Corinthian-Casuals 1 - 0 Carshalton Athletic
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 30th March 2019
Report: Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)

Jack Rudoni’s exceptional run on the right flank before his perfect assist to midfield maestro Majed Osman, who delightfully tapped the ball home in the 85th minute, ended Corinthian-Casuals’ run of ten games without a win as Bracken’s Army edged Carshalton Athletic for the third time this season.

From trips to Hornchurch, Tonbridge and Folkestone that ended with zero points to disappointing home losses to Bognor, Margate and Lewes, the past ten games have been tough for the Corinthians. A test of mentality for the players and devotion for the fans, twenty goals conceded and seven defeats in those ten games was forgotten after last week’s clash versus top-of-league Dorking Wanderers. No goals scored, but no goals conceded as the 0-0 draw had the Casuals supporters in fine spirits due to the five points that separated them from relegation. But safety was still far from achieved; Corinth’s sixth last game was a clash versus play-off hunters Carshalton Athletic.

A Monday night in September saw Clarke, Mfula and Hannigan get on the scoresheet at Coleston Avenue in the Velocity Trophy win- two months later, Clarke and Mfula scored at Carshalton again, but it was Odunaike’s winner that sealed a satisfying 3-2 victory in the league. A hat-trick of wins against the Robins was on the cards for James Bracken and his team. Travelling to King George’s Arena in 6th and a point off the play-off spots, Adeniyi’s side had a thirteen game unbeaten run and a starting eleven that was familiar to many at Casuals. Danny Dudley was a solid centre-back for many seasons in pink and brown whilst more recently, heroic striker from last season Harry Ottaway was donning the no.12 jersey up-front.

Four changes for the Casuals saw a debut for Oliver Sitch, who was in ahead of the injured Max Oldham. Meanwhile, Adelakun was out for Warren Morgan, Osman was on for Odunaike and Antonio played ahead of Mfula. Mirroring the Dorking game, the first half was scrappy and both teams seemed to cancel each-other out. Any set-pieces for the hosts was taken advantage of as bodies piled into the box on multiple occasions. Reece Hannigan out-jumped and out-strengthened no.5 Dudley three times in fifteen minutes, with one bouncing dangerously in-front of keeper Ohman before being cleared. Ottaway had a first-time effort from outside the box that swerved over the bar early on. Antonio’s trademark low centre of gravity and classy footwork came in handy; in one instance white shirts were falling all over the place to try and retrieve the ball. Both keepers did not have lots to do in the first 45, but it was still intriguing and entertaining for the 404 spectators at the sunny King George’s.

In the second-half, Carshalton were on the back foot. Casuals were really pressurising the rattled Robins’ back four, specifically the impressive and relentless Oliver Sitch. Squeezing through any gaps and chasing the ball like a lion finding its prey, and he made a great companion to Rudoni, who proved his Man-Of-The-Match performance vs Dorking was not a one-off. Sitch was situated on the right flank when he curled a shot just over the bar. The attacking performance was commendable, but Carshalton threatened as the half progressed. Ottaway was looking most likely to score against his former team and a diving header had Casuals supporters with their hearts in their mouths, but it flew over. The striker was on a yellow card for simulation that seemed to anger everyone in white as a penalty was waved away. Time flew by and before you knew it, Casuals and Carshalton were in the final ten minutes. Would the game be a replica of the Dorking draw? Or would a team be able to nab a goal? Majed Osman had the answers to both of those questions.

On eighty-three minutes, James Bracken made an inspired decision that shows just how good of a manager he is. On the side-lines for months, fan favourite Reyon Dillon was a surprising inclusion on the bench and Bracken’s faith in his return showed when he was subbed on. A wishful but clever boot up-field was held brilliantly by the physical Dillon, who chose to try and round Athletic defenders instead of feeding Rudoni. He had no choice in the matter and his essential contribution to the move was over when he was tackled. The tackle was clean, but it fell perfectly for Rudoni on the right flank. Dribbling carefully but with unpredictable speed, no.8 Rudoni was reminiscent of Leo Messi when he demonstrated his intelligence and patience and somehow chose not to pull the trigger until he was extremely close to the keeper on the by-line. When he did, he spotted Majed Osman peel away from a defender and the first-time tap in across goal was glorious. The midfield ace had been annoying the white shirts the whole game, and the fantastic flick would annoy them even more. A knife could have sliced through the tension behind the goal as Rudoni squared it for Osman, but there was an incredible wave of celebration at first, then relief that washed over King George’s. Scenes is an apt word to use as the Casuals on the pitch and in the stands punched the air, hugged anyone near them and sang as loud as they could. Osman had been wonderful, and the goal was the icing on a delicious, pink and brown cake.

