It’s two away trips in five days for the Blues, who travel into Surrey on Saturday to take on Carshalton Athletic at the War Memorial Sports Ground. Sitting in 6th place going into Saturday, the Blues know that a win could lift them back into the playoff places, should Hastings or Billericay fail to win, but that a defeat could see us fall to ninth.
Our Opponents
The Robins, who sit just one place below the Blues in 7th, three points behind with one game in hand, come into this season trying to build on their mid-table finishes of the last few seasons. They have been in the division since their promotion in 2018, and nearly achieved back-to-back promotions, finishing second the following year behind runaway champions Dorking Wanderers.
Since then, and since Covid, they fallen back slightly, but still have a proven ability to beat anybody at this level on their day, and this season’s bright start continues to prove that.
Head To Head
Last season was very much a split affair between the two sides, with the Blues running out 3-0 victors at the Maurice Rebak Stadium in February thanks to two goals from Antonis Vasiliou. The return leg was the final game of the season, and with safety secured by the Blues, they fell 3-1, with Dylan Kearney picking up the only Wingate tally.
Prior to last season, Carshalton had won four of the previous five meetings between the two sides. It was a welcome change for the Robins who had lost their previous five against the Blues. So it is very much an even record, and Wingate will be looking to swing the pendulum back in their favour.
Last Time Out
The Blues’ last minute defeat at Chatham was perhaps a little unfair given the performance, but there were plenty of positives to take. Previously, they had won their last two fixtures against Lewes and Margate, and the improved defence performance will be something that Ahmet Rifat hopes can continue.
The Robins went down 4-0 away from home to a resurgent Hastings United side. Their form before that game has been a mixed affair, beating Folkestone at home earlier in the month, but otherwise going winless in the league since their victory away at Enfield in September. They will be looking to build on their previous home win (Folkestone), and propel themselves above the Blues and back into contention as December draws ever closer.
Players To Watch
Danny Bassett and Tommy Bradford have done the majority of the goal scoring for the Robins thus far in their campaign, with the rest of the goals being well spread around 13 other players. A key miss for the hosts will be Will Huffer in goal, who broke his ankle on Tuesday night and so will see an extended period on the sidelines.
For the Blues, Matty Achuba’s performances have lifted the side in recent weeks, and all at the club will be hoping he can once again propel the side towards another three points in the league.
With the weather starting to turn, Saturday’s trip to Surrey will be a chance for the Blues to reinvigorate themselves after Tuesday’s defeat. For those not able to make the trip, coverage of the game will be on Twitter (X) throughout the afternoon.
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