Mistaken identity rarely raises its head in the world of football, but Carshalton Athletic midfielder Barry Stevens is only too happy to put his hand up, even if it means missing out on some well-deserved glory.

Having been credited by all and sundry for having scored the vital winner in Tuesday night’s 3-2 play-off semi-final win at Tonbridge Angels, the Guardian made a beeline to speak to the Robins hero at the first opportunity.

But Stevens admitted it had all been a big mistake.

He said: “I think you are the fourth person who has texted me to say congratulations, but I didn’t score.

“It was Richard Jolly actually.

“The thing was, Junior Kadi lofted the ball over the top and we both ran through together, and when he stuck the ball in we celebrated together.

“I think I might have celebrated more, so people thought I had scored it.

“The fact that they didn’t announce the goal just added to the confusion.”

Despite owning up, Stevens has no hesitation in praising lethal striker Jolly, whose brace along with a Charlie Ide strike set Carshalton on their way.

He added: “It makes a huge difference to the side knowing you have players like that in your line-up.

“We know that if we create three chances for them, odds are they will score two of them.

“It plays perfectly into our hands as away from home we like to hit teams on the break, and if we keep things tight at the back we always have a good chance of winning.”

Staines Town now loom on the horizon in Saturday’s promotion decider, and the midfielder is under no illusions over the importance of the task.

Stevens added: “It is an absolutely massive game - both for the club and all of the players.

“I think it will be a great game as we are both sides that like to play.

“But we are the side in form.

“We took 13 points from our last 15, and then carried that on at Tonbridge.

“We are extremely confident, and there is no reason why we cannot go there and win.”