Carshalton Athletic striker Oliver Thornton endured mixed emotions after the Robins crashed out of the FA Trophy at the first hurdle on Saturday.

The 17-year-old grabbed his first senior goal for the club but it came only as consolation in a 4-1 defeat at Three Bridges, a result which means Carshalton recorded a third straight defeat in all competitions.

Thornton said: “Their first two goals came at the beginning of each half and [boss] Stuart Massey said afterwards that we need to stop making it hard for ourselves.

“We all know we have to start posting positive results sooner rather than later and he wants us to start displaying a winning mentality.”

Massey introduced Thornton into the game on the hour and it only took him three minutes to make his mark, and yet the Robins conceded a third goal within two minutes of getting themselves back in the game.

“It was a bit of a poacher’s goal – there was a deflection in the box and I managed to get on it and stick it away,” he added.

“I’m pleased to have opened my account but it was a shame it didn’t spark a comeback.”

Carshalton next face Egham Town in the first round of the Surrey Senior Cup on Tuesday evening, kick-off 7.45pm.