Despite suspenseful moments during the last five minutes as well as stoppage, Carshalton could not find a late equaliser and Osman’s goal was decisive. Casuals had broken the ten game winless streak in style! Danny Bracken and his brilliant defence, which included a MOTM performance from the superb Jack Strange grabbed a clean-sheet whilst Ekim, Sitch, Antonio and Serbony put in a real shift in the often-gridlocked midfield. Rudoni and Osman’s combination for the winner summed up their games and the smart sub from Bracken and his team summed up their tactical victory.

Good luck to Carshalton for the rest of the season. Three points at last, Casuals are now eight points off the bottom three! Sitting on forty-two points, Casuals are now remarkably level with neighbours Kingstonian, only separated by goal difference. James Bracken’s pink and brown army march onto bottom-of-the-league Burgess Hill next week and with five games left, need as many more points as they can get to ensure safety

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 0  Dorking Wanderers
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 23rd March 2019
Report: Cameron Smith and Joshua Doherty. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set here).

You would have had no idea that Corinthian-Casuals and Dorking Wanderers were eighteen places apart in the unpredictable Bostik Premier; an even 0-0 stalemate at King George’s prolonged the visitor’s almost-inevitable title win, and added another point to Casuals’ search for safety.

Thirteen points separated top of the league Dorking from second-placed Haringey Borough, meanwhile only four points separated Corinthians from a spot in the relegation zone. With the mild Saturday afternoon being the seventh-last game of the season, nothing was off the table as two sides at opposite ends of the table geared up in-front of 461 buzzing spectators.

An inexplicably unfortunate 2-0 loss at the hands of Tonbridge last week was out of the minds of the Casuals contingent as, perhaps foreshadowing the performance to come, the sun shone in Tolworth whilst the players walked out. Three changes for Casuals had supporters chattering away, in particular the name of Jack Rudoni, which appeared at no.8. At just seventeen, he was set to start his first game for the Casuals since signing a professional contract at AFC Wimbledon as Hamilton Antonio was benched. Oldham replaced Osman, and Odunaike was in for Aghadiuno.

Before a ball was even kicked it was eventful as the ‘Northern Casuals’ travelled all the way from Preston to cheer on their beloved second-team, and they were in fine voice, like the rest of the support. A minute of applause was also great to see as everyone at King George’s stood and paid tribute to John Balson, a true Corinthian, who passed away last week.

It was a test of who would crack first throughout the game as James Bracken and Marc White cancelled each-other out for the opening 45. Tactics were everything; the middle of the pitch became congested resulting in few moments of quality attacking play as well as wingers finding it difficult to operate. Coskun Ekim had an effort that flew over the bar early on, which was before a full-blooded challenge involving Max Oldham wiped him out of the game. A broken collarbone and fractured jaw, the no.7 was ridiculously unlucky as he only just regained full fitness following concussion versus Bognor in January. Antonio was on after only 16 minutes. Rudoni and Ekim in midfield seemed to work a treat, and even if chances were hard to create, it did not stop the tireless Mfula chasing every loose ball and pressuring the loud but shaky El-Abd and Ray at the back. Signalling to the bench in pain, Odunaike also required attention as he grabbed his hamstring and went down whilst sprinting for the ball. The first-half had been solid but unlucky for Casuals - Jack Tucker was on for the striker.

Dorking may not have had any clear-cut chances, but it was obvious that Buchanan, McShane and Richards could be a real nuisance to the strong pink and brown back four at any point. Dorking’s attacking assets were emphasised when ex-Woking striker Giuseppe Sole was introduced for right-back Philpot at half-time. But in the second-half, it was defending that Dorking should have been focusing on. The ball was fed to Antonio on the edge of the box as he hammered a shot into the gloves of Slavomir Huk, but it was parried away and then cleared. Seeing Huk’s name on the team-sheet was not a good sight for Casuals fans, who had seen him save countless pink and brown efforts in the 2017 play-off final defeat. And he was doing it again as Huk ordered his defence well and unexpectedly came for a few dangerous crosses.

