Carshalton Athletic defender Paris Hamilton-Downes suffered “mixed feelings” after a New Year's Day visit to rivals Tooting & Mitcham United.

The two sides played out a 1-1 draw despite the hosts going down to 10 men after just four minutes, Tooting captain Francis Quarm given a straight red for a dangerous challenge on Robins skipper Adriano Moraes.

Moraes then put through his own net mid-way through the first half  to gift Tooting the lead.

However, former United man Jordan Clarke grabbed Carshalton’s leveller on his first return to Imperial Fields just after half-time.

The single point lifted the Robins up to 14th in the Ryman Division One South table.

“It's another point on the board and the result continues our good run of form but we leave disappointed after considering we played against 10 men for most of the match,” said Hamilton-Downes.

“We didn’t take advantage of the scenario and, with hindsight, perhaps we should’ve picked up our tempo earlier than we did because we looked more threatening after the break.”

The young left back almost became the late hero as a Carshalton counter-attack in stoppage time saw him test United keeper Luke Badiali to his full capacity.

“I got in down the left and the opportunity to deliver a cross opened up, but I caught it so sweetly with my laces,” Hamilton-Downes said.

“I’ll admit it was a cross but it was dropping in at the back post until their keeper made a blinding save to tip it over.”

Hamilton-Downes made his fourth consecutive start on Thursday after a long spell out of the first-team squad and, with the next game for Carshalton taking place this Saturday, he is pleased to be back involved.

“It feels good to be back – there is a good bunch of lads here and Rob and his management team have helped to create a good buzz among us,” he added.

“There is also a positive vibe around the club as a whole and I just want to help continue pushing it forward.”

Carshalton Athletic host Walton Casuals tomorrow [Satutrday], kick-off 3pm.