The start of the new season has been anything but straightforward for Carshalton Athletic defender Daniel Pappoe, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

The Robins finally got off the mark in their third league game as they defeated visiting Bishop’s Stortford 4-2 last weekend.

Pappoe headed in Carshalton’s third goal meaning the centre back has gone from goalkeeper to goalscorer in the space of a week.

He had to don the gloves on the opening day of the season after teammate Billy Bishop was injured in the first-half at Potter Bar Town and there was no straight replacement.

But the 25 year-old has taken it all in stride as he aims to help his club continue forward positively.

“The first two games didn’t go our way but when we click, like we did last Saturday, it’s better and I think there is still more to come from us,” said Pappoe.

“I’ll play anywhere for the team and we had other defenders on the bench at Potters Bar, so I didn’t mind the manager asking me to go in goal.

“But I think I look better in our red kit than the yellow goalkeeper one!”

Striker Omar Koroma got Carshalton off to a flyer against the visiting Blues last weekend by smashing in the opener on just three minutes.

And, although Stortford equalised on the quarter hour, the Robins’ held a 2-1 half-time lead as Jerry Amoo won and subsequently converted a 32nd minute spot-kick.

Enter Pappoe – he headed home a free kick his first of the season and, although Stortford again reduced the arrears through seasoned striker Jamie Cureton, Koroma grabbed his second of the afternoon to settle the nerves of the home fans.

“One of my aims is to help the strikers if I can by chipping in with goals from set-pieces and help the team win," smiled Pappoe, “so hopefully there will be more to come.”

Carshalton’s next game is away at local rivals Corinthian Casuals, a club that defeated the Robins three times last season.

"We aren't too worried about what has happened before," insisted Pappoe.

"This is a new season and we go out to every game believing we can win. If we play to our utmost then we can beat anyone and we'll be up for this challenge."

Carshalton Athletic vs Corinthian Casuals is on Saturday 24th August (kick-off 3pm).