Corinthian-Casuals 1 - 2 Dorking Wanderers
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 25th August 2015
Report and Pics: Stuart Tree
Additional photos from Andy Nunn can be seen here.

Dorking Wanderers came from a goal behind to maintain their unbeaten start to the season but end Corinthian-Casuals good start to the Ryman League campaign.

Before the season started, many wouldn’t have tipped the two Surrey sides to be occupying the top spots or to have remain unbeaten after four games. James Bracken’s Casuals had only conceded two goals in five games (one from a penalty) and Marc White’s Wanderers had impressive wins under their belt and were coming off the back of a credible draw away to last season’s playoff finalists Folkestone Invicta. Something had to give…

Bracken made three changes from the 2-1 win over Ramsgate; in came Warren Morgan for Josh Uzun, Niall Wright replaced Brandon Johnson and although Emil Salama was named in the original lineup, an injury during warm up ensured Diego Maradona donned the number 7 shirt instead.

The first half was played at a good intensity by both sides. Wanderers had the first real effort when a 20 yard shot was deflected just over by Danny Dudley. At the other end, Juevan Spencer once again looked lively and gave the first test of the night to new signing Gary Ross in Dorking’s goal. Ross was to be one of the key reasons for White’s men walking away with the three points.

However, errant half chances didn’t help Casuals’ cause; Sekou Kaba’s free header from a corner should have been relatively easy to score but the tall midfielder could only steer it high and wide.

Ross wasn’t the only keeper to be tested; Danny Bracken expertly turned a neat drive round the post in a typically dangerous play from Wanderer’s impressive forward line.

Gary Ross did end the half making a spectacular flying save when Kevant Serbony let one rip from 20 yards. Both keepers can take credit for the 0-0 scoreline as the teams retreated for half time.

Then, within the space of five minutes, the game was settled; With 53 minutes gone, a long ball pumped forward with the wind assisting caught the Wanderer’s defender off guard and Emmanuel Akokhia capitalised by neatly slotting under Ross and giving Casuals the lead.

However, it felt like Corinth were still celebrating when Tom Tolfrey equalised at the other end. To make matters worse, Kev Terry put the nail in the coffin just four minutes later after finding space at the near post to lift the ball neatly over Danny Bracken. Casuals were shell shocked.

As already seen this season both at Hythe and against Ramsgate, Casuals weren’t about to lay down. Although their performance seemed to be a little more flat than of late, they dug in and lay siege to Dorking’s goal for the last 20 minutes. The introduction of Josh Uzun, Ben Cotton and Shaun Brown gave extra attacking options. A combination of great goalkeeping and resolute defending saw off attacks from Akokhia, Spencer, Terry Murray and even Danny Bracken, who joined the attack in the dying seconds. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be and Dorking Wanderers held on for the win in a keenly fought yet well-mannered, entertaining game.

The result sees Casuals drop from 1st to 3rd in the table and Dorking Wanderers move up into 2nd.

After the match, Corinth boss James Bracken spoke commented on the match.

“I'm not going to say it's not a fair result. We could've maybe nicked something in the last fifteen minutes. We’ve put a lot of pressure on them, missed one or two half chances that might have gone in on another day and to be fair to their keeper, he's pulled out two world class saves... one in the first half and one in the second.

“They're a decent side and it was a good game. I don't think we really put the intensity in like we can to the game until the last fifteen minutes, which was obviously a little too late.

“They say that ten minute period after you score a goal is always crucial and we’ve had a lapse in concentration. Their first, we earmarked the player not to give him even a couple of yards in the box, but we have and he’s had enough room to turn and shoot.

“There’s always positives to take out of this though, such as the response from everybody who upped their game when we’ve gone 2-1 down. Everybody to a man seemed to be able to go up a gear and put their foot in. There’s no cross words in the dressing room because they’ve been absolutely fantastic since I’ve been here and one defeat in a close game doesn’t change anything.

“It’s now how we respond on Saturday. Make sure we stay in the FA Cup, go on a run and that’s what matters.”

Casuals travel to the coast to face Pagham in the FA Cup on Saturday.  

