Ian Hazel feels a much-improved team spirit is the key behind Carshalton Athletic’s impressive early season form in the Ryman Premier league.

A late equaliser from David Ray earned a 1-1 draw with Hastings United on Tuesday night, keeping the Robins on the fringes of the top-five places.

And coach Hazel reckons there is plenty more to come from his side.

He said: “Tuesday night was another classic case of rolling up your sleeves to get a result.

“There is a great spirit in the camp at the moment and it is great to see.

“They want to fight for each other and fight for the club.

“You can feel that edge among the players and you can sense it on the pitch.

“Everybody is working so hard and we are getting the rewards.”

Tuesday’s draw came on the back of an excellent 3-1 win at Maidstone at the weekend, with Byron Harrison, Joel Ledgister and Mbive Lokando on target.

And Hazel feels the exploits of captain Ray have been the perfect incentive for his side.

He added: “David is a great captain and the other players are following his example.

“He is good in the air and good with his feet and as a defender he gets his fair share of goals.

“He gets into great positions at both ends of the pitch and it is no surprise to me how well he is doing this season.”

FA Cup action is next up for Athletic as they welcome Blue Square South high-fliers Braintree Town to Colston Avenue on Saturday for a Third Qualifying Round clash.

And the coach is relishing the prospect of the high-profile encounter.

Hazel added: “The FA Cup is big for the players, but especially so for the supporters.

“Obviously Braintree will be favourites for the game and rightly so, but if we can produce the form we have shown so far this season there is no reason why we cannot get a result.”

Carshalton Athletic’s next three matches: Oct 9 Braintree Town (FAC, h), 12 Eastbourne Town (RLC, h), 16 Ilford (FAT, h)