Chalfont St Peter 3 - 2 Corinthian-Casuals
FA Trophy First Round Qualifying
Saturday 29th October 2016
Attendance: 69
Match report: Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)

Corinthian-Casuals’ FA Trophy hopes were terminated by both the efficient Chalfont St Peter and controversial refereeing decisions- which saw three Casuals players sent off.

Edging Thamesmead Town with a 2-1 scoreline three weeks ago, Casuals were set a tough away fixture at Evo-Stik Southern Premier side Chalfont St Peter, who batteredArsley Town in the preliminary round. Based in south-east Buckinghamshire, it was an hour or so drive up the M25 for the Casuals contingent. However, the game was unable to be played at Chalfont’s customary home ground so the teams met at Chesham United’s impressive stadium- The Meadow. Tenth in their league (same level as Casuals), the Saints have only picked up a single point from their last four matches.

Convincing, the 4-1 victory at Chatham Town (which included a classy hat-trick from Shaun Okojie) had increased confidence in the squad after the two previous games lacked the edge. James Bracken, re-assured by the performance at Chatham, only implemented one change to the Starting XI. Electric full-back Warren Morgan, who netted the match-winning strike in the preliminary round, was replaced by Danny Dudley.

As referee Robert Wainwright started the game, Casuals seemed to thrive with wingers Juevan Spencer and Jordan Clarke troubling the full-backs of Chalfont from the start. In the eleventh minute, the white shirts of Casuals spilled forwards, attempting to grab an early lead. Fresh from his three goal feat at Chatham, Shaun Okojie, who defied the offside trap, found himself 1 on 1 with Chalfont keeper Garry Malone. Skilfully rounding the shot-stopper, Okojie didn’t go to ground when Malone’s gloves made contact with his foot. Showing professionalism and resilience, Okojie powerfully slotted the ball past the two red shirts on the goal-line to give Casuals the lead. Ten minutes later, Okojie had another golden opportunity. The tricky feet of Jordan Clarke unselfishly nabbed the ball to Okojie before the talisman slammed a vicious strike against the crossbar.

Despite going behind early doors, the Saints edged back into the game. On the half-hour mark, Chalfont’s Craige Tomkins, who has found the net five times already this season, converted from close range after superb build-up play.

Casuals’ main aim was to end the half the way it was but that wasn’t the case for Tomkins. In the last few moments of the first half, a free-kick outside the area took a deflection off the Casuals wall and flew into the bottom corner of the net. Two for Tomkins, two for Chalfont.

As the intensity temporarily lowered, the first fifteen minutes of the second half was quiet. However, out of nothing, Chalfont scored a third. Controlling the ball with precision and skill, Tomkins majestically curled a vigorous low shot with a ridiculous amount of swerve. The best part of the goal was the celebration as Tomkins jumped over the barrier and stood in the empty terrace. Hilarity ensued as he began applauding his own goal and
Chalfont took a firm grip on the game.

James Bracken recognised that it was all or nothing now as he introduced the attacking Josh Uzun ahead of right-back Dudley. The change worked; a mass improvement sent a surge of adrenaline to the already-vocal Casuals fans. In the 70th minute, Ben Cheklit prodded a Juevan Spencer lay-off past Malone in the Chalfont net as he quickly grabbed the ball to re-start the match. With the score 3-2, Casuals looked like they could squeeze a result out of the game. What could go wrong?

Tensions flared in the 79th minute, Jordan Clarke had earned himself two yellow cards in three minutes which meant he was off. A  blow to the Casuals comeback, surely it couldn’t get worse? But it did.

Substitutions and injury breaks wasted time, the referee was under pressure from Casuals players whilst precious minutes were going down the drain. Bizarrely, Wainwright randomly stopped the game and gave a straight red card to Niall Wright for use of a swear word following the defender being on the receiving end of an off-the-ball incident. Confusion rippled around the ground. In a matter of minutes, Mahrez Bettache, who was having a frustrating game, swore at himself after mis-controlling the ball. Ludicrously, the referee ran towards Bettache and issued another straight red card!

Controversial refereeing saw Casuals down to eight. The cherry on the cake was when three blows of a whistle echoed around the Meadow with barely any added time.

