Corinthian-Casuals 5-1 Godalming Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 22nd April 2017
Report by Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (Full set HERE)

It was a memorable final day of the Ryman Division One South season for Corinthian-Casuals following a conclusive 5-1 victory versus 10-man Godalming Town as the crucial play-off semi-final at Greenwich loomed.

If you turn back the clocks to one year ago, you’d painfully remember the last day of Casuals’ 2015/16 campaign. A goal from James Cottee was enough to seal three points at King George’s against Three Bridges, but the positive result had been ruined by off the pitch activities. Harshly docked three points for fielding an ineligible player, Corinth’s play-off hunt was cruelly concluded. However, the respectful and optimistic contingent of supporters were ready to relaunch the promotion push in August, where the 2016/17 season began. And nine months later, King George’s Field boasted a buoyant atmosphere- a play-off spot had been secured and Casuals could take the final fixture easy… could.

Of course, manager James Bracken was professional in his lineup and approach to the game. Casuals had something to play for as Tuesday’s opponents Greenwich hosted Guernsey- if the Londoners failed to win against the Channel Islanders and if Corinthians were able to beat Godalming, it would be a home tie for the Casuals. Interesting.
On the other hand, relegated Godalming Town were at the foot of the table and had nothing (other than pride) to play for. It would be Step 5 football next season for the G’s after only one year in the Southern League. Dan Turkington’s reign as boss has been the highlight of Godalming’s disastrous year; the experienced gaffer oversaw tremendous underdog victories against play-off hopefuls Lewes and Hastings. Turkington & co had the potential to end on a high.

As the pink and brown of Casuals and the yellow shirts of Godalming kicked off, the sun continued to blaze down onto the wonderfully green surface of King George’s. A lacklustre ten minutes, possession constantly switched from the attacking-minded Casuals to the organised visitors. Jordan Clarke has happy memories playing against Godalming as the winger netted a sublime free-kick at Wey Court earlier in the season, and was looking to play a part in the opening goal. Terrorizing the flanks, Clarke and Oldham were Corinthians’ main source of attack whilst Godalming had no.10 Darren Wheeler as their only opportunity. The forward attempted to defeat Danny Bracken with a deft chip, but the ball comfortably sailed over. In the 27th minute, Godalming’s Chris Wales tripped the trickster Clarke and needlessly gave away a penalty. Shaun Okojie took the responsibility of the spot-kick and composedly fired the ball down the middle, evading the gloves of Godalming’s no.1.

Casuals didn’t even give the travelling side the time to re-organise after the opener, with Jamie Byatt racing down the wing before powering the ball into the bottom corner. Unfortunately for ‘Busy’ it didn’t go that smoothly as the left-back would have to settle with an assist- his shot was actually palmed into the path of Okojie, to volley home with his left. It was thirty-two league goals for Super Shaun, although credit should also be given to Byatt after a terrific build-up. It was an electrifying two goals in two minutes.

Clarke was operating on the wing again in the thirty-second minute when he magnificently floated the ball into the area for Shaun Okojie. The striker was in the right place at the right time again; the 6ft 2in marksman glanced the ball past the keeper and into the net. Pointing to his colleague Clarke, Okojie hugged his team-mate with a massive grin as Casuals furthered their superiority. It was 3-0, and Okojie had scored the perfect hat-trick: A left-footed strike, a right-footed strike, and a header!

Okojie was in stunning form and could be likened to the menacing Alien in the Ridley Scott trilogy… lurking in-between the lines before clinically attacking and succeeding... Shaun was ruthlessly hunting for his fourth victim when he was brought back down to earth by goalkeeper Oneal Garnes, who unfairly tackled the striker without winning the ball. Okojie was certainly going to score as he was clean through on goal, so there was only one outcome to Garnes’ mistimed challenge. The referee awarded Casuals the free-kick and reached for the red card out of his pocket. Godalming were down to ten men and were forced to utilize outfield substitute Tom Webb, who courageously wore the no.1 jersey. Clarke took the set-piece, but his effort was well-saved by Webb. Moments before the referee blew for half-time, James Bracken made an early substitution as the cold-blooded Okojie was tactically rested.