The other no.1 was also busy keeping his sheet clean- Danny Bracken got down low to save a few shots and crosses from the flanks. There was never a moments peace for Huk as the bustling behind-the-goal area were singing non-stop and nearly erupted in celebration as Mfula was allowed clean through on goal. Huk closed the striker down but the no.10 valiantly avoided going down and nodded the bouncing ball past the luminous green shirt. He chose not to shoot, and Huk was back in position when Mfula tried to tee up Antonio, but the opportunity soon dissolved. Set-pieces from both teams nearly resulted in the winner as El-Abd sliced a volley over the bar and Adelakun and Ekim’s corners were punched or cleared every time.

Battling on until the end, Casuals and Dorking could not find a break in the scrappy and inconsistent game so it ended 0-0, something Corinth would be very proud of. Celebrating behind the goal, Casuals fans could not punch the air because they finally broke their winless streak, but were able to sing a bit louder and congratulate their players because of a brilliant display against all-odds versus the runaway leaders. Thirteen point gap at the top turned into eleven for the disappointed visitors, who we wish well for the rest of the season. Jack Rudoni was handed Man-Of-The-Match and deservedly so, the midfield maestro’s first 90 minutes were regarded very highly by Corinth. Casuals had nicked a hard-earned point and managed to dominate patches of the game. A point and a clean sheet for the pink and brown army was very satisfying. A tough clash versus Carshalton was next and only six games remained as four points off relegation turned into five.

Speaking to Joshua Doherty after the match, James Bracken explained that he was pleased with his side's performance, reserving special praise for Rudoni.

“It was a great result today, and I think anyone in the bottom half would take a point against Dorking. It was a positive result considering how many points clear they are at the top, so we have to be happy with that,” Bracken explained.

He added: “We are of course fighting to get the wins we need, but this is one of those games where you see a clean sheet against them ,no soft goals and no individual errors, and be pleased with our day's work.

“Jack [Rudoni] was great as well, he deserved man of the match. I only introduced him to the boys on Thursday, and in my opinion he will play, at the minimum, League 1 level in the future. I think he is that good. He doesn't make poor decisions, and for a 17 year old to get through 90 minutes like that in a game against a team top of the league, and actually influence the game was fantastic. It is nice for him as well as it means he will get the respect from the rest of the players. Sometimes when you bring a 17 year old in from nowhere, some players may think ' why is he bringing in a kid at this stage?', but for him to go out there and do what he did, he now knows he has the confidence from the other players as well, not just myself.”

With the Tolworth-based club strictly amateur, meaning they can't pay their players, recruitment for the club has been difficult. Bracken added that he hopes having Rudoni at the club will send a good message to AFC Wimbledon, but also urged more players from professional clubs to come to the club to get first team football.

Bracken continued: “Wimbledon are happy with the move, and this is good from our part as we are happy to do right by the player to get him men's experience, it will be great for his development to get out and play 90 minutes. He will learn far more playing in these last seven or so games for us than he will playing youth football, so it is fantastic for him, great for Wimbledon, and hopefully it is a relationship we can nurture . If we do right by Rudi, and they can see he's in a good environment, hopefully this will open up some doors in the future.

“Other pro-clubs should be open-minded to this, we can't pay wages, but we can provide them a platform to continue their development in what I would feel is the right environment for a young player to develop.”

The game was slightly marred however by a serious injury suffered by Max Oldham, who appeared to break his collarbone and fracture his jaw in a first half collision, having only recently returned from a head injury which kept him out for the last two months.

Backroom staff are raising money to support the Max during recovery, details of which can be found here: 
htps://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mend-max?utm_id=60&utm_term=bZPq6gnrR

​

​“It’s a cliché that luck balances itself out over the course of a season, but it doesn’t,” said a furious Bracken after the final whistle following the 2-0 defeat at Tonbridge Angels.

“We don’t seem to get a decision go our way on any week. There’s a foul in the box, we get a free kick on the edge. There’s a handball by us on the edge of the box, but no hesitation, the official gives a penalty. There’s a handball outside the box by their keeper when one-on-one with Benjamin. He saves it a good foot outside the area. We’re not getting anything.

“They say the harder you work, the luckier you get. Well, we’re working as hard as we can but still get nothing. I don’t want to waste another minute on the standard of officiating, which is awful. I don’t want it to sound like sour grapes – it’s just facts. Everyone moans about officials but when you’re flying high at the top, the effect is lessened. But when you’re in the run that we are, it really affects you.”

But Bracken remains upbeat, looking at recent performances which now need to be turned into results.

“We’re not in a rut,” continued Bracken. “We were excellent at Haringey Borough, much better than Bishop’s Stortford and deserved all three points and for me, if we’d have drawn today, I’d have been disappointed based on the game I just watched.

