1990-91 was to prove the most successful season in recent history. After achieving promotion back to the top division, John Brown’s men were expected to achieve little more than consolidate their position in Division 1. In fact they exceeded all expectations by finishing 3^rd in the SAL and reaching their third AFA Senior Cup final.

The season got off to a fine start with a 1-1 draw at Redhill in the Surrey Senior Cup and they continued this form into the league and all cup competitions. As so often happens, the team became victims of their own success and were forced to field weakened sides in their 7 midweek games, picking up a mere 3 points. Despite this, third place marked an excellent return to Division 1 and the highest finish for 29 years.

It was to be a remarkable run in the AFA Senior Cup. The semi final was concluded in the gloom of extra time on a wet and windy afternoon at the RBS Sports Ground in Catford. The match was a great advert for AFA football and produced some great moments from both sides with Carshalton getting through with 2 extra time strikes after a thrilling 3-3 draw after normal time. The run in completeness reads:

In the final Carshalton was represented by Neil Backers, Steve Winton, Nick Green, Neil Edwards, Paul Beal, Terry Butler, Chris Hithersay, Jason Brown, Terry Cave, Bobby Horn, Dave Leach, Dave Bartram, Jason Claxton. Unfortunately the team froze on the day and never settled into the passing style that had got them to the final. In a game of few chances at either end, a close range second half header from a corner won the cup for Norsemen. The Club’s legion of supporters made it a memorable day, even if the result didn’t go the right way.

1st XI 1989/90 - AFA Senior Cup Runners Up
(Standing): J.Brown (Manager), D.Bartram, D.Leach, N.Edwards, N.Backers, N.Green, J.Brown, T.Algar (Coach), J.Claxton
(Kneeling): C.Hithersay, T.Cave, T.Butler, S.Winton, P.Beale, B.Horn

The 4^th XI under Kevin Reynolds were the most successful side, storming to the Division 1 Championship with a record of:

Low point of the season was the death of Phil Hanley, 1^st XI regular as recently as 3 years previously, after suffering a recurrence of a brain tumour. In his honour The Phil Hanley Trophy was presented to the winners of the memorial game between Carshalton and his previous club, Nat West Bank.

The Club was now stronger than it had ever been with over 130 playing members and fielding 9 sides in the SAL. The first five sides were in the top division of their respective sections, a strength in depth matched by few SAL clubs. The Vets won the Old Grammarians 7-a-side tournament again.