Whitehawk 4 - 0 Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 27th April 2019
Report: Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)

Football is a funny old game. Corinthian-Casuals were defeated 4-0 at the hands of Whitehawk, who were nevertheless relegated from the Bostik Premier, in a sour but thoughtful conclusion to James Bracken’s 2018/19 campaign.

Forty-one games, forty-eight goals, thirteen wins and eight draws. Those were the glorious statistics that outlined Corinthians’ 2018/19 season, but it won’t be the numbers on a table that will be the sweetest for supporters, players and staff. It would be the words ‘Kingstonian’ below ‘Corinthian-Casuals’. With the last match-day seeing ground-sharers K’s face Leatherhead and Casuals travel to Whitehawk, there were only two points in the gap… so all to play for.

Some of the Casuals contingent’s journeys would feature Brighton and Hove Albion’s ground on the way, but that would be ignored as Whitehawk FC’s The Enclosed Ground was the destination on a windy but cheerful afternoon. The hosts were part of a relegation scrap that needed a win from themselves and for Burgess Hill to beat Wingate and Finchley.

The Easter double on last Saturday and Monday left Casuals two points better, but there were changes in the final starting eleven of the season. A solid back-four remained the same with Robert Jamison sitting in central midfield and striker Warren Mfula partnering Reyon Dillon, who started ahead of Jack Tucker. A first half that was very even from the off, the white shirts of the visitors wanted to use Whitehawk’s hunger to stay up against them and attacked early on. Mfula was clean through but his touches gifted the keeper the ball. Build-up was good, but it was no cigar for Casuals.

The Hawks then hit the post and a series of strange refereeing decisions that had two Corinth players in the book in the first twenty minutes allowed them to pummel the defence. Juevan Spencer’s genius overlaps and commanding runs into the area became a trademark throughout the season. The no.2 did it again when he assisted energetic Majed Osman, but his effort was well saved. Hawks captain Harry Muggeridge scored the opener from only a few yards out as Goodge’s cross was tapped in, even if the ball was barely kept in on the by-line by the left-back. It was gutting to hear the celebrations from the Reds, but with the vocal Casuals in good number behind the goal, they pushed on. Two minutes is all it took for Muggeridge to grab a brace as a lack of concentration in the defence allowed the no.10 to dispatch another cross.

Half-time meant the last of James Bracken’s truthful and rousing evaluations for the players at the break, and when they returned onto the pitch, it would hopefully be a better display. Kingstonian were in a similar position as they were down to Leatherhead, but heads were focused on the task in hand. But, it was a luckless and lacklustre game, which transferred to the performances. Only two goals separated the sides but there was a long period of no goals. This did not mean no celebrations as Burgess Hill got the score back to 2-2 versus Wingate and when it filtered through, there were loud cheers from the Hawks end. It did not last long- Wingate nicked two late on to seal their fate in the Bostik Prem. Nonetheless, with the game delving into injury time, there was time for two more goals. Nathaniel Pinney got the third before Harry Muggeridge was given the ball when Whitehawk won a debatable penalty and converted it.

When the referee blew his whistle it was a strange atmosphere all over the ground as a subdued pitch invasion occurred when Whitehawk confirmed relegation. Behind Casuals’ goal? Disappointment was obviously floating in the air as a 4-0 thrashing with not too much to write home about may come off as a disaster. However, there was much more than that when the players walked over. No chins were allowed to be down and all heads had to be high as the players and supporters thanked each-other for the whole year of effort. All in the name of Corinthians, James Bracken, Dan Pringle, Jon Williams and Jamie Byatt as well as other heroic backroom staff “did it for free” and volunteered not just every day but every week to keep the Amateurs in the Bostik Premier.

The players deserve so much credit too, for carrying themselves in a professional way and caring about the club they play for, which is all anyone could ask for. Lastly, the supporters. Passionate, grateful and vocal are all the things you want in a fan-base, and the pink and brown army that travel all over the place certainly have those qualities. We wish everyone a good summer… roll on pre-season!

