Robins Beat Stanway
Carshalton Athletic made it four wins from four with a narrow 2-1 victory away at newly promoted Stanway Rovers.
Manager Steven Bates made one change from the side that beat Cray Wanderers last weekend, with Tyrese Osbourne coming in for his first competitive start, while Rob Howard missed out. There was also space in the matchday squad for Ada Okorogheye and Charlie George, who were included in the 16-man squad for the first time this season.
The match got underway on a relatively warm afternoon in Essex. The hosts made a fast start, opening the scoring within the first three minutes. Noah Morsy got on the ball on the right-hand side and delivered a low ball into the penalty area. The delivery wasn’t dealt with, allowing Stephen Toussaint to fire the ball past Ben Dudzinski and give Stanway Rovers an early 1-0 lead.
The Robins hadn’t settled into the game on what was a difficult grass pitch, given the recent lack of rain in the UK. Carshalton were only able to carve out half chances in the opening period. Nathan Young-Coombes was played through in the 11th minute, but could only lift his effort over the crossbar. Young-Coombes then slipped a ball across to Ladapo, who looked to get a shot away, but Stanway goalkeeper Dion Henry was able to rush out quickly to smother the effort.
At the other end, Stanway were causing problems for the Robins. After opening the scoring earlier in the game, Stephen Toussaint was slipped in and looked to fire into the bottom corner, but this time Dudzinski was equal to it, making the save with his feet.
Carshalton then had a golden chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty.
Following a set piece, there was a scramble in the box, with the Robins narrowly failing to get the ball across the goal line. The ball bounced to Nathan Young-Coombes, who was brought down in the box, and the referee pointed straight to the penalty spot. Up stepped Jack Jebb, who sent Henry the wrong way to make it 1-1, netting his second goal of the season in the process.
Stanway had a great chance to go into the break ahead when they won a free kick on the right-hand side. George Holley’s delivery was pinpoint and found Thomas Graves in space in the area, but his header went just wide, with the referee blowing for half-time shortly after.
The Robins started the second half with intent and had a couple of early chances to take the lead. In the 52nd minute, Young-Coombes was able to get a shot away, but saw his low effort saved by Dion Henry. Just a minute later, Tyrese Osbourne found himself in space before firing a shot at goal from a tight angle. However, Dion Henry was equal to it and was able to tip the effort away for a corner.
From the resulting set piece, the Robins were able to take the lead. Jack Jebb’s inswinging delivery went into the six-yard box, and centre-back Prince Kandolo was able to rise highest and head the ball home to make it 2-1 to Carshalton.
In the 64th minute, Carshalton went close again. A long throw from Denzel Akyeampong was headed clear, but the Robins regained possession. Fabio Saraiva laid the ball off to Jack Jebb, but the midfielder fired his effort over the crossbar.
Stanway were pushing hard for an equaliser as the second half progressed, and they began to look like a team growing in confidence and galvanising around the challenge in front of them. Their work rate was excellent, while their shape remained impressive as they continued to press the Robins and refused to give up. Carshalton, however, were holding firm and defended resolutely as the hosts looked for a way back into the game.
In the 86th minute, substitute Ada Okorogheye had the chance to seal the victory when he raced onto a through ball. Dion Henry rushed out to close the angle, and Okorogheye’s poked effort went just wide of the far post.
After three minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew his whistle for full-time, securing a 2-1 win for Carshalton. The Robins were not at their fluid best, but found a way to grind out a result in tough conditions.
Commenting on X, manager Steven Bates said: “Wow! That game won’t live long in the memory but what an effort from these players! The fans were brilliant again!”
Centre-back Prince Kandolo added: “A win and another goal in mad conditions! COYR!”
That result means that the Robins stay at the top of the league with 12 points from a possible 12 and are now the only club remaining with a 100% record.
Up next, the Robins are back at Colston Avenue on Saturday, hosting last season’s play-off finalists Brentwood Town, before travelling to Three Bridges on Bank Holiday Monday.
Up Next
Date: Saturday 29th August 2026
Opponents: Brentwood Town
Competition: Isthmian League
KO: 3pm
Venue: Colston Avenue, SM5 2PW
Admissions: Ticket Prices on the gate: Adult £14, Concession £10, U18 £7
Advance online bookings: Adult £13, Concession £9, U18 £6
Women & Girls FREE
Online booking closes 3 hours before KO
Tickets: Purchase Here or at the turnstiles
