Wingate & Finchley 1 - 0 Corinthian-Casuals
London Senior Cup Quarter Final
Tuesday 12th February 2020
Match report and pics: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)
 
Corinthian-Casuals cup participation came to a close for another season as they exited the London Senior Cup at the hands of Wingate & Finchley.
​
A solitary goal from the wonderfully named Great Evans was enough to see the hosts progress to the semi-final where they’ll face either Hendon or Balham.

For Manager James Bracken, it was a frustrating evening where his side had started brightly but failed to capitalise and never found the level required until too late.

The side had been re-shuffled from the weekend with the likes of Coskun Ekim filling in at the back and Casuals playing an unfamiliar shape. It looked to be working at first, where the Amateurs had the bulk of possession and the best of the early chances.

But as the half progressed, Wingate grew in confidence and by the break, Danny Bracken had been the busier of the two goalkeepers. The Blues had also hit the post from close range and Warren Morgan produced a fine block to prevent Wingate taking a half-time lead.

Casuals began the second half as they did the first, and two great chances presented themselves in quick succession. Sadly, clinical finishing evaded Corinth and as with the Velocity Trophy exit the week before, it would ultimately be their undoing.

Just seven minutes into the half, Great Evans took down a weighted lobbed pass and slotted home from close range.

Wingate looked to finish off proceedings, but Bracken did well to keep out Charlie Ruff’s shot and the Blues also had a goal disallowed for offside. Casuals made changes and livened up in the last ten minutes. Substitute Gabriel Odunaike also had a goal chalked off by the linesman’s flag and fellow sub Matty Bakare finally tested keeper Fergal Hale-Brown, who got down well to keep out the midfielder’s low drive.

After the full-time whistle, where the players and management thanked the few hardy Casuals fans who braved the cold, Manager James Bracken apologised saying ‘it wasn’t good enough.’ He’ll be insisting a much better performance in the next few weeks when Casuals return to the Maurice Rebak Stadium for the all-important league ‘six-pointer’.

“The performance was more disappointing than the result,” said Bracken after the match.

“We’ve set ourselves up to be good enough to win in both our last two cup matches and on both occasions, the performances haven’t been good enough.”

“We took our foot off the gas after 25 minutes because it seemed like it was a little too comfortable for us. If you do that at 0-0, then nine times out of ten, you lose the game.

“The final third from us tonight was really poor. For all the possession and domination in the first half hour, and with good spells throughout the game, we’ve not forced their keeper to make enough saves."

Now, Bracken looks ahead to the all-important league campaign and four vital games coming up.

“We’ve got a lot of tough games coming up but the next four are winnable. I’m realistic – every game is winnable but we don’t want to be relying on our run-in at the end of the season. We need to pick up as many wins as we can and see where we are. We can’t be looking at other team’s results – we need to take care of our own matches.

“Our results since the turn of the year puts us sixth in total points won, so we’re much improved. We’ve let in the same amount of goals as Worthing. If you’d had said to me, we’d have conceded the same number of goals as the league leaders, I’d have presumed we were third or fourth in the table.

​“However, we’re not and we need to be more clinical. Losing Shaun (Okojie) wasn’t ideal but other lads now need to step up to the plate and score goals.

“I think the players are good enough. But they’ll only get away with one or two more performances like that before we decide to make changes. I’m loyal as anything. We’re not a revolving door club and that’s why there’s an affinity with the fans and the players – they get to know them, appreciate each other and appreciate their qualities. We work with players here. We try to improve them as best as we can and we’ll always do that.

“But we’re here to win games of football. The next four are winnable but if we don’t look like winning them then we’ll look at changing things. It’s a wake up call.

“I’m optimistic though. There’s been some dark times this season and a lot of soul searching to be done. When you’re playing well but keep losing 1-0, then you question everything. But in 2020, we’re sixth in points earned, morale is good.
​
“Perhaps tonight, like with some of the cup competitions this season, have been overlooked by some of the players. This tonight was more than winnable with a semi-final place at stake. Maybe I wanted to win a trophy more than some of the boys who’ve played. But they know what’s required of them in the league. They’re up for the challenge and they’ll give everything.”  

Corinthian-Casuals 1 – 2 Burgess Hill Town
Velocity Trophy Knockout Stage
Tuesday 4th February 2020
Photos from the match can be seen here.
​More pics courtesy of Andy Nunn can be seen here.
 
Typically, being in a cup competition in early February indicates good progress into the latter stages, but Corinthian-Casuals crashed out at the first hurdle following a 2-1 loss to Burgess Hill Town on Tuesday night.

Hill remain unbeaten, notching up their sixth consecutive win in the Velocity Trophy this season. Radical changes to the tournament meant the Sussex club had to negotiate a group phase before qualifying to play Premier League opposition – in this case, Casuals.

