Horsham 'really missed' forward in Carshalton Athletic defeat

O’Toole was missing from the squad for a second successive match after he went off with a suspected concussion in their 2-0 win over Cheshunt a week previously.

FA guidelines state that any player removed for concussion is not permitted to play for another 14 days.

Joe Shelley and Jack Brivio were also carrying knocks with the latter coming on as an 82nd minute substitute for Lea Dawson on Saturday.

Di Paola said: “We really missed Rob on Saturday. It would have been a different game if he played and Brivs (Brivio) started and I can’t emphasise it enough.

“Brivio’s got that bit of physicality and quality and Joe’s had problems with his hamstring, so massive credit to him for playing because he could have easily not.

“We looked a little lightweight and just had too many not on their pace and if you go and play away at somewhere like Carshalton not at your best, you’re going to get beat.”

Di Paola spoke highly of the Robins, adding: “They should really go up. Their consistency is what’s costing them. Whenever we play them they’re a real handful, especially going forward.

“They should definitely be in contention.”