Corinthian-Casuals 3 - 1 Sittingbourne
Bostik League South
Saturday 24th February 2018
Match report: Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (full gallery here)

The resilient Corinthian-Casuals came out of Saturday’s feisty clash with mid-table side Sittingbourne as deserved winners thanks to a 3-1 victory at the windy King George’s Field, which boosted James Bracken’s pink & brown team to second in the Bostik League South table.

Before kickoff, players, officials and supporters observed a minute's applause for two great Corinthians who have recently left us; former player and Chairman Geoff Hewitson and Hubert Doggart OBE - also a great cricketer. 

Seven minutes into the game, Josh Uzun popped up at the near post to guide the ball into the back of the net as Casuals put the disappointing yet highly respectable performance at Billericay Town on Monday behind them to go 1-0 up early on. Uzun was amongst a defensive disaster for Sittingbourne; the goal was taken from Corinth’s no.7 and awarded to the hapless Lex Allen of the Bourne as an own goal due to a deflection off the centre-back. However, a goal was a goal- it was 1-0. Attacking with vigour and purpose that both mirrored and differed from the Billericay loss, Casuals were quick, exciting and ready for the challenge, but also faced a lower intensity, so it was a different type of prowess upfront. The away side seemed to falter in the offensive department until the 26th minute in which the vocal Bourne supporters that were stood behind the goal were able to cheer when Mobolaji Dawodu tucked a through ball away.

It was a blow for the Casuals after a seemingly-organised and attacking performance, but this positive mind-set drilled into their heads by the Bracken Brothers would allow them to regain the lead just three minutes later. Gabriel Odunaike was on the lookout for another goal to add to his tally following his opener at Billericay as he latched onto a superb Uzun pass to knock the ball past the intimidating Bourne keeper Otuyo- Casuals were 2-1 up, but would it last this time?

Tackles flying in from everywhere, Jordan Clarke, Odunaike and Uzun all faced tough challenges from the yellows as the referee seemed to lose control of his consistency and card distribution at the end of the first half.  It finished 2-1 at the break.

Booked during the first 45, Serbony was replaced by Ben Cheklit for a straight swap in the midfield. Hoping to close the precarious one goal gap in the scoreline, the pink and brown army marched onto the search for a third goal, but were unsuccessful for a long and agonising period. Unfairly given yellow cards, Clarke and Daly were written up by the referee before one of them managed to achieve Bracken’s aim. Sixty-seven minutes in, Clarke was prodding the ball towards goal as usual, but this time his trademark set of step-overs allowed him to avoid yellow shirts and hit an effort that flew into the bottom corner from outside the area. The key was accuracy for Clarke, who had been unfortunate to not have converted earlier on, as his pinpoint shot gave Casuals the comfort of a two goal lead for the first time.

Drama arrived late on as a wonderful move and a wonderful goal was cruelly disallowed. Behind the goals, Casuals supporters were in disbelief over the incredible nature of Warren Morgan’s would’ve-been wonder goal. Pacing through on goal, Odunaike played a one-two with the oncoming Morgan before executing an exquisite backheel to nutmeg a Sittingbourne player to play in the rushing right-back again. Curling the ball into the top corner, Morgan was set to go crazy before he spotted the offside flag on the sideline and was in disbelief over the decision that announced Odunaike as the one who was off. The remainder of the match featured of failed outcomes to set-pieces and a mass scuffle in the area that somehow involved the referee to only book Jide Okimeji for a shocking tackle on Frazer Walker. When the three blows on the referee’s whistle occurred, it was finally time for Casuals to relax as the 3 points were secured.

Ashford United nicked an unlikely win versus second-placed Cray Wanderers, which resulted in Casuals to leapfrog them and take a place in the automatic promotion space. We wish Sittingbourne FC the best for the rest of the season. What’s next on the calendar for Bracken? A trip to VCD Atheltic on the 3rd March, which will mark the last ten games of the 17/18 season.

Sittingbourne 2 - 2 Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik League South
Saturday 25th November 2017
Match report and pics: Stuart Tree (photos here)

​Corinthian-Casuals had to come from behind twice to salvage a draw at playoff-contenders Sittingbourne in the Bostik League South on Saturday.
 
Reyon Dillon and Gabriel Odunaike’s equalisers were enough to keep James Bracken’s side in the automatic promotion spots but they had to work hard for it against a physically-imposing Bourne side.
 