“We’ve had two or three one-on-ones, the penalty shout that we don’t get. The fact that their goals are an own-goal and a penalty. Had we come away with a 2-2 draw, I’d have said we deserved more. Sadly, we’ve got nothing.

It gets no easier for Casuals as they host runaway league leaders Dorking Wanderers at King George’s on Saturday but Bracken is confident his side will give their all.

“We’ll keep it positive and go again. There’s no reason we can’t win on Saturday.

“I look at our squad, their belief and their attitude and we’ll be ready to give Dorking a run for their money. So long as we turn up like we did at Tonbridge, play with the same endeavour, energy and desire, then it’ll simply come down to taking our chances.

“It’s not going to come down to luck. We don’t get the rub of the green. It’ll purely come down to whether we take our chances.

“I set a target of winning four of the last eight before the Tonbridge match. It’s Dorking Wanderers next followed by the form team, Carshalton. If we don’t pick up any points in the next two, then we’re looking at probably having to win four of our last five. We’ve only done that once all season. Therefore, the next two games are massive.

“But we’re not hiding from that. They got out there today and passed the ball well and played some lovely football. I enjoyed watching it. It’s just a shame that when our good football ends in a great chance, we haven’t taken them. I’m not going to slaughter someone for not scoring. They travel home and away for no money and they don’t turn up to miss. They turn up to do their best and try and win. So long as the effort is there, with what I have to work with, then what more can I ask of them?

“In my eyes, we thoroughly deserve to be at this level of football based on what I’ve seen this season. I cannot remember a campaign where I’ve come away from so many games wondering how we’ve not won that. It comes down to us being more clinical. I’m happy with who I have though, and they’ll get my full support as I put them in the frame of mind where they can beat anybody – which I honestly believe they can.” 

Tonbridge Angels 2 - 0 Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 16th March 2019
​Report: Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)

From controversial refereeing decisions to countless missed opportunities, the remarkably unfortunate Corinthian-Casuals recorded nine games without a win at Tonbridge Angels on a miserable Saturday afternoon.

An excruciating watch for the Casuals contingent, last Saturday’s action versus Bishop’s Stortford was another demonstration of James Bracken’s side’s capability in the Bostik Premier; a dominating display could not conjure vital three points though. With Tonbridge, Dorking and Carshalton on the calendar for the next three weeks, many would think the level of support would diminish as they head into games firmly as the ‘underdog’. But those who thought that would be sorely mistaken- a brilliant gathering of supporters behind the goal cheered as pink and brown faced the blue and white.

It was The Return of the Maj in the starting eleven as Osman slotted in no.7 ahead of the absent Odunaike. From the off, it was clear that there was a key player in the game that did not belong to Tonbridge or Casuals. The consistent gusts of wind and periodic rainy periods made it hard to play, and it might have been the reason why the first ten minutes had been so scrappy, until Chinedu McKenzie capitalised on a Spencer miskick. However, he was beaten to the punch by Kevant Sebony, accidently poking the ball home and giving the Angels a 1-0 lead.

It did not deter a steady increase in Casuals attacks, with Warren Mfula in a 1-on-1 situation but was surprised by the keeper’s eagerness to reach him. Attempting to round him, Tonbridge’s Henly got a hand to it and it was cleared in the end. Interrupted by a great Danny Bracken save, Casuals’ half-chances and lack of luck was surmised in a strange decision from the referee. Bursting down the left flank, Osman was tripped by a blue shirt and the referee immediately blew his whistle… for a free-kick. Despite a divot in the ground inside the penalty area and Osman falling into it, Casuals would have to settle for a free-kick instead of a spot-kick, much to the bemusement of home fans who muttered that it was a penalty and an annoyance of the well-positioned fans behind the goal. Ekim smashed his kick into the wall and Casuals went into the second half 1-0 down.

The weather really played a part in the next 45 minutes, but Casuals were the ones to capitalise on it. Battling through the wind and impressive defending, Antonio and Serbony were brilliant in spreading the play, as well as a good shift from Benjamin Aghadiuno. It was the Barnet loanee Aghadiuno who was admitted on goal with Henly, who rushed out of goal again to save Tonbridge. The problem everyone in pink had was the fact that the no.1 handled the ball extremely close to where the penalty area ended. If the referee was able to see Henly’s glove touch the ball before recovering, it would have been detrimental- a straight red card and a free-kick. Instead, Casuals received nothing.

