Corinthian-Casuals 1-0 Chipstead
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 15th April 2017
Report by Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree. (Full set HERE)
Mu Maan’s classy strike on the stroke of half-time was enough to overcome a resolute Chipstead side, which secured three points and a sought-after play-off spot for Corinthian-Casuals on a joyous Saturday afternoon.
It was a mixture of emotions during James Bracken’s post-match comments last week as the gaffer celebrated, vented, praised and reflected on Casuals’ hard-earned 3-2 victory at Lewes. For the supporters, it was only one emotion- ecstasy. Travelling to Brighton in remarkable numbers, the Corinth contingent were singing twenty minutes after the game ended! And for the players, it was relief, mainly due to the valiant opponents, who wouldn’t give in to Casuals’ superiority as they struck twice late in the second-half. However, Mu Maan’s header and Shaun Okojie’s brace had sealed the points and left Casuals requiring one more point… and the play-off place was theirs.
Distinct in their green and white hoops, Chipstead F.C have emerged from the Ryman Division One South relegation scrap safe and sound despite intermittent moments of doubt throughout the campaign. Last Saturday, the Chips were downed by the already relegated Chatham Town with a 1-0 result and with nothing to play for other than pride, Chipstead would hope to rain on Casuals’ parade.
Both sides were comfortable in their home kits on a warm 3pm kick-off in Tolworth as the referee brought the players onto the pitch. But before the game started, there was time to award our own midfield maestro Mahrez Bettache with an award marking 100 games for Casuals. Ever since he first donned a pink and brown jersey in April 2014, ‘Super Maz’ has made his professional debut, travelled to Brazil, played in front of 30,000 people, impressed futsal coaches and established himself as a terrific central midfielder. The award was given to the buzzing Bettache by his no.1 fan… his dad! Thank you for everything Maz… and here’s to 100 more!
With formalities completed, it was time for football. Corinthians started well; forcing Chipstead to track back and focus on defending rather than attacking as Shaun Okojie made multiple darting runs, which fooled the visitor’s back four. However, the Chips were well-organized; the no.2 Tommy Smith managed to clear the ball off the line after Okojie set up Jordan Clarke to slot into the open net. He was bitterly denied, but Casuals were on the front foot moments after. Clarke looked to make up for his unfortunate miss with a trademark run on the left flank. The winger curled the ball towards the near post and was half-cleared until Bettache almost netted on his 100th appearance with an excellent volley that appeared to hit the hand of left-back Conal O’Leary. The penalty appeals were turned down by the stern referee and on closer inspection, the ball had been cleared via O’Leary’s shoulder. Casuals were still searching for the opener in the 21st minute when Okojie was clean through on goal but the confident Colquhoun, who has played for four different Division One South sides over the past two years, palmed it away. As the Banstead-based visitors began to take possession and control over the match, they found themselves ousting Casuals. A low cross flashed past the goalmouth to O’Flaherty, who somehow could not convert. The best opportunity for Chipstead arrived at a set-piece- Danny Bracken’s superb point-blank save from a header left the away side flabbergasted. Bracken was there again to spare Casuals blushes as he heroically tipped a dipping Chipstead shot over the bar.
On the verge of half-time, Corinth decided to cheekily pipe up with the opening goal! Josh Gallagher was at the centre of this clever team move as he switched the ball to the rushing Mu Maan, who was bursting through. The playmaker tidily controlled before rifling the ball into the bottom right corner with a precise left-footed finish. It was Maan’s second goal in two games.
In the second-half, Casuals were alert and knew from experience that 1-0 was not a safe score-line. The midfield distributed the ball to wingers or forwards, but to no avail as the hosts struggled to put the ball in the net! The Bracken Brothers heavily influenced the outcome of this fixture in entirely different ways. Danny Bracken was brilliant between the sticks and prevented Chipstead from edging back into the game. Meanwhile, James Bracken was operating from the touchline and ordered fan favourite Reyon Dillon (this time, he wasn’t accompanied with sidekick Luigi…) to spice up Casuals’ attacking play. Jordan Clarke, who tested Colquhoun with a sly effort on goal earlier on, departed in the 66th minute for Max Oldham. Bettache’s side-footed effort blazed over the bar following his failed original shot and Okojie failed to capitalize on the Chipstead no.1’s mistake as it was cleared off the line- again! The full-time whistle was blown and a goal from Mu Maan had sealed Casuals’ play-off spot.