For James Bracken’s side, this was their first foray in the League Cup this season and the second of nine scheduled matches in February – or nearly one game every 72 hours. Therefore, it was unsurprising that he named a changed line-up from that which defeated Lewes at the weekend. There was a debut for ex-AFC Wimbledon defender Jim Fenlon. Jack Tucker returned from dual-registration duty at Frimley Green and Nat Pinney was promoted to the starting line-up. Coskun Ekim returned in place of Matty Bakare whilst Gabriel Odunaike was rested, sitting in the stands for the evening.

Despite this, Casuals settled well and began to carve open Burgess Hill’s defence on multiple occasions. With 20 minutes gone, Corinth found themselves one-up. An excellent cross from the left unusually found makeshift forward Tucker sliding in to bag his first goal for the club.
 
Hill did go close themselves but an excellent clearance from Mark Jamison, from under his own crossbar, saw off the danger of Pat Harding when it was easier to bundle into his own net. However, with Brad Wilson also hitting the post, the half very much belonged to Casuals.

Seeking the all-important second, Corinth applied serious pressure after thebreak. Nat Pinney shot wide and Jack Strange’s header whistled past the far post, all before Brad Wilson’s effort was cleared off the line. However, in the resulting melee, Wilson was awarded a penalty for an adjudged foul. The midfielder himself stepped up but crashed his spot-kick against the foot of the post.

We’ve all seen what happens next; give away countless opportunities and it’ll bite you in the backside. Five minutes later, Hillian Aaron Smith-Joseph’s persistence paid off and forced his way through the defence to fire low past Danny Bracken’s left and into the corner.

Then, out of nothing, on 77 minutes, Mason Dougherty unleashed a wonderful 25-yard ripper into the top corner to send the small band of Hillians into hysteria.

Casuals attempted to rally. The best chance fell to Warren Morgan who met an enticing cross only to inexplicably put it wide. After the match, the stand-in forward still couldn’t understand how he’d missed. The Hill goal had led a charmed life at times, but the score remained 2-1 to the visitors and they booked their place in the next round away to Horsham next week.
​
For Bracken, it’s a return to important league action this weekend as the team travel to Margate. Next Tuesday night is Casuals’ last foray in cup competitions, heading to Wingate in the London Senior Cup Quarter Final.    

Corinthian-Casuals 1 - 0 Lewes
Isthmian League Premier Division
Saturday 1st February 2020
Photos from the match can be seen here
​
A sublime Ben Cheklit strike ten minutes from time was enough to lift Corinthian-Casuals out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.

Whilst fellow strugglers Merstham and Wingate & Finchley both won, and Brightlingsea picking up a point, the win was enough to lift Casuals two places, into 19th with a very favourable goal difference and games in hand.

Incidentally, the result drags opponents Lewes into the dogfight as Casuals close within four points. The Rooks have struggled to pick up any momentum and remarkably, have won only once at their Dripping Pan home this campaign. Ironically, that was against Casuals – a cagey 1-0 win secured in the last ten minutes. Ring any bells?

There was more parity with the corresponding fixture earlier in the season; this wasn’t a classic either. Lewes have struggled to score recently, with just two goals in the last six league matches (as well as a 1-0 loss to Peacehaven in the Sussex Cup). In contrast, Casuals form has been much better and a gritty 1-1 draw against promotion-chasing Bognor in the week would’ve surely boosted morale.

Lewes nearly rectified their goal drought in the very first minute, with Harry Reed’s cross narrowly avoided Tony Mendy. Early goals have haunted Casuals across the first half of the season, but this is one area that Manager James Bracken and his coaching team have worked hard upon to rectify. And with effective results too – Corinth haven’t conceded in the first half hour since the 12th November.
That run continued as either side rarely threatened their opponent’s goal. Gabriel Odunaike headed narrowly wide from a corner and Casuals captain Danny Bracken was only really called into action from set pieces.

Corinth had more of a spark about them in the second half enjoying the lion’s share of possession. Nathan Stroomberg-Clarke was certainly the busier of the two keepers. Despite this, Lewes had the best chance to score when Billy Medlock weaved between defenders only to blaze his shot well over.

Almost immediately, Casuals capitalised. It was a moment of divine interplay that finally broke the deadlock. Out on the wing, Kev Serbony dropped two Lewes markers with a cheeky backheel to Hakeem Adelakun. His cross found Ben Cheklit on the edge of the box and without hesitation, curled a beauty of a shot into the top corner, leaving Stroomberg-Clarke rooted.

The Lewes keeper was a little fortunate to remain on the field moments after, when he handled the ball outside of his area, denying Odunaike a chance to intercept. A yellow issued. Casuals were able to see out the rest of the match with Bracken being alert to a low cross that could’ve caused problems. The full time whistle marked the Amateur’s fourth win (with a draw) in eight games and Bracken almost certainly looking up the table.

