Robins Defeated In Captial Cup
Carshalton Athletic bowed out of the Capital Intermediate Cup at the first hurdle after a 2–0 defeat away to Tooting Bec.
With three important league fixtures looming before the winter break, Aaron Lamont freshened up his lineup, making six changes to the side that started against Sutton last week. Dulley, McCrea, Nebbitt, Underhill, Ward and Riley all came into the XI.
The game got underway and it was the home side who struck first, taking the lead on 13 minutes. A Tooting Bec player tried her luck from just outside the box, and the shot evaded Beth Yarrow before nestling into the bottom corner.
Tooting remained on top in the early stages and nearly doubled their advantage soon after. A neat passing move ended with another long-range effort, but this time the ball sailed over the bar.
Carshalton were slow to create chances but grew into the game as the first half progressed. Their first opportunity fell to Taylor McCrea, who fired over the bar. Riley then drove in from the right, beating two defenders before getting her shot away,but her effort was straight at the Tooting goalkeeper.
The Robins’ best chance of the match came when Badley broke through on goal, only to pull her shot wide. Moments before the interval, another promising move ended with Honey Dulley forcing a save from the Bec keeper, before the referee blew for half-time.
Lamont made three changes at the break, introducing Edwards, Parnell and Eade as Carshalton pushed for an equaliser.
However, it was the hosts who came out stronger, doubling their lead on 50 minutes. Another powerful strike from a Tooting forward flew into the far corner, leaving the Robins with a mountain to climb.
Carshalton continued to push, with Maisie Ward seeing her effort from a corner well saved. At the other end, Yarrow was called into action to make a smart stop to keep the deficit at two.
On 76 minutes, Dee Badley had another decent opportunity but fired over.
With time running out, the Robins won a free-kick just outside the box. Leanne Bell stepped up, but her strike drifted narrowly over the bar.
Deep into stoppage time, Badley broke away again and had a chance to pull one back, but couldn’t convert – a moment that summed up a frustrating afternoon.
Tooting had one final chance late on, forcing another save from Yarrow,
but the tie was already beyond doubt. The hosts progressed to the last 16, while the Robins exited at the first hurdle.
Carshalton have bigger priorities this season, with a tight title race and a Surrey Divisional Cup defence on their hands. Lamont will have hoped his rotated side could progress, but they were undone by a well-organised, physical Tooting Bec outfit who were clinical in front of goal. Fewer cup fixtures may yet prove a blessing in disguise, giving the Robins more time to focus on the league and their Surrey Divisional Cup campaign.
Next up, the Robins return to league action with a trip to Chessington & Hook United on Sunday.
Up Next
Date: Sunday 23rd November 2025
Opponents: Chessington & Hook United
Competition: League
KO: 2pm (TBC)
Venue: Chalky Lane, KT9 2NF (TBC)
Admissions: FREE