Going into the match missing key strikers Danny Cunningham and Jordan Clarke, mixed with the absence of Dave Hodges and Nathan Daly at the back meant Bracken was forced to make several changes as Casuals looked to get back to winning ways against Nick Davies’ Brickies who have had a bright start to the season themselves.
 
Often the first ten minutes set the scene for the whole ninety and this wasn’t much different. Casuals spluttered and most advancements forward were easily matched by a resolute home side’s defence. 6’7” Lex Allan lapped up most of the aerial threat. Neither side created anything to trouble the highlight reel. Reyon Dillon flashed a shot wide of the mark in a rare breakthrough.
 
Nearing half time, Kevant Serbony clattered into John Coker and there was no hesitation in a spot-kick being awarded. Coker stepped up and sent Danny Bracken the wrong way to give the home side the lead.
 
However, Sittingbourne were pegged back on the stroke of half time when Dillon shrugged off several challenges before shooting low into the bottom corner to give scoreline parity. Jack Strange had a well placed header held by keeper Jordan Carey following a floated free kick from Ben Cheklit.
 
The second half saw Casuals emerge without an injured Coskun Ekim but still came out of their shells and looked the more dangerous. As we know, possession counts for nothing if no end product can be found and they fell behind once again; Kane Rowland tapping in from close range from a Kane Phillip cross. It looked as though the Amateur’s defence had switched off at a vital moment.
 
The game wasn’t done. Casuals forced more pressure and the excellent Carey was equal to most of it. Cheklit’s curling shot was well saved and the custodian turned an Odunaike shot around his post. However, the resulting corner wasn’t sufficiently cleared and Odunaike pounced, forcing the ball home from ten yards, much to the jubilation of his teammates.
 
The result was only Casuals third draw in the whole season and second in the league. It leaves Bracken’s side level on points with leaders Lewes but the chasing pack behind, closing in. Life isn’t easy at the top and Casuals need to put this last week behind them and get back to their winning ways.
 
“That for me was a point gained today what with going behind twice and coming back”, said Bracken after the match.
 
“At the end, we had chances to nick it and win but today wasn’t great from us.”
 
“They play a very direct style and with three of our most regular back four missing, coming to a side that were flying at the start of the season, and have players returning, it was always going to be a tough game.”
 
“I don’t think the referee helped our cause in the slightest. The penalty for me is a little bit soft, but beyond that, we weren’t given a fair shout across the whole game. Some of the incidents that happened need to be looked at again.”
 
“But the boys carried on going. Showed character again coming from behind twice. If you’re going to win leagues which we’re going to try and do, then you need to show that character in these moments.”

Sittingbourne 2 - 1 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 1st November 2016
Attendance: 90
Match report and photo: Stuart Tree

As many of us will attest, football can be a frustrating game at times. Just ask Corinthian-Casuals’ Manager James Bracken following the 2-1 defeat to Sittingbourne in the Ryman League Division One South. He described the 4-1 win at Chatham Town ten days ago as ‘having zero frustrations’. How that had changed on this cold Tuesday November evening.

For all the possession, for all the territory, for all the chances… if you cannot convert your supremacy, then don’t expect to win the game. Despite playing with ten men for nearly the entire second half, Sittingbourne resolutely held out for a gritty 2-1 win.

Recent fixtures against the Brickies have yielded good results for Casuals in recent years. Bracken’s side did the double over the Kent side last season and Bracken was looking to extend that run.

Enforced changes saw Danny Dudley shift across from Right-Back into central defensive duties with Jack Strange missing and playmaker Maz Bettache was also absent from the line-up allowing Brandon Johnson his first start in six games. Jamie Byatt started ahead of Ben Cheklit who shared the bench with the returning Kevant Serbony.

Corinth started brightly under the dim floodlights of Woodstock Park. A quick succession of corners was well met by both Jamie Byatt and Shaun Okojie who the latter saw his shot from a few yards out cleared off the line by a Bourne defender. Jordan Clarke – on free kick duties saw his relatively comfortable effort spilled by Michal Czanner though made amends when he kept out Josh Gallagher’s follow-up. In truth, it was all one-way traffic as wave upon wave of advancements from Corinth gave plenty for the Brickies’ defence to deal with. Byatt snapping at the heels of Bourne saw the lively frontman go close with a header and then his snap-shot pass just wide of Czanner’s goal.