Neither game against Lewes this season will go down as a classic, but for the majority of the 278 in attendance, they won’t care. They witnessed a side that once again battled hard, gave everything and topped it off with a sublime goal. They’ll also keep an eye on Lewes’ next league match – against Cheshunt, which after this result, has become a proverbial ‘six-pointer’ that could yet shape the relegation battle once again. In the meantime, Casuals have a break from league pressures as they host Burgess Hill Town in the Velocity Trophy on Tuesday night.

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 1 Folkestone Invicta
Isthmian League Premier Division
Saturday 12th October 2019
Report and Photos: Stuart Tree (set here)

Corinthian-Casuals’ Boss James Bracken felt his side deserved more from the 1-0 loss to league leaders Folkestone Invicta on Saturday.
 
Keiron McCann’s first half strike was the only goal to separate the sides, despite being 21 places between the teams in the league. But Casuals cannot catch a break and condemned the Tolworth outfit to their seventh league loss this season.
 
The last two league matches have been against the top two sides, yet Bracken will be scratching his head as to how Casuals haven’t earned points from either.
 
Casuals have the sixth best defensive record in the league but scoring goals has been the major problem and with just five tallied up in ten games, the Amateurs have to resolve that problem sooner rather than later.
 
Keeper Manny Agboola was once again in between the sticks and the return of Andy Mills to central defence eased Bracken’s injury-led selection problems. The big comeback was captain Gabriel Odunaike, who’s lengthy absence has been felt and was immediately thrust into the team to give attacking options.
 
Odunaike looked lively and the most likely to score. He found himself with just keeper Tim Roberts in the to beat but Folkestone’s custodian smothered the effort well. Casuals had far more impetus than the limp FA Cup exit the week before and caused the Seasiders problems.
 
The visitors should’ve taken the lead, but for Agboola’s wonderful double save to prevent them going ahead. However, minutes later, Kieron McCann’s cut inside and low shot was too accurately-placed for Agboola to stop and Folkestone had the lead.
 
Casuals carved out a few chances; Shaun Okojie probably should’ve scored from a powerful free header in the centre of the box. On target, and that would’ve been a certain equaliser. The striker’s fierce shot from the edge of the box did force Roberts into a fine stop.
 
And Casuals continued to advance in the second half. Odunaike’s gone close from a quick corner and even full-back Jack Tucker’s drive from 20 yards was expertly tipped over by the busier of the two keepers. Even the gents from the popular blog ‘Two Men in Search of the Beautiful Game’ commented that you’d never have told who was top and who was bottom of the league.
 
But goals win games and Casuals drew a blank for the sixth time in this league campaign and thus, the solitary strike from McCann was enough to send the Kent side home happy.
 
It’s getting a bit repetitive, isn’t it?,” said Bracken after the match. “I probably said this about five games ago. It is getting repetitive.
 
“I said to the players in the changing room how unlucky they were today and deserved more from that, against a team that’s top of the league. I said there’s nothing between you and them. You get confidence from that knowing we’re there-or-thereabouts. All we can do is keep resetting, keep refocussing, turn up to training with enthusiasm and approach the next game with a positive mindset.
 
“Our goals against is decent. We’re sixth best in the league for conceding. We need to score more goals. We went with four attacking players up top but we have to find the right balance. We made a few changes. Gave a few boys opportunities and they did okay. The likes of Jack Tucker came in an put in a decent performance. Unfortunately, his man has come inside him for the goal, but he could’ve done that to anyone… McCann’s a good player – he scored two last week. Folkestone have been scoring freely – put three past Brightlingsea last week and scored four away at Potter’s Bar. They certainly didn’t run us ragged. There are positives, but until we start putting points on the board and getting that winning feeling back, we need to keep working hard.
 
“We know the league results haven’t been there. We’ve done okay in the FA Cup, even with that performance last week, where we haven’t turned up. But how many times can you say that we didn’t perform on the day? Maybe five times in the last five years. We’ve always performed even when we’ve lost. We had no right to beat Sevenoaks who are flying high at the top of the division below. We had no right to beat Chelmsford City here, but we did. We had an off day at King’s Langley. That’s all. The world hasn’t caved in. But of course, because of the league results, it feels like it’s a bigger loss.
 
“We haven’t got a game scheduled now for ten days which is nonsense. Then it’s a packed schedule for the five following weeks. We’ll have ten games in five weeks yet ten days without a match. The way the fixtures have fallen is crazy. We had four games in September and were due to have eight in October. But maybe that’s what we need. Just to get out there every Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday and within ten days, you pick up three wins and suddenly you have 12 points on the board.
 
“We just need to keep working. There’s no quick fix. There’s no bringing in three players this week that’ll make a difference. These boys have got to keep on showing good attitude. I don’t have a magic wand, so we just need work our socks off every week. If we keep doing that, then we keep believing.” 

King's Langley 3 - 0 Corinthian-Casuals
Emirates FA Cup 3rd Round Qualifying
Saturday 5th October 2019
Report and Photos: Stuart Tree (set here)

Corinthian-Casuals Manager James Bracken apologised to fans for his side’s insipid performance as they limped out of the FA Cup at King’s Langley.
 
