Carshalton Athletic boss Matt Howard has the kind of headache that managers like after an impressive performance against neighbour Sutton United.

After falling behind to Tom Bolarinwa’s opener, the Robins levelled matters through Ashley Robinson, and then more than held their own against a side two divisions higher up the non-League pyramid.

Moreover, the 1-1 draw means the Robins are unbeaten in four pre-season outings, including last weekend’s 2-1 win over Egham Town – courtesy of goals from Bentley Graham and Paris Hamilton-Downes.

Howard said: “I have a few selection headaches now – I had in my head that I would not go with certain players, but after the game I have got some decisions to make.

“I’d rather have that than saying that’s our 11 or 12 players. We are going to run with a small squad of 18 or 19, but at the moment probably 16 of those think they are starting.

Picture gallery: Carshalton Athletic 1-1 Sutton United

“The boys who came on are trying to prove that they should be starting and not sat on the bench.”

He added: “We know how we want to go and what we want to do come August 8.

“Of course, we want to win the game, but if we don’t it’s not the end of the world.

“It’s a 46-game season, we’re not going to win it in the first game and we’re not going to lose it on the first game. It’s going to be a long season, but I cannot wait to get going.”