Corinthian-Casuals 1 - 1 Worthing
Bostik League Premier Division
Monday 22nd April 2019
Report: Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (set here) and Andy Nunn (set here)

Warren Mfula’s booming header from an Osman free-kick was cancelled out by a late Worthing equaliser in Corinthian-Casuals’ final home fixture at King George’s Arena on a beautiful Bank Holiday afternoon.

“They’re delighted with a point and we’re disappointed.” James Bracken had an indifferent reaction to Saturday’s game at Potters Bar Town, even if it meant Casuals had secured safety in the Bostik Premier. It’s the James everyone knows and loves that would leave Hertfordshire disappointed with the 2-2 draw and rather than celebrating, most likely started preparations for Monday’s clash.

Worthing sat comfortably in the play-offs before arriving to Tolworth. Not looking to slip up with only two matches remaining, the promotion pushers brought dozens of supporters to match the buzzing home atmosphere in what would be an exciting penultimate game of the season.

Hannigan returned at centre-back for Casuals, but it did not mean Robert Jamison would sit out; the no.6 fit nicely in the midfield ahead of Ekim. Jack Tucker and Kevant Serbony made up the rest of the midfield whilst Mfula and Osman renewed their linkage up-front. The pink and brown faced the whites, and it was a cagey but very even start. Adelakun, who had really found his stride in Bracken’s starting eleven, had a half-chance from a corner in the first twenty. Worthing’s dominant drum drove the team forwards enough to shoot wide a few times before their big chance arrived. It was in the form of Joseph Clarke, who fancied himself from a fair distance but could not score past Bracken’s fingertips that edged the ball onto the bar. It was a sigh of relief for Casuals who seemed to struggle breaking down a solid defence. Half-time meant regrouping for both sides.

Supporters switched ends… for the final time. A half-time burger… for the final time. A pint of beer… for the final time. The beloved King George’s has been a faithful venue for the Casuals in this historic season- seeing wins, draws and losses… and plenty of scenes! It might be an overused phrase, but KGA really is a carpet. One of the league’s (if not the league’s) best pitches is a credit to all the work Jon, Dan, Bill and Conor put in every week this season. Cheers guys, and here’s to another year!

Counter-attack seemed to be the main tactic for Bracken and his team. For a squad littered with injuries to key players, it was incredible to watch the eleven put in a shift following less than 48 hours rest. Serbony was strong and restless, Tucker held his own, Osman was hounding the defence, Strange was winning headers and Spencer was sprinting. It was a great performance already, even when the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty kick. Harsh on the vocal contingent behind the goal, the Worthing massive had a chance to celebrate and take the lead, but Henry Ikeije dragged the ball well wide of Bracken’s right-hand post. The no.10 had won the penalty, which was unclear and met with appeals from the Casuals- Worthing missed a golden opportunity to go ahead. Would it come back to bite them? The answer is, quite frankly, yes.

A free-kick won by Antonio was placed on the right flank. Osman stepped up to take it as the array of shirts pushed and shoved in the area, very close to the Worthing keeper. Osman was keen to remind everyone that he tries hard but can also play hard. Swung into the back post with accuracy and perfect height, it was Mfula who rose above startled defenders to nod the ball in. It was magic number twenty for Warren! His twentieth of the season, Mfula’s fantastic leap had put Casuals 1-0 up against the odds. Mood behind the goal was like the heat. Beaming. For the striker, celebrations were only with one man and it was manager James Bracken as the team mobbed the duo in the 64th minute. One goal was bait on the end of a fishing hook for Worthing, and the Sussex side were out to get Casuals.