Casuals put in one of the worst displays in the Manager’s five seasons at the club as Langley ran out decisive 3-0 winners to put the Southern League club into the 4th Round Qualifying.
 
Around 120 fans made the trip to Hertfordshire to see their team look to extend their best cup run in 36 years and dream of a tie against one of non-league’s big names. However, by the end of the match, those dreams had been crushed.
 
Bracken’s injury-hit side left the Manager no choice but to play the unfamiliar pairing of Jack Strange and Warren Morgan in central defence. Danny Bracken made his return in between the sticks following a two-week absence.
 
It was important that Casuals kept play tight in the opening stages, though looked nervous in early passages. It was therefore unsurprising when Langley took the lead after twenty minutes. A long ball to Michell Weiss saw the forward turn his defender and Bracken could only parry the shot, which cruelly looped into the corner.
 
Casuals began to grow into the game and both Shaun Okojie and Nat Pinney saw efforts go close. Pinney’s cross to Okojie was turned around the near post. It was as good as it got for the visitors.
 
Despite Bracken geeing up the supporters at half time, the players didn’t receive the same memo; Langley looked the more likely to score and they should’ve when Weiss robbed Danny Bracken of the ball. With an empty net to slot into, Weiss found his lackadaisical effort blocked by a stretched Juevan Spencer. A lucky break can often become a pivotal turning point… but not in this case.
 
Langley doubled their lead fifteen minutes later when Weiss made up for his error by half volleying a Charlie Pattison cross. Heads dropped and Langley pounced just two minutes later with Roddy Collins’ free header from a corner left the Amateurs with too much to do.
 
To add insult to injury, Mu Maan was shown a straight red card when his late challenge was deemed to be dangerous and was sent for an early bath. The only time Casuals got a shot on target was from Ollie Sitch, who forced Melvin Minter into a good stop in time added on. Minter, who was with Casuals in pre-season had more to do in the morning, saving efforts from Dimitr Berbatov on Sky’s Soccer AM show.
 
After the match James Bracken, staff and players came over to the travelling contingent to apologise for the performance with the Manager lamenting that it was ‘best he didn’t make any comments on that display.’
 
We wish King’s Langley the best of luck in the next round and for the season ahead. Casuals will need to dramatically improve their efforts when facing Folkestone Invicta at home on Saturday.

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 0 Potters Bar Town
Isthmian League Premier Division
Saturday 28th September 2019
Report and Photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)
More photos from Andy Nunn here.
 
Corinthian-Casuals earned their first home point of the season in a 0-0 stalemate against Potters Bar Town.
 
Though Casuals were without their three first-choice Centre Backs and ever present Captain and Goalkeeper, Danny Bracken, they prevented Bar from finding the net for the first time this season.
 
Despite the shut-out, Manager James Bracken was disappointed that this was another opportunity for three points passed up by his side. It was a similar story, with plenty of forward endeavour and territorial possession, but final, clinical moves were sadly lacking.
 
Casuals fans might have been surprised to see the unusual back four which included Warren Morgan pairing with Coskun Ekim in the centre. Hero of the cup win over Chelmsford, Mazzar Ugradar also suffered an injury in the week, so in came ex-Oxford United, Solihull Moors and Hampton stopper Manny Agboola.
 
In truth, there’s not much to write about the game itself. The Scholars started bright whilst Casuals’ makeshift defence allowed themselves time to get used to their positions. Passing out from the back was cautious and methodical. The first real chance fell to Nat Pinney, who after an endeavouring run by Reyon Dillon, fired just past the far post.
 
At the other end, Agboola proved his worth, acrobatically saving from a well-drilled drive and latterly a looping header from Bradley Sach, clawing out the effort from under the crossbar.
 
Casuals looked to push on and found joy in wide positions. Dillon caused Andrew Lomas problems but when needed to find a calm head, lashed a drive high, high over the bar from a very scorable position. It summed up the afternoon perfectly.
 
James Bracken’s side never reached the performance levels of Chelmsford the week before and despite the point gained and a clean sheet with a makeshift defence, the gap opens up at the foot of the table as Casuals still seek their first league win of the 2019-20 season.
 
We’re disappointed with the draw,” said Bracken after the match. “We had one Centre Half fit coming into the game, but pulled out through illness in the morning. So, no fit players for those positions. We’re onto our third goalkeeper in three games, which is shades of last season.
 
“But I felt that took the pressure off us. If we’d conceded a few goals and lost, what did we expect? I had players doing jobs out of position. But fair play to them, they kept a clean sheet. Where we should’ve been at our weakest, we’ve kept the opposition out.
 
“We’re the first side that Potters Bar haven’t scored against. They’ve hit three against Lewes and East Thurrock, two against Enfield and Carshalton and defeated Hornchurch last week. They couldn’t score here. But that’s not enough.
 