The second-half was greeted by a Casuals change as Reyon Dillon took the place of Jordan Clarke, who is another possible starter for the Greenwich game. Josh Gallagher was actively pushing for the fourth goal early in the second-half and the energetic midfielder was taken down by the hasty Carl Gastang, which resulted in another penalty. With Okojie off the pitch, Jamie Byatt grabbed the ball and took the spot-kick. The fans favourite rifled the ball just wide from twelve yards out, but the left-back courageously picked himself up and continued. In the 51st minute, Max Oldham was relentlessly attempting to cause havoc in the Godalming ranks. The no.11 turned a full-back and fizzed an intelligent cross to sub Shaun Brown. Brown nabbed the ball into the roof of the net and Corinth had their fourth.

Three minutes later, Ben Cheklit was on the scoresheet. Shaun Brown was attacking again, and forced Webb to dive to his right. The inexperienced keeper couldn’t get a firm grip on the ball and allowed Cheklit to simply tap it in. The midfielder notched his second of the season, his first goal for the first-team since October 2016.
The remaining thirty-six minutes saw Godalming score a consolation goal out of nothing- William Efambe netted in the sixty-eighth minute. Casuals’ half-hearted search for the elusive sixth goal saw a Cheklit shot fly straight into the gloves of Webb and a near wonder-goal from Dillon. The referee’s whistle at full-time was drowned out by the non-stop chanting of the ecstatic supporters behind the goal.

Corinthians exited King George’s with a 5-1 victory and a solid fourth place spot due to Greenwich’s 4-0 thrashing of Guernsey. Table toppers Tooting & Mitcham and second-place Dorking Wanderers clashed at Westhumble, which saw Dorking win 1-0, but miss out on first-place. Congratulations to Tooting for winning the Ryman Division One South, and we wish them the best in the Premier Division. “Greenwich Borough, we’re coming for you!” were the words of the Casuals contingent at full-time; Corinth face the Borough at the DGS Stadium on Tuesday evening in the play-off semi-final. We hope to see you there! Vai Corinthians!

Walton Casuals 0-3 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Monday 17th April 2017
Report by Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (Full set HERE)

On Bank Holiday Monday, Corinthian-Casuals’ superb second-half showing ensured three points in a comfortable 3-0 away victory versus Walton Casuals, despite already securing a place in the Ryman Division One South play-offs.

Although the latter half of the match was thoroughly frustrating, Corinth creeped away from King George’s Field on Saturday with sufficient points thanks to a tidy finish from Mu Maan. Edging Chipstead 1-0 on a mild afternoon, James Bracken’s full-strength side had multiple chances to increase superiority over their lowly opposition, but a respectable performance from the Chips’ defence saw Casuals win with just the one.

As two fixtures remained, it was a rather unorthodox time for Casuals, who had swiftly grabbed a place in the top five with games in hand. The crusade for promotion would be temporarily put on hold; Casuals were forced to face Walton Casuals and Godalming Town before the excitement of the play-offs. It was typical of the ruthless and ambitious Bracken to insist on taking these games equally seriously and adding to the point total. Of course, there was something to play for- if Greenwich drop points and Corinth pounce, it was possible that the Tolworth-based side could steal third place and win a home tie versus the North-Londoners.

It wasn’t a relaxing Bank Holiday and a day off for the Casuals contingent as dozens travelled to Church Road, home of Whyteleafe FC and Walton Casuals. The opposition was Walton, who plan to move into their own 3G carpet next season. Nostalgia of his glancing header against Whyteleafe in February must have visited Jack Strange when he stepped onto the artificial pitch, but it was mid-table Walton that he faced today. Anthony Gale’s side sat in 12th place but had not won in six games.

The white Casuals away kit was wheeled out so Walton could play in their florescent orange home strip. An experimental line-up saw Bracken implement a new set-up, starting with the defence as left-back Dave Hodges shifted into centre-back alongside Terry Murray with Jamie Byatt and Juevan Spencer as full-backs. Mu Maan kept his place in the much-changed midfield that saw Max Oldham, Ben Cheklit and Josh Uzun start whilst Reyon Dillon and Shaun Brown were announced up-front. Since joining earlier in 2017, Dillon has won over the contingent after terrific performances and spirit during key games. He showcased his ability inside the opening fifteen minutes at Church Road after playful build-up involving Spencer, but Dillon’s shot powered into the side-netting. Danny Bracken won man-of-the-match on Saturday and seemed to bring that form to Whyteleafe as a right-footed effort from Walton’s no.11 James-Lewis was dipping towards the net- Bracken was at full-stretch to palm the ball away. It was Casuals who dominated in chances, but Walton in possession. The visitors struggled in midfield with the new additions looking inexperienced together. Although, they played a large part in Corinth’s golden chance. Threading the ball through to target-man Dillon, Casuals would be disappointed at half-time as the no.7 was denied by keeper Denzel Gerrar of Walton.

