An Historic Occasion

Corinthian-Casuals 2 - 2 Abbey Rangers
Combined Counties League Premier Division
Saturday 24th January 2026
Report: Stuart Tree (with photos here). Photo: Andy Nunn (full set here)

For the third time in six games, Corinthian-Casuals gave up a two goal lead to draw 2-2, with the latest instalment against playoff contenders Abbey Rangers.

A lightning start from Mu Maan’s Casuals saw the home side score twice in the first ten minutes before Abbey pegged them back in the second half.

It’s six points dropped from a commanding winning position; the same amount of points that Casuals find themselves outside of the playoff places. It could be the story of the season. The wins that turned to draws costing Corinthian. And whilst this was the tenth consecutive game of Casuals finding the net, it’s also seven games without a clean sheet.

The occasion was special; Corinthians Paulista’s Women’s team – nicknamed 'As Brabas', are in town for FIFA’s Women's Champions Cup. The most successful South American side are facing the American Gotham FC at Brentford on Wednesday before Sunday’s Final Day where they could meet either Champions League winners Arsenal or ASFAR of Morocco.

With the strong ties between the two Corinthian clubs, it was an honour to host the CONMEBOL Libertadores champions – many of whom grew up as Corinthians fans, therefore making the pilgrimage to King George’s – home of the original Corinthians, a highlight of their trip. They were welcomed with open arms, not least by Fiel Londres – the London based fan group who, earlier in the week had greeted the Brabas at Heathrow Airport.

Whilst they awaited the arrival of their heroes, Casuals were producing heroics on the pitch. Scott Day’s vicious drive was a warning of what was to come. Clayton Afonso was first on the score sheet just seven minutes past three o’clock. And then Shea Cascoe Rogers goal three minutes later sent the majority of the 343 in attendance into raptures. Casuals looked dominant in the opening stages, perhaps intent on putting out a statement to their playoff placed opponents.

But Abbey looked sharp up top and soon got back into the game when Casuals failed to clear their lines. The aptly Brazilian-sounding Danilo Cadete pulling one back for the visitors.

And for whatever reason, As good as Casuals had been in the first half, they weren’t able to find those levels again. It felt like a matter of time before Abbey would equalise. And thus it came in the 76th minute when Joden Trickett’s header found the net.
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The atmosphere was wonderful. The occasion, historic. January 24th – the 11th anniversary of the Corinthians vs Corinthian-Casuals game in Sao Paulo, saw the Brazilian giants, along with FIFA and two TV station crews arrive at Tolworth for a special, momentous occasion. But when all is said and done, it might be those two dropped points that’ll be rued come the end of the season.