One-sided from then on, Corinthians were determined and with the introduction of Max Oldham, had so many opportunities that fell through. There was a superb Ekim effort that narrowly spiralled over, as well as Oldham’s cross that evaded anyone in the packed box- it nearly rolled in itself. Sub Woods-Garness almost got his first goal for the Casuals as a header bounced into the floor and was saved by Henley in goal.

In a rare attack for the hosts, a dead-ball cross was flung in before it met the hand of Osman and despite not giving a decisive decision for Casuals the whole game, the referee pointed to the spot. The irony was not lost in the fact it was debatable whether Osman was even in the penalty box.

A strong penalty from Joe Turner was dispatched making it 2-0 to Tonbridge in the 85th minute. 

Thank you to Tonbridge Angels for their hospitality, good luck for the rest of the season as they sit in 3rd place now, one point behind second! Dorking Wanderers lost to Carshalton, so they would not be arriving to King George’s Field next week with the need to win, therefore securing the title. Top-of-the-league is followed by a visit from Carshalton the week after, so James Bracken’s pink and brown army have the chance to both shock the league and add to the four point gap between 18th and relegation. If anyone can do it, Casuals can.

​Manager James Bracken's post match thoughts can be read here.

Corinthian-Casuals 1 - 1 Bishop's Stortford
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 9th February 2019
Match report: Cameron Smith & Joshua Doherty. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set here)

Warren Mfula’s well-worked opener was cancelled out on the stroke of half-time by Bishop’s Stortford, who managed to stop the rejuvenated Corinthian-Casuals from stealing a winner and gaining a much-needed win in the 1-1 draw at King George’s.

Luke Blewden’s second goal in midweek was a punch to the gut for the Casuals supporters; Lewes were 2-0 winners in Tolworth and despite supporting their side for the whole 90 minutes, there was no reward for the Corinth. And it was undoubtedly the same for the players and staff, who had tried their best against a tough side… it was just one of those days. It had been one of those days for seven straight games but Bishop’s Stortford arrived to the windy King George’s with only two points in the last five. Would James Bracken’s pink and brown army break their own poor form or would they break the Blues’ lack of victories?

Whilst journeyman striker Jamie Cureton sat on the Bishop’s Stortford bench at the age of 43, there was another veteran goal-scorer in Tolworth watching on from the substitutes. Jamie Byatt was training for the Casuals before the match and the contingent were beaming with his return- Busy is truly back! Majed Osman was replaced by Benjamin Aghadiuno in the only change for Casuals.

Pink and brown versus white, the tone was set early on for the rest of the game through scrappy congestion in midfield and long balls moving all over the place. Heavily affected by the wind, goal kicks and set-pieces were unpredictable so goalkeepers needed to be alert. Mfula was positioned on the right flank when he curled a shot (or a lucky cross) that dangerously dipped towards the keeper’s top left corner. Janata moved quickly to tip it over the bar and despite the lack of key chances, Casuals seemed to dominate from there. The final ball was the only problem and not even a deflected clearance off Jack Strange’s shin after a Adelakun corner could Corinth take the lead.

Would this be another day where the opposition would break away and steal the opening goal against the run of play? Adelakun’s brilliant cross was perfect for Odunaike at the back post, who managed to find space against the exhausted Alfie Mason at left-back. Controlling and instead of shooting like the supporters behind the goal urged, Odunaike was intelligent when he cut back for Mfula. The no.10 hit a first-time effort into the bottom right corner with such composure that he made it look routine and wheeled away in celebration. It was his seventeeth of the season, and Casuals had struck gold with only seven minutes left of the half.

The aim was to transition into the second-half with a one goal lead but this plan went out the window with a corner for Bishop’s Stortford. Chucked into the area, a seemingly-unmarked Johnville Renee nodded past Bracken and levelled the game, much to the annoyance of Corinthians.
It was the definition of bittersweet for Casuals, who should be proud of their attacking exploits in the first half but one moment of distraction allowed the visitors to equalise.

A lot could happen in 45 minutes, and a lot did. The scrappy nature of the game continued, but the chances were all for the pink and brown army. An example of Casuals’ luck was Jack Tucker’s early cross that Benji Aghadiuno got his head onto first, which lifted the ball over the keeper’s head and towards the goal. No.5 Ryan Henshaw booted the ball away before it reached the line and agonisingly, Bishop’s Stortford got away with it again.

It was in the final 10/15 minutes where Casuals were in their element. A delectable delivery from sub Josh Uzun missed the solid connection of a few pink shirts before it was cleared, and Uzun was in the centre of a key attack for Casuals again moments later. It was a ridiculously well-mannered move considering the time and place; Uzun placed the ball with a shot that did not meet the net or keeper, but the hand of a Stortford defender. The referee was positioned perfectly to give the penalty, but chose not to and waved away angry appeals from everyone involved with Corinthian-Casuals. Hands on heads, Casuals martyred through the pain of the decision and Aghadiuno’s flick was saved by the orange shirt in between the sticks.

