Carshalton Athletic defender Mekhail McLaughlin believes his team can get back to winning ways quickly after the club suffered back-to-back defeats last week, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

After losing their unbeaten league record 2-0 away at Hastings United, the Robins travelled to Heybridge Swifts for an FA Trophy tie last Saturday and lost by the same scoreline.

And, with only one clean sheet so far this season to date, McLaughlin wants his team to at least get back to doing what it does best – scoring goals.

“We tried a slightly more defensive formation against Heybridge and perhaps focussing on that side meant we didn’t play our normal game,” said McLaughlin.

“We wanted to stretch the game by using wing backs but we found it difficult to keep the ball up their end for long periods.

“We made a change after half-time and we played much better but, credit to them, we just couldn’t get that breakthrough.”

But, despite exiting their third cup competition of the season, McLaughlin is confident he and his teammates can get back on track quickly.

“We do need to get back to winning ways but we haven’t lost any confidence inside the dressing room,” the 21-year old revealed.

“We’ll go into the next game with a positive mindset. Our forwards will always provide a goal threat and we just need to get that balance between the attack and defence sorted.”

Carshalton Athletic next travel to play Horsham tonight, October 10 (kick-off 7.45pm).