Football has been famously described as 'a funny old game' and Carshalton Athletic were involved in a little quirk of their own this week, writes James Barrett-Sterling.

After defeating Walton Casuals 2-0 to reach the first round proper of the FA Trophy last Saturday, thanks to two-goal hero Jacob Mendy, the Robins prepared to host Bostik Premier leaders Dorking Wanderers on Monday night while keeping an eye out for the cup draw earlier that day.

As the balls were drawn out at Wembley, Carshalton were awarded a home draw against... Dorking Wanderers.

And Carshalton will rue a golden second-half chance to have taken all three points as the two sides battled out a thoroughly entertaining goalless draw at Colston Avenue.

Dorking were on top in the first-half but Carshalton goalkeeper Patrick Ohman was in inspired form, saving brilliantly from James McShane and Sam Beard in particular.

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The Robins came more into it before the break and Ricky Korboa forced visiting keeper Slav Huk into a fine save, and the pair would clash again later on.

As Carshalton got on the front foot after the break, Dorking became frustrated and that resulted in some questionable challenges being rewarded with yellow cards.

But, on 74 minutes, Korboa burst past Isaac Philpot and the defender bundled him down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, Korboa took the penalty himself but Huk guessed right and pushed the effort away.

Worse was to come for Korboa as Dorking continued to be overly-physical - the midfielder was scythed down on 84 minutes and he departed the pitch with what was later confirmed as a broken collarbone.

This first 0-0 draw of the season now means Carshalton have only lost once in their last 12 matches and, before they square-off with Dorking again in the middle of December, they next host Enfield Town in a league encounter on Saturday 1st December (kick-off 3pm).