Jamie Byatt was introduced for the final few minutes, which was the biggest cheer of the day and seemed to lift the withering morale of the Casuals squad. Bishop’s Stortford battled to the end and perhaps it was the adrenaline of their fantastic defensive performance that had caused centre-back Adam Bailey-Dennis to lunge into a reckless challenge in the 90th minute. Aghadiuno was the target and the referee saw the intent. Bailey-Dennis was dismissed and for the final moments, everyone was behind the ball for the visitors. Jack Strange’s chance at the death was the final opportunity to grab three points from the game, but unfortunately the keeper managed to save it. Frustrating to say the least, it was 1-1 at King George’s at the end of 90 minutes.

Those 90 minutes were certainly difficult and a win could have easily been achieved, but Bishop’s Stortford were a sturdy side that we wish the best of luck for the rest of the season. Nine games left turn into eight games left and sadly six points from the relegation zone turn into five as Harlow Town beat Kingstonian 3-1. Casuals’ next three games could not get any harder- a trip to Tonbridge to face the Angels before top-of-the-league Dorking Wanderers and Carshalton Atheltic arrive in Tolworth. Not only is it just three cup finals, but all eight games left are monumental to Casuals’ survival in the Bostik Premier.

"We conceded just before half-time but the run of the decisions that went in to that was really disappointing for us, and to be honest, I don't think the referee had a good game," said Manager James Bracken afterwards. 

"We definitely should have had a penalty in the second half, that he didn't give us. My players never appeal for anything in bulk, ever, I tell them to and they don't. Every one of the 11 and my bench was all up, and its a penalty, no doubt. Funnily enough, we had one on Tuesday night that we didn't get and when we watched it back we could see that he had his hands above his head and blocks the shot. That's two in the last two games now, but when you aren't getting the run of the green and your luck is not quite falling for you you don't get them, and we definitely haven't. 

"In terms of performance however, we are pleased with it. It wasn't perfect, but it was good enough to win  a game of football today and get the second goal, we had a couple cleared off the line and a few we didn't quite get right, but I am pleased. That's one defeat in the last three now and that's certainly more positive form than the run of defeats we had before. We need to keep building and not accept that we are there now, because we're not. We need to do more again to get a few wins. 

"We played a side that was not long ago in the conference south and we have given more than a good enough account for ourselves and unlucky no to win at a level we shouldn't be operating at. We have to take a sense of pride in that, but obviously points are better. We need to pick up 2 or 3/4 wins out of these last eight games to ensure we are where we deserve to be. "
​

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 2 Lewes
Bostik League Premier Division
Tuesday 5th March 2019
Report: Cameron Smith - Pics: Stuart Tree / Andy Nunn (Andy's set here)

​A promising first-half deteriorated into a disappointing loss for the wasteful Corinthian-Casuals, with play-off pushing Lewes taking all three points in a 0-2 win on a rainy Shrove Tuesday at King George’s.

James Bracken’s pink and brown army commuted away from North London on Saturday evening with a new-found confidence following a hard-earned and deserving 2-2 result at Haringey Borough. Odunaike’s slick finish and Osman’s belter were the goals that got the Casuals fans punching the air, and the two were part of ten players that reserved a place in the starting eleven for the first midweek match in Tolworth in 2019. Tucker for Spencer at right-back was the only change.
Casuals and Lewes have had their fair share of clashes over the years; most recently the East Sussex –based side defeated the Corinthians 3-0 on a dark and dingy Wednesday night in December.

Darren Freeman’s team were the favourites, but the Bracken Brothers relished the title of underdogs. Straight in like wolves on fresh meat, the hosts seemed to dominate from an offensive point of view. Granted, Lewes did have a dangerous attack and pinpointed complacencies in the Casuals back four but multiple chances from Casuals were not taken. Recorded shots would not have been high, but the sheer movement around the flanks and middle was impressive. It was no cigar for Corinth no matter how hard Antonio tried to force the ball through in midfield, Adelakun tried to deliver the perfect cross at left-back and Odunaike tried to be the fox in the box. A wonderful save from Danny Bracken towards the end of the half was early warning signs for Casuals- if they did not take their chances soon, the Rooks would take advantage.