Corinthian-Casuals 2 - 1 Ramsgate
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 22nd August 2015
Match report and Pics: Stuart Tree (all photos can be seen here)

Corinthian-Casuals came from behind to continue their unbeaten start to the season and reach the summit of the Ryman League Division One South.

Two second half goals from Emil Salama and Juevan Spencer were enough to combat Ramsgate’s opening penalty in what was a lively encounter in the August heat. It could’ve been more; Josh Uzun saw his spot kick saved and Matt Reece missed a golden opportunity to wrap it up.

James Bracken made a few changes from the 4-0 win against South Park in the week; Kevant Serbony and Emmanuel Akokhia once again started. Diego Maradona was the notable exclusion due to other commitments.

Ramsgate’s preparations were hampered by the breakdown of the team bus. Having to swap with the supporter’s coach, the players and officials made it in time, but thoughts were spared for the travelling Rams army stuck on the side of a motorway for the afternoon.

The early tempo wasn’t tempered despite the sweltering conditions, which was set to test both side’s fitness levels. Early chances fell to Emmanuel Akokhia and Danny Dudley who could only head high and wide of the Ram’s goal.

The game’s first real chances fell to the visitors; finding himself through on goal, Ian Pulman was only denied by the fine feet of Danny Bracken in goal. Minutes later, Ramsgate’s Luke Girt crashed one against the crossbar. It was evident that the Kent coasters weren’t intending on losing their own unbeaten start.

At the other end, Sekou Kaba’s fine header looped over Luke Watkins but the tall midfielder found himself in an offside position. Emil Salama produced a brilliant run which left his markers for dead but couldn’t quite convert the chance. It would’ve been a goal of the finest individual quality had it not narrowly missed the post.

After the break, The first turning point came; a high ball into the Casuals’ box wasn’t met cleanly by Serbony and the resulting bounce was adjudged to have hit his arm on the rebound. Penalty! The spot kick was calmly tucked away Pulman and the Rams had the lead.

Much like the Hythe Town game just a week before, Casuals showed that they were going to fight for the points. Akokhia narrowly headed wide from a corner and had a glorious chance to equalise after he was felled in the box by Nick Humphrey. However, Josh Uzun couldn’t make it three successful penalties in three successive games as his spot kick was saved by Watkins… the rebound not quite falling to Akokhia.

However, the screw was turning and it wasn’t long before Casuals had their equaliser. Pace started to be a real problem for the Ram’s back four and Salama found himself through on goal and slotted home much to the delight of the fans. And on 78 minutes, Juevan Spencer found himself in a similar position which ended in the same result. 2-1.

Substitute Matt Reece came close to making it three but Watkins, who was excellent all game, denied the striker. Ramsgate pushed forward in order to get an equaliser, but with a defence that’s only conceded one goal in open play this season to contend with, the Casuals comfortably held out for the win.

Casuals have now won four and drawn one of their league and League Cup campaign, resulting in the top spot for James Bracken’s side. Afterwards, he spoke to Stuart Tree;

“This was similar to our first game of the season where it was feisty at times. Maybe one or two decisions both ways were a bit unjust but when you win 2-1, you forget about all of those things. Of course, if you lose 2-1, it’s the thing on the front of your mind.

“You’ll never hear me blaming referees for results unless it’s really bad; we’re out there for 90 minutes and we should be able to win a game in that period.

“On the balance of the game, we didn’t deserve to go behind but we gave away a penalty, which happens and it was an unfortunate one. It’s not as if they’ve really worked the ball well and stretched us where we’ve committed a foul… it was just clumsiness.

“I said to them at half time that the last twenty minutes, it’ll be all us, whatever happens as the opposition will out on their feet. And to be honest, it could’ve been a lot more… four or five if we took our chances, but 2-1 is a win.

“We try to play back-to-front so you end up with a lot of the lads in advanced positions and when you get the ball around the box, you’ve got a variety of options. All of the boys are technically good enough to finish. That’s the way we want to play and it’s working at the moment so we’ll continue to do it.

“It’s a good feeling… who doesn’t want to go home top of the league? But I’ve said it for the last few games – we’ve played four league games and got forty-odd to go.

