A Perfect Start

Balham 1 – 3 Corinthian-Casuals
Combined Counties League Premier South
Saturday 10th January 2026
Report and Photos: Stuart Tree
Additional photos from Andy Nunn and Harvey Abbott.

Corinthian-Casuals started the new year in fine fashion with a 3-1 win away at Balham in the Combined Counties League.

Goals from Scott Day, Diogo Da Silva and a little help via an own goal secured three points for the Casuals to put them within four points of the playoff places.

Whilst it ended a three-game winless streak, the more positive supporter will see that Mu Maan’s side have only lost once in the last seven fixtures and that was to the runaway league leaders Cobham. And it was a welcome third win on the road this season, in which Casuals have mustered the majority of their points at home.

Balham had also recently suffered at the hands of Cobham – 5-0 on the previous Saturday and were coming into this fixture without a win in ten and thus hovering around the relegation zone.

Casuals were without their lead scorer – Andre Coker, suspended for this fixture as well as Maan himself, serving a touchline ban. Brother Mo and Richard Blackwell taking charge in the dugout.

Form guide suggested this would be an easy romp for the Casuals but following twenty minutes of pinball football, Balham’s James Anderson had the freedom of Mitcham to break through the back line and beat keeper Sanghyun Baek to the ball before finishing to give the home side the lead.

It didn’t take long for Casuals to respond. With Trey Masikini being the major threat down the wing, the away side pressed. Masikini’s cross found Day at the back post to level the scores.

And it was 2-1 minutes later when new dad, Diogo da Silva followed up Scott Day’s parried shot, following brilliant hold-up play from Gabs Odunaike. The celebrations reflected Diogo’s newly found fatherhood in true Brazilian Bebeto style.

Balham’s threat wasn’t to be underestimated and could’ve levelled the scores but Withers saw his first effort saved by Baek, then sliced over at the second bite of the cherry.

Whilst Casuals could’ve also extended their lead with Day’s powerful header passing the wrong side of the bar, the first half came to a painful end for Arsenii Protsyshyn who’s shoulder popped out and had to be replaced at the break.

Just four minutes into the second half and it was effectively game over when Casuals grabbed their third. Clayton Afonso rose highest to flick on a wicked cross from Adelakun and Balham’s Jake Henry got the final touch with Gabriel Odunaike lurking with intent.
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Casuals looked comfortable and whilst sitting back for large parts of the second half, they always looked dangerous on the break. Balham had little to offer in response and so the points headed back to Tolworth to keep Corinth in the playoff hunt.