The barmy army of Casuals switched ends ahead of the second-half and so did the teams. Two minutes into the latter 45, Casuals had put their bittersweet opening behind them and took the lead. On the right flank, Dillon had twisted and turned away from defenders to fire the ball across the goal line to Shaun Brown, who was rushing to get on the end of a delicious assist. Brown was at full-stretch but narrowly missed it, which saw the ball nestle at the back post for Oldham to slot home from a yard out. Controversy and appeals marred the celebrations as Walton were dumbfounded that Oldham wasn’t flagged offside despite the fact that no.6 and Captain Jordan Cheadle (who is also an ex-Casual) was standing in line with the winger. It was legal, and Corinth took the lead.

Fresh from assisting the opener, Dillon was dealt with an elbow to the face by the frustrated Cheadle, which delayed the match slightly; tempers flared after the two exchanged words. Dillon channelled his anger at the referee’s decision to not discipline the Walton player into his game, where he accelerated past orange shirts and unleashed a remarkably hit shot that hammered the crossbar. In the 78th minute during Casuals’ relentless search for a second, Walton were given an opportunity via a free-kick. Cheadle smashed the ball into the brave Byatt’s face, which gave Casuals a counter attack. Substitute Shaun Okojie charged into Walton’s half before weaving the ball through the hosts’ back-four to the quick Brown. With technical brilliance, Brown intelligently edged past the keeper before firing into the roof of the net. Now Casuals could celebrate.

Introducing Ayman El-Moghafbel and Josh Gallagher, James Bracken was keen to use the last of his substitutes wisely as promising reserve winger Ayman El-Mogharsel made a rare first-team appearance. The Corinthians supporters were ecstatic with the second goal, which prompted chants of ‘Bring on Greenwich’. They’d be singing even more in the 90th minute, but not due to the full-time whistle. Reyon Dillon had a brilliant ninety minutes and made it a day to remember when he blasted the ball into the top right hand corner after a trademark mazy run; celebrating with a finger to the mouth. The referee blew for full-time shortly after.

Goals from Oldham, Brown and Dillon sealed three points that saw Casuals’ point tally rise to 90. Meanwhile, rivals Greenwich took part in a bore draw at Cray Wanderers- neither team scored. Now only two points ahead of the Casuals, Greenwich could lose third place if they succumbed to a loss against Guernsey next week. Corinthians host relegated Godalming Town for the last fixture of the academic season. A win could result in Casuals leap-frogging Greenwich. Thank you to Walton Casuals and Whyteleafe for their hospitality at Church Road, good luck for the rest of the season!

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.”

Lewes 2 – 3 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 8th April 2017
Attendance: 563
Report by Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree. (full set here)

A spirited Corinthian-Casuals side fought off the valiant charge of promotion rivals Lewes thanks to Shaun Okojie’s slick brace during a tetchy encounter to virtually seal a play-off spot- James Bracken’s army now only need a single point!
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Three consecutive wins away from home, Casuals have made a habit of beating visiting teams as Cray Wanderers, Greenwich Borough, Molesey and Hythe Town crumbled under the pressure of Corinthians. Casuals’ biggest victory this season, the five-goal destruction of Hythe Town had boosted confidence in both supporters and players whilst manager James Bracken kept his feet firmly on the ground; “The form is pleasing but I still think the performances can be better.”

Lewes’ aptly named ground, The Dripping Pan, was the perfect location for a clash between two promotion contenders as the sun blazed down on the uneven surface. The East Sussex based club were dealt with a monumental blow in March when a seemingly-simple fixture at Godalming Town turned sour; the relegated hosts won 1-0. Drifting away from a vital top five place, it was do or die for Lewes as they urgently needed points.

It was a long time since Casuals fans were able to chant the name of attacking hotshot Reyon Dillon, but they did today. Dillon’s four game absence was broken as the ‘Beast’ was back in the squad, taking a seat on the substitute’s bench. There was only one change to the starting eleven that ran Hythe ragged and it was in right-back as a straight swap saw Juevan Spencer drop out ahead of Warren Morgan.