It was a remarkable defensive display from the hosts, who valiantly protected the goal they had scored like it was their own child. Using that analogy, Casuals were on the verge of having another one when substitute Benjamin Aghadiuno found himself clean through in the box. Adelakun and Osman interchanged the ball four times on the flank in a brilliant move that saw the midfield maestro cut inside and play in Aghadiuno, who was open. His shot was saved by Rebels’ no.1 Colovan. Gutting for the player and the fans, just ten minutes later there was a hitch to Corinthians’ fine afternoon. Singing did not seem to stop and that includes the aftermath of Worthing’s equaliser from Clarke. The no.5 had nicked a vital goal for his team that Bracken would be infuriated at especially in the 88th minute.

Byatt was introduced late on, and he challenged for the ball with the same energy as ever. When a late corner allowed Rebels’ keeper to venture forward, Byatt was chasing it alongside the no.1, but it came to no avail. And the three blows of the referee’s whistle ended the match with a draw. For the promotion pushers, it had been a nightmare. Sitting in 8th, they would leave their fate to the last game of the season. Corinth are now in 16th after adding another point in the gap between themselves and Kingstonian. Two points apart with one game left. Thank you to Worthing, good luck on the play-off hunt! King George’s is finished and used up now… well, not quite. Ground-sharers Kingstonian play Leatherhead on Saturday before a Sunday afternoon Supporters match between the Casuals and the K’s. For Bracken’s pink and brown army, it is an enduring but satisfying end to the campaign as an away day to Whitehawk beckons.
 
"The score-line is a fair reflection on the game," said Manager James Bracken after the match.

"Before we started, we’ve got ten players missing – and no less than seven missing since September. You only have to look at the players that stood next to the dugout this afternoon; 90% of them would get in my starting XI.

"We had ten out and a day’s less rest than Worthing, which is a massive difference having an extra 24 hours. We’ve had less than 48 hours rest and Saturday at Potters Bar was tough. It was an unforgiving pitch in unforgiving weather.

"To get out there today and put in the amount of effort that we did was superb.

"They missed a penalty, which was nice for a change – we had a bit of luck go our way. It gave us a boost and took a bit out of their sails and we looked the more likely to score for a while.

"A draw was fair, I’m happy with a draw but was disappointing to let in a late equaliser.

"We’re a tough team to play. We’ve had some losing streaks this year but we’ve also had our good wins and decent runs. In the last dozen or so games, you tell me where we haven’t competed and given our opposition a hell of a match? Win, draw or lose, our opponents will know they’ve been involved in a proper game of football. I have nothing but praise for the boys today to extract that amount of energy out of them considering the circumstances.

"You look at players like Kevant, Hamilton and Majed, who were dead on the hour mark but they still found that extra reserve and bit of quality. Boys like Mark Jamison. Hasn’t played for ages, comes into the side, plays ninety on Saturday, ninety today and finishing the game winning headers like a warrior. Just brilliant! Testament to all of them though with a great shift after a gruelling schedule.
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"We’re going to Whitehawk to win. We were as motivated today to win as we have been for any game all season. I believe if you’re someone who can turn off a winning mentality, you don’t have one. I’m not travelling to Whitehawk to go back home a loser, sit and think about that game all summer. We’re going down there to win, end on a high and look forward with a positive frame of mind. We give up too much time and effort, and we’re too professional to tolerate anything less than our best. If that’s good enough to win, then great. We’ll be going with the right intentions."

Potters Bar Town 2-2 Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 20th April 2019
Report: Cameron Smith. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set here)

When the full-time whistle blew at the Parkfield Stadium, it was finally confirmed that Corinthian-Casuals would be playing Bostik Premier football for another year after a tiring but valuable 2-2 draw versus Potters Bar Town, who also secured safety as points were shared.
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Comfortable was not a word that the Casuals contingent were used to when it described a Bostik Premier match, especially in 2019. A series of draws and losses in February and March put Corinthians in a sticky situation as they were dragged into a restless race for survival in the bottom half of the table. But recent victories and spirited performances were summarised in Majed Osman’s decisive third versus Wingate and Finchley in the 3-1 win, which was actually comfortable for the pink and brown army.