After the goalless first-half, it was clear that Lewes were not looking to leave King George’s without any additions to their promotion voyage. After more of the same, it was in the 66th minute where the deadlock was broken and Kieron Pamment slotted the ball past Bracken from a tight angle. A draw would have been great for the home side but half-chances was as far as Casuals got to the goal- no.1 Lewis Carey organised his defence well throughout flurries of corners and set-pieces. Perhaps concentrating on the chance to level, Casuals conceded one right at the death as Luke Blewden nicked Lewes’ second and the nail on the Corinthians’ coffin.

Thank you to Lewes and we wish them well for the rest of the season. It becomes seven games without a win for Casuals. James Bracken and his staff are peeking over their shoulders now as six points separate them from relegation but with the Corinthian spirit and our incredible support, they will try their utmost to survive. Mid-table Bishop’s Stortford are up next on the agenda in the home match on Saturday.

​“We need to fight now,” said Manager Bracken following the loss. “We need to be hard to beat. We’ll need to nick a few games. It might not be the prettiest but we are where we are and that calls for a sense of reality to ensure we get the job done.

“We’re not bottom. We’re not thinking that we must win the majority of our games, but we still have to pick up points here and there.

“The next three games after Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday will be against sides competing for the title or playoffs.

“After that, we’ll have five massive games now at the end of the season where we’ll probably have to get three wins out of those. That’s not a position that anyone wants to be in, but we are.

“I find it hard to accept the position that we’re in. I look at teams in and around the top ten that I know we’re better than. That’s easy for me to say it and the table doesn’t lie, but on our day, we’re as good as anything in this division. We’ve proved that against the top sides. Against the top nine, we’ve played fifteen games and won seven of those. We’ve won nearly 50% of our games against the top nine. It’s the inconsistency in us that’s put us where we are.

“There’s no excuse not to be up for every match at this level. No disrespect to anyone, but when you’re playing your Potters Bar’s or your Brightlingsea’s, you have to be up for those as much as the perceived big games. All of the sides at this level have won promotion from the level we were playing at for years. Lewes and Carshalton came up with us. Burgess Hill, at the bottom won promotion a few years ago with a record points tally. Whoever you’re playing in this division, they’re proper football clubs who at the very least, were top sides from the tier below.
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“Every single game, we’re massive underdogs. It’s like us playing Lewes or Carshalton last season, every single week. We must be up for every single match. In the league below, you can win at 70% but in the Premier, we need to be at 100% week-in, week-out. There’s no room for a lull. We need to be focused, committed. Unfortunately, when we’ve faced teams in and around us, there’s perhaps still that perception that there is room for complacency. We need to look at ourselves regarding that.”

Haringey Borough 2 - 2 Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 2nd March 2019
Report: Cameron Smith & Joshua Doherty. Pic: Dan Harris

Fantastic strategy from James Bracken and his management, a spirited performance from the team and the unwavering support away from home rattled second-place Haringey Borough as Corinthian-Casuals broke a five game losing streak to draw 2-2 at the Coles Park Stadium.

Bognor, Hornchurch, Folkestone, Merstham and Margate were the teams that left Casuals only five points above the relegation zone after a promising start to the season. Three goals conceded last week was harrowing for the supporters, but seven days later… all was forgotten as the ever-hopeful contingent made their way to Haringey, in the north of London. Coincidentally, the last time Corinthians saw any points at all was in North London- Haringey’s rivals Enfield Town were struck with two in the last ten minutes.

There were nine points in between top-of-the-league Dorking Wanderers and second-placed Borough, so every game was vital for the promotion pushers. For Casuals, it was smash and grab as any points they could get were valuable in staying in the Bostik Premier. As the players lined up in the cage on the side-line, it was clear that the two sets of supporters would be vocal all game, no matter what. Haringey’s faithful were in fine voice (despite the drum) and the small Corinth support were equally loud and proud.

Eleven minutes into the game, the successful defensive partnership established under manager Tom Loizou was put to the test by the eager Casuals attack. No.5 Mark Kirby and no.8 Joseph Staunton miscommunicated and misplaced the ball, in which Hamilton Antonio played a perfect pass for Gabriel Odunaike to pounce and then pace. Releasing a delightful left-footed strike that slipped through the Haringey keeper’s mitts, Odunaike was responsible for the underdog's opening goal. Scenes behind the goal quickly subsided and the daunting fact that 79 minutes remained did not cease the singing of Odunaike’s name. Kevant Serbony’s appearance on the wing had a big impact on the game as his determination and ability was a breath of fresh air. An audacious flick from Antonio let Odunaike clean through again but keeper Valery Pajetet rushed to collect it, whilst a goalmouth scramble down the other end saw Danny Bracken save the day.

