Well, we’re coming towards the end of another campaign. Safety seems secure for Shaun Saunders’ side as promotion-hopefuls Carshalton Athletic head down to The Enclosed Ground for the first time since January 2019.

Charlie Walker’s looped strike was cancelled out in the 74th minute as the Hawks held onto a well-earned point, ending a string of consecutive defeats without scoring. A stern test awaits, with plenty on the line for the other type of bird.

Team News

Joey Taylor and Imran Kayani returned on Monday for the visit to Lewes after spending the last few weeks away on international duty.

Lloyd Dawes is getting closer to a return and will be assessed before Saturday’s clash, as Saunders was relieved to have a strong bench behind him at The Dripping Pan.

The Opposition

It’s been a positive year for The Robins as they look set to build on last season’s 11th place finish, though they might end this campaign leaving frustrated as they eye a final play-off place that looks almost certain to be snatched by Horsham.

They’ll just need to win every game to hold any hope of playing a few extra games this season, and they probably deserve to, as well. 

For Carshalton have proved stiff opposition this season, and arrive into Saturday defeated just once from their previous 10 matches. It’s a race to the finish, and they’re a strong side well in the mix.

One to Watch | Oluwabunmi Babajide

Joining in the summer, it’s been quite the campaign for the Carshalton forward who has found the net in 19 games in all competitions.

Babajide is described as a winger, but he’s also been deployed as a centre forward. He came through the ranks at Queens Park Rangers, and has also played- apparently- for Millwall and Colchester United.

In the early part of last season he was with Corinthian-Casuals, making eight appearances and scoring in defeat against Aveley. He also spent time at Waltham Abbey last season.

Recent Form | WWLWW

9/3 | Horsham (A) | Drew 2-2

16/3 | Margate (H) | Lost 2-0

23/3 | Cheshunt (A) | Lost 1-0

29/3 | Concord Rangers (A) | Lost 2-1

1/4 | Dulwich Hamlet (H) | Drew 2-2

Previous Meetings

Carshalton claimed the points in this season’s reverse fixture, coming from behind to sink Saunders’ side in south London after Charlie Walker had opened the scoring early on.

Before that, the two sides last locked horns in the 2018/19 season, where goals from Nathaniel Pinney and Sinn’kaye Christie earned a 2-2 draw on a windy, biting day at The Enclosed Ground.

In the reverse fixture, Carshalton cruised to a 2-0. Prior to this, the clubs were in the same league in the 2012/13 campaign, where Whitehawk completed a Ryman Premier double, with a 2-0 and 1-0 win to help propel the Hawks to National League South.

How to Follow

If you can’t make it to The Enclosed Ground for Saturday’s clash with Carshalton, then you can follow the action via our X (Twitter) channel, which can be found here.