Chipstead’s hopes of that elusive win were thwarted by a goal in each half, as they lost 2-0 v. Sutton Common Rovers at Carshalton Athletic’s ground on Monday night in their latest match in the Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division South

With barely 48 hours passed since Saturday’s draw with Epsom & Ewell, one wondered if tiredness would be a factor

After an even start, Edd Mbango made the first incisive run into the box, but his cross was too strong - Reece Deakin & Deshon Carty then combined up front, but Carty was penalised for handball

SCR took the lead 1-0 on 14 minutes, as their no. 7 hit a shot from the edge of the box, which keeper Tiago Santos David just couldn’t keep out

In reply, Chips put together some good team interplay, but couldn’t generate an end-product, & it was thanks to Santos David, who smothered the next SCR shot, that it wasn’t 2-0

Carty was cynically pulled back, as he sprinted forward, chasing an equaliser, but Deakin’s resultant free-kick was into the wall

Diego Munoz made headway down the right, Carty took the ball on & crossed, but it went beyond Mbango at the far post - skipper Michael Agyemang then hit a shot from distance, but it went wide

Mbango broke down the left, but his low cross eluded everyone, yet Munoz recycled the ball & shot, however he couldn’t beat the home keeper at his near post - Munoz soon had another break forward, as halftime approached, but the keeper blocked his effort - Tijani Eshilokun shot just beyond the far post, & it remained 1-0 at the break

Chipstead had to attack in the second period, &, after a good build-up, Mbango shot wide, before Carty saw another attempt saved at the near post

Mbango crossed from the left, but Deakin’s header was saved, & Carty had another low shot gathered by the keeper

Chips made their subs, with Daniel Obolo replacing Deakin, & Mbango moving into the centre

However, as Chips pushed forward, SCR made it 2-0 on the breakaway with 5 minutes left, as a swift move saw their no. 10 score the killer second goal

Chipstead couldn’t conjure up a consolation goal even, but remain 12th in the league table ahead of Saturday’s home league game with Tooting & Mitcham Utd.