Robins Beaten At Three Bridges
Carshalton Athletic suffered their first defeat of the season, going down 3–2 to Three Bridges on Bank Holiday Monday.
Manager Steven Bates made three changes from the side that beat Brentwood Town on Saturday. Matt Yates and Tyrese Osbourne replaced Denzel Akyeampong and Rob Howard, while there was a first-ever start for Nico Jones, who came into the defence in place of Ethan Kaiser.
Carshalton were sporting their new away kit as they got the game underway on a warm afternoon in Sussex. However, it was the hosts who created the first opportunity of the game. In the 3rd minute, Noel Leighton played the ball to Hayden Velvick on the right-hand side. Velvick was able to deliver a low ball into the box, and Kevin Rivera was first to react, guiding the ball home to make it 1–0 to Three Bridges.
It was not the start Carshalton would have been looking for, and Three Bridges doubled their lead in the 11th minute. In similar fashion to the first goal, Hayden Velvick ran down the right wing before crossing the ball into the box. The delivery found Noel Leighton, who was able to turn the ball home to make it 2–0.
Despite the slow start, Carshalton were able to hit back almost instantly. In the 13th minute, the Robins put together a slick passing move, with the ball being laid off to Tope Fadahunsi inside the box. The former Chatham man remained composed and slotted the ball past Sam Roberts to make it 2–1.
Carshalton were beginning to settle into the game, but it was the hosts who were creating most of the chances. Former Robin Stefan Ilic stepped up to take a free kick from just outside the box. He curled an effort towards goal, which looked to be dipping into the far corner, but Ben Dudzinski got down well to tip it away for a corner. From the resulting set piece, Three Bridges nearly scored again, with Sam Bull seeing his header blocked on the line.
Just before the break, Three Bridges nearly extended their advantage. Ade Adeyinka fed the ball through to Kevin Rivera, but he could not get his shot on target, firing just wide from a good position – a let-off for the Robins.
The referee blew for half time with Three Bridges 2–1 in front. The Robins were not at their best, and the scoreline could have been worse, but Carshalton at least knew they were still in the game going into the second half.
The second half got underway, and Three Bridges were awarded a penalty in the 57th minute. Renedi Masampu brought down Rivera in the penalty area, with the referee pointing straight to the spot. Charlie Bennett stepped up to take it and sent Ben Dudzinski the wrong way, making it 3–1.
Carshalton were then left with a mountain to climb a few minutes later when they were reduced to 10 men. Renedi Masampu put in a late challenge on Rivera, which sparked a scuffle between both sets of players. The referee showed Masampu a red card, ending the former Hampton & Richmond man’s afternoon early, while Nathan Young-Coombes and Ade Adeyinka were also shown yellow cards for their involvement.
Being two goals down and at a man disadvantage looked to have ended the Robins’ afternoon, but they were handed a lifeline when Three Bridges were reduced to 10 men shortly afterwards. Having already picked up a yellow card, Ade Adeyinka was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away, meaning the game was now 10 vs 10 for the remaining 30 minutes.
That red card sparked some life into the Robins, who were going for broke in an attempt to get back into the game. Nathan Young-Coombes, in particular, was pressing hard for Carshalton and kept the pressure on the hosts. Fabio Saraiva tried his luck from a free kick, which went just over the crossbar, while Nico Jones headed over from Matt Yates’ free kick.
The Robins were forced to go more direct, with balls being played into the box, while the extra space on the pitch meant the game resembled a basketball match at times.
Six minutes of added time was signalled, and three minutes into it, Carshalton were awarded a penalty. Ada Okorogheye did well on the left-hand side and cut the ball inside to Fabio Saraiva. The midfielder was able to get a shot away, but was brought down at the same time by a Three Bridges defender, with the referee pointing to the spot. Up stepped Nathan Young-Coombes, and the former Brentford man sent Roberts the wrong way to make it 3–2 and set up a frantic finish.
The Robins threw everything at Three Bridges in what remained of the game, but ultimately, the referee blew for full time, with Three Bridges running out 3–2 winners and ending Carshalton Athletic’s five-game winning streak.
Commenting on X after the game, manager Steven Bates said: “It wasn’t to be today. We were outplayed by Three Bridges, but again I can’t thank the players, staff and the amazing fans for all their support! August has been a good month, let’s see if we can make September special in the FA Cup!”
The result moves the Robins down to second place, having been overtaken on goal difference by Enfield Town, with both sides the only two teams to have amassed 15 points from their opening six games.
Up next, the Robins are in FA Cup action on Saturday, making the trip to Alwyns Lane to take on fellow Step 3 side Chertsey Town.
Up Next
Date: Saturday 5th September 2026
Opponents: Chertsey Town
Competition: FA Cup
KO: 3pm
Venue: Alwyns Ln, Chertsey KT16 9DW
Admissions: Ticket Prices on the gate: Adult £13, Concession £9, U18 £4
Advance online bookings: Adult £12, Concession £8, U18 £3
Tickets: Purchase Here or at the turnstiles
