Terry Back remained positive despite a humbling 1-0 reverse at rock-bottom Robins on Saturday.

A new look Carshalton battled with a spirit and determination that belied their lowly position, forcing the dejected Bishop's Stortford manager to concede: "They wanted it more than us."

Back added: "It was very disappointing today. The boys let themselves down. They know they can play better than that.

"When you are down the bottom it is very difficult to play your football. In the second half we pulled our finger out a bit and played a lot better but just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. I'm not concerned about creating opportunities, but we couldn't get the goal.

"We are a new side and we have to give the players time to settle and gel. Success isn't going to come overnight."

A lively opening saw Carshalton threaten on the break through Junior Haynes, but it was Stortford who very nearly took the lead on ten minutes. Ernie Cooksey flighted over a delightful far-post free kick, but Paul Clark's towering header was hooked acrobatically off the line by Lee Akers.

Carshalton responded and began to dominate the midfield with former Charlton and Crystal Palace man Darren Pitcher orchestrating the game. Just before half-time, their dominance was rewarded when slack marking saw the Blues caught on the break and Richard Newberry was on hand to tap home from close range.

Terry Robbins fired at the keeper just before the break but Carshalton held out and opted to shut up shop in the second period.

BISHOP'S STORTFORD: King, Foot, Baillie (sub: Winger, 71min), Tucker, Honeyball, Clark, Comerford, Norfolk (sub: Waldron, 71), Greene, Robbins, Cooksey (sub: Adamson, 59).

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