The well-organised Chalfont St Peter advance into the next round of the FA Trophy. We thank them and Chesham United for extending a warm welcome and we wish them the best of luck. Meanwhile, Casuals face a daunting away trip to Sittingbourne on Tuesday evening before an explosive Bonfire Night home match against Molesey.

After the match, Manager James Bracken gave his thoughts.

“It's shocking. There's not been one bad foul in the game. The referee has made consistent mistakes throughout and turned it into his own show.

“The most worrying thing for me is before the last red card was issued, the referee ran to our dugout and said to me and everyone on the bench “I'll send off as many of your players as I have to”.

“Within 30 seconds of that, Maz takes a bad touch giving away a throw-in and shouts to himself in frustration – which earns him a straight red card! Even their players and bench thought it was madness.

“The referee hasn't picked up on any swearing throughout the game – only once he's got a bee in his bonnet and wanted to be the star of the show. He completely lost the plot.

“I really try to not talk about referees but there really are some poor ones out there. We've had two or three good officials this season where I thought that was a good performance – and not even when we've just won.

“Overall, they're not good enough. However, I can handle those that aren't good enough because I understand that it comes from gaining experience and training.

“But some cannot even hold their hands up and say 'I made a mistake'. For instance, after an incident that led to one of their goals, the assistant referee said to me 'that was never a free kick, he didn't get anywhere near him.' Everyone in the ground had seen that.

“Yet when I asked the assistant after half time, 'did the referee tell you he made a mistake?' the response was 'no... he didn't see it'.

“If I make a mistake, I expect one of my staff to pull me up on it. But at least I'll have some transparency and honesty in everything that I do.

“No matter how hard we work and what we do throughout the course of the week to try and come and win a game, if referees do what they did today, we might as well not bother. I might as well not waste my Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and do something else instead. Earn a few quid and eat well tonight. There's no justification for his actions or words I can kindly say about that today.

“It wrecks the weekend of our fans who travel to all our games, our management, our players, our chairman... everyone. That's a lot of people that it affects and that shouldn't happen. They should be held accountable for their actions.

“Have we done enough for the win? No... we lost 3-2. I said to the boys in the changing room after, no matter how bad the officials are, you have to take the game out of their hands. We have to keep clean sheets. We have to score more goals than the opposition so at the end of ninety minutes we can say we've done enough to win.

“In the first half, by our own standards, we were poor. There were a lot of stray passes and never really got going. We had glimpses of what we can do. Shaun scored a good goal. There were a couple of passages of play where we created chances. But we weren't at our best.

“Second half, we've come out and controlled the game by putting passes together and playing football. Then Chalfont hit us with the sucker punch goal... and a really good one at that.

“We were in the ascendancy when we've pulled it back to 3-2. There was only side who were going to go on and score a third and even fourth. That was us

“But the game gets broken up badly by the referee. Not just with the cards but little things like not having substitutes ready. They all add up. The momentum was killed.

“He needs to understand that I don't want three minutes added on at the end of the game. I want the minutes played at the time because now we're in the ascendancy, we're buzzing and they're struggling. Chalfont are a decent enough side but not fit and when the game was played at a fast pace for a sustained period of time, they came apart. It was at that point that the game needs to flow and that's when the referee did nothing but stop play. Then to compound it. at the end, he completely lost it

“Our lads, we travel far, we don't get paid, they give everything, every week and the referee thinks that's an acceptable performance?

“We just need a game now to get this out of our system. We need to bring some of this aggression, control it and make sure that whatever happens, we're not deprived of three points. Whether we go out there and win four or five nil or scrape a one-nil. Whatever it is... we need to get today out of our minds and get winning. Let's get back on this run in the league.

“We came into this game on the back of a win and we'll look to get back on it and kick-on. Remember, we've got good players and a good side here. We're not far off from being very good. We just need to be consistent.”

Chatham Town 1 - 4 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 22nd October 2016
Match report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)

Shaun Okojie bagged a triplet of goals in a comfortable away win for Corinthian-Casuals as they defeated strugglers Chatham Town 4-1 in the Ryman League Division One South.

