Carshalton Athletic captain Tony Sinclair says he and his team-mates were disappointed but not despondent after defeat at Herne Bay on Saturday.

The final 4-2 scoreline did not reflect the Robins’ overall good performance as several good saves by the Bay keeper meant a debut goal for Austin Gacheru and a thumping 35-yard strike by Jordan Clarke were mere consolation.

The result saw Carshalton slip to 19th in the Ryman Division One South table, just one point outside the relegation zone.

Sinclair said: “Our ultimate undoing was switching off while doing the basics, which showed in their scoring three goals from corners.

“I think most neutrals would’ve said we were the better team but no-one can afford to give any opponent a three-goal headstart."

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He added: “We spoke at the break about playing for pride and we won the second-half but, on another day, we could’ve also had two penalties which weren’t given.”

Sinclair felt that his side were never out of the game and claims the confidence growing within the squad has not been knocked by this result.

“I feel we’ve been progressing in the right direction recently,” he added.

“If we stop giving teams an early advantage then there is no reason why we can’t be picking up more points.”

The defender also praised debutant striker Gacheru and said the ex-Chatham town man gives Carshalton a different option up top.

“He can give us a platform by being able to hold the ball up, something we’ve not had consistently this season,” Sinclair said.

“It was pleasing to see him get a goal and I’m looking forward to seeing what else he brings moving forward.”

This weekend, the Robins host Sittingbourne at Colston Avenue (kick-off 3pm).