Heading down the tunnel 1-0 up was the target for Bracken and his side, but Georgios Aresti, who plays for the Cyprus national team, showed his class and levelled the game. After Hannigan conceded a corner in strange circumstances, a corner was booted towards the crowd of players but rolled perfectly for Aresti. A terrific curling effort into the top left hand corner summed up Casuals’ recent luck as the great effort had the seated Haringey fans up and cheering. It took only two minutes for them to cheer again. Majed Osman’s tackle in the area was adjudged a foul by the referee, who pointed to the spot. To use the cliché term ‘football is a cruel mistress’ would be apt in this situation as Joel Nouble converted from the spot and Haringey went 2-1 up against the run of play. Despite the penalty incident, Osman had been as energetic and creative as usual with a low effort that was just wide of the post before half-time.

Knowing another goal would albeit seal the deal for Haringey, Casuals returned in the second 45 and gave it their all. Both defensively and offensively, it was a brilliant performance from a completely different team than that of the past five matches. The equaliser was nearly through Majed Osman as Gabriel Odunaike was allowed through on goal on the right once more, but the tricky attacker was unselfish and tried to tee up the oncoming Osman. Zooming in at the back post, Osman was infront of Odunaike’s ball and a valuable chance was not taken. For the yellow of Haringey, a handball was why the referee blew his whistle for a free-kick and not a goal- the disallowed strike was a sigh of relief for the anxious visitors.

In the 64th minute, a Corinth free-kick was floated into the packed penalty area and the ball finally fell for someone in pink and brown, not the head of Borough centre-backs Stone or Kirby. A run-up before a first time effort that flew into the back of the net from Majed Osman was the goal that made it 2-2. It was wonderful technique from the young midfielder, who used the outside of his boot to hit home and cause the pink and brown army in the dugout, on the pitch and behind the goal to celebrate.

The remainder of the tight game was treacherous. James Bracken had to decide if he wanted to gun forward and get an unlikely winner, or sit back and allow Haringey to tire themselves out. He chose a mix of both as Casuals relied on the counter attack because as expected, the North London outfit decided to go all-out and do whatever they could to attain a winning goal. It was futile however as Spencer, Hannigan, Strange and Adelakun put in a remarkable shift- as did Bracken- to remove the ball from the area dozens of times. Hannigan himself had a chance to score for the Casuals but the corner was directed onto his nose rather than his forehead and it was subsequently booted away. Good wing play from the Haringey attackers did not match the resilience of the back four and when- what felt like an eternity- the referee blew for full-time, it was all smiles for the Tolworth boys.

A point against second-placed giants Haringey felt like a win for the supporters and after the monumental effort put in by players, it felt brilliant for them too. Thank you to the hosts Haringey, good luck for the rest of their campaign. Bracken’s side caused an upset at the windy Coles Park Stadium and even if it was just a point, it bridged the gap down the bottom of the league to six points instead of five. Two home games were next as high-flying Lewes on Tuesday and Bishops Stortford on Saturday meant Corinthians needed to use the new-found confidence from this match to push on and secure safety.

“Aside from the crazy two minutes in the first half, the way we played today was brilliant,” Bracken explained after the match.

“I have nothing negative to say about the performance whatsoever. I thought we looked dangerous every time we went forward, we played some good football and defended much more resolutely than we have done recently.

“We have to realise, that while they got two goals today, which can always happen, we've been conceding far to many chances and spaces in the last few games, and if we did that today we would have conceded four and lost 4-2.

“We needed to arrest that bad form, we changed what we did slightly in terms of personnel and game plan, Haringey are a good side, and we knew this would be tough and we were not in for an easy one, but when we don't have an easy one we seem to up our game, so keep them coming.”

Looking forward, the Casuals have the re-arranged trip at home to Lewes on Tuesday, before another home tie against Bishop's Stortford as the season reaches its conclusion.

Bracked continued: “We still have work to do, and we still need some more points on the board but if we play like that we will comfortably win five out of our last ten. It's just about maintaining that now, but I've said that since the start, we know what we are capable of, but what can we do fifteen games in a row? What level of performance and work rate can we turn in? Our problem has been consistency. We do it for one match, then we don't for another, then we do it for three, and then don't do it for another four, and you just think, well what can we really do? But we did it today, that's the important thing, we've stopped that run of defeats and we'll get a lot of confidence from that.”