The red and black stripes of the home side looked ready to defeat the on-form white shirts of Casuals as players distributed across the pitch, supporters sat (or stood) in their positions, ready to feast on this Ryman Division One South thriller. The first 34 minutes was a scrappy spectacle with possession constantly changing from the organised Lewes to the dangerous Corinth. The visitors were dangerous on the attack, especially from the left flank when Jordan Clarke and Dave Hodges re-ignited their partnership on the wing, causing the Rooks to tighten up at the back. Clarke’s acceleration whilst cutting in resulted in chaos- the forward had an effort from just outside the area that kept keeper Chris Winterton on his toes. Failing to turn odd moves into goals, Lewes were given a reality check when Clarke hooked the ball towards the six yard box. A combination of black and white shirts all jumped in attempt to attack the ball, but it was Casuals’ Mu Maan who leapt the highest to nod the ball into the net. Celebrations erupted behind the goal as the terrific travelling support were ecstatic. It was Maan’s second of the season.

Lewes did manage to wake up and somehow didn’t convert a low cross that was inches away from the boot of a Rook. The hosts’ vocal (to say the least) boss was fuming with the referee’s decision to book two Lewes players inside the first 45. As the referee blew his whistle thrice, Casuals walked up the steep stairs of the Dripping Pan, which lead to their dressing room. It was half-time and Corinth were 1-0 up.

1-0 is a dangerous score, especially when you’re away from home. That’s the reason why the Casuals fans, who were facing the roasting sunshine, erupted in a mixture of relief and glee when the score-line was altered by the trustworthy no.9 Shaun Okojie. Solid midfielder Coskun Eskim had been replaced by striker Reyon Dillon as Bracken tampered with the formation. The Rooks made a poor decision at a set-piece when they piled on the players in Casuals’ penalty area, leaving their own area exposed. Tricky Dillon controlled the ball on the half-way line and sublimely picked out Super Shaun, who controlled the pinpoint pass before slamming the ball into the bottom right corner. It didn’t just fly straight in as keeper Winterton had his head in his hands- Lewes’ no.1 got a glove to the ball but Okojie’s strike was too powerful. Corinth had breathing space.

Three minutes after Okojie’s finish, Lewes restored hope via substitute Ronnie Conlon, who composed himself before running onto the loose ball and neatly dispatching. Nerves returned to the Casuals end, but it didn’t stop them from singing their hearts out. Danny Dudley was man of the moment in the 80th minute as the centre-back magnificently cleared the ball off the line to somehow deny Lewes. It willed the players on as Dillon continued to terrorize the full-backs, Dudley and Strange continued to clear their lines and Shaun Okojie continued… scoring. Another counter attacking move was highly effective; Okojie found himself clean though on goal in the final minutes and deftly lifted the ball over the keeper. Only one word is fitting of the celebrations that ensued. Scenes.

Lewes showed tremendous fighting spirit and ability to convert opportunities moments later as an unpredictable free-kick evaded a Casuals head and was flicked on by no.9 Jonte Smith. It bounced past Bracken and the score was now 3-2.

Full-time came and past with Casuals players and supporters congratulating and thanking each-other- it was the definition of the Corinthian spirit. James Bracken was delighted as he hailed the travelling fans. Everyone realised that a place in the play-offs was very likely. All they need now is a single point in the last three fixtures and a play-off spot was secure.

Stuart Tree spoke to the delighted yet reserved James Bracken after the game:

“We thoroughly deserved to win that today.”

“I can’t speak highly enough of our lads in their performance and their spirit. It wasn’t perfect – we should’ve killed it off. We were the better side by far for big periods of the game. But we ran ourselves into the floor winning it the hard way.”

“That said, on the counter attack, we were still dangerous. We should’ve been more clinical. It could’ve been two, three, four-nil and that’s the game done. Even when they pulled one back, we should’ve put it out of sight. We didn’t but as I said to the lads after, we had an opportunity for us to show spirit.”

“Players like Danny Dudley who’s got an ankle like a balloon. He’s played the near-on the whole game like that and I didn’t realise how bad that was. It’s purple. He’s then got his head cut open and says to me, ‘bandage it up… I want to get back out there’.”

“Players like Jack Strange who was put under a lot of pressure in the second half. The boy is eighteen years old and stood up to everything they could throw at us in the box. Fantastic from him.”