The win emphatically put to bed the disappointing performance in the 1-0 loss to South Park on Tuesday night. Though their hosts, Chatham Town lay just above the relegation zone, the encounter could've thrown a curveball on a pitch that resembled a bobbly dust-bowl.

Manager James Bracken made two attacking changes to his side which have failed to score in three of the last four matches. Ben Cheklit and Jordan Clarke replaced Jamie Byatt and Josh Uzun.

Chats started brightly, testing Danny Bracken in goal within the first minute and forcing a fine save. But it didn't take long for Corinth to impose themselves on the game; Juevan Spencer intertwined with Dave Hodges to cause problems for the Chat's right flank; Maz Bettache looked lively on the tricky surface and Ben Cheklit lay in wait on the far side. Indeed, it was Cheklit's cross that found the 6'2” Okojie who's header was steered narrowly wide.

Chatham in parts looked dangerous too. With a tinge of 'shoot on sight' policy, Owen Price connected well with his 25 yard effort which whistled past the post. Bracken had to be alert to a cross which found a Chats forward in a great position.

Bracken's opposite number, Alex Hyde was soon called into action when Bettache's corner found the head of Okojie and an outreached left hand tipped the ball around the post.

The deadlock was broken on 34 minutes when Jordan Clarke threaded a ball through to Bettache who blasted an accurate ball across the six yard box and was met by Okojie at the back post. Casuals had their first goal in over 200 minutes.

It could've been two just before half time. Another wicked Bettache ball from the corner spot was met by Jack Strange who directed his header onto the Chatham bar. It wouldn't have been undeserved.

The second half took a while to spark into life and Chatham enjoyed more possession but in the course of sixty seconds, the scene was set; Owen Price forced an excellent save from Bracken who's lightning reactions prevented the equaliser. Casuals broke with pace and Juevan Spencer found himself with Hyde confronting him in the box, but laid the ball back to Okojie who placed the ball in the net from the edge of the box. The strike was as calm as the big man's celebrations.

A few nervous minutes could've ensued when Luke Medley took matters into his own hands. The Chatham forward almost ripped a hole in Bracken's net when he smashed a shot past the keeper's near post. But just three minutes later, Okojie had his hattrick. Warren Morgan made a trademark burst from right-back into the box and found the striker waiting to pounce on the penalty spot. A slight scuff didn't matter as it was enough to clinch the points.

And to rub salt into the wounds, substitute Jamie Byatt played in Josh Gallagher who found no problem in striking the ball past Hyde to end the game with a deserved 4-1 victory.

The win lifts Casuals into fifth place on goal difference. Manager James Bracken had these words to say after the match.

“Zero frustrations for me today. We're in the playoff spots, we're playing well, we're competing to try and win this league.

“When we've lost, when we've drawn and even when we've won, we've come away with some frustrations. I'm pleased to say that today, we've come away with none of those frustrations.

“Going forward, we look bright, exciting, creative and quick. At the back we look solid. Everyone worked in between and they knew what was expected of them. They've delivered a performance of which we've been searching for since the start of the season... a performance that really imposed ourselves on the game.

“What was pleasing was for us to not only impose ourselves on possession and quality, but be clinical and stick four in the net. Those goals today put us back in the playoff spots, so they have a real impact and it's good for our confidence.

“Everyone can beat everyone in this league. It's about getting on a good run and ignoring what others are doing. Other sides will have good streaks but we have to make sure our winning streaks are longer and better than theirs. Hopefully, after the Christmas period and into next year, we're still in with a chance to put a run together and achieve something by the end of the season.

“There's still a lot of games to play. Every team is going to lose matches because it's a very competitive league this year. There's probably nine or ten teams that are realistically thinking that they can reach the playoffs. We have to ensure we're still up there with the top sides, just by being consistent week in, week out.”

Next week, eyes turn to the FA Trophy as Casuals travel to Chesham United's Amy Lane to take on Chalfont St. Peter.

“It's a neutral venue but it's fifteen minutes from their own ground and some of their lads will be local so let's not dress it up - it's still an away game for us. I expect the pitch to be better there than if it was at Chalfont and we want to have another good run in the Trophy.