“It was a different obstacle again today. We’ve gone behind again but we found a way to come back and win. Considering the young lads we’ve got, we seem to be finding a way of turning games and getting something out of it. 

Corinthian Casuals 4-0 South Park
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 18th August 2015
Att: 67
Report by Darren Pasley.

James Bracken's men made light work of South Park as Casuals eased into Round 2 of the Robert Dyas League Cup.

Seldom does this round of the cup come so soon in the season but it gave both managers the opportunity to give competitive game time to those yet to start this season. An opportunity both took advantage of.

The home side took an early lead in the 7th minute with the games first real opening. Dave Hodges volleying in a cross back into the centre from out on the left and the arriving Juevan Spencer guided home his side-foot volley to continue his midweek scoring spree.

Matt Reece starting for the first time was causing the visiting backline problems with his pace and movement, however he maybe should have doubled the lead on 12 minutes when he shot weakly wide following Spencer’s measured cut back.

The chances continued to come for the home side with Spencer at the heart of most of it. Firstly setting up Reece for a blocked effort before seeing the resulting corner headed off the line from Danny Dudley's attempt. South Park were desperately clinging on to stay in the match.

Kieron Lavery headed his sides first attempt at goal well over in the 22nd minute before Danny Bracken was called into action for the first and ultimately only time of the evening minutes later as he got down well to smother Jack Watts effort from outside the box.

The lead was doubled 4 minutes before the break as Brandon Johnson was caught by the dive of keeper Oscar and Josh Uzun slammed home his second spot kick in as many matches.

There was still time for South Park to threaten just before the whistle but the flying Lavery saw a header just flash the other side of the near post.

Young Reece continued to impress and 3 minutes after the interval fashioned a chance out of nothing from 20 yards but the half volley was just wide of Oscars right hand upright.

Substitute Ben Cotton showed a deft touch to beat his marker before driving into the box but his effort was beaten away by Oscar as Casuals attempted to rack up the pressure required to finish the match.

Midway though the second half Spencer came close to a second consecutive midweek brace when again he latched onto a Dave Hodges cross and although his first touch left the ball behind him he did well to swivel and get away a shot which flew just over.

Leading scorer Emmanuel Akokhia was introduced for the final 20 minutes and he immediately linked up with Diego Maradona with the later having a shot deflected away by he legs of Oscar.

The tie was finally put to bed in the 76th minute when Cotton deservedly scored his first Casuals goal when he calmly slot home after Maradona had been foiled by the Banks when clean through on goal.

3 soon became 4 when another substitute Akokhia smashed home low across the keeper from the right hand side after weaving past Hatfield. 

Brandon Johnson was inches from adding a 5th deep into stoppage time when his 35 yard drive dipped just over the bar.

Assistant Manager Dan Pringle spoke to Stuart Tree after match.

“Tonight was a fantastic response to how we performed on Saturday. The result against Hythe wasn’t terrible after we got a 94th minute equaliser away from home with a new team.

“Maybe we were a little bit over-critical of ourselves because we want to win every game, but the way we’ve bounced back tonight was fantastic.

“We couldn’t ask any more of them… the work-rate, the way they kept the ball, took their chances. We controlled it from start to finish and never looked in trouble. Danny Bracken hasn’t had a save to make. We looked fantastic!


“Matt Reece came in and did fantastic. Ben Cotton had 45 minutes and in that time looked like a seasoned pro.

“We have a great bunch of players here and we’re spoilt for choice. But we’d rather have the problem of selecting from all good players than scratching around for those decent enough to play at this level.

“Even the Reserves can quite easily come in and do as well as what we’ve put out there tonight. It gives us options… if you looked at our bench tonight, we’ve had Kevant (Serbony) who’s has played every minute in the league so far, Mani (Emmanuel Akokhia) who’s scored four already and Ben Cotton who looked the part. So you’d much rather have that headache than scratching around looking for decent players.

“Hopefully, as the season progresses, everyone sticks together and the Reserves can get involved, it should be a good season.