“The referee done alright this afternoon and I’m not here to criticise him. In the first half, he gave decisions based on what he saw. Okay, he got a couple of decisions wrong for both sides but done his best. At half time, they’ve had three or four of their officials surround him outside the changing rooms and berate him for, in their eyes, a poor performance. I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t see that.”

“I understand that it was a massive game for Lewes in which they needed to win. They didn’t… they fell short.”

“I said to the referee at the start of the second half, ‘I know they’ve all had a go at you and I don’t really know why. Just be strong and keep your consistency’”

“Unfortunately, he didn’t. He gave them free kick after free kick after free kick. In the first ten minutes after the restart, he must’ve given them at least seven or eight decisions which I thought were harsh. Players throwing themselves to the floor and he was buying it. Why? Because he’s been influenced. That’s given them momentum, so he’s had a real hand in that second half.”

“I want to pay credit to our supporters today. They were absolutely fantastic. That support deserves football way beyond this league. We’re repaying them. We’re getting them here because they want to be here. They totally get behind what we’re trying to achieve. I knew we were bringing good numbers to Lewes and we’ve made sure we’ve repaid them with a win and let them enjoy it.”

“What irks me is people who don’t know what they’re talking about are piping up with things about our team who don’t know what they’re saying. They obviously have no real knowledge about us. I can categorically say that no-one here, in my two years as manager has had a penny in wages or expenses – myself included. Every single person I’ve had play for me and played for this club play for the shirt – and me – because they want to be here. They believe in what we’re trying to do. They realise that they could go and pick up £50 down the road.”

“If we were to earn promotion without a budget when everyone says it’s impossible – you can’t buy that. The money offered by others will always be there. Next season, the season after… it goes on. Of course that’ll be on offer elsewhere – they’re good players. However, they’re happy here and are trying to achieve something that can never be taken away from them.”

“So this is a message to those who want to pipe up and claim we get paid or get expenses… it’s nonsense. I’m telling you all now. It’s nonsense. It irks me because there are clubs spending nearly £40,000 a month to try and get out of this division and we’re trying to do it on zero – and we’re in with a shot!”

“We only need a point to secure playoffs but we want to win every game. It’s four in a row now and seven of the last eight. I want to win the next three. Let’s aim for that first. After that, let’s win the next two. Then we can say, there’s ten wins on the bounce and there’s Ryman Premier football.”

Hythe Town 0-5 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 1st April  2017
Match Report: Cameron Smith, Photo Stuart Tree. (Full set HERE)

An electric Corinthian-Casuals performance left ten-man Hythe Town in pieces on a warm Saturday afternoon in Kent as the visitors maintained their play-off push with a 5-0 thrashing.
The Casuals contingent were living the life last week. Bathing in the glorious sunshine whilst watching their side net four goals, the pink and brown army were delighted with the dynamic performance versus the lowly Sittingbourne. Goals from Shaun Okojie, Mahrez Bettache, Danny Dudley and Josh Gallagher sealed three points, which cemented Casuals’ fourth place position. Four was the magic number as Casuals also found themselves four points off nearest rivals Greenwich Borough. The Sittingbourne destruction was James Bracken’s 50th win and he looked to grab his 51st the following Saturday versus Hythe Town. It would certainly be a challenge…

The Cannons blasted their way to a one-sided 6-3 win in Tolworth back in September 2016 and hoped to replicate that performance in the comfort of their home- The Reachfields Stadium. Located on the south coast of Kent, Hythe beat the flustered South Park 1-0 last week, which ended their five game winning drought. Their season peaked when Guernsey flew over in January and Hythe trounced the Channel Islanders 8-1. A passionate set of staff and players, Hythe weren’t going to go down without a fight as the eighth place side wanted to end the season in a respectable manner.

Appeal after appeal after appeal. The red shirts of Hythe consulted the referee every time a foul was given as the vocal hosts managed to squeeze a yellow card out of referee Isaac Searle inside the first ten minutes. Jamie Byatt’s late challenge on captain Craig Cloke earned the left-back, who took the place of an absent Dave Hodges, a booking. Both sides cancelled each-other out in the first 45 with the tenacious attacking efforts of the white away shirts lacking a cutting edge versus the organized back four of Hythe. In the 20th minute, Hythe’s no.9 Jay May nearly opened the scoring as the striker nudged the ball past the committed Bracken, however the situation was swiftly dealt with by Jack Strange. Jordan Clarke’s free-kick was slotted over the bar by Dudley, in one of Casuals’ best chances of the half so far.

