All About Character

Merstham 2 -1 Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 16th February 2019
Report and Photos: Stuart Tree (set of pics can be seen here).

Corinthian-Casuals Manager James Bracken believes its all about character if his side is to turn their fortunes around following a fourth consecutive loss at the hands of Merstham on Saturday.

The 2-1 defeat at promotion-chasing Merstham sees Casuals looking over their shoulders, just nine points above the relegation places.

“It’s about character now,” said Bracken following the match. “When you’re winning you get in the mindset to keep it going.

“But we’re a long way from that. We’re in character stage now. We need people to roll up their sleeves because we haven’t won in four. The season’s wrapping up and the teams below us have all got to play each other, so someone’s going to be picking up points. We need to get out on that pitch and battle and grind out some wins. Do I know which boys I’ll rely on for that? Of course I do.”

Casuals, without strikers Gabriel Odunaike and Max Oldham as well as midfielder Mu Maan, started the brighter of the two sides. Warren Mfula forced Tangara – Merstham’s custodian into a good save and Corinth peppered the six yard box with a succession of corners. Tangara himself looked to have taken a ball across the line, catching from a Reece Hannigan header, but claims only came from behind the goal.

Merstham grew into the game and Danny Bracken was forced into a wonderful reaction save to prevent the home side from going ahead. But it was all in vain; minutes later, Casuals found themselves a goal down, failing to clear their lines allowing Simon Cooper to fire home through a wall of players, taking a couple of deflections en-route.

Casuals were dealt another blow just after half time when Merstham doubled their lead. A slip by defender Reece Hannigan allowed the Moatsiders to break, and whilst Danny Bracken kept the initial shot at bay, Casuals again couldn’t clear the danger and Gus Sow was on hand to see his parried shot dribble over the line. 
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Whilst the home side controlled large parts of the second half, Corinth rallied in the final stages and debutant Benjamin Aghadiuno burst around his marker and forced Tangara into another crucial block. A minute later and a fine header from top-scorer Warren Mfula gave the travelling support hope of a comeback. Despite sustained pressure, Merstham held out for the win, keeping them in fourth and a real chance of Step-2 football next season. Casuals maintain their position of fifteenth in the table.

​Read James Bracken's post-match thoughts here.