Excitement is building at Colston Avenue this week as Carshalton Athletic prepare to welcome esteemed guests in the third round of the FA Trophy, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

A place in the quarter-finals is up for grabs as the Robins, currently 15th in the Bostik Premier League, go up against National League outfit Barnet who themselves have been causing a buzz in cup competitions this season.

Before turning their attentions south of the river, the Bees drew 3-3 against Championship club Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round on Monday night.

And, while a run of six straight away defeats was ended with a draw at Whitehawk last Saturday, Carshalton will hope it is a case of more home comforts as they ready for a fifth home tie in six FA Trophy matches.

“It’s always been the manager’s philosophy of ‘one game at a time’ and now, with Whitehawk behind us, we can start to think about Barnet,” said Robins defender Danny Dudley.

“It’s been strange as last season our away form was better than our home and it’s flipped this year, but we know, on our day and being at home, we fancy our chances against anyone.

“It’s going to be a big game, hopefully it’ll attract a decent crowd and we should have a few players back for it.”

Dudley includes himself with regard to that last remark as he is currently rated ‘doubtful’ for Saturday’s big occasion along with the likes of Christie Pattisson, Ricky Korboa, Bobby Price, Jordan Cheadle and Raheem Sterling-Parker.

New signings Taofiq Olomowewe and Harry Ottaway are also both cup-tied meaning player/boss Peter Adeniyi may have to rely on some of the club’s youngsters to continue their recent contribution to first-team affairs.

“Our recent performance against Hornchurch was probably the best all season – in total control first-half and we showed great resilience in the second,” Adeniyi added.

“That’s the level we need to maintain for the rest of the season, it doesn’t matter who we are playing.

“Some of the younger ones have come in recently and been fantastic. I’ll have no worries about them being involved against Barnet if needs be because I’ll back everyone so long as they give their maximum on the pitch.”

The last time Carshalton reached this stage of the FA Trophy was seven years ago and, after beating the likes of Lincoln City 3-1 and Bishop’s Stortford 5-0, they eventually bowed out against eventual losing finalists Newport County.

This season the Robins found themselves 2-0 down in 20 minutes at Met Police during the first qualifying round but managed to rescue a replay. They then dispatched of the Blues at Colston Avenue before going on to knockout Harlow Town, Walton Casuals, Dorking Wanderers and Salisbury to date.

Carshalton Athletic vs Barnet is on Saturday 2nd February at Colston Avenue (kick-off 3pm).