Carshalton’s position in the Premier League becomes more tenuous with each passing game and, once again, after a proficient but uninspired first half, the team fell away badly after the dismissal of Lewis Gonsalves.

Hendon’s eventual win was far more emphatic than the score-line suggests and ended any lingering doubts about their top flight place next season.

Kenny Beaney, back in the side after injury, made an early impact, firstly with a free kick that Lewis Gonsalves drove home, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside, and a later kick that went just wide.

But his contribution was brief due to an ankle injury and on came Tommy Williams.

A corner by Hendon’s Scott Cousins was headed wide by Bradley Thomas, but Carshalton were well in the game at this point with Barry Stevens driving wide and combining well with Charlie Ide to set up Richard Jolly for a shot that lacked power.

With 10 minutes of the half remaining though it all went wrong for Carshalton when Gonsalves tangled with James Burgess and struck out at his opponent despite winning the free kick.

The referee, up to that point showing a marked reluctance to collect any names, had no hesitation in dismissing the Robin’s defender and a tactical substitution saw Pico Gomez replaced by Justyn Roberts as the visitors dug in for a long second half.

From the start of the second period the Robins were pinned back and Pelacici tested Nic Hamann with a fierce shot.

Dave Diedhiou and Scott Cousins were finding huge amounts of space on the flanks and it came as no surprise when Hendon took the lead 10 minutes into the half, Cousins picking out Lee O’Leary who looped his header over Hamann.

An identical move gave Casey Maclaren the chance to hit the post and O’Leary had the ball in the net again with the effort ruled out for offside.

Carshalton’s chances were limited to Jolly’s through ball to Ide that was blocked by a covering defender and a late run by substitute Byron Harrison that ended with a shot that went well wide.

Carshalton were being over-run as the game went on and the only surprise was that Hendon failed to add to their goal tally.

Two games remain and Carshalton’s fate for the season will be decided.

Robins team; Nick Hamann, David Ray, Ricardo Joseph, Karl Murray, Lewis Gonsalves, Adrian Toppin, Barry Stevens, Kenny Beaney (Tommy Williams), Charlie Ide (Byron Harrison), Richard Jolly, Pico Pelayo Gomez (Justyn Roberts) Subs not used: Rashid Kamara, Rob Watkins