make it 2–2.
Brentwood continued to press. Kerbey made another stop in the 79th minute before Carshalton responded through Korboa, whose long-range effort was comfortably held by Minter.
But it was the home side who struck the decisive blow in the 85th minute. Sankoh was dispossessed by Wyan Reid, who delivered a pinpoint cross for substitute Charlee Hughes. His effort beat Kerbey to give Brentwood the lead for the first time.
In a final roll of the dice, Carshalton brought on winger Steve Gody for full-back Sankoh in search of an equaliser. However, Brentwood held firm to continue their excellent start to the season and remain top of the table.
For Carshalton, it’s back to the drawing board as they prepare to host Cray Wanderers next Saturday at Colston Avenue (3pm kick-off).
Up Next
Date: Saturday 13th September 2025
Opponents: Cray Wanderers
Competition: Isthmian Premier League
KO: 3pm
Venue: Colston Avenue
Admissions: Get Tickets Here – Adults £12, Conc £9, U18 £6, Women & Girls Free
