The day didn’t start well.  We were without 7 of our squad and due to the 2s game been switched from Merton, we ended up playing in the park. The pitch was terrible with puddles at both ends and we were playing an in-form Crouch End Vampires side.  Despite these negatives, we had a quality side out and there was a belief that we could come away with a result.

Crouch End were clearly a strong side and started well, but we weathered their early storm and created chances of our own.  Adam Taylor in his first game back “beat” the offside trap and coolly slotted home to put Carshalton 1 up. The game at this point was an even affair with both sides attacking. Nick Denny and Danny Lawler were superb at the back and dealt with everything that came their way.

We had a bit of luck when what liked like a decent penalty claim for the opposition was turned down.  While Crouch End were still moaning about this decision, we broke and Adam Taylor pulled a great ball back for John Harris, who smashed in Carshalton’s second.  This was followed by a comedy own goal that meant we went in at half time 3-0 up. Crouch End had clearly lost it with their keeper and centre half almost coming to blows during the break.

We remained cooler but conceded a sloppy goal when a scramble ensued after the ball got stuck in the mud and ended in our net. Crouch End's discipline had gone and the ref had to step in after a rash tackle on the excellent Andy Ferrznolo.  Tony Edwards didn’t help the opposition’s mood and he was on top form with his constant chat and comments. Chris French put in an excellent performance at full back proving he should be playing at a higher level and along with the solid Ben Woods, the back four looked comfortable for the whole 90 minutes and keeper Nigel had little to do. We put the game beyond reach when a Harris free kick was nodded in by Gary Cummings, who along with Matt Dudley had dominated the middle of the park. Malik put the icing on the cake with a fine individual goal sealing a fine 5-1 victory.

An excellent result and performance. Well played everyone.