Squandered opportunities often get punished and this evening was no different. Dudley’s mis-controlled pass was gathered up by Steven Ita. Catching the back line on the hop, he laid it off to Tom Brunt who made no mistake in despatching the ball under Danny Bracken to give the hosts a surprise lead.

Bracken was called into action again soon after when the giant defender Jono Richardson blasted a header down the keeper’s throat only to see Bracken palm it over the bar.

Casuals came again… Czanner once again bravely foiling another attack with a last ditch save to prevent Warren Morgan and Okojie from levelling the score. A little nutmeg into the six yard box gave Gallagher the time and space to pick his spot but the midfielder dragged his effort wide in what was the best chance of the game. Jordan Clarke curled a dipping shot onto Bourne’s crossbar… the rebound falling kindly for the clearance.

Then the sucker punch. On the stroke of half time, Joe Loft doubled the score for Sittingbourne. The goal led to the hardy home supporters to chant ‘two shots and we’ve scored them both.’

If Casuals were to get anything from the game, Bourne’s Stefan Wright made the task a bit easier for the visitors. Wright’s lunging tackle on Brandon Johnson gave Referee Mr Ryan Whittaker no choice but to brandish a red card, whilst seeing Johnson limp off injured.

Nine minutes later, the comeback was on. Dave Hodges, who’d been excellent on the wing all game, whipped in a delicious cross perfectly meeting the head of Byatt who nodded home from six yards. The celebration muted as ‘Busy’ gathered the ball and retreated to get the game going as soon as possible.

The goal should’ve been the catalyst for a dramatic comeback but if anything, it just made Bourne’s defence more resolute. Though Casuals had the lion’s share of possession, well inside the Brickies’ half, credit must go to the effort that the hosts put in to ensure they came away with all three points.

Alas, parity was not forthcoming and when Niall Wright sustained a bad injury and had to be lifted from the field, the sides were once again therein ended Corinth’s chances of taking any points from Woodstock Park this season.
Casuals remain sixth in the league whilst Sittingbourne climb into the top half of the table. Once again, thanks to our hosts for their graciousness in victory and welcoming hospitality… as well as decent Cheeseburgers!

Manger James Bracken had these words after the match.

"Two games ago, I described my feelings as having 'zero frustrations'. Tonight, we went back to maximum frustration.

"This was a game that we started brightly despite arriving late and not having much of a warm up. We dominated the possession, moved the ball around nicely and settled in our overall shape. We created more than enough chances to be two or three up before we go one down.

"Then we concede another just before half time despite not being under any kind of pressure. They're sucker punch goals. The first one is an individual error which gifts them the chance and that's just one of those things. By conceding the second one just before half time, we make it hard for ourselves.

"I said to them, if we score in the first fifteen minutes of the second half, we can come back and get at least a draw. We've scored one, had numerous chances and had so much of the ball to salvage something out of tonight... but we haven't.

"I'm disappointed but I feel were slowly evolving at the moment into the team that I think we're going to be. However, we need to do that quickly as games are marching by. We don't want gaps to open up in the league table.

"We're positive. Okay – the final ball in hasn't been the best and we have to turn that dominance into three points. I've said in the changing room, we cannot apportion blame elsewhere. 'Oh but this happened or that's unlucky... that's football'. We need to make sure that if we want to win this league or reach the playoffs, we get rid of those excuses, turn them into nothing and come away with three points. It's easier said than done but we'll work hard to accomplish it.

"I've openly said to the boys, I've not enjoyed much of this season. I love what I do but as far as this campaign goes, I've not enjoyed it. Purely because I've got lads on the bench that I want to play. I've got lads who can't even make the sixteen that I want to play. I can't play everybody but this weekend is an opportunity for changes – some enforced and maybe a couple out of my own choice. That's a result of tonight where they didn't perform as well as they should have.

"I'm a big believer that you're only as good as your last game. I don't care how good someone thinks they are, if they put in a substandard performance, I've got other good players that are chomping at the bit to get on the pitch and show what they can do. It keeps everyone on their toes as long as it's embraced the right way, it should make us better.

"It's a difficult balancing act. You see the teams that get promoted out of this league and you pretty much know their starting XI before the teamsheet goes up. With us it's very different. That's not to say it cannot be successful. Just as long as it's embraced the right way. That the boys give everything they've got when they get the chance yet support their team-mates when they're not playing. It's hard for them though. They want to play every game... of course they do. But I can't play everyone."

