Carshalton Athletic's players face a crucial test of their character tomorrow when they travel to play promotion-hunting Bognor Regis Town.

The Robins lost 1-0 at home to Egham Town last Saturday their third league defeat in a row and they have seen their commanding lead at the top of Division One South whittled away by the chasing pack.

Graham Roberts side are now just six points clear of closest title rivals Lewes, who have four games in hand, while Bognor have played two games fewer and are just 10 points adrift in fourth place.

Despite his side's current run of poor form, Roberts is looking forward tomorrow's game.

"Bognor are a footballing side and it was a decent game at our place earlier in the season," he said. "If tomorrow's game is have as good as that, the fans are in for an enjoyble afternoon."

The Robins steadied their ship on Monday night when they beat Combined Counties League side Raynes Park Vale 3-0 in the Surrey Senior Cup and now face a derby clash with Sutton United in the next round.

l More Robins news on page 63.

January 31, 2003 12:30