Carshalton Athletic manager Matt Howard was left "half pleased" with his side's response to being knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend.

The Robins hosted high-flying Molesey on Monday night and ran out 3-2 victors from a game that would have thrilled neutrals.

The result moved Carshalton up to 13th in the Ryman Division One South table, ahead of a first stab at this season's FA Trophy competition on Saturday.

"No-one can dress up Saturday's cup performance, we were poor and I wanted an improvement from the lads," said Howard.

"I was half pleased in the end because we've beaten a good opponent, but we made it hard work for ourselves."

Greg Andrews opened the scoring on Monday with his first league goal for the Robins on six minutes, but the visitors drew level before the break.

Molesey's Ollie Robinson was dismissed for denying Dan Summers a clear goal-scoring opportunity on 54 minutes, but the Carshalton striker saw his weak penalty saved.

The visitors won and converted a penalty of their own 10 minutes later and Carshalton found themselves facing the prospect of another defeat snatched from the jaws of victory.

"Luke [Garrard, assistant manager] turned to me and said 'When your luck's out, it's really out'," said Howard.

"We've blown leads in previous games but, in hindsight, the way we fought back shows we should believe in ourselves a bit more."

Carshalton drew level on 74 minutes as debutant Billy Marshall crashed home a stunning 20-yard volley, before Ricky Korboa jinked past three players inside the Molesey box and slotted home with just four minutes remaining.

Howard now wants everyone associated with the club to get behind his charges when they step out against Leighton Town on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

"We generally have a young squad and they will make mistakes as we go along," he said.

"What we all need to do is remain patient and keep encouraging them.

"We, the management team, will do our bit and I also hope the fans make some noise on Saturday too. I know the boys value their support and it spurs them on during games."