“Unbeaten in four… and we only lost to Hampton and Kingstonian in pre-season too. And with the K’s, that was after playing on the Saturday just 48 hours before, which I put down to tired legs more than anything. Taking away that result, we’re looking good. We’ve got to be careful not to get ahead of ourselves. We’re only four games in but we are on a high, so let’s keep it going.

“It was a blip at the weekend (vs Hythe) but going there and nicking a point in the last minute could turn out to be vital come the end of the season if we’re looking to get promotion or the playoffs. Let’s just keep looking up… keep positive… keep going the way we have so far and I’m sure if we carry on with that approach it could be a very exciting season.”

Hythe Town 1 - 1 Corinthian-Casuals FC
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 15th August 2015
Reachfields
Report and Pics: Stuart Tree (all pics can be seen here)

A last gasp penalty from Josh Uzun kept Corinthian-Casuals’ unbeaten start to the season going in a tough encounter away to Hythe Town in the Ryman League Division One.

And Manager James Bracken praised his players for showing “good character” to return home to Tolworth with a draw.

Hythe’s Reachfields Stadium has traditionally been a poor hunting ground for the Corinth but with the impressive wins over Worthing and Tooting to look back on, coupled with Hythe’s two defeats in two, there wasn’t a better chance for the Amateurs to take all three points for the first time against the Kent coasters.

Bracken had one enforced change to make; the unavailable Diego Maradona was replaced by last season’s top scorer Jamie Byatt – returning from a suspension that saw him miss the first two matches of the new campaign.

From the early exchanges, it was obvious that this was going to be a different affair to that which played out at Tooting’s KNK Stadium in midweek. Hythe looked hungry for their first point and gave very little away in midfield. However, the half played out without much action from either keeper.

However, Hythe’s stopper, Dan Eason was lucky to stay on the pitch in the dying minutes of the first period; Emmanuel Akokhia latched onto a defence-splitting pass and stole half a yard on his defender. Eason, charging out of his area, collided with Akokhia. Mr Michael Ryan, the man in charge immediately awarded a free kick but only cautioned the Cannon’s number one.

After the break, the home side upped the tempo and for large periods of the game, put Casuals’ defence under pressure. The back four remained resolute with the new partnership of Danny Dudley and Terry Murray nullifying most of the attacking threat. Hythe came closest within their dominating period when Laurence Harvey’s header clipped the top of the crossbar.

However, after 258 minutes without a goal conceded, Danny Bracken had to pick the ball out of the net for the first time this season; Hythe’s captain, James Morrish, skilfully chipping home over Bracken to give what looked like a home win in a tight affair.

Casuals looked a world away from the performances that saw them win two from two but the late introduction of debutant Emil Salama had a game changing effect.

Deep into stoppage time, Salama latched onto a pass and beat Eason to the ball, who in turn, didn’t miss Salama. Penalty! Eason wasn’t lucky enough to remain on the pitch this time and Hythe were down to ten men. Josh Uzun stepped up and calmly placed it past the substitute keeper to give Casuals a credible, if not slightly unjust draw.

After the match, James Bracken said of the result,

“You have to look at it as a point gained when you equalise with pretty much the last kick of the game. But it’s a good away point and we remain unbeaten.

“However, if you’d been in the dressing room, it was very quiet. There was no bouncing around because we want to win.

“A point is fine and there are positives to take from it, but we want to win!

“We were prepared for Hythe to be a little more physical and for large spells of the game we dealt with that just fine. They’ve scored a goal, not from a knock-down but a pass that we’ve not tracked a run. So it’s not a case that they’ve beat us down with set pieces or knocking balls in our box… we’ve coped with that aspect of their game fairly well today.

“Danny (Bracken) has not had to make a save of any note in the 90 minutes but they’ve nicked the goal in a tight game. Sometimes that’s enough to win it but we showed good character – we carried on and done enough to earn a draw.

“We weren’t at our best today. We’re not going to go out there and play exhibition football every week, win 3-0 and be comfortable. That’s just not going to happen. Sometimes you have to grind one out.

