Carshalton Athletic left Guernsey in contemplative mood on Sunday after missing the chance to solidify a Ryman South play-off spot.
Although they came back twice to eventually draw 2-2 with their relegation-threatened hosts, the Robins failed to capitalise on poor results registered by nearest rivals Hastings United and Lewes on Saturday and the two dropped points might prove costly come the end of the season.
The draw keeps Carshalton in the fifth and final play-off position but now just a point ahead of Lewes, whom they play in two weeks time, and two in front of Hastings whom have a game in hand.
Guernsey, themselves eager for points as they look to distance themselves from the bottom three, flew out of the blocks on Sunday and took a third-minute lead through a Dominic Heaume header.
But Carshalton captain Bobby Price equalised on 17 minutes as he returned Tommy Bradford’s blocked free kick back beyond keeper Jordan Kelly for his ninth goal of the season.
The Green Lions didn’t have to wait long to restore their lead however as, five minutes later, Dave Rihoy ran on to a long clearance before lofting the ball over the advancing Joe Tupper and into the back of the empty net.
Despite then dominating the rest of the game, Carshalton had to wait until the 53rd minute to level proceedings – Price this time the provider as Omari Hibbert came on to his cross and guided the ball home for his second goal in two games.
But, as their opponents flagged during the last 20 minutes, the Robins’ pushing and probing couldn’t further unlock a resolute home defence, although the draw does stretch Carshalton’s unbeaten run now to four games.
Carshalton’s game against Lewes is now taking on a heightened significance as chances to put points on the board dwindle away, although Hastings’ match in hand against South Park is played before the pair meet and could render any result moot should they be victorious.
But before all that the Robins have to travel to mid-table Sittingbourne on Saturday and boss Peter Adeniyi will surely be earmarking a win over an opponent that has only won one point from their last four games.
He will also hope to have long-term absentees Paris Hamilton-Downes and Sean O’Toole back in his squad for the trip to Woodstock Park, but midfielder Brendan Murphy-McVey is still out injured.
Sittingbourne vs Carshalton Athletic is on Saturday 8th April at 3pm.
