Corinthian-Casuals 2 - 1 Carshalton Athletic
Isthmian League Premier Division
Saturday 1st January 2022
Report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)
Additional pics: Andy Nunn (full set here)
Corinthian-Casuals continued their decent run of form into the new year with a hard-working 2-1 win over neighbours Carshalton Athletic.
New Years Day has been kind to Casuals over the years as you’ll have to go back 41 years to find the last loss on the First of January. Having only lost once in the last eight matches, Manager James Bracken must’ve felt confident going into this tie against an always competitive Carshalton side.
Casuals were without ever-present Jack Tucker through having Covid but returning to the squad was Emmanuel Mensah as well as a place on the bench for Mo Diallo – recently signed from Worthing.
It was almost the dream start too, as within the first minute, Bobby Mills found himself bearing down on goal but forced Lloyd Thomas into a crucial save.
It spurred Casuals on and they continued to put the visitors under pressure until they finally cracked halfway through the half. Kieron Cadogan’s quick feet inside the box saw him push his shot past Thomas into the bottom corner.
Corinth were frustratingly pegged back after having the bulk of the play when defender Luke Read expertly headed home following a corner that had failed to be cleared.
But it wasn’t to last long as an excellent cross from Ben Cheklit found the arriving Bobby Mills front and centre to nod home leaving Thomas no chance and sending the bulk of the 507 in attendance into celebration.
Casuals had other chances to go in at the break with a comfortable lead but failed to capitalise on a decent 2-on-2 chance. Therefore, it was no surprise that Carshalton felt they were always still in the contest as they probed Casuals for the bulk of the second half.
Despite large amounts of possession in the home side’s half, the Robins rarely threatened. Keeper Danny Bracken had only one save to make, from Harry Ottaway who’s effort was comfortably retrieved. Debutant Mo Diallo had a shout for a penalty turned down at the other end, with the resulting challenge ending in a yellow card for simulation.
However, Casuals were able to hold onto their first half lead and claim all three points, lifting them above their opponents in the league table.
“Naturally, we’re pleased with that,” commented James Bracken after the match.
“We hadn’t had a game in two weeks but maybe the break has done us some good. We’ve made sure the boys have kept sharp.
“I had to remind them that we won our last game 4-1 and to keep that momentum going. It’s been good to see us scoring goals too. In our dry spell, we’d been creating the chances, but just not finishing them. I thought today, we should’ve had another two at least.
“We’ve been creating those chances all season but now, at the top end, we’re reaping the rewards.
“I look at Ollie Sitch scoring two last week and Bobby and Kieron chipping in this week. That’s the way it needs to be. We need to get our midfield and our centre-halves to be doing the same too.
“If we can share the goals around, then we don’t need to rely on just one player to do all the legwork. I feel we’re in a position where we do have goals in us and we’re defending well. It’s nice to see that we don’t have to change much and we’re there or thereabouts. We feel that if we play well, we’ll win.”
Isthmian League Premier Division
Saturday 1st January 2022
Report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)
Additional pics: Andy Nunn (full set here)
Corinthian-Casuals continued their decent run of form into the new year with a hard-working 2-1 win over neighbours Carshalton Athletic.
New Years Day has been kind to Casuals over the years as you’ll have to go back 41 years to find the last loss on the First of January. Having only lost once in the last eight matches, Manager James Bracken must’ve felt confident going into this tie against an always competitive Carshalton side.
Casuals were without ever-present Jack Tucker through having Covid but returning to the squad was Emmanuel Mensah as well as a place on the bench for Mo Diallo – recently signed from Worthing.
It was almost the dream start too, as within the first minute, Bobby Mills found himself bearing down on goal but forced Lloyd Thomas into a crucial save.
It spurred Casuals on and they continued to put the visitors under pressure until they finally cracked halfway through the half. Kieron Cadogan’s quick feet inside the box saw him push his shot past Thomas into the bottom corner.
Corinth were frustratingly pegged back after having the bulk of the play when defender Luke Read expertly headed home following a corner that had failed to be cleared.
But it wasn’t to last long as an excellent cross from Ben Cheklit found the arriving Bobby Mills front and centre to nod home leaving Thomas no chance and sending the bulk of the 507 in attendance into celebration.
Casuals had other chances to go in at the break with a comfortable lead but failed to capitalise on a decent 2-on-2 chance. Therefore, it was no surprise that Carshalton felt they were always still in the contest as they probed Casuals for the bulk of the second half.
Despite large amounts of possession in the home side’s half, the Robins rarely threatened. Keeper Danny Bracken had only one save to make, from Harry Ottaway who’s effort was comfortably retrieved. Debutant Mo Diallo had a shout for a penalty turned down at the other end, with the resulting challenge ending in a yellow card for simulation.
However, Casuals were able to hold onto their first half lead and claim all three points, lifting them above their opponents in the league table.
“Naturally, we’re pleased with that,” commented James Bracken after the match.
“We hadn’t had a game in two weeks but maybe the break has done us some good. We’ve made sure the boys have kept sharp.
“I had to remind them that we won our last game 4-1 and to keep that momentum going. It’s been good to see us scoring goals too. In our dry spell, we’d been creating the chances, but just not finishing them. I thought today, we should’ve had another two at least.
“We’ve been creating those chances all season but now, at the top end, we’re reaping the rewards.
“I look at Ollie Sitch scoring two last week and Bobby and Kieron chipping in this week. That’s the way it needs to be. We need to get our midfield and our centre-halves to be doing the same too.
“If we can share the goals around, then we don’t need to rely on just one player to do all the legwork. I feel we’re in a position where we do have goals in us and we’re defending well. It’s nice to see that we don’t have to change much and we’re there or thereabouts. We feel that if we play well, we’ll win.”
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