Sittingbourne 2 - 1 Corinthian-Casuals
Alan Turvey Trophy Quarter Final
Tuesday 26th January 2015
Attendance: 70
Match report and pics: Stuart Tree

Corinthian-Casuals crashed out of the Alan Turvey Trophy for the second time this season as Sittingbourne progressed to the semi-final at the Amateur’s expense, in testing weather conditions.

Casuals, who had originally exited the competition in the last round after their 2-1 defeat at Tooting and Mitcham were given a late reprieve after the Terrors had fielded an ineligible player, thus eliminating them and re-instating James Bracken’s side.

It was Casuals' fifteenth Cup tie this season, in what is already a mammoth season in terms of games played. However, this one was a step too far.

Though boss Bracken could be confident in achieving a result over the Brickies following two league wins in the current campaign. However, the Casuals' manager had named a changed line-up to that which faced South Park at the weekend. On the bench were two debutants – Jack Strange and Reyon Dillon who had both played for Sutton United against Casuals in the recent Surrey Senior Cup tie.

Sittingbourne were also hampered with selection and a number of players were cup tied. Bourne had to name no less than 4 under 21’s themselves. Despite either side fielding a full strength side, the hardy 70 souls in attendance were just happy to have the game on, following two previous postponements. There was a possibility of a third with the rain lashing down in gale force winds and a technical hitch with one of the floodlights before the game. However, kickoff commenced and the tie was finally underway.

Casuals started the brighter, possibly as a result of having the wind behind their backs. Shaun Okojie tested Adam Molloy in goal with a shot on the turn which the keeper did well to get down to. Stef Joseph, who looked lively on a very tricky surface (described as a pitch for Shire Horses and not Ballerinas by one) had his well placed header equally matched by Molloy.

But on 33 minutes, ‘Smash’ broke the deadlock. Latching onto a through ball from Brandon Johnson, Joseph beat his marker and shot low under Molloy to give the visitors the lead. Retreating to the warmth of the changing rooms at half time, Casuals looked comfortable on their lead, though proved to be too precarious by not adding to the solitary strike.

Sittingbourne now had the howling gale in their favour and balls over the top caused the Corinth back line many problems. Casuals tried to eek out a second goal and perhaps Okojie should’ve done better when bearing down one-on-one with Molloy. The striker beat the keeper but pushed his through ball too far past and Bourne were able to recover.

On 66 minutes, the scores were level. A ball into the box was misjudged and flew out for a corner. From the resulting set piece, Dan Hughes had lost his marker and was able to smash home from ten yards, much to the delight of the home fans.

Stef Joseph almost expertly restored Corinth’s lead within a minute. Rising high above his marker, he was somehow able to muster some real power into his header which had Molloy beaten but narrowly passed the post. It was to prove costly…

On 77 minutes, a Casuals attack broke down and Sittingbourne pumped the ball long, which Danny Dudley misjudged in the air to let the Brickie’s attack through. Finding space out wide, and with Casuals scrambling back, Josh Wisson crossed into Hughes who had a free header six yards out to finish Casuals off.

Heads dropped and even though the introduction of Juevan Spencer, Josh Uzun and Reyon Dillon wasn’t enough to get a goal back and take it to penalties. Sittingbourne looked comfortable in playing the remainder of the game out and the 2-1 scoreline wasn’t added to. It was a real case of ‘a game of two halves’ and for Casuals, a shame that their ‘half’ wasn’t capitalised upon.

We wish Sittingbourne all the best for the rest of the competition and face Faversham Town in the semi-final.

Corinthian-Casuals line up: Bracken, Morgan, Defoe (Uzun), Dudley, Murray, Johnson, Mendy, Wright, Okojie, Joseph (Dillon), Serbony (Spencer). Subs not used: Cotton, Strange.

Sittingbourne 1 - 2 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 10th October 2015
Attendance: 116
Match report and pics: Stuart Tree (photos can be viewed here)

Corinthian-Casuals maintained their good form with a hard fought 2-1 win away at Sittingbourne courtesy of goals from Josh Uzun and Juevan Spencer.

The result now means that Casuals have won seven out of eight games and are unbeaten in five. In contrast, their opponents, Sittingbourne have now suffered six defeats in a row.

The hosts were hampered by the suspension of their first choice goalkeeper, Adam Molloy who’d been excellent in the reverse fixture just ten days before. The Brickies had to call upon 16-year old Adam Wallace to be their last line of defence.