“We’re disappointed because that was winnable. Again, it’s another opportunity that’s passed us by, like the Merstham and Brightlingsea games. We should’ve won it. If we had anywhere near the intensity of the Chelmsford game, we would’ve won.
 
"I’m disappointed with this result, more so than even some of the games we’ve lost. When you’re looking for those three points, that was a real opportunity. And we didn’t grasp it.
 
“Only one or two of the lads can come out of this match with any credit. They had the drive and desire to win a game of football. Everyone else looked like they were just getting through the minutes. You can’t have that attitude when you’ve not got a win on the board. They must apply themselves. That’s not the way to get the first win.
 
“I need to see character out there on the pitch. That wasn’t it. I felt it was lethargic, flat in the changing room and the first fifteen minutes. We fell short on our own. A few people came up to me afterwards saying we’d played okay, but that’s not enough for me.
 
"We wasted too many opportunities today. Had we just got the basics right and stuck balls in the right areas, it would’ve been a different outcome. Too many of our set pieces fell in the wrong areas and gave our forwards no chance.
 
"Until we’re out of the bottom three and looking up the table to where we can reach, we’ve got to do more. We can’t say ‘we didn’t lose’, when we’ve drawn against a side that are well beatable in a game that we had the majority of control.
 
"But if we don’t give our forwards the chances to score, we won’t win games. We’ve wasted too much. They know that in the changing room. I turn up every matchday motivated to win. Not motivated to do okay. Not motivated to be pleased with a draw. A few of them didn’t turn up motivated to win.
 
"We’re better than that. I want them to do their best. Come Tuesday, I expect them to bounce back with their best. If they don’t, then we’ve got some big calls to make going into our biggest FA Cup game for 36 years. If they don’t up their game, I’m not going to Kings Langley with players that don’t have the heart or stomach to win. We want to advance in the Cup and they’ve got to go out there and show they can do it."

Corinthian-Casuals 2 - 0 Chelmsford City
Emirates FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round
Saturday 21st September 2019
Report and Photos: Stuart Tree

​Corinthian-Casuals made it to the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup for the first time since 1983 with a convincing win over National League South opposition Chelmsford City.
 
Goals either side of half time from Nat Pinney and Shaun Okojie was enough to see off Rod Stringer’s Clarets and put James Bracken’s side into the hat for the draw on Monday.
 
It could’ve been a very different game after one minute on the clock, when Chelmsford were awarded a penalty in the opening exchanges. However, stand-in keeper Mazza Ugradar had other ideas and his first touch of the ball as a Casuals player kept out Jeffers’ spot kick.
 
Casuals lapped up plenty of Chelmsford’s forward play and despite the visitors hitting the post, it was Corinth who first broke the deadlock. A cross from the right was handled in the box and a penalty awarded to the home side. Nat Pinney – who continues his record of scoring against Chelmsford on every occasion he’s faced them, planted his effort in the bottom corner.
 
Now on the ascendancy, Casuals nearly made it two, when Okojie forced a fine stop from keeper Pentney.
 
With just a one goal lead, the tie was finely balanced. Kev Serbony smashed a shot into the side netting and at the other end, Andy Fennell’s effort was pushed away by Ugradar.
 
Casuals extended their lead on 64 minutes when Okojie robbed Pentney of the ball and rolled the ball along the byline and into an empty net to give his side a two goal lead.
 
Expecting a comeback from Chelmsford, it never really came and Casuals looked the more likely to extend their lead. Warren Morgan’s low effort was well kept out and Mu Maan flashed a drive just over the bar. Andy Mills and Matty Bakare were also denied good opportunities nearing the end.
 
Overall, it was a pleasing performance from Bracken’s side who will surely look to replicate their cup form into the league next Saturday against Potters Bar Town. We’d like to wish all the best to Chelmsford City for the rest of the season.
 
“It was the worst possible start from our point of view,” said James Bracken after the match. “A needless challenge went in and led to a penalty. Inside 30 seconds against higher league opposition is not what you want.”
 
“But what a save. When we looked back at the footage, you’ll see what a great stop it was.”
 
“Fair play to him, he’s come in and done us a proper job. I said to him before the game, ‘you’ve got an opportunity with no pressure. All you can be is a hero. Just go and enjoy it.’ He showed maturity out there. I’m really pleased for him.
 
“It got us going. It gave us spark. Perhaps it was just the catalyst for the whole performance.
 
“We done our homework on Chelmsford. I think they under-estimated us too. They under-estimated me, my staff and the depth we go into to get the victory. It worked for us. We’ve put in the hours analysing, working in training to prepare for this. We knew it would be tin helmets – as many balls into our box as they could throw.
 
“After we scored, we’ve eaten up every one of their attacks. The boys had the bit between their teeth and had something to hold onto. I thought they were immense. Everyone put in a shift. Our shape changed towards the end, to combat how they set-up and it nullified anything they did. It was thoroughly professional.
 
