Carshalton Athletic 1 Walton Casuals 1 AET

(Walton through 6-5 on penalties)The Robins made a sorry exit at the quarter-final stage of the Ryman League Cup, their last cup competition of the season, with a home defeat at the hands of their Ryman South opponents.

Walton Casuals were gifted a lead early in the game, hung on in the second half under pressure from the home team, played out extra time and finally triumphed in the late night penalty shoot-out.

The first half turned out to be a dire affair with little to warm the brave spectators who turned out on a cold evening with the prospect of a home semi-final against Ramsgate the prize for the winners.

A howler by Aaron Howe gave Casuals a shock lead on 15 minutes, the Robins keeper completely missing his kick when he attempted to clear a pass back from Ryan Watts who was being put under pressure by Chris Kiganda.

The Robins were unable to produce any meaningful response for the remainder of the half despite the promptings of James Evans.

Evans free-kick from the left, following yet another over-robust challenge by full back Maclaren, required just a touch from Phil Ruggles to deflect it past Bradshaw, but no touch came and, late in the half, a good cross found the head of the Robins striker, but his effort lacked direction and went well wide.

Hayden Bird made the first substitution at the beginning of the second period with Luke Fontana reappearing in a Robins shirt at the expense of Stuart Harte and at last the Robins went on the attack.

Evans effort from a pass by Dean Carpenter was held by the Casuals keeper and Ruggles shot was put out for a corner following a header by Fontana.

Ruggles' next effort was straight at the keeper and Graham put in a couple of good runs down the right, but the final pass continued to be elusive and Casuals continued to soak up the pressure.

Michael Johnson joined the injured list and was replaced by Reece Wilson and the young midfielder caught the eye with some good running and crisp passing.

Wilson's pass gave Evans another shooting chance, but again Bradshaw was in the right place to tip his drive over the bar.

With time running out, Casuals grew in confidence, but the Robins finally got back on terms with five minutes remaining when a long ball in by Cooper on the right found James Evans as he moved into the area and the midfielder was rewarded for his efforts on the night with a header that left the keeper flat-footed.

In added time, both teams looked leg weary and although Carshalton enjoyed more of the possession they failed to create any clear chances.

Fontana's ball across the front of the goal evaded Evans and Wilson and with neither side able to break the deadlock the game moved to its inevitable penalty conclusion.

Fontana, Graves, Wilson and Ruggles all scored and when Gowland missed for Casuals it looked as though the Robins might go through, but Graham's effort was saved.

Carpenter scored at the second attempt when the referee ordered his kick to be retaken, but when Cooper shot well over, Cayford won the game with his emphatic finish.

The Robins will desperately be hoping that a little luck might come their way on Saturday with League survival the one remaining target.

Robins: Howe, Cooper, Watts, Gonsalves, Graves, Harte (Fontana), Graham, Carpenter , Ruggles, Evans, Johnson (Wilson). Subs not used: Chaplin, HallNext gamesSaturday, February 23 (3pm): Carshalton Athletic v East Thurrock United, Ryman Premier DivisionMonday, February 25 (7.45pm): Chelmsford City v Carshalton Athletic, Ryman League PremierSaturday, March 1 (3pm): Ramsgate v Carshalton Athletic, Ryman League Premier Division