Casuals lined up with a full strength side. Stef Joseph claimed a place in the starting XI after his good performance in the league cup in midweek.

On what can be described as a ‘tricky’ surface, play was never going to be fast and free flowing and the early exchanges came to little. It was therefore unsurprising that the deadlock was broken from a set-piece. Josh Uzun was fouled just outside the Sittingbourne area and the midfielder took it upon himself to place the ball over the wall and leave Wallace flat footed.

Minutes later, Juevan Spencer turned his defender and his shot managed to beat Wallace but struck the base of the post.

Bourne grew into the game and Danny Bracken was forced into making a fine stop from Harry Smith.

All the light-heartedness of a supporter’s half-time crossbar challenge soon went by the wayside as the second half began and decidedly turned feisty.  Casuals felt aggrieved that they weren’t awarded a penalty after Stef Joseph latched onto a ball before Wallace could intercept and the goalkeeper appeared to hold back the forward before the Brickies could recover.

Sustained pressure from Sittingbourne soon paid off. A free kick from Hicham Akhazzan struck Dave Hodges in the wall and the resulting deflection sent Bracken the wrong way, with the ball sailing into an empty part of the net. Though cruel, the equaliser was perhaps deserved.

With quarter of an hour to go came a real turning point; Sittingbourne’s Stefan Wright clashed in a challenge with Hodges. Although Wright won the ball, the two-footed tackle was adjudged dangerous and left Hodges with a nasty injury. Referee Mr R Wells sent Wright packing with a straight red card.

Down to ten men, the Bourne found themselves a goal down just two minutes later. An incisive pass from Warren Morgan through the penalty box found Juevan Spencer at the far post and the in-form winger had no hesitation in slotting the ball home to the delight of the small travelling band of Casuals’ supporters behind the goal. It was to prove decisive; Casuals held their composure to play out the time and return to Tolworth with three points and second place in the league table.

Well done to Sittingbourne FC on raising over £100 for Prostate Cancer UK on the day.

After the match, James Bracken spoke about the result.

“It’s the worst pitch we’ve played on this season and so we’ve had to change our game plan today which perhaps wasn’t the prettiest but three points was the priority and that’s what we’ve got.

“I said to the boys before we started ‘if you’re going to be near the top of the league, you’ve not only got to win when the pitches are good and everything is flowing nicely, but you’ve got to show you can scrap and win that way.’ That’s what we’ve done today.

“There were a lot of incidents in the game. I personally thought we got nothing. I felt we moaned less than the other team but I’m not too concerned when you win. We’ll forget about it and concentrate on the next game.

“It’s important that we were clinical in our chances today. A few weeks ago, we were scoring three or four but missing a further eight or nine chances. I’m telling them that they’ve got to be more clinical because in games where we might only get two chances, you have to take them. I hope they’ve taken that on board and it’s worked out this afternoon. We’ve had two chances, kept our composure and come away with a result.

“Team spirit is fantastic since I took over in the summer. But we’re level; you won’t see me or the lads change. If we’re two-up, two-down… won four in a row, it stays the same. If we lose one or two, of course we won’t be happy but you won’t see us down in the dumps and we’ll soon get back on another run.” 

Corinthian-Casuals 1-0 Sittingbourne
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 29th September 2015
Attendance: 108
Match Report: Darren Pasley
Pics: Stuart Tree

A welcome clean sheet provided the basis of another important 3 points as substitute Shaun Okojie hit a late winner to see off visitors Sittingbourne.

The Kent side looking to maintain their healthy start to the season following Saturday's disappointing FA cup exit at home to Hoddesdon started well and knocked the ball around with ease in Casuals half. The aerial presence of Harry Smith also causing some concern in the opening stages.

Despite a slow start the home side sprung to life in the 14th minute when following Danny Bracken's huge punt downfield Emmanuel Akokhia saw a rasping volley expertly tipped over by Sittingbourne's number 1 Adam Molloy.
From the resulting corner Brandon Johnson turned the ball back into the area and Danny Dudley was inches away from scoring in successive games. His shot on the turn just wide of the right hand post.

Centre back Ollie Brown has the visitors first effort in the 20th minute with an opportunist volley which was well over but as in previous games Casuals started taking a grip on proceedings. Shortly afterwards after winning the ball on the edge of his own box Juevan Spencer embarked on a run which took him down to the opposite box and saw his dangerous cross dealt with well by the Brickies defence.

