Close encounter of the playoff-chasing kind

Carshalton Athletic travel to face Lewes on Tuesday 30th January (7.45pm kick off) in a game that is crucial for both clubs’ Isthmian League Premier Division playoff ambitions.

One place and two points currently separate the two with Lewes having leapfrogged the Robins into eighth place as a result of their 4-2 win at home to Margate on Saturday, whereas Carshalton had to settle for a 3-3 draw at Folkestone Invicta thanks to a late equalizer from Bunmi Babajide – his second goal of the game. Three and five points respectively currently separate the two sides from the final playoff spot that is currently occupied by Wingate and Finchley.

Babajide’s scoring form has been a highlight of the Robins recent run of five games unbeaten. He has eight goals in those games, including the four he registered against Kingstonian on New Year’s Day, taking his total for the season to 15.

Lewes also have a man in hot scoring form in the shape of Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala. He has six in the last five games, including a brace in the weekend win over Margate.

Earlier in the season at Colston Avenue, the two sides battled to a 1-1 draw, with Danny Bassett netting one of his 13 goals for the season on the stroke of half time. Lewes’ scorer that day was former Robin, Deon Moore, who has since secured a move to League Two neighbours Sutton United in the January transfer window.