It was a happy homecoming for Carshalton Athletic as a convincing 3-0 victory against Hastings United only left them ruing an opportunity to boost their goal difference.

Relegation-threatened United were the first visitors to Colston Avenue in more than a month and the home fans were treated to a consummate performance from their team, which included a first clean sheet in 12.

The result was also Carshalton's ninth win from 11 home games and moved them up to 14th in Ryman Division One South ahead of a trip to Corinthian Casuals on Tuesday evening.

"We started at a high tempo and grabbed two quick goals which they didn't recover from," said 17-year old midfielder Jordan Higgs, referring to Austin Gacheru's 10th minute opener and a 20-yard strike by Jordan Clarke just two minutes later.

"We were by far the better side but the boss thought we became too relaxed in the second-half and missed the chance to score more goals. That aside, it was a good day's work and three more points."

Carshalton's third arrived on 67 minutes via Brendan Murphy-McVey as he displayed great composure to beat two men in the box before a measured shot went in via the far post.

Higgs himself put in a solid performance despite not expecting to start against Hastings and the youngster claims he is happy at the club despite not being a first-team regular.

"I was named on the bench but Joshua Adesui tweaked a leg muscle during the warm-up and couldn't be risked," he said.

"It's been great to have been involved more recently but I'm only young and we have several good midfielders at the club.

"I do feel I've shown I can compete at this level, however I'm happy to bide my time and keep learning from those around me."

Carshalton travel to Corinthian Casuals on Tuesday (7.45pm kick-off).