“I said only a couple of weeks ago that cup games are good if you win them and keep momentum. It's about building on this win today, using this as a benchmark and asking the boys to go and play to that same level. If you can beat that, then whoever we play will be in for a tough afternoon.”

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 1 South Park
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 18th October 2016
Match report: Cameron Smith. Pics: Andy Nunn (full set here).

On a brisk Tuesday evening at King George’s, Corinthian Casuals succumbed to a narrow 1-0 loss versus the gritty South Park in a rough Ryman Division One South clash.

Hungover from the unsatisfactory 0-0 draw against Faversham on Saturday, Casuals returned home for a Surrey-based rivalry in midweek. The opposition were South Park, who sat in ninth place in the table. The Sparks successfully took four points from Casuals last season in a 1-1 draw in Reigate before a 2-1 win in Tolworth. South Park possess a squad which has become familiar in the past few years of competition. They include: a trio of former-Corinthians (Ben King, Jake Gill and James Cottee), veteran goalkeeper James Wastell, centre-back Dylan Merchant (goalscorer in last season’s game) and Kieran Lavery, a clinical number 9.

Despite the neutral score-line, James Bracken has kept ten of the players who faced Faversham on Saturday, replacing one. Jordan Clarke was benched for Jamie Byatt.

Early warning signs flashed in the face of Casuals in the form of red shirts as they dominated the penalty area from the off. An ambitious thirty yard effort from Ben King tested Danny Bracken but it was a relatively easy save for the keeper to make. Casuals also experimented in attack, Josh Uzun forcing a low save from Wastell.

However, the visitors remained superior in possession and created a goal out of it. The dangerous Lavery superbly weaved in and out of defenders before efficiently finding the net with a neat shot. It was 1-0 to the away side on the 20 minute mark. Nevertheless, Lavery wanted more. Taking advantage of the overwhelmed Casuals defence, the striker would have scored a second if it weren’t for the staggering reflexes of Bracken, who tipped the ball over the bar. Failing to create any note-worthy chances into goals, Casuals left the pitch at half-time a goal down, lacking of creativity.

As the temperature continued to drop, the quality of the game dropped too as both sides struggled to attack. Finally in the 66th minute, Casuals were brought to life again via Mahrez Bettache. The referee awarded the hosts a free-kick on the edge of the area and despite having usual free-kick taker Uzun on the pitch, Bettache stood over it. A curling, accurate free-kick slammed against the crossbar as the chocolate and pink shirts put their hands on their heads in unison. Jack Strange’s header flew over the bar late on during many inconclusive set-pieces as the final whistle blew.

It was a deserved victory for South Park who advance a position higher in their charge for a play-off spot. A trip to Chatham is on the cards before the FA Trophy game at Chalfont St Peter. Will James Bracken’s pink and brown army bounce back on Saturday?

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 0 Faversham Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 15th October 2016
Match report: Cameron Smith. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set here).

Ryman Division One South football returned as the solid Faversham Town held Corinthian-Casuals in the league to a frustrating yet entertaining goal-less draw at King George’s.

Sealing a first round qualifying trip to Chalfont St Peter, Casuals left it late against Thamesmead Town last week in the FA Trophy as the wonderful Warren Morgan stole the winner to complete a spirited comeback.

Shaun Okojie, who was absent for the Thamesmead clash, returned to the starting lineup ahead of Jamie Byatt. Another change was Kevant Serbony featuring on the bench as Jordan Clarke took his place on his inaugural right wing position.

Visitors Faversham had made the seventy mile trip to Tolworth in hope of leapfrogging their opponents in the table and netting their seventh win of the season. After exiting the FA Cup via Egham Town, the Lilywhites dispatched Three Bridges on Tuesday and were two points behind Casuals in eighth place.

Previous meetings brought back happy memories as last season, Casuals faced Faversham twice- and won twice. A 3-1 home victory and a 2-1 away win (where Jamie Byatt scored on his return to the club) were not enough as Faversham placed above Casuals last season.

As Corinthians lined up in chocolate and pink, Faversham stuck by their nickname and wore white as the sun dazzled onto King George’s. The first twenty minutes was pinball-esque as the ball bounced back and fourth from one side of the pitch to the other, occasionally gifting a team with a half-chance. Both sides were holding strong defensively but Casuals had the slight edge. Josh Gallagher hammered an ambitious effort from thirty-five yards on the volley but flew comfortably over the bar. Flashes of class from Shaun Okojie inserted energy into the game as the 6ft 2in striker held the ball from the strong Faversham centre-backs.

