There was more cup cheer at Colston Avenue last weekend as Carshalton Athletic racked up another knockout victory, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

 

Having already won five FA Cup matches so far this season, with the sixth to come later this month, the Robins comfortably saw off league rivals Merstham in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy last Saturday.

 

The match was played in appalling conditions but goals from Christie Pattisson, Ernold Haxhiu and Omar Koroma earned Carshalton a 3-1 win.

 

And the club's reward is a second qualifying round tie at home against current Southern League South leaders Frome Town.

 

It was an intriguing cup tie at Colston Avenue last Saturday - Merstham had lost their last six games but hadn't lost to their hosts in five previous clashes.

 

But Carshalton struck first however as, in the pouring rain, Pattisson's 20 yard drive zipped in past visiting keeper Mattie Pierson on 18 minutes.

 

Merstham relied on Pierson thwarting Ricky Korboa, Tommy Bradford and Luke Read before half-time as the goalkeeper kept the scoreline respectable.

 

But the Robins ended their poor form against the Moatsiders as Koroma teed up Haxhiu for a cheeky finish on 74 minutes before smashing home a 25 yard blockbuster himself.

 

Merstham pulled a goal back at the death through former Fulham and Millwall striker Barry Hayles, but this seventh defeat in eight matches increases the pressure on manager Frank Wilson.

 

The big games are coming thick and fast for Carshalton however as next up they face current Isthmian Premier league leaders Folkestone Invicta this weekend.

 

The Robins did the league double over Folkestone last season but the Seasiders boast two potent strikers this season - Ira Jackson and ex-Carshalton man Jerson dos Santos have 19 goals between them.

 

Carshalton Athletic vs Folkestone Invicta is at Colston Avenue on Saturday 2nd November (kick-off 3pm).