Carshalton Win at Chessington
Carshalton continued their pre-season preparations in emphatic style with a 6–1 win away at Chessington & Hook United.
With the Robins’ home friendly against Cray Wanderers cancelled at short notice, the club swiftly arranged this fixture against Chessington – a side they’ll meet in the South East Counties Women’s Football League this season. It proved a valuable opportunity for manager Aaron Lamont to assess how his squad measures up ahead of the league’s September start.
Carshalton started brightly, with Sarah Chapman, Kenza Gueriani and Taylor McCrea all looking lively in the opening exchanges.
The Robins took a deserved lead on 17 minutes. Chapman found space on the right and delivered a well-placed ball to McCrea, who finished brilliantly to make it 1–0.
Goalkeeper Mia Patton was called into action for the first time around the 20-minute mark, getting down well to save a powerful shot from a Chessington forward cutting in from the left. It would prove to be the hosts’ only real chance of the half.
Despite a bobbly pitch, Carshalton looked composed and confident in possession. Defensively, they were assured, with Evie Nebbitt particularly impressive under pressure – keeping calm to retain possession rather than simply clearing her lines.
The Robins pushed to double their advantage before the break. Gueriani came close after a mazy run, while Rebecca Seargent narrowly missed the target with a curling effort after being played through by Gueriani. Despite the dominance, Carshalton went into the break just one goal ahead – perhaps frustrated not to have more to show for a strong first-half display.
Disaster struck just seven minutes into the second half, as a long-range effort from Chessington caught out Patton, who got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out.
However, Carshalton’s response was immediate. Within a minute, McCrea restored the lead with a smart finish – her second of the game. Just five minutes later, she completed her hat-trick, latching onto a through ball and using her pace to beat the offside trap before calmly slotting home.
In the 75th minute, Bianca Underhill’s corner from the left caused problems for the hosts. After the initial clearance, the ball was recycled and found Maisie Ward, who flicked it past the keeper to make it 4–1.
With several first-team players unavailable, Lamont handed opportunities to a number of youth players. At just 15 years old, they are ineligible for competitive fixtures, but were able to feature in this friendly. Youth player No. 21 made her mark with a powerful 20-yard strike to put the game out of reach.
Just two minutes later, Chapman’s pinpoint corner found Gueriani in the box, who rose highest to power a header past the keeper for Carshalton’s sixth.
The Robins pushed for more in the closing stages, but the final whistle blew on a comprehensive and confident performance. It was a statement win from Carshalton, and one that will surely please Lamont – especially given the manner of the victory and the contribution from both senior and youth players.
Up Next
Date: Tuesday, 26th August
Opponents: Tooting Bec Women
Competition: Friendly
KO: 7.45pm
Venue: Colston Avenue
Admissions: Free Entry