Only one point was needed to secure safety for the Casuals as supporters, players and staff made their way to the penultimate away day of the season; the small town of Potters Bar was the destination. The Hertfordshire outfit required a single point just like their visitors and on a beautiful summer day, it would be intriguing how both teams approached the unorthodox circumstances.

It was clear how James Bracken would approach it. Dillon, Aghadiuno and centre-back Robert Jamison were on in a new-look starting eleven. Intensity was key, and maybe Potters Bar were trying to adjust to the heat, or the hungry Casuals frontline chasing down loose balls and putting them under pressure. An Ekim free-kick was swung in after only two minutes, and Jack Rudoni managed to retrieve it from the nervy Bar defence. The no.8 threaded a cheeky but perfect pass to Reyon Dillon, who completely bamboozled the keeper with a step-over before feigning a shot and rounding him with ease. Dispatching brilliantly, Dillon had netted one of the earliest Casuals goals of the entire season as well as putting them 1-0 up. The well-taken strike was credit to Dillon’s determination to get back into the side as Bracken gave him a chance up-front ahead of the injured Mfula.

The pitch at the Parkfield Stadium was something that was noticed by the visitors beforehand as it was bobbly, dry and overlong. It did not affect Casuals though. A wayward back-pass caused the Bar keeper to run out and rescue it from becoming a corner, but he mis-controlled after a bump in the ground and it was another set-piece for Casuals. Ekim’s corner kick was not collected or cleared properly as the ball bounced off a player’s head and rippled the net. Jack Strange wheeled away in celebration and it was given to the centre-back. Singing the no.4’s name, the Casuals supporters enjoyed a two goal lead after eight minutes! Enjoying the rest of the half in the sunshine, the travelling supporters had a right to feel confident about the second-half… but little did the home support know, they did too.

Two quick-fire goals in the first half benefited the Casuals, but it was their downfall in the second. Dernell Wynter made a sharp turn just outside the area after three minutes, and slotted the ball home. A bobble was what caught Danny Bracken out and the pitch was used for the hosts’ advantage at last.

Bracken scooping the ball from the net would occur again minutes later, but it would be much crueller. An enormous deflection from a Bradley Sach shot meant it was 2-2. At the moment, both sides were staying up… but it would not be satisfactory for James and Dan Pringle on the bench. The energy of Jack Tucker and the danger of Jamie Byatt were inspired substitutions that nearly resulted in a late winner. Antonio and Rudoni in midfield was scary for Potters Bar and when they assisted in giving Jamie Byatt a great chance at goal, it was nearly ecstasy for supporters behind the goal. His shot was blocked and then cleared. It just wasn’t to be for either side. That was fine for both teams as the referee blew for full-time. Safety? Secured.

Thank you to Potters Bar for their hospitality. Two games remain in the Bostik Premier, which was a sad realisation for many fans… what will everyone do in two months of no football? (There's always Budapest, and we'll have news of more 'away' games soon - Ed.) The last home game versus Worthing on Bank Holiday Monday and then the finale at Whitehawk will end the campaign. At the moment, Casuals sit in 17th and are one place above Kingstonian. Six points in the last two games would be the dream for Bracken’s army, and to finish above their rivals would be very sweet indeed.

Manager James Bracken spoke his thoughts after the final whistle.

“They’re delighted with a point and we’re disappointed. It’s secured safety for both of us so we should be saying, “well done, great job” considering it’s well documented that we’re working with nothing.

“But we’re winners; we don’t come to get a draw – we come to win. We’re disappointed with the draw. We’ll analyse the performance for us to continue to get better.

“We had ten unavailable today. But we still put in a performance that even until the final whistle, we looked the more likely to nick the winner. When they came back to 2-2, sometimes you can be on the back-foot for the remainder of the game but it was never like that here. I can’t recall them threatening the goal again and we had chances.