“We’ve won two of the last three now and we could’ve been ahead before we went behind at Enfield last week. We’re in every game. Sometimes the results don’t go your own way in spells. Sometimes they do. We might play poor later in the season and string five wins on the spin. That’s football.”

Enfield Town 3 - 1 Corinthian-Casuals
Isthmian League Premier Division
Saturday 14th September 2019
Report: Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (pics here)

An eventful first-half that included Shaun Okojie’s first goal since his return and a Danny Bracken penalty save was not enough for Corinthian-Casuals, who were defeated 3-1 by the efficient Enfield Town.
 
The FA Cup First Qualifying Round brought smiles back onto the faces of all at Corinthians last week; a 4-0 demolition of Sevenoaks Town was the first competitive win of the season. Perhaps the momentum from the brilliant victory would be brought to North London on a warm Saturday afternoon as Casuals were visitors to Enfield Town in the seventh match-day of the BetVictor Isthmian Premier season. Despite being drawn against National League South side Chelmsford City in the next round of the cup, James Bracken’s head would be firmly focused on the task in hand.
 
The white and blue of Enfield were searching for their fourth win so far, whilst Casuals wanted their first. Fond memories from last season’s dramatic 2-0 victory at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium were remembered by the Casuals contingent as the pink and brown army walked out onto the pitch.
 
The opening twenty minutes’ main opportunities were distributed between the two sides, mostly dominated by the pink and brown however. Bakare, Okojie, Pinney and Serbony as an attacking force threatened the white shirts early on and emulated the attacking football from the previous week with half-chances and good passing. But as the Bracken Brothers know, football is cruel. Particularly when Billy Bricknell hit a twenty yard effort in the centre of the goal, but managed to evade the palms of Danny Bracken, who either saw it too late or was thrown off by a deflection. Enfield celebrated as they went 1-0 up, even if they did not completely deserve it.
 
Unable to break the defence proved costly when Muhammadu Faal netted the second after Blackman’s long ball in a baffling moment for the Casuals back four. But, Okojie was on hand to start a potential comeback as the no.9 scored to make it 2-1 after thirty-two minutes. Bakare’s pace and intelligence to burst onto the fearful Enfield through the middle was vital for Okojie to smartly peel away from a defender and offer himself up on the left hand side. The counter attack was great to watch as the striker took a single touch before simply slotting the ball into the bottom corner, which finally gave Casuals fans behind the goal something to shout about. Nathan McDonald was forced into another fine stop shortly after, to prevent Casuals equalising.
 
Edging towards half-time, centre-back Robert Jamison lunged into an unnecessary challenge in the Enfield area, which caused the referee to point to the spot. Three goals to one at half-time would have been detrimental to morale, so it was fortunate that Bracken stood in-between the sticks. Having already tipped an effort onto the bar previously in the half, Bracken confidently guessed Bricknell’s penalty and saved his spot-kick superbly. The ball bounced back into in the striker’s direction for a rebound that should have rippled the net… but did not! On the floor, Bracken jumped into action to save another Bricknell shot before the ball was cleared. It was two moments of genius from Bracken who kept Casuals in the game.
 
Unfortunately, the second-half never matched the energy of the first. Half-chances and set-piece opportunities occurred for the away side, with Bakare’s insane run after good work from Pinney nearly causing an own goal for Enfield and an equaliser for Casuals. The following corner was over-hit by Ekim, and started an attack for the Town, who managed to capitalise as Hatton’s chipped pass set up Faal to lob Bracken. From then on, it was mediocrity from both sides with Bracken avoiding the embarrassment of a fourth goal with a solid save late on. Overall, it was a frustrating afternoon for Casuals who recorded their fifth loss of the season against a strong Enfield team - it was 3-1 at full-time.
 
We wish Enfield Town the best of luck for the rest of the season as they rise to 4th. The ‘onwards and upwards’ attitude was adopted by Casuals supporters as a second qualifying round match in the magical FA Cup is next before Potters Bar at home in the league. The bottom of the league status for Corinth is deceptive- gutsy performances especially from Tucker, Pinney, Bracken, Serbony and Okojie as well as chances that would have easily been scored on another day gave the contingent hope.
 
“We’re always disappointed when we don’t win,” said James Bracken after the final whistle. “With our limited resources and what we have, there is such a thing as a good draw, which we’ve had a couple but we can never be happy with a loss.
 
“There’s been moments in all our games this season where we’ve been within a shout. Even today, in the first ten minutes we had two key moments which if we got right, we’re two-nil up and playing well.
 
“We’ve had other moments. We came back into it at 2-1 and had periods where we were in the ascendency. But the biggest disappointment was the last twenty minutes, where it petered out. The first goal after half time was always going to be massive and it went their way. You go 3-1 down here on a hot day, against a decent side – we had a mountain to climb.
 