The first notable effort of the match was in the 45th minute as the Whites looked to take advantage at the end of the first half. A corner was not cleared convincingly as Sam Bewick peeled from his marker at the back post, but the no.7 mis-kicked as it somehow evaded the net.

Both sides were hungry to improve in the second-half as the weather deteriorated into thick clouds and a sporadic spot of rain. Casuals continued to combat the courageous Faversham defence as Juevan Spencer fired a shot a few inches over the bar. Josh Uzun, who had a relatively quiet match, used brilliant technique to volley a powerful effort towards goal but keeper Bridle-Card managed to catch it. A new signing, Ben Bridle-Card had impressed as he accurately supplied Faversham attackers with long, pin-point goal kicks. The away side did produce some attacking flair as a long ball from the half-way line was missed by Bracken and was bounced towards the empty net. Warren Morgan hoofed the ball away and the hosts survived a scare.

With around ten minutes to go, the best opportunity of the match fell to Casuals as an intelligent cluster of short passes from around the area resulted in Juevan Spencer bursting into the penalty area. He fed the ball to Josh Gallagher, who superbly curled a shot onto the crossbar and the rebound was controlled and then converted by Okojie.

However, a sharp blow on the referee’s whistle halted celebrations as the linesman flagged for offside. Disappointing. Luckless, Casuals attempted to surge forward with attacks but the disallowed goal may have destroyed their confidence and the final whistle blew. It was Corinthians’ first 0-0 of the season.

If Casuals took all three points in the clash, they would have climbed further up in the table as leaders Dorking lost to Chatham Town and Greenwich Borough succumbed to a 1-0 loss to Walton Casuals. Outside of the play-offs on goal difference, James Bracken’s army faces tenth-placed South Park before a trip to the conquerors of Dorking... Chatham.

After the match, Manager James Bracken said, "I was disappointed with the result but not the performance. We've won games this season where I've come in more disappointed than I have today.

"We've been searching for a dominant performance and today we delivered one. From the second half especially, it was evident that they were happy to come here and get a point.

"I said to the lads after, that's a mark of what we've achieved in the last eighteen months. Teams like Faversham, who you bet your house that they'll be playoff contenders, come to us and if they get a point, they go home happy. I don't think that was the case a year or two ago. That's something we've earned... respect.

"We were great but unfortunately, only up until the penalty box, where we just didn't have the quality to finish it. That's what really matters.

"You hope that officials get all the decisions right and I'm not saying the disallowed goal was rightfully ruled out or not. I didn't really see it. That's gone now anyway so it's pointless me dwelling on it. I'm only concerned with the next match against South Park. If we hit that same level of performance, I've no doubt we'll be better in front of goal, we'll score and we'll win.

"Of course I take it as a compliment when teams set themselves up to get a point here. It's not something I've ever done myself. I don't think I've ever gone into a game looking to get just a draw. Would I do that? Yes – if that's all that is needed to achieve something.

"I think Faversham did well to get a point and being honest, I think they'd say the same.

"If teams want to come here and play attacking football, we'll play that way too and if they do set up to defend, hopefully, we can create one or two chances and get the win."

Corinthian-Casuals 2 - 1 Thamesmead Town
FA Trophy Preliminary Round
Saturday 8th October 2016
Attendance: 121
Match report: Cameron Smith. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)

Corinthian-Casuals kick-started their FA Trophy campaign with a scrappy yet spirited 2-1 win over Thamesmead Town thanks to a tidy late winner from the sparkling Warren Morgan.

Think back to Wednesday 2nd December 2015. Corinthian-Casuals vs Grays Athletic. It’s the fifth minute of injury time. Frustrated. Tired. But still hopeful. Dave Hodges attempted to start a counter attack. The full-back used all the energy he had left to deliver a perfect cross for the oncoming Juevan Spencer. As if it were in slow-motion; Spencer connected with the cross and the ball flew into the top corner. Casuals were in dreamland as they progressed into the First Round Proper, beating Grays 1-0. A feeling like no other, the FA Trophy run last year was glorious.