“The bigger picture is, it’s a fantastic achievement. That puts us on 46 points. Tooting were relegated on 36 points from more games, so we’ve already got more than 10 points than that and they were promoted as Champions, working with a playing budget. It’s more than an achievement to do this. It should’ve been a lot more but it’s a decent haul.

“We’ll look back over the season at games like today where it was two points dropped. The game against them at our place was three points dropped. If we want to kick on and be successful beyond this, you must see those games out.

“We had a game plan in the first half which was ultra-effective. We limited them to a couple of scuffed shots from thirty yards on a cow field.
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“Second half, the game plan was simple, but instructions weren’t followed. I’ve managed over a thousand games – you play with plenty of freedom here, but when I give instructions to mark, drop-in ten yards, etc, it’s best just to listen. If they do, we’ll win more games. Today, that cost us.”

Corinthian-Casuals 3 - 1 Wingate & Finchley
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 13th April 2019
​Report: Cameron Smith. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set here)

Majed Osman’s brilliantly taken brace complimented an acrobatic screamer from Warren Mfula during Corinthian-Casuals’ comfortable 3-1 victory over Wingate and Finchley, which added three more points to the hunt for safety in the Bostik Premier Division.

Emotions were high at the premature final whistle last week in West Sussex, for both travelling supporters, players and staff. James Bracken let loose in the post-match interview, and rightly so. The refereeing decisions that cost three vital points for Casuals were laughable in hindsight as the pink and brown army had another essential game they needed to win- Wingate and Finchley FC were coming to Tolworth.

Just one position below Casuals, the North Londoners had the same desire as the hosts- the desire to maintain Bostik Premier status. Bracken made one change from last week’s spirited performance as Spencer switched from right midfield to right back for the suspended Morgan whilst Kevant Serbony was on the wing.

The temperamental British weather was certainly showing off on the Saturday afternoon at King George’s with a pre-match lashing of rain and hailstones before slightly brightening up for a cold first-half. As far as attacking went, the first half was brilliant for Casuals, with Rudoni and Antonio linking up with Osman and Mfula extremely well. In the 14th minute, there was a free-kick for Casuals and the usual taker Coskun Ekim aimed to curl it so it would land on Reece Hannigan’s head. The ball flew towards the no.5, but was cleared by Wingate’s Cronin before falling to Osman on the edge of the box. Controlling and edging closer, the little magician powered the ball towards goal and it ended up rippling the net following a slight deflection. An early goal is not something Casuals are used to, but it was greeted with warmth from behind the goal. Osman had put Casuals 1-0 up!

Form might have dipped after the goal plummeted in and the home side were given the dangerous luxury of a one-goal lead. Scrapping for the ball and closing down hard, Corinthians were under pressure from the Blues. This pressure was sustained, but Casuals’ rock-hard defence were not going to go down lightly. A second goal was what Bracken wanted before the first 45 ended, and the players knew it. Antonio found himself on the right flank when he crossed for Mfula in the area. With his back to goal and the ball in the air, it would seem futile to try and touch the ball and play backwards, as would kicking aimlessly. Positioning his body and jumping like a gazelle, Mfula sliced the ball into the back of the net whilst in the air and not even looking at goal. A wonderful scissor strike from the prolific striker gave Casuals two goals to go into the second-half with.
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The hail was forgotten when teams walked out for the second half as any sign of wind or cold disappeared ahead of sun, sun and sun. A thirty minute period after the second half kicked off offered hope for Wingate and Finchley. Complacency is not the word to use when describing Casuals, it was still very concentrated and involved.

​Lacklustre overall, the binding midfield and strong defence is what kept Casuals from conceding… until Anthony Mendy tucked the ball past Danny Bracken, removing his clean sheet. It was inevitable and it was at the perfect time. The 72nd minute allowed enough time for another one from Wingate, so they could equalise or even complete a comeback. Majed Osman had other ideas.

