Carshalton Athletic boss Ian Hazel is hoping home comforts will be his team’s saving grace when they welcome Wingate & Finchley this Saturday.

The Robins have not had a home league fixture for almost two months, and they have only picked up two points from five away games in that time.

It leaves them second bottom in the Ryman Premier League - level on points with Cray Wanderers but with a far superior goal difference.

Hazel said: “I’ve told the players we have got to make our home games count.

“It is not an excuse but I’ve only presided over one home league game since taking over in October.

"While it has been pleasing to see us progress in cups and become harder to beat recently, it’ll be the games at home against those around us that could define our league season.”

Carshalton lost 1-0 at fourth-placed Maidstone United last weekend, while Wingate sit just five places above the Robins, albeit 11 points better off.

“We need to start picking up three points rather than the odd one here and there,” Hazel added.

“This game represents a chance to start doing that as it is important we don’t allow the gap between us and those directly above to widen more than it currently is.”

Captain Lewis Taylor picked up an injury in Kent but Hazel says he should be fit for the visit of the Blues.

“We also hope to have a more permanent goalkeeper solution too,” Hazel said.

“Young Ben Dudzinski did OK at Maidstone but he is only around during the holiday period, plus a trialist sadly broke a finger during his first training session with us last week.

"Looking at the other end, striker Matt Reece should be back in contention to give us another option up front too.”

Carshalton host Wingate & Finchley at Colston Avenue on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.