This time, James Bracken wants to better it.

Thamesmead Town are in the Ryman Division One North lingering in the relegation zone after four losses, two draws and two wins. Casuals and Mead have met before – the last time back in September 2001, in which Corinthians ran out 3-1 winners.

After the devastating 1-0 loss to Herne Bay on Saturday, James Bracken hoped to bounce back with a win after the defeat halted their scoring record for the first time since March. Kojo Apenteng was replaced by Morgan and anchorman Brandon Johnson was dropped ahead of Kevant Serbony.

The absence of Warren Morgan could have been a contributing factor in Casuals’ loss last week but today the right-back took a firm hold of the game. Jinxing in and out of defenders, Morgan rifled a low shot towards the bottom corner. Accustomed to this sort of behaviour, Casuals contingent expected an opening goal but Morgan’s run forced a fine save from the alert Tyler McCarthy.

Starting on the front foot, the hosts early dominance subsided as Thamesmead retained possession. Edging into the groove of the game, Mead were gifted with a golden opportunity as Ike-Robertson Feehi was denied by the terrific reflexes of Danny Bracken in a 1v1 situation.

An uneventful half was thankfully brought to an end by the whistle of Michael Smith as both sides re-grouped.

Former-Tooting man Paul Vines found space in the area before slotting home as Thamesmead took advantage of Casuals’ lack of concentration at the back. Bracken and the back four were kept busy until the 70th minute when the home side struck. A remarkably accurate cross from Dave Hodges created chaos as committed McCarthy in the Mead net attempted to collect, but mis-judged his catch. A comical scramble on the goal-line finally resulted in a goal, midfield maestro Kev Serbony providing the vital touch. The Corinthian's spirit was injected to a now inspired team as Casuals looked for the winner.

Eight minutes later, they found it. Mirroring the chance he created in the first half, Morgan hit a sweet thunderbolt in the 78th minute as the green shirts of Mead looked in astonishment. On the edge of the area, the strike slammed against the post before finding the net.

A comfortable last few minutes sealed Casuals’ place in the first qualifying round and netted the club a neat £2,500 bonus!

Either Arlesey Town or Chalfont St Peter will face the Casuals next but before that, James Bracken’s pink and brown army will take on Faversham Town at home next week, back in the Ryman Division One South.

Bracken said after the match, “It didn't look like we were going to carve out many chances today. We played some good football in the first half but in the second, we didn't really get going and gave away a sloppy goal.

“But I have faith in the boys out there and failing that, we've always got those who can come on and change things.

“It was a bit unorthodox from the perspective of who's scored but it's nice when they can chip in with a couple of goals .

“Of course I'd love to have another good run in the FA Trophy. I said before the game that the win at Leiston in this competition last year was probably my best moment as a manager. Not just because of where they were in the league above us, but it was the day as a whole experience. I remember it was a miserable old afternoon where we played in the most horrible conditions that I've ever done anything in. But the buzz I got from that win gave us the emphasis to put a run together, which we did.

“Obviously, the club wants a few quid from the prize money, but that isn't my concern, What I want are those days like Leiston – those moments that live with you. The Grays Athletic game here in the following round was for a lot of people the one that stands out. For me, it was Leiston away.

“We want to have another run. If we get through a few rounds, you can end up facing the likes of Tranmere Rovers or Wrexham or whoever. There are big clubs where we can have the opportunity to play in front of a few thousand and that's our opportunity to go and have more of those moments.

“Does a cup run harm our push in the league? Well, ff you go into cup games and win them, it keeps momentum and that's a great thing. We've got a nice, healthy squad. We had five or six missing today that are realistically first team players pushing for a starting place. But we can still get a team out that wins and have a bench with unused subs who are of real quality. We have a squad that can deal with the extra cup games.

“That's why we'll approach the league, the Trophy, and the Ryman League Cup with strength where we'll have a really good crack at. The Surrey Senior and London Senior Cups we'll use to give others game time and give me the opportunity to look at one or two of the younger lads at the club that deserve a chance.