Sittingbourne perhaps should have opened the scoring in the 34th minute as from a corner Jono Richardson saw his goal-bound header deflected clear by his own striker Miles Cornwell just yards from goal. At the other end Spencer continued to cause problems and after skipping past Jack Steventon and travelling along the byline only the outstretched arm of Molloy prevented the number 11 from tapping into the net.

Casuals were now in full flow as they attempted to make the breakthrough. Josh Uzun curled just over from 20 yards before having another effort saved low down after Cherno Mendy was denied by Richardson's saving tackle. Sekou Kaba was the next to narrowly miss the bar with another curling effort but going into the break the scores were level.

The second period continued in a similar patten with Molloy tipping over once again this time from Mendy from the edge of the area.

The visitors eager to make an impression of their own in the final third saw Tom Brunt win the ball deep into Casuals territory but Bracken was on hand to dive onto the ball heading towards the line. At the other end Molloy continued to impress and this time his legs kept the scores level when blocking from Emmanuel Akokhia after the striker received the ball back from Johnson.

In the 63rd minute Mendy side-footed over following a well worked build up involving Johnson and Kaba and many of the 108 strong home crowd were starting to wonder if this was to be one of those nights.

Substitute Ollie Bankole was denied by Bracken as a deflected shot fell invitingly to him but the keeper rushed out to block with his shoulder. From the corner the ball was swung back into Billy French who volleyed just over. Sittingbourne making it clear they still had intentions of taking the points.

Almost immediately the home side broke up-field and Emmanuel played in Spencer who in behind Gonnella knocked past Molloy but with the defenders back saw his shot cleared off the line once again by the legs of the keeper.

In the 70th minute Kaba found himself space in the area to fire off another shot which this time drew the save of the night from Molloy this time diving away to his left. Danny Bracken made a brilliant save to keep out a Harry Smith header as once again Sittingbourne threatened before Casuals were denied what appeared to be a huge shout for a penalty. Johnson taking a quick free kick and substitute Shaun Okojie arriving before the keeper who appeared to tug back the striker whilst retrieving the ball.

They say games turn on pivotal moments and in the space of 90 seconds the game was settled. A free kick from the right was met by Billy French and his header beat Bracken but hit the inside of the post where a grateful Dudley slid clear.

Again Casuals broke up field and Kevant Serbony was brought down just outside the right hand side of the area.
Up-stepped Akokhia in the 83rd minute and his left footed effort appeared to be top-corner bound before Molloy once again intervened. Johnson first to the dropping ball steered back into the 6 yard box where Okojie gleefully tapped home and was rewarded with the subsequent bundle of all his team mates. (pictured below)

With 2 minutes remaining Harry Smith received his marching orders for a late tackle on Warren  Morgan which resulted in a second yellow and then Brandon Johnson received his second caution too after electing to take his time over the subsequent free-kick.

There were no further dramas at each end and with those around them all winning with games in hand too Casuals maintained their second spot.

After the match manager James Bracken spoke of his match-winner and his thoughts on the game.

“I’m delighted for Shaun. He wasn’t even due to be in the squad tonight and I’ve pulled him out from training. I had a feeling about putting him in at the last minute and he’s turned up thinking he’s not even going to be involved. To be fair, Dan Pringle (Assistant Manager) has had a word with me about including him and I agreed.
​
“I know how good he is and how good he’ll become. It’s just a case of managing him along with our other good strikers and trying to give everyone game time.”

“We were the better side tonight though we’ve missed two or three sitters and their keeper has pulled out three absolutely world-class saves. Yeah – Danny (Bracken) made a couple of saves in the second half but we should’ve had the game killed off before he’s had to make one meaningful save. We’ve just got to make sure we take our chances."

Casuals play host to Three Bridges in the FA Trophy Preliminary Round on Saturday and Bracken emphasised how important the cup tie is to the club. 

 “It’s a massive game on Saturday (against Three Bridges in the FA Trophy). I know we take one game at a time but I realise it’s important. After the disappointment of the FA Cup, there’s a lot more emphasis on the Trophy and it’s a competition that I feel that we can something in and make progress. Obviously it’s important for the club on a financial side of things too.”