The Casuals squad shook hands and laughed with the delighted supporters as their hard work had paid off! Bettache’s energetic performance on his 100th, Jack Strange’s confident and collected play at centre-back, Jordan Clarke’s daring, determined and dangerous attacks were all commendable and all deserved a separate award, but there could only be one man of the match. Danny Bracken brought home the champagne for his countless saves and commanding role as captain and keeper.
Two games of the academic season remain: Walton Casuals away on Easter Monday and Godalming Town at King George’s next week. It’s a relaxing and experimental double feature before the full-throttle and momentous occasion of the Ryman Division One South play-offs. And we’re in it!
Stuart Tree spoke to James Bracken after the game.
“We made hard work of it and it was a pig of a win… but it’s another win.”
“We needed a point to secure playoffs but got three. We gave Danny Bracken the Man of the Match award as he’s had to make three or four outstanding saves which he hasn’t had to do for a number of weeks.”
“Fair play to Chipstead. They’ve come and had a go. But then again, we’ve missed so many sitters. Shaun Okojie’s had two one-on-one chances in the first half. Jordan Clarke and Maz Bettache have had open goals which haven’t led to us scoring.”
“We’ve taken the lead just before half time where it should be four or five by then. In fairness, it could’ve been four or five-two. It’s just a game of missed chances. It was ugly but we got what we needed.”
“We can’t relax now. It’s a funny period of time. I’m saying to the players that they’re part of a good squad. Now, they’re playing for their playoff shirts. There’s two that are assured that and I’ve let those lads know.”
“But only two. Everyone else has to show me what they can do. They’re not going to get in just because they’ve played fifty games this season. They’re going to get picked based on form, recent performances and what I feel is the right thing to do on the day.”
“Individual performances are the key now over the next couple of games. But we do need to keep the rhythm going. Keep those wins up.”
“We weren’t good by our own standards today but we won. Teams who are going to go on and be successful aren’t always going to get the victories by winning well.”
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 15th April 2017
Report by Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree. (Full set HERE)
Mu Maan’s classy strike on the stroke of half-time was enough to overcome a resolute Chipstead side, which secured three points and a sought-after play-off spot for Corinthian-Casuals on a joyous Saturday afternoon.
It was a mixture of emotions during James Bracken’s post-match comments last week as the gaffer celebrated, vented, praised and reflected on Casuals’ hard-earned 3-2 victory at Lewes. For the supporters, it was only one emotion- ecstasy. Travelling to Brighton in remarkable numbers, the Corinth contingent were singing twenty minutes after the game ended! And for the players, it was relief, mainly due to the valiant opponents, who wouldn’t give in to Casuals’ superiority as they struck twice late in the second-half. However, Mu Maan’s header and Shaun Okojie’s brace had sealed the points and left Casuals requiring one more point… and the play-off place was theirs.
Distinct in their green and white hoops, Chipstead F.C have emerged from the Ryman Division One South relegation scrap safe and sound despite intermittent moments of doubt throughout the campaign. Last Saturday, the Chips were downed by the already relegated Chatham Town with a 1-0 result and with nothing to play for other than pride, Chipstead would hope to rain on Casuals’ parade.
Both sides were comfortable in their home kits on a warm 3pm kick-off in Tolworth as the referee brought the players onto the pitch. But before the game started, there was time to award our own midfield maestro Mahrez Bettache with an award marking 100 games for Casuals. Ever since he first donned a pink and brown jersey in April 2014, ‘Super Maz’ has made his professional debut, travelled to Brazil, played in front of 30,000 people, impressed futsal coaches and established himself as a terrific central midfielder. The award was given to the buzzing Bettache by his no.1 fan… his dad! Thank you for everything Maz… and here’s to 100 more!