Hamilton Antonio had another fantastic game. Example of his class? His assist for the third. The tricky midfielder intelligently latched onto a poor ball played out by Wingate’s right-back and paced forwards. Antonio played it to Osman. Taking it in his stride, the no.11 was allowed time to compose himself before placing the ball with enough power for it to nestle brilliantly in the top corner. Past the helpless Gore in goal, Osman’s terrific strike was relief for everyone, particularly the frustrated
Mfula, who dropped to his knees and punched the air when the third goal was secured. Wheeling away ecstatically, Osman celebrated with players and fans as Casuals had sealed the deal only two minutes after conceding. That just demonstrates the real team spirit James Bracken has established.
The final fifteen were quiet as Antonio and Ekim bossed the midfield, Majed Osman nearly grabbed a hat-trick when he went for goal himself instead of playing in sub Dillon, but it was cleared.
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Full-time meant Casuals had won and achieved three points for their Bostik Premier campaign; we wish Wingate and Finchley the best for the rest of the season. Osman’s genius and Mfula’s 19th goal was the difference between the two sides, as well as the whole team’s effort to bounce back. Three games remain for the pink and brown army… can Casuals create some momentum and go to Potters Bar Town and win next Saturday?

Manager James Bracken spoke to Stuart Tree after the final whistle.

"We’re not playing for safety. We haven’t been for a while. We’re playing to finish above Kingstonian. We’ve talked about winning that ‘mini league’ which we’re in with a shout of doing.

"Of course, we’re aware that we could not afford to lose games on the chance that those below us may pick up points. The closest we’ve been to that drop zone in recent months is five points, so it’s never been a case that we would find ourselves slipping into it.

"We’ve lost just one in the last four now, and even that defeat should’ve been a win. Disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet against Wingate, but we’re not conceding many right now so we’re doing just fine.

"Majed has hit two good finishes along with Warren’s overhead kick, following great build up play. All three goals were well taken. That’s what we’ve not done enough of this season. We’ve missed a lot of chances over the course of the year. Today, I don’t recall us missing a great chance. Some days you go away wondering how you haven’t scored five or six. Against Wingate, we’ve scored from those good chances. It makes for much more comfortable viewing from the touchline than usual.

"We’re still going out to win our remaining games, finish above Kingstonian and give the fans something to cheer. They’ve backed us all season, especially in some tough periods where we haven’t got the results. They see the effort and commitment is there and continue to get behind the team.

"The target is nine points from the remaining three games. Worthing here on Monday will be tough. They play on the Friday and we’re a day later. Potter’s Bar’s pitch is unforgiving, and we haven’t got a big squad. We had seven or eight missing again today, so we don’t have a massive amount of freshness coming in between Saturday and Monday.

"Having an extra 24 hours rest for Worthing will make a massive difference. I’m not making excuses because we’ll still get out there and give it the best we’ve got. But if we come up light in the tank, I’m already mentally prepared myself to deal with it, because I understand these boys aren’t robots.

"Two games in three days at the end of a long old season makes zero sense. We wanted to switch to the Friday ourselves but unfortunately Potters Bar had too many players unavailable.

"If we get out there and play as we can, we’ll get a win, and hopefully finish the season at Whitehawk 100% safe. Whether they need something from the game or not is irrelevant; we won’t be doing them, nor anyone else any favours. We’ll try to win a game of football as we always do."

Burgess Hill Town 2 - 1 Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 6th April 2019
Report: Cameron Smith. Pics: Stuart Tree (set here)

The word to describe the final minutes at the Green Elephant Stadium would be controversial as Corinthian-Casuals conceded twice in five minutes due to scandalous officiating and a late Burgess Hill comeback to lose 2-1.

Rudoni’s run and Maj’s magic was the topic of conversation for the Casuals contingent who travelled down to West Sussex. The 1-0 victory over Carshalton was glorious and with only five games left, James Bracken’s pink and brown army yearned to secure safety for another season.

