Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 26-27: Carshalton Athletic

We asked supporters of our Pitching In Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-22 will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off.  

Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?

We survived! We didn't have much to celebrate throughout the season tbh. Winning 4-2 at Burgess Hill was memorable as we were awful in the first half and came alive in the last 15 minutes, scoring 3 times to turn the game on its head. Also being the only side Folkestone failed to beat, in the process continuing our remarkable unbeaten run against them which now stretches back 16 matches. 

And what was the worst moment?

Where to start with this one... 1): 41 points dropped from winning positions. That's right, 41. If we'd won all those games, we'd have finished 2nd. 2) The miserable 16 game winless run from November to March. 3) Worst performance was 0-3 at home to Binfield in the league cup - we didn't lay a glove on them and had our first shot on target in the 90th minute. It was an all-round embarrassment. 

Which member of your squad was your Player of the Season - and why?

Luke Read hands down. Utility man - defender, midfielder, goalscorer, goalkeeper! Huge work rate, full commitment. A Robins' legend though sadly he has left us to return to his native Essex with Brentwood. Our loss is very much their gain. 

Moving on to your current squad - which players do you think will make a big impact during the 26/27 campaign?

Nathan Young-Coombes. He's an unknown quantity for fans at this level but the coaches will be well aware of him! He's a highly talented forward - deceptively strong at holding the ball up and can score from anywhere. Really looking forward to his partnership with Tope Fadahunsi - if those two get going we're going to have a cracking season. 

Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

The squad looks very strong. Provided we have good supply lines to those above and they stay fit we should be aiming to finish in the playoffs.  

If you could choose a song for your side to run our to, what would it be- and why?

I have no idea! My music taste is fairly obscure so I don't think there's much point referencing anything. Sending them out to 'Brave Sir Robin' would be quite amusing though.

From all the opposition players you watched last season, which one would you love to see in your side- and why?

Anyone who could hit the back of the net with regularity. Scoring enough goals to win games was a big problem last year. 

What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

The Dripping Pan. Lewes are a great club and the views in the ground with the extra elevation are brilliant. Also a great place to go drinking if you're keen on cask and indie beers. Going there has become a ritual and if we win this year it'll be 4 on the trot!

If you travelled away, which ground served the best food?

Lewes served a decent burger. They took their time about it, mind. 

Please predict your top five:

Chatham Town

Eastbourne Borough

Aveley

Brentwood Town

Carshalton Athletic

Now, over to the rest of you! If you are reading this and you’d like to represent your club, please email Ian on [email protected] and he will get back to you as quickly as possible.

By the way, if you’ve sent through your responses from a Step Four club and haven’t seen them yet, never fear! We’re going to focus mainly on our top flight this week and hold some of the North/South Central/South East responses over until next week, as most of our sides at that level don’t start their League programme for another week.