By James Barrett

Carshalton Athletic manager Tommy Williams praised the team spirit that saw them climb off the bottom of the Ryman Premier League.

Two goals by in-form striker Nathaniel Pinney, and a first of the season from Pelayo Pico Gomez, were enough to seal a 3-1 win at Thurrock on Saturday.

The away win, only Robins's second this season, saw them swap places with Thurrock and leave their hosts propping up the table - although Thurrock have eight games in hand.

“The entire squad was up for this one and our hard working performance, on a difficult playing surface, was there for all to see,” said Williams.

“I took a lot of positives from losing against Canvey last week, where we didn’t quite get the rub of the green, and felt confident we could get a result.”

After racing into a 2-0 lead before the hour, the Robins survived a 77th minute Thurrock goal and a subsequent strike that hit a post before Pinney killed off the match with a ferocious strike.

And, although the teams around Carshalton have played less games, all Williams is solely focused on his side's upcoming fixtures.

He said: “Bearing in mind where the two teams sat before kick-off it wasn’t unusual for people to call this a 'must-win' for us.

"However the hard work, which started last week, continues going into Tuesday’s game against Wingate.

"The fact we are now off the bottom gives everyone connected with the club a boost but every game is important moving forward."

He added: "With Ola Sogbanmu out injured we pushed Pico Gomez forward and I thought he did well in that role, taking his goal with aplomb.

"Ola may be back in contention for Tuesday but Luke Nolan’s ankle is still playing up and may be a little way off a return yet.”

Carshalton Athletic welcome Wingate and Finchley to Colston Avenue tomorrow (Tuesday).