“That said, the last twenty minutes from us isn’t good enough. I’ll back our players all the time, if they get out there and fight for the shirt. Today, either they quit trying or they weren’t fit enough. We allowed Enfield far too much time on the ball. They were able to get into dangerous positions under no pressure. That can’t happen. We do need to take stock that Enfield are a good side. They beat Bishop’s Stortford 5-0 recently and they’ll finish in the top four.
 
“We didn’t have enough ‘attitude’ about us throughout the match. The only one that comes out with credit in the last 20 minutes is Ollie Sitch. It looked like he gave a damn about winning the ball back.
 
“I truly believe we should have around 8 points by now. That would be a fair reflection on the first six games. Not today – we didn’t do enough to get anything. But 7-8 points would be around our ability level. When you look at the table and see Merstham have 10 points, I’m telling you now, we’re a better side than them. But they’ve gone away and won 4-0 today so we must look at what we’re doing and make sure we start getting some points of our own.
 
“But it’s that cumulative effect of game on game. We’re only human and it’s tough. The boys will have to show fight. If they don’t, then it’ll be time for changes. But we’ll go again next week against Chelmsford City, though that’s no easy game for sure! However, you wouldn’t put it past us to cause an upset. We’re capable. Another day, we could’ve scored three or four here at Enfield. Sharpen up a little and we’ll be close.”

Corinthian-Casuals 4 – 0 Sevenoaks Town
Emirates FA Cup 1st Round Qualifying
Saturday 7th September 2019
Match report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)
 
Corinthian-Casuals earned a place in the next round of the Emirates FA Cup with a resounding 4-0 win over Sevenoaks Town on Saturday.
 
A brace from Nathaniel Pinney was added to with goals either side from Coskun Ekim and Reyon Dillion to give James Bracken his first victory this season.
 
Fans were buoyed in seeing the return of Shaun Okojie – the talismanic striker who received the golden boot for Casuals back in 2017-18 when he notched up 40 goals. The big man was added to the first XI to pair with Nat Pinney. Perhaps the only other person in the ground that could’ve displaced the returning Okojie would’ve been Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha, in attendance to support his friends playing in the chocolate and pink.
 
The game started at a good pace and Sevenoaks showed early endeavour. Frankie Sawyer forcing Danny Bracken into action on a couple of occasions. Casuals soon took control and forcibly imposed themselves on Oaks’ penalty area.
 
But it was a spectacular effort that got Casuals off and running. Nearing the half hour mark, good pressure from Casuals saw a half-cleared ball fall to Ekim who unleashed a 25-yard screamer, leaving keeper Ben Bridle-Card no chance. The purity of the strike would leave you not believing it was Ekim’s first goal in open play for Corinth.
 
Casuals should’ve been two-up shortly after when Kev Serbony linked well with Okojie who slotted under the body of Bridle-Card, with only the Assistant Referee’s flag preventing the lead from doubling.
 
Despite this, the Amateurs still found time to grab a second before the break. Pinney chased down a poor Sevenoaks backpass and calmly slotted home from an angle to put daylight between the two sides.
 
Casuals were always one step ahead of their counterparts throughout the match and once again told leading to the third. Serbony pounced on another under-hit backpass and Bridle-Card felled the midfielder who’d nicked the ball before the keeper could intercept. It was down to Pinney to fire home his penalty kick low into the bottom left corner to effectively seal the tie.
 
The players began to enjoy themselves and free-flowing football was order of the day. Chances continued to stack up. Reyon Dillon and Juevan Spencer both went agonisingly close and Okojie hit the post on a burst through the middle.
 
It was left to Dillon to round off the match, when he cut inside his marker and shot from 18 yards low into the right corner. There was still time for Serbony to grab a fifth, but his effort hit the bar, down onto the line and clear. Was it in? It didn’t really matter – the tie was won and Casuals earn their place in the Second Round Qualifying along with the prize money of £4,500.
 
We’re talking about a win,” said Bracken after the match. “That makes a change from what we’ve had so far this season.
 
“Today, we had a real cutting edge about us. We’ve scored four – though I believe we’ve scored six. The offside given in the first half looks harsh and something tells me, when we watch the replay of Kevant’s header hitting the underside of the bar, looked like it dropped down and was a goal.
 
“We had the edge today. That’s not through anything else apart from the work we’ve put in on the training ground. But we’ve applied that all the way through this season so far. Today, we’ve reaped the rewards.
 
“When we’ve not been scoring goals and winning games, it gets everyone down, but we all know we’re not far off where we need to be.
 
“We had a chat in pre-season asking the centre-midfielders to contribute goals. Last year, we almost relied on one striker. When you looked at how many we scored last season, it wasn’t high enough to compete anywhere other than the bottom half of the table.
 
“So, we’ve looked within the squad as to who can contribute. Can we get other players in certain areas where they can chip in with goals? We’ve asked Mu and Coskun and all our centre-midfielders to keep pressure on opposition and if they get a chance to shoot, then take it. Pull the trigger… hit the target… force a save. It’s only been there in patches up until today but Ekim’s hit one and hopefully that gives him confidence to hit more.
 