Most football fans in Sussex would be at Wembley for Brighton & Hove Albion’s cup semi-final clash, or have their eyes glued to the TV for a late kick-off in London. For those stationed in Burgess Hill’s homely Leylands Park, it would be the latter and therefore non-league football first. Bottom of the Bostik Premier, the Hillians had improved as of late and were searching for an upset versus Corinthians, who were not in the clear themselves.

Two changes to the winning side on Saturday- Hakeem Adelakun stepped in at left back as Juevan Spencer played in a more attacking role at no.7; Warren Morgan switched to the right. This meant Oliver Sitch would start on the bench whilst Warren Mfula was on for Kevant Serbony. The pink and brown versus the green of Burgess Hill.

It was all to play for even after a tepid first twenty minutes, brightened a little by an excellent Cruyff turn from the maestro donning no.8 Jack Rudoni. A Man-Of-The-Match performance on his debut and assisting the winner the game after, Rudoni looked to continue his form for the Casuals. Mfula had the chance to boot the ball back into the danger zone early on, and his attempt bounced off Tolulope Jonah’s hand and went out for a corner. Waving away penalty appeals despite the connection, the referee gave Corinth the set-piece, in which Ekim looped the ball to the back post for Reece Hannigan. The centre-back looked to nod it across goal and after hitting the post, the ball bounced uncertainly on the goal-line with Mfula getting a touch on it before being cleared. Away supporters behind the goal were half-celebrating and half-appealing as they had the best view in the ground, and they believed it should have been a goal.

Again giving the Hill a defensive headache, Mfula turned and had a long-shot that was swallowed by the keeper. Using his pace and patience that the Casuals were getting used to, Rudoni played a brilliant through ball to Spencer on the right flank, who had all the time in the world… until keeper Josh James closed him down tremendously. Trying to sneak it under the bright yellow shirt, Spencer nearly grabbed a rare goal but it was well-saved by James.

A frustrating first-half for both sides, Casuals were dominating. However, Burgess Hill’s counter attack was an itch that Corinth could not quite scratch. Defending was not what the visitors were doing when the half kicked off though as Majed Osman nodded a long ball towards Mfula in the 46th minute. Prodding the ball past the baffled Toure, the no.9 showed terrific composure and skill to wait and then open up his body to curl a beautiful shot into the keeper’s bottom left hand corner. Celebrations could finally ensue and the pink and brown army mobbed Mfula whilst the away support had something other than appeals to shout about.

Antonio’s efforts in midfield were commendable and as was Spencer despite playing in a different position to most weeks as the no.7 so nearly made it two with a shot high and wide. The introduction of Reyon Dillon was inspired as the striker fed the ball to Osman on the left and cutting in, the attacker hit an effort that was saved yet again by the on-fire James. Dillon’s hold-up play and relationship with Osman was utilised again and somehow Maj’s curling shot smacked the outside of the post instead of spiralling in. Ekim had two free-kicks that were blasted comfortably over, which was the epitome of the half. Complete annihilation up front that was just lacking the finishing touch that Mfula provided after a minute.

All of a sudden, the un-scratchable itch returned. Burgess Hill needed to get some sort of result in order to keep their relegation fears at bay, so Danny Bracken came to rescue Casuals late on with a great save from a corner. This meant another corner to defend, but instead of Bracken being able to come out and collect the ball, sub Pat Harding held Casuals’ no.1's arm and completely blocked him from getting to the chance. The referee did not see any issue and did not call a foul even when Boris Kipeye-Bonno tapped the ball home. Perhaps it was Bracken’s enthusiastic and passionate appeals that the official had to ignore that influenced his later thinking, which sent a mixture of shock and disbelief through everyone in the ground.

