Carshalton Pay The Penalty At Chipstead

This Surrey derby between Chipstead and Carshalton Athletic had nearly everything as the hosts upset the Robins’ promotion chase by claiming a vital victory, writes James Barrett.

Chipstead put in an energetic performance to record only their fourth win in 10 matches, putting more distance between themselves and the Ryman South relegation zone by running out 3-1 winners.

Carshalton would’ve been favourites on paper but the Robins have now only picked up four points from their last six games, a run that has seen them slip out of the play-off positions into sixth.

But that points tally could’ve been a bit healthier had Carshalton been able to convert three penalties awarded over the Christmas period – two of which came at High Road on Monday.

The Chips began the game on the front foot but defender Tommy Smith gave away an 18th minute penalty following a clumsy challenge on visiting forward Ricky Korboa.

But Carshalton’s top scorer Tommy Bradford’s shot hit a post and the ball went out for a goal kick - it was a consecutive failure from 12 yards after he saw a spot-kick saved during a 1-0 defeat to Walton Casuals on New Years Eve.

That buoyed the home side and, just five minutes later, striker Karl Parker showed composure and determination to eventually crack home the opening goal from 18 yards.

And the unmarked Ollie Twum, whom was an early substitute for the injured Raheem Sterling-Parker, side-footed his side further in front on 37 minutes after Carshalton failed to clear the ball away twice during the build-up.

Carshalton’s player/manager Peter Adeniyi thought he’d reduced the arrears before the break but his first-time shot from 15 yards was blocked on the line by Smith as he covered for his marooned goalkeeper Luke Colquhoun.

But Carshalton did get back into the game on the hour as Bradford ghosted in on a Sekou Kaba through ball and he guided his 20th of the season past his former teammate in goal.

The Robins pressed forward looking for an equaliser but they got caught on the break in the 69th minute as Mark Warren won possession, galloped forward 50 yards and enjoyed a slice of luck as his cross from the left sailed inside the far post for Chipstead’s third.

Carshalton were awarded a second penalty with five minutes to go – Adeniyi took responsibility, Colquhoun parried the low effort and, to further compound the visitors' miserable afternoon, Mickel Miller inexplicably put the loose ball wide of the open goal.

Chipstead next face struggling Chatham Town away while Carshalton host mid-table Sittingbourne (both Saturday 7th January, kick-off 3pm).

Photo credit: Chris Bushe

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