“I want to win. That's the main objective. I want to go home on a Saturday evening and put my feet up in front of the telly and be a winner. That's where it begins and ends. If you win a trophy at the end of it, then that's fantastic.

“It wrecks my week if I don't win. If we'd have lost, I'd have been an a***hole until next Saturday. I really would. I'd have been an a***hole at training, at home and at work until I get that next win. That's how I realise that I need to win.”

Herne Bay 1 - 0 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 1st October 2016
Match report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set of pics here)

Corinthian-Casuals Boss James Bracken rued his side's missed chances as a solitary Herne Bay strike separated the two sides in the Ryman League Division One South.

Casuals hadn't drawn a blank in 27 games in all competitions. Despite key striker Shaun Okojie failing a late fitness test and in-form Shaun Brown unavailable, Bracken was still confident of getting a result against a side that sat nineteen places lower in the table.

With Warren Morgan also not available, Kojo Apenteng filled in at right-back, with Jack Strange and Niall Wright cementing their centre-back partnership that had seen two clean sheets in two games. The hosts were without key man Sam Hasler through suspension.

Casuals, looking to repeat their 1-0 win at Winch's Field last season, started the brighter of the two sides and began to craft chances. Maz Bettache's cross found Jamie Byatt ten yards out and his looping header was cleared off the line by a Bay defender. Less than a minute later, Jack Strange's powerful nod flew just over the bar.

Despite turning 35 a few weeks ago, Byatt continued to dog the defence and Jack Delo in goal saved well from the striker following a searching pass from Brandon Johnson. Delo was to deny Byatt again, coming out to claim well. The two Joshes combined to create an excellent chance. Gallagher, who's penetrating passes were excellent all afternoon, found Uzun on the left and the winger's strike narrowly passed the far post. The chances kept on coming; a parried shot by Delo led to a scramble in the six yard box with Gallagher and Byatt having real chances.

After the break, Bay looked to get into the game more and looked far more assertive than they had in the first half. Despite this, the Amateurs continued to push forward and more chances went begging after Bettache failed to convert a Byatt cross from ten yards out.

If it had felt like it was going to be 'one of those days' for the visitors, those thoughts were cemented when Juevan Spencer, picked out by Gallagher, found himself in a prime position to put his side ahead, yet dragged his shot past the near post when it seemed easier to score. A vital miss.

The inevitable happened; Herne Bay probed more and more, using the wide men to deliver dangerous crosses. First, the header that caused those in attendance to gasp as it whistled just over Danny Bracken's crossbar. Then the knock-out punch...with little over ten minutes remaining, Mark Lovell on the right, found Adam Woolcott who's shot was smashed in via the back post. It was Bay's only shot on target for the whole match but one that counted the most.

Casuals continued to get something out of the game but late chances for substitute Kevant Serbony and Maz Bettache failed to level the game and Casuals came up short for the first time since early March. Despite dominating most of the possession and creating the better chances, it's goals that win games and Herne Bay's one trumps Casuals' nil.

“We just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. That sums it up really,” said Bracken after the match.

“Their goalkeeper has got man of the match and rightfully so. But we've missed crucial chances at pivotal points in the game.

“I thought we were good with the ball throughout the ninety minutes. Defensively we looked good and limited them to one shot on target for the whole game, which unfortunately for us, went in.

“We're disappointed, but not with the performance... only the result.

“We have to remember that these boys aren't professional footballers and sometimes they're going to miss their chances. It's not a problem though. We'll come back next game and if we create the same amount of chances, we'll probably score two or three and win comfortably.

“So there's been no problems with the lads today. In previous games, we've had a lot to look at post-match – formation, defensive shape and balance between attack and defend, but today, there's nothing really to analyse. We've missed a few chances and that really is it. There's no blame to lay on anyone today. I thought they all grafted well. It's just one of those days.

“Missing Shaun Okojie is always going to be a blow; he's our top goalscorer but I thought Busy (Jamie Byatt) led the line fantastically. He competed for everything and worked his socks off.

“We'll bounce back just fine. This is a competitive league and anyone can beat anyone. We just need to brush ourselves down, approach the next game positively and get the win.”

Herne Bay move up a place to 21st in the table whilst Casuals sit in fifth.