CAFC vs Epsom & Ewell – Match Preview
Carshalton Athletic get their Surrey Cup campaign underway when they welcome Epsom & Ewell to Colston Avenue Monday night.
Robins Review
The Robins fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat Tuesday evening at the hands of Canvey Island, it was the Gulls first home win of the 2024-25 season. Carshalton sit 12th in the Isthmian Premier Division on 13 points level with Canvey and Dartford; however, the Reds boast a game in hand. Adeniyi’s side will enter Monday with hopes of getting back to winning ways and progressing to the next round of the competition for a much-needed confidence boost.
Epsom & Ewell
Epsom & Ewell play in Step 5 of the English Football Pyramid, specifically in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South. The Salts currently languish towards the bottom end of the table in 15th place on 13 points, level with Sandhurst, Chorley, and Chipstead after eight games. So far, Epsom have won three, drawn four, and lost six.
An eight-match winless run ensued at the beginning of the season for the Salts, which included a 5-0 thumping loss to Guildford; however, they put it to bed with a 2-0 win against Chipstead at the start of September.
While their league position may not make for pretty reading, the Salts are enjoying a seven-match unbeaten streak that stretches back to their FA Vase Second Qualifying Round victory over Seaford Town on the 21st of September. Since then, Epsom dispatched off Hilltop 4-1 in the Premier Challenge Cup and secured four successive 2-2 stalemates against Horley, Balham, Red Hill, and Fleet Town.
High in confidence, the Salts ran out 3-1 winners over Berks County in the FA Vase First Round Proper Sunday.
Likely line-ups
Carshalton Athletic
Sean, Sankoh, Atewologun, Hamilton-Downes, Read, Saraiva, Kastrati, Bradford, Ifeanyi, Saunders-Henry, Frimpong
Epsom & Ewell
Witter, Brazier, Gillfillian-Wual, Green, Romer, Nazareth, Fofahan, Dundas, Oblitey, Reece-North, Nelson-Roberts
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
Goalkeeper Mackenzie Foley will likely be unavailable Monday owing to a knee injury sustained during the Canvey defeat, given the seven-day notice rule in place for any potential incomings, expect backup Sean to be between the sticks. New signing Luke Cook also departed proceedings Tuesday following a hamstring issue, thus it is unlikely he will be fit for selection. Additionally, when subbed on Kwaku Frimpong impressed and could come in for Darnell Goather-Braithewaite on the right flank. Finally, Kastrati may make a second consecutive start of the season if he features ahead of Vose for Epsom alongside Saraiva at the base of midfield.
Epsom & Ewell
Salts manager Warren Burton is not afraid to shake up his team, expect a host of changes on Monday.
Pre-Match Analysis
Discussing the Berks County victory, Burton made clear that he backs the Salts to score every game and their 19 league goals and seven netted in the cup, particularly the latter, suggests they will pose a threat against the Robins. That said, the Salts have conceded 30, which is the fifth worst in the Combined Counties Premier South, Epsom’s last clean sheet came nine games ago (September 14th).
Key Player
Forward Carl Oblitey is the Salts key player, Oblitey has netted seven times in the 2024-25 season, topping the Epsom scoring charts. The attacker has two goals in his last two games, Fleet and Berks, and he will have hopes of adding to his tally Monday.
The Gaffer
Warren Burton took over permanently in early March following an eight-game interim spell where the Salts did not play badly, but individual errors cost them, both Burton and assistant Gwynne demonstrated positive change and commitment to the club.
Match Details
Date:Â Monday, October 28, 2024 vs Epsom & Ewell (Surrey Senior Cup)
Venue:Â Colston Avenue
Kickoff:Â 07:45 PM
Admission: Admission: £11, £8, £5 (online prices) and on the gate is a pound dearer.
Tickets:Â Online Tickets here
