CAFC vs Farnborough FC – Preview
Carshalton Athletic welcome Farnborough Women FC to Colston Avenue for pre-season on Sunday.
Robins Review
Pre-season action is underway as the squad began their summer campaign with a tough test away to higher-tier Bromley FC. Despite the 4–1 defeat, the performance showed plenty of promise, with the Robins more competitive than the scoreline suggested.
The team bounced back in style on home turf at Colston Avenue, putting in a dominant display to secure a convincing win over Haywards Heath, showing signs that preparations for the new season are beginning to click into gear.
A major boost to the midfield came on Monday with the exciting arrival of Tali Rivens. The technically gifted midfielder joins on dual registration from Dorking Wanderers, bringing experience, intelligence, and composure to Aaron Lamont’s side.
“Tali’s calmness on the ball, sharpness in tight spaces, and energy in and out of possession gives us real control when building through the thirds,” said Lamont. “Her quality speaks for itself — she’s exactly the type of player we want in this group.”
Tali has already impressed in both training and matches, and is expected to play a key role this season as the Robins look to build on last year’s momentum.
Fixture Update
This weekend’s scheduled friendly has seen a change in opposition, with Farnborough Sunday now stepping in to replace Tooting Bec.
Farnborough FC Women – A Force on the Rise
Few stories in the women’s game over the past two seasons have been as compelling as Farnborough FC Women’s meteoric rise. Formed just over two years ago, the Yellows have already carved out a reputation as one of the most ambitious and successful new sides in the region – and their second season only strengthened that legacy.
Under the guidance of Craig Shields, Farnborough completed an astonishing treble in 2024/25 – winning the Hampshire County Women’s Football League Division 1 title, lifting the Invitational Cup, and retaining the Hampshire FA Women’s Trophy. In total, they won 26 games across all competitions and secured back-to-back promotions, earning a well-deserved place in Tier 6: the Southern Region Women’s Football League Division 1 North.
Despite navigating injuries and a demanding fixture list, Farnborough showed resilience and depth. Sixteen-year-old goalkeeper Jodie Sawyer stepped up in the absence of No.1 Morgan Palmer to feature in two Cup Finals – a testament to the club’s player development and belief in youth. From gritty away wins at Millbrook and Andover, to a memorable rain-soaked victory at Shanklin, Boro proved they can dig deep when it matters.
Shields and his side now look ahead to a new chapter in a higher division. With unfamiliar opposition in the SRWFL Division 1 North, every game promises to be a new challenge – and an opportunity to prove they belong at the next level. Their upcoming clash against sides like Slough Town, a club Shields sees as a similar profile to Boro, will be watched closely.
With the core squad retained and momentum firmly behind them, Farnborough are not just participating in the new tier – they’re aiming to compete. Clubs across the women’s pyramid are starting to take notice. And rightly so.
Team News – Farnborough FC Women
Farnborough head into the new season with a strong core of returning players and a couple of key additions already confirmed.
New Signings
Beth Bye: A talented 16-year-old goalkeeper who arrives from Woking, providing added depth between the posts.
Bryony Gibbs: A composed defender, also joining from Woking, bringing with her valuable experience at Southern Region Women’s Football League level.
Confirmed Re-Signings
Farnborough have retained the majority of their title-winning squad, including key names such as:
Ellie Stanley (Golden Boot Winner), Farrah Yewings, Ana Pitts, Morgan Palmer (GK), Jordan Thompson, Kelly Rutledge, Esme Parsons, Izabel Woodger, Katie Taylor.
Departures
Jemma Chapman – leaving the club due to relocation.
Erin Wetherill – makes the move to Aldershot Town Women.
Georgia Stalley – taking time out of football due to pregnancy. Farnborough send their congratulations and look forward to welcoming her back in the future.
With more re-signings and additions expected to be announced throughout July, Farnborough’s preparations for their first season in the Southern Region Women’s Football League Division 1 North are well underway.
Pre-Match Analysis
Farnborough enter pre-season as the reigning champions, having delivered a dominant 2024 campaign. They finished top of the table with 86 points, a commanding 13 points ahead of second-placed Millbrook Ladies.
Their attacking record was especially impressive — 85 goals scored over 18 games, averaging nearly 4.7 goals per match. With a +43 goal difference, it’s clear that Farnborough were not only prolific going forward but also solid at the back, conceding 42 goals.
With 15 wins, 1 draw, and just 2 defeats, Farnborough set the standard last season. As they prepare for the new campaign, they’ll be looking to build on that momentum and sharpen their already-lethal attack.
Key Player: Ellie Stalley
Farnborough’s title-winning campaign was spearheaded by the outstanding form of Ellie Stalley, who claimed the 2024/25 Golden Boot, finishing as the top scorer across all of Hampshire’s leagues with an incredible 40 goals.
Manager Shields was full of praise for his star striker — not just for her goal tally, but for her all-round contribution.
“Ellie’s been brilliant for us — 40 goals is a huge achievement. But what often gets overlooked is how much she offers beyond the goals. She’s one of the best assisters and passers in the team, and her off-the-ball work is fantastic.” Stalley’s season was unfortunately cut slightly short due to injury, but her teammates stepped up. Tallie Margilewska had her best-ever scoring season, jumping from just 2–3 goals in past years to 12 or 13 goals, while Jemma Chapman and Esme Parsons also contributed consistently before injury setbacks.
“The goals have really been shared around,” Shields added. “It’s been a proper team effort — no one player carries this side. Everyone’s a key cog in the machine, and when they’re all working, it clicks perfectly.”
Stalley’s return to fitness will be a major boost ahead of the new season, as Farnborough look to build on last year’s attacking dominance.
The Gaffer
Apart from briefly helping out coach at youth football camps under the Aldershot Town FC Foundation banner, Craig Shields was a Marketing Executive and Freelance Writer / Copywriter before taking the reigns at Farnborough as Head of Women’s Football and First Team Manager in April 2023. And, he has done pretty well.
Despite being his first proper job in management, he guided the girls to the Division Three title and the Hampshire FA Women’s Trophy.
However, there is a new Women’s B Team Manager Penelope McCarthy, she brings a wealth of experience and featured last season in central midfield, being integral to the team’s success in achieving promotion and reaching the Junior Cup Final.
McCarthy possesses a wealth of football knowledge and has experiences in Germany and the US, as well as here in England with Oxford United, Kingsclere, and Rushmoor.
It was a historical appointment of the club as it was the first time a female manager had been appointed.
Like the first team, the B Team will feature in the Hampshire County Women’s Football League and play a pivotal role in the development of players.
She said: “I am looking forward to being part of a growing club and developing the ladies into a strong force next season.”
Match Details
Date: Sunday 27 July 2025
Venue: Colston Avenue, SM5 2PW
Kick-Off: 2:30PM
Admission: Free
JOIN US FOR THE WOMEN’S EUROS FINAL AFTER THE GAME ON SUNDAY. KICK OFF – 5PM.