“We knew after the first twenty minutes that it was going to be one of those games where you have to stay in it. We could’ve quite easily nicked that first goal and maybe we’d have hung on for a 1-0 win. It didn’t work out that way but we’ve shown enough character to come away with a point.” 

Tooting & Mitcham United 0-2 Corinthian Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday11th August 2015
Report by Darren Pasley.
Pics: Stuart Tree (click here to view)
Video: Steve Wigg (click here to view)
Att:228

Corinthian-Casuals made a winning start on the road as they picked up where left off from the Worthing game in a comfortable victory at Tooting & Mitcham United.

Casuals gave first starts of the season to last season’s regulars Danny Dudley, Juevan Spencer and Niall Wright as James Bracken looked to outwit the side which had claimed the Geoff Harvey Memorial Trophy at King Georges Arena the previous month.

Both sides made a fairly cagey start to the match, getting used to the ball zipping of the slick surface after the early evening rain in South West London.

The games first effort on goal arrived in the 9th minute when after Niall Wright was sized down on the edge of the area Emmanuel Akokhia curled a free kick into the arms of keeper Adam Faith who was well placed.

The home custodian’s handling wasn’t as impressive shortly afterwards as let a Wright cross slip through his grasp but the ball hit the air bound Danny Dudley’s head and wide of the goal as a half cleared corner was returned back into the danger zone.

Casuals were starting to dictate the tempo and Diego Maradona so impressive on Saturday went close to opening the scoring as his deft ball into the box evaded both Akokhia and the far post by inches.

At the other end the home side rarely threatened,their only effort on target in the first half saw Jake Baxter’s low effort held by Danny Bracken after a neat flick from former Casuals reserve striker Michael Salako.

On 37 minutes the deadlock was broken as Faiths luck finally ran out. There seemed to be little on when Brandon Johnson picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and wide of the area. His low drive should have seen a routine save but the keeper once again spilled the ball and although he blocked Akojkhia’s first effort , Juevan Spencer was on hand to latch onto the rebound and chip over his hands into the net.

The Terrors only response was a wild effort from Sol Pinnock after bursting into the box but the River Wandle seemed to be more at risk than Danny Brackens goal.

To their credit the hosts started the second half well and forced a number of early corners which Casuals defended well.

On 52 minutes Pinnock saw a whipped ball from the left lopped over the bar by Jake Baxter as they looked to get back into the match and build on their opening day victory at East Grinstead.

Despite this it was the visitors who still looked the more likely in the final third and Spencer and Akokhia again combined with the latter being denied by a last ditch challenge.

The say football is a game of fine margins and as the game approached the hour mark this was evidently so.

A corner for the visitors saw Kevant Serbony caught on the edge of the box and with the home side breaking at pace the ball was played into Pinnock who once again blazed horribly over his sides best chance of the match.

To compound the misery Casuals launched a break of their own and after Sevant brilliantly found Maradona the young winger played in a delight low cross which was slid home at the back post by Spencer for his second of the match.

This knocked the stuffing out the hosts and it was Casuals who looked for a third. Josh Uzun having an effort deflected just wide moments after coming on.

A 3rd did arrive with 9 minutes remaining as Akokhia picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and after teasing past Harry Knock his shot deflected past Faith.

The result left Casuals one of 6 clubs who maintained their 100% records after 2 games and James Bracken was impressed after the match with the two goal winger. 

“Juevan knows what I want from him. He knows what he needs to do to play in the side. We spoke to him in the Summer and said he needs to add goals to his game and he’s scored two tonight. We haven’t got a bad player here at Casuals and Juevan falls into the category of another good player.

“The boys have been absolutely outstanding again. After Saturday, you worry if they’re going to get to that level again of energy, commitment and quality of football but they went out there and just done it all over again from the first whistle.

“Tooting are another decent side and both teams we’ve played so far have been good but we’re playing well.

“The boys are loving it at the moment. Playing here every week, enjoying it and winning is of course giving them a great feeling. They’re such a good unit and they trust me.

“Let’s see where we are after ten games and again by Christmas but we’ll just keep plugging away, remain focused and work hard.”

