Francis Vines admits a lack of strength in depth is hampering his efforts to guide Carshalton Athletic to glory this season.

The last week has seen the Robins crash out of the Surrey Senior Cup to Combined Counties League side Badshot Lea and plummet to 15th in the Ryman Premier after a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Aveley.

And with an FA Trophy clash with Northwood coming up this weekend, Vines has his fingers crossed for a change in fortunes.

He said: “The last week has been one to forget - that is for sure.

“Against Badshot Lea it was a chance to give players who have not had many games a run out, and give those that have played a lot of games some respite.

“But, as a number of clubs have found out in the past, we do not have the players to be able to do that.

“On Saturday I thought we started well and if we had taken our opportunities then who knows?

“But we did not and we got punished.”

Much of the talk surrounding the Robins this week has focused on the abrupt departure of David Graves and Paul Honey, with Vines accepting the move had not cast the club in a glowing light.

He added: “It was a difficult decision that sometimes has to be made.

“It does not look good from the outside but from the inside it had to be done.

“It was very hard to let David go - he is a very whole-hearted player and there are not too many of those about.

“He bleeds for you and that is exactly the type of player we need at this club.”

Cup glory will be on the agenda on Saturday when Ryman Division One North Northwood visit Colston Avenue.

And Vines is expecting another tough game.

He added: “Like us, Northwood are a bit of an up and down side.

“But this is a big chance for us - I view it as a massive opportunity to advance in the Trophy and that would give everyone a lift.”

Carshalton Athletic’s next three matches: Dec 12 Northwood (FAT, h), 19 Maidstone United (h), 26 Sutton United (a)