“The players have everything here. If you get treated the way they do, they get managed the way they do, then we’ll always make them competitive. When you get all that and you add goals and victories, what’s not to enjoy? We’ve got a great set of fans, a lovely pitch, a great club – everything is here for a footballer. As a person, you can’t come here, win and not go home happy. Of course, when you’re not winning, it can go the other way. But that’s good. We need to be unhappy when we lose.
 
“I honestly don’t mind who we draw in the next round. The tie today could’ve been a lot easier – this was a real banana skin. They might have looked at our start to the season and not rated us – but we showed the difference in levels. We done our job, approached it professionally and applied ourselves in the right manner.” 

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 1 Brightlingsea Regent
Isthmian League Premier Division
Saturday 31st August 2019
Report and Photos: Stuart Tree (pictures here)​

It was Groundhog Day once again for Corinthian-Casuals as they suffered a third 1-0 loss this season, leaving them winless for August.

In parallels to last year, it wasn’t until September 15th that Casuals achieved their first league win, away at Harlow Town. From there, James Bracken’s side had climbed as high as sixth by the end of November. It’s still too early to begin worrying about league positions.

But Bracken will have plans to rectify the situation; the simple fact is the Amateurs are not scoring goals. Possession was good – probably one of the most commanding this season and work-rate is fine. As the Manager said after the game, had we already notched up a couple of wins, this would be put down to ‘one of those days’.

And it was one of those days. Brightlingsea Regent were the visitors and snuck home back to Essex on a smash and grab raid that was gifted to them by a solitary mistake.

Regent had started strong, looking to press for the first ten minutes but as the players settled, Casuals looked more threatening as the half continued. Reyon Dillon and Warren Morgan used the channels to advance on goal. Sadly, there was plenty of endeavour but lack of a finish. Kev Serbony had the best chance of the half when he found himself through on goal, but one heavy touch was enough for keeper Charlie Turner to smother the ball.

The second half started where the first had left off, with Casuals pushing forward. A fine cross from the left channel was met by the head of Nat Pinney, but despite its pace, was aimed down the throat of Turner.

The heavens opened and the ball zipped off the surface, with too many through passes not finding their target. Mike Dixon made excellent progress along the byline and looked in a promising position to score but was denied by a Regent defender at the last. Whilst it was one-way traffic, the goals continued to evade Casuals.

Then a brief foray for Regent into the box was cut out but Coskun Ekim but despite clearing his lines, erroneously overplayed it. Adam Hampson played a simple pass to substitute Ace Howell who’s scuffed shot bobbled over the line via the post.  

Despite a late flurry of corners for Casuals, one of which was almost bundled over the line, the visitors clung on for a vital win and left Corinth wondering how they’d come away with nothing. Casuals didn’t deserve to win, solely on the fact they didn’t find the net, but most will scratch their heads as to how this match was lost.
 
“It’s hard to take,” admitted Bracken following the loss. “We keep saying this though. I’ve got to be careful that I don’t start to sound deluded, seeing something that perhaps isn’t there.

“We probably had 70% of the possession. We attacked with purpose. We put lots of bodies in and around their box. But we never found that bit of quality in the final third that we needed to create more chances. Saying that, we’ve had a few good efforts. Kevant’s one on one in the first half, where his heavy touch saw it slip away. We had another where Dicko couldn’t sort his feet out quick enough and was caught by the defender.

“Against Merstham, we entered their final third 49 times, but we never put any balls into dangerous areas. Today, we were able to deliver a few, but they didn’t fall our way.

“It’s very frustrating and it’s become a bit repetitive. Today was the first time I’ve pointed fingers at them in the changing room telling them to do better.

“We’ll watch the match back as it’s very easy to lay blame straight after the whistle. I’ll be armed with the knowledge to see exactly what’s gone wrong. It’s easy to lose the plot over mistakes so we’ll address it the right way. I’m in full support of all the lads today. They stuck to the game plan, approached the match in the right manner.

“After the first fifteen minutes when Regent came and had a go with the wind at their backs, it settled and seemed only a matter of time before we opened them up, scored and gone on from there.

“We need that first win. I don’t care who it comes against. If it’s against Sevenoaks Town, then fantastic. But that win needs to come soon. We’re playing with confidence, but I don’t know if the belief is there that we’re going to score several goals.

“I think there’ll be a game where we hit three or four goals against someone. Today really should’ve been that win. Or at Cheshunt, had we taken our chances we’d have come away with a 3-1 or 4-1 win.

“Of course, that first win can be a catalyst. Once we get one victory, I don’t think we’ll have a problem finding more. It’s just deeply frustrating when you realise it should’ve been today.

“I don’t care if we play absolute rubbish next week and win 1-0 because I’ll probably come away from it happy. Because that’s where we’re at. We’re concentrating on the performances and we’ve put in another decent shift today. But it isn’t three points. So, if it’s a bad performance but we win 1-0, I’ll take it.”