With formalities completed, it was time for football. Corinthians started well; forcing Chipstead to track back and focus on defending rather than attacking as Shaun Okojie made multiple darting runs, which fooled the visitor’s back four. However, the Chips were well-organized; the no.2 Tommy Smith managed to clear the ball off the line after Okojie set up Jordan Clarke to slot into the open net. He was bitterly denied, but Casuals were on the front foot moments after. Clarke looked to make up for his unfortunate miss with a trademark run on the left flank. The winger curled the ball towards the near post and was half-cleared until Bettache almost netted on his 100th appearance with an excellent volley that appeared to hit the hand of left-back Conal O’Leary. The penalty appeals were turned down by the stern referee and on closer inspection, the ball had been cleared via O’Leary’s shoulder. Casuals were still searching for the opener in the 21st minute when Okojie was clean through on goal but the confident Colquhoun, who has played for four different Division One South sides over the past two years, palmed it away. As the Banstead-based visitors began to take possession and control over the match, they found themselves ousting Casuals. A low cross flashed past the goalmouth to O’Flaherty, who somehow could not convert. The best opportunity for Chipstead arrived at a set-piece- Danny Bracken’s superb point-blank save from a header left the away side flabbergasted. Bracken was there again to spare Casuals blushes as he heroically tipped a dipping Chipstead shot over the bar.
On the verge of half-time, Corinth decided to cheekily pipe up with the opening goal! Josh Gallagher was at the centre of this clever team move as he switched the ball to the rushing Mu Maan, who was bursting through. The playmaker tidily controlled before rifling the ball into the bottom right corner with a precise left-footed finish. It was Maan’s second goal in two games.
In the second-half, Casuals were alert and knew from experience that 1-0 was not a safe score-line. The midfield distributed the ball to wingers or forwards, but to no avail as the hosts struggled to put the ball in the net! The Bracken Brothers heavily influenced the outcome of this fixture in entirely different ways. Danny Bracken was brilliant between the sticks and prevented Chipstead from edging back into the game. Meanwhile, James Bracken was operating from the touchline and ordered fan favourite Reyon Dillon (this time, he wasn’t accompanied with sidekick Luigi…) to spice up Casuals’ attacking play. Jordan Clarke, who tested Colquhoun with a sly effort on goal earlier on, departed in the 66th minute for Max Oldham. Bettache’s side-footed effort blazed over the bar following his failed original shot and Okojie failed to capitalize on the Chipstead no.1’s mistake as it was cleared off the line- again! The full-time whistle was blown and a goal from Mu Maan had sealed Casuals’ play-off spot.
The Casuals squad shook hands and laughed with the delighted supporters as their hard work had paid off! Bettache’s energetic performance on his 100th, Jack Strange’s confident and collected play at centre-back, Jordan Clarke’s daring, determined and dangerous attacks were all commendable and all deserved a separate award, but there could only be one man of the match. Danny Bracken brought home the champagne for his countless saves and commanding role as captain and keeper.
Two games of the academic season remain: Walton Casuals away on Easter Monday and Godalming Town at King George’s next week. It’s a relaxing and experimental double feature before the full-throttle and momentous occasion of the Ryman Division One South play-offs. And we’re in it!
Stuart Tree spoke to James Bracken after the game.
“We made hard work of it and it was a pig of a win… but it’s another win.”
“We needed a point to secure playoffs but got three. We gave Danny Bracken the Man of the Match award as he’s had to make three or four outstanding saves which he hasn’t had to do for a number of weeks.”
“Fair play to Chipstead. They’ve come and had a go. But then again, we’ve missed so many sitters. Shaun Okojie’s had two one-on-one chances in the first half. Jordan Clarke and Maz Bettache have had open goals which haven’t led to us scoring.”
“We’ve taken the lead just before half time where it should be four or five by then. In fairness, it could’ve been four or five-two. It’s just a game of missed chances. It was ugly but we got what we needed.”
“We can’t relax now. It’s a funny period of time. I’m saying to the players that they’re part of a good squad. Now, they’re playing for their playoff shirts. There’s two that are assured that and I’ve let those lads know.”
“But only two. Everyone else has to show me what they can do. They’re not going to get in just because they’ve played fifty games this season. They’re going to get picked based on form, recent performances and what I feel is the right thing to do on the day.”
“Individual performances are the key now over the next couple of games. But we do need to keep the rhythm going. Keep those wins up.”
“We weren’t good by our own standards today but we won. Teams who are going to go on and be successful aren’t always going to get the victories by winning well.”
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