Carshalton Athletic forward Ricky Korboa has put the personal disappointment of last season behind him as both he and his club have made a solid start to life back in the Bostik Premier, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

The skilful playmaker spent a lot of Carshalton’s championship-winning  season injured on the sidelines last year, although he did contribute three important winners during games before Christmas.

But he has now fully recovered to start every match so far this season for the Robins and is even the club’s current top goalscorer.

“I’m just so happy to be back out on the pitch,” said Korboa following Carshalton’s recent 1-1 draw away against AFC Hornchurch.

“It was hard being out for three months last season but I worked hard on strengthening my ankle during pre-season. I just need to now maintain my fitness and keep improving my performances as I want to help the team achieve good things.”

Korboa has hit three goals since the opening day of the season, including an impressive 25 yard half-volley in the recent 2-1 victory over Leatherhead, as Carshalton took an encouraging eight points from their first five league games.

But a 1-0 defeat to lower league Horsham in the FA Cup, plus a league defeat against Worthing after a lapse in concentration saw the Robins concede two goals in a minute, has shown it hasn’t all been plain sailing.

“That cup game in particular was very disappointing, we weren’t at our best, but we can’t allow our heads to drop after such results,” Korboa said.

“If we cut out the silly mistakes, like giving away cheap free kicks and being sloppy in possession, then we’ll continue to get good results.”

You can see Korboa’s stunning winner against Leatherhead here.