Sittingbourne 1 -1 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 22nd November 2014
Match report and pics by Stuart Tree

Casuals picked up a valuable hard-fought point away to Sittingbourne in this Ryman League Division One South tie helping Casuals to emerge from a difficult run of results in the past few weeks.

The result meant Matt Howard’s side have picked up four points in the last two games after a barren spell in the league which saw just one win in nine league matches before a resounding win over Ramsgate last week.

Although Casuals were without Dave Hodges and Lee Hall, they looked to build on the win last week but faced tough opposition in Sittingbourne who defeated Casuals 3-0 at King George’s on the opening day of the season.

On a surface hit hard by rain, the match started slow with the pitch causing miskicks and errors for both sides. However, the deadlock was broken by the referee after he pointed to the spot following a frankly harsh handball decision that went against Sittingbourne. Jamie Byatt stepped up to smash the ball home, scoring his twelfth goal of the season and to give the Casuals the lead.

The second half picked up where the first left off but soon opened up with Casuals looking to kill the game off and Sittingbourne to find an equaliser. Jamie Byatt, Maz Bettache and Jordan Vidal all had chances to get the vital second goal. However, with pressure telling, Sittingbourne equalised through Hicham Akhazzan who pinged a vicious shot from an acute angle that Danny Bracken couldn’t keep out.

Sittingbourne looked for a winner with a Jono Richardson header going wide and Elie Kayembe seeing his shot go flashing past the post. With Bourne pushing up, Jamie Byatt caused problems on the break but the tie ended honours even.

After the match, First Team Coach Joe Davies spoke to Stuart Tree.

“Before the game we probably would’ve settled for a point, playing away to a decent side in poor conditions.

“It was a fair result but we had a couple of chances with the ball flashing across the face of the goal which could have won it for us.

“There are always improvements to be made but if you look at the fact we lost to the same side 3-0 on the opening day of the season there’s a real progress there. Even a couple of weeks ago, we probably would’ve lost today when they equalised. However, there’s evidence of progression.

“We missed a couple of players; Lee Hall and Dave Hodges might have made a bit of a difference but the team today done okay.

“There’s always a good team spirit no matter what the results are, however winning helps massively. After the poor run we’ve had, to be two unbeaten now is great. If we can go into the game against Worthing next week at home and pick up three points, then we’ll have seven from three matches which is back to where we want to be.”

Stuart Tree's photos from the match can be seen here.

Corinthian-Casuals 0-3 Sittingbourne
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 9th August 2014
By Stuart Tree

A David Abe brace coupled with George Crimmen’s opener condemned Corinthian-Casuals to their first league opening day home defeat in fourteen years. 

Sittingbourne travelled to Tolworth with a new look side after losing six key players throughout the summer. In contrast, Casuals fielded an almost identical side that thrashed Redhill 7-0 in the last league match back in April.

Not looking to give anything away, both sides produced a cagey start with chances at a premium. Half chances fell to the home side including a rasping shot from Juevan Spencer and Mahrez Bettache who could only find the side netting.

Despite large passages of possession, it was the visitors who took the lead, the first of two goals from a corner kick - George Crimmen heading home when unchallenged.

In the 47th minute, David Abe broke free and calmly slotted the ball under keeper Danny Bracken to give Sittingbourne a 2-0 lead. Two attacks… two goals.

Casuals looked to press on and get something out of the game, but resolute defending and decent goalkeeping thwarted any comeback.

And it was down to Abe once again to rub salt into the wounds of the Casuals as another corner went uncontested and Abe’s looping header found the back of the net. A 3-0 scoreline didn’t necessarily reflect the run of play, but with defensive frailties combined with Casuals lack of clinical finishing, the result condemns them to the foot of the table with Sittingbourne fans chanting “We are top of the league”.

Casuals Boss Matt Howard said of the result “It’s certainly not what we wanted. It’s not an ideal result at all as you want to get on the board right away.

“I’m not going to get carried away though. If we had won 3-0, I wouldn’t be saying we’ll win the league, just as I’m saying because we lost 3-0 doesn’t mean we’re going to get relegated.

“I actually thought we played okay. There’s a bit of work to be done defensively, as to concede two goals from set plays is frustrating.

“If you had stats on possession, you’d probably say we had 80% of the ball, so there are positives to take even though the end product wasn’t there.”

Casuals next two games are on the road to Sussex-based sides. Worthing on Wednesday evening and Burgess Hill Town on Saturday.

Pics from the game can be seen here.