Corinthian Casuals 2-0 Worthing
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 8th August 2015
Report by Darren Pasley
Pics: Stuart Tree  (click here for full set)
Video: Steve Wigg (click here for goals)
Att: 184


Corinthian Casuals opened the new campaign in fine style as an brace from debutant Emannuel Akokhia was sufficient enough to see off Worthing at King Georges Arena

With new manager James Bracken at the helm the ex Sutton United Reserve manager fielded 9 new debutants with only Danny Bracken and Dave Hodges starting from last seasons squad.

After a very encouraging pre-season Casuals flew out the blocks and inside the first minute Diego Maradona played the ball into the path of Akokhia who rolled his marker Matt Hurley and fired off a shot inside the box which was beaten away by the legs of keeper Rikki Banks.

The early warning fired to the visitors came back to haunt them as in the 4th minute Hurley again found himself on the wrong side of the lively striker and this time Akokhia fired left footed across Banks into the bottom corner for the opening goal of the season.

The pressure continued as the home side’s pace and movement time and time again took apart the Sussex sides backline.
Diego Maradona was denied by keeper Banks in the 7th minute as the ball broke to him on the edge of the area but the visiting stopper got down well to divert for a corner.

Banks continued to keep his side in it as a slick move resulted in Sekou Kaba driving into the box and his cut back met by Maradona whose effort  was blocked by the keepers legs on the line. Moments later Akokhia picked up the ball on the right and his curling shot was tipped over.

Dave Hodges operating in a full back role saw whipped cross volleyed just over by Josh Uzun but in the 27th minute the lead was deservedly doubled.

A routine ball over the top should have dealt with by the experienced Gary Elphick but his attempted back header lacked the necessary purchase to reach Banks and the ever alert Akokhia nipped in to round the keeper and slot past the the covering defende on the line as Casuals took a two goal lead.

Banks prevented a 3rd yet again with his legs, this time Kevant Serbony denied after yet more good work from Maradona down the left.

Worthing for all the pre-season hype after a number of highly impressive and high-scoring performances rarely had an answer to their opponents desire and paid the price in the final third for poor decision making.
That being said they did come into the game during the latter stages of the half and right on half time Omar Bugiel should have levelled the match as his header from a corner hit the inside of the post before being clawed off the line by Bracken.

The Sussex side started the second half well with a series of early corners and in the 47th minute Ben Pope arrived unmarked at the back post but attempted a flying volley when perhaps a header would have caused Bracken more problems.

In truth Casuals seemed rarely troubled despite seldomly offering a threat of their own. Their opponents continued to disappoint in the danger areas with many overhit crosses and no real conviction inside or around the box.

With 6 minutes reaming Bugiel again went close with a headed effort from a corner which seemed to be his sides only real threat of the contest.

With Worthing pushing forward more gaps appearing as the game reached its concluding stages, striker  Sekou Kabba was denied a debut goal by the flying Banks with a spectacular save.

The win marked a superb first day at the office for Danny Bracken and after the match he spoke to Stuart Tree of his delight

“I thought we were fantastic from the first whistle. We never let Worthing settle into any style of play. They’ve tried to change it three or four times throughout the game but whatever they did, it didn’t work. It’s come down to the fact that we wanted it that little bit more. 

“Some of the boys have been focused on this first team opportunity for three or four years and now they’ve got it, they’re hungry to grasp hold of it. 

"Obviously, it’s about maintaining it now. This is just one game. We won’t get carried away but it’s a great start.

“Was it a bit feisty at times? It was a hot day… the first game of the season and no-one’s fitness levels are at their maximum. When you’re tired and you get a little nick, on another day you just get up and get on with it. But often on a hot day things can flare up a little. 

“I felt they instigated it a little towards the end of the first half. They were just trying to break the game down and stop our rhythm. However, we need to make sure that we don’t react and be professional, which we were second half after a little chat. From there, we remained in control and played well.

“You always worry when you go in at 2-0 because if they score at the start of the second half, it’s game on and all of your hard work in the first half can come undone. You certainly want to kill the game off. That said, we’ve taken two good goals in the first half hour and then never really looked in trouble. I’m happy with that. 

“Worthing are a good side… but today, we were just a little bit better.”