Fans of Carshalton Athletic sang the praises of yet another homegrown star on Monday night following their team’s first round league cup victory.
While the likes of Tommy Bradford, Mickel Miller and Sean O’Toole have grabbed recent headlines, 18-year-old Josh Phillips scored his first senior goals to help the Robins to a 4-1 win over Molesey.
And the forward, who has recently been an integral part of the club’s under 21 team, is simply happy to be a part of Carshalton’s overall positive start to the season.
“Everyone was distraught at how we went out of the FA Cup but I’ve been involved in the last two games [the other being Carshalton’s 2-1 win over Guernsey last Saturday] and the atmosphere in the changing room has been great,” said Phillips.
“I was told last week that I’d be in the weekend squad and, although I was happy to get on late against Guernsey, I was really delighted to help the team win on Monday.”
Carshalton fell behind inside the first 20 seconds against Molesey but, after Bradford saw a 28th minute penalty saved, Phillips levelled matters before half-time with a neat 15 yard finish.
Defender Bobby Price put his side ahead with a close range deflected effort just after the hour, while Phillips won and converted a second spot-kick before Korboa plundered a late fourth.
“Tommy and I just shared a look of ‘what just happened?!’ when they scored so early,” Phillips smiled.
“But the manager [Peter Adeniyi] has built a great team spirit here and we bounced back really well.
“I’ve set myself a bit of a standard now and I hope I get more chances to help the team moving forwards.”
Carshalton will travel to South Park in the second round of the Ryman League Cup as their hosts beat Chipstead 2-1 in the same competition on Tuesday evening.
Featured image coutrest of Ian Gerrard, with thanks
