Saturday 19 March
Ryman League Premier Division
Carshalton Athletic (0) 2 Aveley (2) 2
Attendance: 210
By Peter Randall
The match was played in a totally surreal atmosphere, following the midweek dismissal of first team manager, Mark Butler, and the decision of club owner and self-appointed Director of Football to take the managerial reins himself until at least the end of the season. The bulk of the supporters gathered behind the dug-out left no-one in any doubt about their thoughts on the decision and their loyalty to the players left by the departing manager, but the ambience transmitted itself to the Carshalton team who looked uncertain and lacking in confidence for much of the first half. Aveley, themselves desperate for points, were not in the mood to look a gift horse in the mouth and took the lead with a simple goal by Ryan Salmon on 11 minutes. The Robins created little to worry Aveley keeper, Dave McCartney, and his fellow defenders and the visitor’s lead was doubled in the final minute of the half when Orlando Smith threw himself to the ground with a flourish when tackled on the goal-line by Dan Young and midfielder Kenny Beaney confidently despatched the penalty kick.
Carshalton made a change at the interval with Fulham loan signing, Matt Reece coming on to replace Paul Johnson and a change to a very attacking 4-4-2 formation. The change brought an early dividend when Reece scored with almost his first serious kick, volleying home from just inside the area on 48 minutes. A moment of madness by the Aveley right back five minutes later cost his side dear, Ryan Andrews accusing the referee of being a cheat when a decision went against him. Even Alex Ferguson has found that he can’t get away with this one and Andrews was ordered off for his uncalled-for opinion. Aveley substituted a forward for a defender to hang on to their lead, but the momentum was moving unerringly in the Robins direction. On 70 minutes Carshalton were level with a move of stunning simplicity, Michael Boateng hitting a long ball crossfield to Chris Henry. Henry’s decision to pass the ball first time across the face of the area proved to be the right one and Joel Ledgister was on hand to half-volley past McCartney for a brilliant equaliser. In the final 20 minutes the Robins were well on top and came close to taking the lead twice with moves in which Anthony Joseph was prominent. A long run resulted in the Aveley defence being prised open with an invitation to shoot, but the midfielder chose to pass to Henry instead and Henry’s cross-shot passed just wide of the far post. Joseph went on another run down the right late in the game before squaring the ball across the front of the goal to Ledgister. Sadly, his shot was hurried and passed harmlessly over to leave Aveley with a point to add to the three they had taken from the Robins just weeks before.
Carshalton team; Craig Ross, Michael Boateng, Justyn Roberts, David Ray, Dan Young, Luke Pigden, Paul Johnson (Matt Reece), Barry Stevens, Joel Ledgister, Anthony Joseph, Chris Henry
Subs not used; Tommy Williams, Guy Hollis, Dwain Williams, Sonny Ayres
Forthcoming games
Tuesday 15 March
Carshalton Athletic v Molesey
Kick-off 7.45
Saturday 26 March
Ryman League Premier Division
Concord Rangers v Carshalton Athletic
Kick-off 1.00
Saturday 2 April
Ryman League Premier Division
Carshalton Athletic v Kingstonian
Kick-off 3.00
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