Robins Narrowly Beaten By Hampton
Carshalton Athletic fell to a narrow defeat on Saturday afternoon, losing 1–0 at home to National League South side Hampton & Richmond Borough.
Just as he did against Bromley, manager Steven Bates brought a large squad to Colston Avenue to give himself the opportunity to assess a number of players, as well as integrate some of the new signings. The side that started the game included former Chatham forward Tope Fadahunsi and Nathan Young-Coombes, who starred for the Robins towards the end of last season and has agreed terms for the new campaign.
Midfield maestro Fabio Saraiva also started, while Denzel Akyeampong was given a place at full-back. Hampton & Richmond also named a strong side, including new signings Theo Widdrington and Somalia international Sak Hassan.
Sak Hassan got the game underway for the visitors on a hot July afternoon. The Robins had the first opportunity of the match after four minutes, but the effort was comfortably held by Pat Nash. At the other end, Hampton’s first chance came two minutes later.
Theo Widdrington floated a free-kick into the penalty area, which was headed back across goal. It was a dangerous delivery, but there was no one on hand to turn it home, allowing the Robins to clear.
Hampton went close again after 15 minutes. A trialist delivered an inviting cross from the left-hand side, which found another trialist in the penalty area. However, the header lacked the required accuracy and drifted wide.
Carshalton were also searching for the opener, first winning a corner that Pat Nash did well to tip away. The Robins then earned another corner, which was taken short. They managed to work a shooting opportunity, but Paul Field was well placed to make the block.
On 28 minutes, Sak Hassan began to make his mark on the game. The former Wealdstone winger produced a jinking run before getting a shot away. The effort was deflected into the path of Reece Grego-Cox, who rounded Dudzinski but fired against the post. However, it would not have counted, as the linesman’s flag had already been raised for offside.
Hampton opened the scoring after 35 minutes. Hassan found space on the left-hand side and played a through ball to a trialist, who delivered a cross to the back post. Reece Grego-Cox was there to head home and give the visitors a 1–0 lead.
Hampton went into the break with the advantage and made 10 changes at half-time. Steven Bates opted to wait a little longer before making 11 changes on the 55-minute mark, introducing the likes of last weekend’s hat-trick hero Charlie George, Ryan Huke and winger Tolu Ladapo.
Carshalton had their best chance of the game so far after 58 minutes. Charlie George threaded a clever pass through to Ryan Huke, who found himself through on goal. However, Hampton’s trialist goalkeeper closed down the angle well and got down smartly to save Huke’s effort.
Ladapo looked lively following his introduction and cut inside onto his right foot before looking to curl an effort into the top corner, just as he did against Folkestone last season. This time, however, his shot flew over the crossbar.
The Robins continued to push for an equaliser in the closing stages and won a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area. Charlie George stepped up, but his effort was straight at the Hampton goalkeeper, who gathered comfortably.
Carshalton had one final chance to level the scores in stoppage time. The Robins won a corner on the right-hand side, which was taken by Ryan Huke. The ball bounced around inside the penalty area before falling to Charles Hagan. However, Hagan was unable to keep his effort down, firing over the crossbar before the referee brought the game to a close shortly afterwards.
Carshalton will be disappointed not to have taken at least a draw from the game, but plenty of players were able to get valuable minutes under their belts as preparations for the new season continue to ramp up.
Up next, the Robins return to Colston Avenue for their third pre-season friendly, hosting National League South side Farnborough on Tuesday evening.
Up Next
Date: Tuesday 14th July 2026
Opponents: Farnborough
Competition: Friendly
KO: 7:45pm
Venue: Colston Avenue, SM5 2PW
Admissions: Adults £10, Conc £8, U18 £5, Season Ticket Holders FREE, Women & Girls FREE. Tickets are £1 cheaper if paying by card.
Tickets: purchase at the turnstiles
