Carshalton Athletic boss Dave Garland is hoping irony does not deal him a bitter FA Cup blow after watching his shot-shy side snatch a controversial 1-1 draw with bottom club Worthing.

The Colston Avenue boss released striker Carl Wilson-Denis midway through last season after he scored just once in 17 appearances.

The young former Kingstonian frontman joined Conference South side Havant & Waterlooville - the Robins' cup opponents on Saturday - in December and has since scored eight times in 20 games.

His last goal came in the FA Cup win over Team Bath in the last round and Garland, whose side secured a point with 10 men the last time they visited the south coast, hopes lightning doesn't strike twice.

"We lost 3-1 at home when I took over Carshalton and then got a tremendous draw despite missing a penalty and playing the last 25 minutes with 10 men, so going there holds no fear for us," he said.

"The only worry is they have Carl, who couldn't hit a barn door when he was with us but has had a good scoring run down there. Hopefully, that won't come back and bite us.

"They pay decent money for reaching each round these days, but I would be pleased with a replay and just hope we can keep all our players on the pitch."

The Robins' woes in front of goal could be set to continue following news that forward Luke Fontana, who has not played a full 90 minutes since March 26, could be missing for at least another four weeks.

And, while a goalless draw in the FA Cup would be welcomed, Garland was far from delighted after dropping two points on Saturday.

"It was very disappointing. We dominated the game but can't get the ball in the net.

"Defensively and creatively we haven't got a problem but we can't seem to score," he said before heading out on a scouting mission.

"I have spoken to the boys and they know if someone becomes available who is better than we already have, I will bring them in."

Following Saturday's cup tie, the Robins host Chelmsford City in the Ryman Premier Division on Tuesday night.

l A hotly-disputed late goal from Carshalton substitute Danny Platel salvaged a 1-1 draw with bottom-of-the-table Worthing on Saturday, writes Peter Randall.

The visitors took the lead with six minutes to go, but two minutes later Platel's chip levelled the match, despite the visitors' protests that the ball had hit the post rather than the stanchion at the back of the goal.

Carshalton: Seuke, Hartburn, Graves, Harwood, Jabbie, Simms (Howard), Drewett, Toppin, Marshall, Dundas, O Coleman (Platel). Sub not used: Hooper.