Just a minute later, Hannigan and Tommy Wood jumped in the air to head away. Instead of using his feet to return to the ground, Burgess Hill’s Wood flipped mid-air and fell unconvincingly to the ground, feigning some sort of contact. Using the word ‘unconvincing’ was apparent to the Casuals bench, players and supporters as well as the Hill’s bench and players - hence not one cry for 'penalty'. The same cannot be said for the referee. Blowing his whistle and turning everyone’s head, he pointed to the spot. Penalty to Burgess Hill Town with minutes remaining. Even on video replay after the match, there is no contact between the two players and the decision from the officials are baffling. Protests, of course, followed and Morgan was dismissed for the heinous act of showing passion and disagreeing. Tommy Wood scored the penalty. It summed up the men-in-black’s performances when two whole minutes of the five signalled seemed to mean that the game should end. Robbed at the death, Casuals would leave West Sussex devastated as they are defeated 2-1.

Thank you to Burgess Hill for the hospitality; we wish them well for the last four games of the season. Corinthian-Casuals drop to seven points from the relegation zone. Two points below them in 19th, Wingate and Finchley travel to King George’s next Saturday for an extremely important clash. One win will all but guarantee safety!

"I feel we’ve been cheated. 100% cheated," said a furious James Bracken after the match. "But I can find no other words to describe what’s happened in the last ten minutes of the match.

"Their first, our keeper is being held down but the goal is allowed to stand. He then gives a shocking penalty with pretty much the last kick of the game and doesn’t play the full five minutes added on at the end.

"I can handle officials making bad mistakes. I can handle the fact that two of them haven’t seen the ball go a foot over the line in the first half. I can accept that. But I can’t accept being cheated. That man gifted them the game, even gloating afterwards. I asked him what his thinking was for giving the penalty and he couldn’t answer me.

"He knows it’s wrong; his officials know it’s wrong and everyone in the crowd knows it’s wrong. Their management have profusely apologised to me after the final whistle saying we’ve been cheated the worst that they’d ever seen. What more can I say?

"Maybe that’s what we have to contend with. Some say it balances itself out over the course of the season. People might think I’m crazy but we have had no luck all year. None.

"If the referee had put in that level of performance in the Premier League, it’d be scrutinised, he’d be ripped to shreds and the FA would investigate it. Because that’s how bad it was.

"It was another good display from us on what was a tricky pitch. It took us a while to settle. At half time, I didn’t hold back, and I told the boys what needed to be done. We achieved that.

"3-0 would’ve honestly been a fair reflection on the game in terms of chances, possession, threatening attacks and controlled defending. I don’t recall my brother having to make a big save. They didn’t threaten our goal at all until Dan gets held down for their equaliser and lets someone tap it in.

"We should’ve scored more goals, of course. One-nil is always a score that can catch you out, but we never got caught out nor looked like we would. We were simply cheated out of it. We’ve scored one and the referee has scored two. Burgess Hill won 2-1. There’s no more to it than that.

"We’ve been very good in recent weeks but let’s get this right; you can count our poor games on one hand. Enfield at home – we were very poor! Hornchurch away, we were poor. There are not too many others that we’ve not turned up and been competitive – and let’s remember, this is all on no budget.

"We thoroughly deserve to be at this level. I look at teams like Leatherhead, who we’ve beaten twice, and are no better than us. Carshalton, who we’ve beaten three times, are no better than us. We put the levels of performance in consistently. Unfortunately, we’re probably not clinical enough. It takes us a couple more chances than we’d like to put games to bed. But we’ve played everyone, and I rarely come away from games thinking ‘Cor, they were excellent’. Best team we played this season – Bognor Regis Town away… and we won 1-0. Best team by a mile. They played great football, created untold chances, we rode our luck, defended very well and snuck a goal at the death. But there’s no one that’s miles better than us.

"In terms of performance, we’ve been on it, every single week.

"I don’t like losing, I want to be top of the table, but I cannot knock these lads. They’ve been great. They’ve given everything and they continue to do so. They won’t shy away from the challenge. They take the knocks, which we’ve had plenty of, but they’ll be ready to go next week and put another three points on the board."