Three of our homegrown young guns made their mark as we empathically got back to winning ways at the weekend, writes James Barrett.
Despite going 1-0 down against visiting Three Bridges on Saturday, captain Bobby Price, striker Kingsley Aikhionbare and the returning Ricky Korboa shared five goals to halt a run of four games without a win.
The victory keeps us sixth in the Ryman South as the battle for play-off positions intensifies. Only 10 points now separate third-placed Greenwich Borough down to Hythe Town in eighth position, plus tenth-placed South Park have four games in hand.
"This was a massive result as we've dropped a few points recently but, especially when playing at home, we need to keep winning and pushing towards the play-offs," said Price whom equalised the visitors' 11th minute opener with a 35 yard rocket just 60 seconds later.
"They didn't make it easy for us though especially in the second-half when they had the wind. Joe made a couple of good saves but we battled and took our chances."
Price put us into the lead after pouncing to slam in Omari Hibbert's parried shot on 41 minutes. Then Aikhionbare got in on the act with a sweet left-footed finish just before the break.
The young striker has found it difficult to add goals to his energetic performances this season but, in the second-half, his perfectly-timed run and impudent finish over the keeper in the 71st minute was his third goal in two games.
"I had lots of time to think about that second one and wasn't sure to dink it or go round him, but it doesn't matter who scores the goals as long as we win and keep hunting that play-off place," he said.
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| Return: Korboa scores from Price's pass |
The assist for Aikhionbare's second came from the boot of substitute Korboa, whom was making his first appearance after three months out injured, and the 20-year old playmaker even plundered his 20th goal of the season from a Price pull-back.
"That's Ricky for you - I know he's been down because of the injury but I spoke to him a lot during that time and it's great to see him back," Aikhionbare added.
Next up is a visit from mid-table Herne Bay on Saturday but both Corinthian Casuals and South Park play midweek and so the play-off race could twist again if both rivals register positive results.
"Most sides around us have a game or two in hand so if they drop points, like a couple did last Saturday, then that's a bonus," said Price. "We just need to take each game as it comes and concentrate on getting three points each time."
Saturday's clash will likely see new defender Connor Sanders line-up against his former colleagues, but Paris Hamilton-Downes, Brendan Murphy-McVey and Sean O'Toole are all still struggling with injury.
Carshalton Athletic vs Herne Bay is on Saturday 25th March (kick-off 3pm, clubhouse open from midday).