Carshalton fell at the third hurdle as their FA Cup hopes for another year were ended by Havant & Waterlooville from Conference South.

A goal by the home team early in each half determined the pattern of the game and the Robins were beaten by a team that generally had the edge in terms of strength and experience for most of the match.

They fought gamely throughout, but their lack of power in front of goal resulted in few problems for the Havant defence.

New signing Adrian Toppin was cup-tied, but the better news for the Robins was the return of John Cartledge at the heart of the defence and the reappearance of striker Luke Fontana on the substitutes bench.

Havant's intentions soon became clear as they got players and the ball into the Carshalton area at every opportunity and this paid off after eight minutes when a corner from the left sailed across a crowded six-yard area to the head of Neil Sharp who nodded home.

Carshalton's first scoring attempt came five minutes later when a crisp shot by Matt Howard was safely held by Shane Gore.

Shortly after a cross from the left by Matt Marshall found Gary Drewett but his header was turned over for a corner.

A strong run by full back Warner caused problems in the Robins defence and a second goal was denied by a fine low save by Paul Seuke.

The Robins' best chance of the half came on the half hour when Craig Dundas was fouled just outside the area.

Drewett's flighted free-kick picked out John Cartledge who did well to get in front of his marker, but sadly for the Robins his header went narrowly over when a goal looked likely.

Marshall attracted the referee's attention when he was booked for a clumsy tackle on Warner and Baptiste had the ball in the net for Havant, but the linesman's flag was up before he shot home.

The first serious action of the second period proved to be the deciding moment of the game. Former Carshalton player Carl Wilson-Dennis took possession in the area, but was tackled by Catlegdge as he moved away from goal.

Any doubt about the tackle was dispelled by a cynical dive by Wilson-Dennis and Baptiste scored from the penalty spot.

The half was generally disappointing with Havant content to play out the remainder of the game and the Robins unable to put their opponents under serious pressure.

Hartburn and Graves picked up bookings as did Poate for the home team.

Baptiste should have scored when he broke through the Robins defence, but Cartledge did well to get back to deflect his weak shot.

Fontana came on for the Robins for the final 20 minutes and a good turn with the ball gave him the chance to hit the upright with his shot, but once again the linesman had signalled offside before the shot.

Seuke came to the Robins rescue late in the game with a fine save from a free kick on the right, but Havant remained in control to comfortably go into the hat for Monday's fourth round draw.

Robins team: Seuke, Hartburn, Graves, Cartledge, Harwood (Jabbie), Simms (Fontana), Drewett, Howard, Marshall, Dundas, Coleman.

Subs not used; Platel, L Coleman Next games: Tuesday 17 October - Carshalton Athletic v Chelmsford City.

Ryman Premier Division Saturday 21 October - Carshalton Athletic v Potters Bar Town.

FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round Saturday 28 October - Staines Town v Carshalton Athletic.

Ryman Premier Division