Carshalton Athletic’s continued involvement in the FA Trophy was rewarded this week following an intriguing third round draw, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

The Robins were in the hat for Monday’s draw after they comprehensively beat visiting Salisbury 4-1 at Colston Avenue last Saturday.

And it’s more home comforts as they will fight for a quarter-final spot by hosting National League outfit Barnet whom currently sit 46 places above their hosts in the football pyramid.

Carshalton have now been drawn at home five times out of six during this season’s competition and many cheered that fact considering the club has lost its last five matches on the road.

“I didn’t mind who we got in the next round but everyone wants to be at home and so it’s pleasing that we will be,” said Carshalton player/boss Peter Adeniyi.

“Barnet is an exciting prospect however and I know the fans are already looking forward to it. It’ll be a good test for us and we’ll aim to give it our best when the time comes.

“We have some important league games before then but I was very satisfied with our performance against Salisbury. We selected a side to execute a game plan which, aside from the first five minutes, they did it perfectly and we need to take this kind of form forwards.”

Adeniyi was alluding to the fact Salisbury took the lead on Saturday as Carshalton twice failed to clear the ball from inside their area and Aaron Dawson eventually hit a first-time effort in from 12 yards.

But, fifteen minutes later, a short-corner routine eventually saw Tommy Bradford get in on goal and he drove a low shot inside the near post.

And by half-time the Robins had a commanding lead as striker Michael Dixon and then an own goal by Elliot Wheeler made it 3-1.

“We essentially gave them a gift at the start of the first-half,” said Adeniyi. “I was immensely proud of the character shown by the boys to recover however, they reacted brilliantly.”

The icing on Carshalton’s cake came via skipper Paris Hamilton-Downes whom blasted home a 75th minute spot-kick that sent the home fans into raptures.

But the question mark over Carshalton’s current away form still hangs over Adeniyi and his staff, although he is sure it is something that can be put right soon.

“The results speak for themselves but confidence plays a big part in these matters. People say we are struggling to play on grass pitches but our away form last season was great and that was when we played predominately on grass every away game,” Adeniyi added.

“So we are capable of playing on any surface but we need to do the basics properly to give ourselves a chance. We did that against Salisbury and we need to implement it into every game we play.”

Next up for Carshalton Athletic is a home game against Merstham on Saturday 19th January (kick-off 3pm).