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CAFC vs Cheshunt – Preview

Carshalton Athletic travel to Theobalds Lane to face off against Cheshunt United in the Isthmian Premier Division on Saturday.

Robins Review

The Robins played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bognor Regis Town on Saturday. Peter Adeniyi’s team were 3-0 down inside 20 minutes; however, remarkably found themselves 4-3 up when Oluwabunmi Babajide sealed his brace in the 85th minute. Unfortunately, Calvin Davies’s last-gasp leveller ensured the visitors departed Colston with a deserved point. Carshalton languish seventh in the Isthmian Premier Division on 52 points, two behind Hashtag United.

Cheshunt

A Freddie Sears brace secured Chatham Town’s 4-1 thrashing of Cheshunt in the Isthmian Premier Division on Saturday.

The 2024-25 season started with difficulty for Cheshunt. Although they kicked off with a 3-2 win against Bognor Regis, it turned out to be a false dawn as they went on to remain winless in the Isthmian Premier for eight games. Their fortunes changed in mid-October when they secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Hastings United, followed by a comfortable 2-0 win over Whitehawk. However, the Ambers couldn’t quite carry that momentum, suffering back-to-back defeats to Cray Wanderers and Canvey Island to end the month.

Cheshunt found some form with a 4-0 win over Bognor Regis, but it was short-lived as they suffered consecutive defeats to Dartford and Billericay Town. November closed with frustrating 1-1 draws against the Robins and Dulwich Hamlet. The club’s winless streak stretched to six games after losses to Chatham Town and Horsham, but they finally ended it with a 1-0 victory over Bowers & Pitsea.

After the festive period, the Ambers’ fortunes took a positive turn, embarking on a five-match unbeaten run. This included a 1-0 win over Wingate & Finchley and a memorable 7-4 victory over Ware in the Hertfordshire Cup quarter-final. A disappointing 1-0 defeat to Whitehawk briefly disrupted their momentum, but Cheshunt bounced back with successive wins over Potters Bar Town (2-1) and Canvey Island (1-0). In February, the club earned seven points from a possible 15, including a notable victory over league leaders Dartford.

The last couple of years have been tough for Cheshunt faithful, relegated from the National League South in the 2022-23 campaign and coming agonisingly close to the same fate but in the third tier of non-league football last year, finishing in 18th place on 43 points, four above the drop.

Likely line-ups

Carshalton Athletic

Foley, Sankoh, Atewologun, Read, Shonibare, Saraiva, Frimpong, Dada, Ifeanyi, Smith, Ghannam

Cheshunt

Edwards, Akolbire, Roberts, Thomas ©, Wilson-Braithwaite, Da Silva, Vasiliou, Granville, Coker, Munns, Thomas

Team news

Carshalton Athletic

Oluwabunmi Babajide completed a brace on his return to Colston Avenue on Saturday after sealing a loan move from Hampton & Richmond. Nathan Paul-Lavaly, meanwhile, has been recalled by Bromley with immediate effect. The full-back was on the bench for the Lillywhites fixture with AFC Wimbledon at the weekend. Of course, the Robins wish the youngest well for the rest of his career.

Cheshunt

Forward Donell Thomas came into the starting XI for the 3-0 victory against Dartford, while full-back Lordon Akolbire returned to first team proceedings following injury. No. 8 Christian Scott is in contention to start, MJ Muyembe falls to the bench, and Kenny Coker will be up top.

Pre-match analysis

Cheshunt currently sit eighth in the form table over the last six matches, a solid position reflecting their recent upturn in form. The Ambers have earned 10 points from three wins, one draw, and two losses. They’ve scored a respectable nine goals, while impressively conceding just six — the joint fewest in the league, alongside sides like Dartford, Horsham, Carshalton, Wingate, and Chichester. This Cheshunt side is growing in confidence and are showing signs of solid defensive strength as they continue to improve.

Key Player

Striker Vas Vasiliou leads the Ambers’ goalscoring chart with 14 goals, including a crucial strike in last week’s 3-0 victory over Dartford.

The Gaffer

Mel Gwinnett was appointed First Team Manager on October 25. With over 20 years of experience in football management, he has held key roles at clubs such as Exeter City, MK Dons, Stevenage and Barnet. Gwinnett had a successful managerial spell at Hampton and Richmond in the National League South, achieving a club record unbeaten run, an FA Trophy quarter-final and within a point of the play-offs last season.

Match details

Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Venue: Theobalds Lane
Kick-off: 03:00 pm
Admission: Adults (£14), Concessions (£8), U16 (£1), U12 (Free, must be accompanied by an adult)
Tickets: Buy online tickets here