Carshalton Athletic got back to winning ways by picking up three hard-earned points against struggling Whyteleafe on Saturday.
Following defeat at Faversham Town last time out, and on a weekend where the top eight clubs in Ryman Division One South all won, the Robins solidified their grip on fourth place with a 2-0 win.
And, ahead of a match against fifth-placed Corinthian Casuals tonight, Carshalton captain Paris Hamilton-Downes believes Saturday’s result was a big one.
“It was important to put the Faversham display behind us and get back to winning quickly,” the defender said.
“Teams around us aren’t dropping many points so it’s important we don’t either. It was a tough game against Whyteleafe but we are pleased to come away with a result.”
It was Carshalton’s top scorer Ricky Korboa who grabbed the goals on Saturday as he and his teammates endured some rough treatment from the frustrated visitors throughout the 90 minutes.
“It did get very physical out there but we kept our heads,” Hamilton-Downes explained.
“It’s mainly our forwards that suffer on that front – they are so skilful and quick that opponents can’t get near them at times.
“But we know not to rise to such tactics and just let our football do the talking.”
Korboa came off the bench before hitting his double, which were his 18th and 19th of the season, thus showing the strength-in-depth within Carshalton’s squad this season.
“I felt for Sean O’Toole as he had to go off early after a heavy tackle but Ricky isn’t a bad replacement to bring on,” added Hamilton-Downes.
“All our forwards have been important, both on and off the pitch. We’ve built our team around them this season and, so far, it’s been paying off.”
Carshalton Athletic play Corinthian Casuals tonight at Colston Avenue.
Feature image of Ricky Korboa’s first goal, courtesy of Ian Gerrard, with thanks