May, who was Hythe’s pacey target-man, was in the thick of the action again- but for the wrong reasons. Five minutes before half-time, Casuals enforcer Coskun Eskim gave away a foul on the halfway line and was unfairly punished. But it wasn’t by the referee. May had lashed out on the midfielder with a vicious elbow that caused James Bracken to explode in anger on the touchline. After speaking with the perpetrator, the referee grabbed the red card and gave it to the furious May. The striker stormed off and quick as a flash, everything changed. Hythe were down to ten and Casuals had the advantage.

Moments after the fourth official awarded five minutes of stoppage time, Corinth barged towards the penalty area with newfound confidence. Clarke collected the ball on the right flank, but didn’t choose the obvious choice of feeding in a team-mate or working round the solid Hythe defence. Donning the no.11, Clarke cut inside and edged closer to goal before launching a rocket towards the unfortunate Hythe goalkeeper. The effort was remarkably hit as it twirled straight into the top left corner of the net. The Casuals supporters were in raptures as Clarke had subdued celebrations whilst his colleagues mobbed him. The last kick of the half, Clarke’s sublime finish was only the start of Casuals’ rout as the floodgates opened in the second-half.

Shaun Okojie is making a strange habit of notching goals moments after the second-half starts. The superb low effort at Molesey and a slick penalty against Sittingbourne were recorded minutes after the referee re-started the match. Okojie would make it three out of three in Hythe. Everyone had just returned to their positions for the second-half when the no.9 bundled in a masterful Bettache cross. Minimal celebrations from the players, riotous celebrations from the fans.

Dominating possession and opportunities, Corinthians turned two into three thanks to an accurate Shaun Okojie assist, which allowed Josh Gallagher in a one-on-one situation with the keeper. Gallagher’s first shot was tamed by no.1 Joe Mant, but the rebound was simply tapped in by the jubilant Josh. 3-0 suddenly switched to 4-0 in the 84th minute. Jordan Clarke wasn’t finished making an impact on the game as the winger curled a terrific corner towards the busy penalty area and the set-piece was met by the overpowering Okojie. Super Shaun celebrated and then departed as James Bracken brought on youngster Andy Ali ahead of the experienced striker.
Five minutes later, Josh Gallagher added a fifth. The bearded beast was clean through on goal again, but this time, he had no trouble in dispatching with a low, clean strike into the bottom left corner. Both Gallagher and Okojie completed the match with a double to their name.

Hythe were eventually put out of their misery when the referee signalled for full-time- it was 5-0 to the Casuals. Everyone in visiting colours were overjoyed with the landslide victory, James Bracken included, as the gaffer got his 51st win. Godalming’s shock 1-0 win over Hastings United aided Corinth’s play-off dreams, but they didn’t move from fourth place due to Greenwich’s 5-0 victory. Next on the agenda is a trip to the iconic seaside of Brighton as Lewes wait for the menacing Casuals.

Stuart Tree spoke to James Bracken after the match:
“We started the game awfully and were second best for much of the first half. The sending off has had a massive impact but we’ve been in that position before, when playing ten men and it isn’t often as easy as we made it look in the second half.
“We should take credit for doing the job we did in the second period. The goal just before half time certainly helped settle us down and then the second goal just after meant we could enjoy the rest of the game as we’d want to.
“We went to Sittingbourne and we couldn’t come back against ten men as with Cray Wanderers where they shut up shop. It’s not as easy as it sounds and credit to the boys in the second half – we played some good football and scored five. That’s pleasing for all the lads and especially those who scored.
“We were top of the form table before the match and this win keeps us there. It’s the right time to be hitting good form.
“The fact that we’ve only conceded one goal in the last six games is probably the most pleasing aspect of this run. We’re not shipping any goals but today, Danny’s had to be alert on three or four occasions when players have broken through and he’s had to make one or two saves. He’s been in the right place at the right time and done enough. A keeper that doesn’t come off his line quick enough or gets it wrong could’ve seen us one or two nil down and a mountain to climb.
“The clean sheets are pleasing; the form is pleasing but I still think the performances can be better.
“We’ve had a smattering of good performances in our recent run and some where we’re not as good as we could be. That’s promising though because I still feel there’s more to come from the team – and Hythe is a tough place to come and get a win. We done it against Greenwich and Dorking and now here at Hythe. We’ve beaten some good sides.
“We have to be pleased with it overall but at the same time, keep a level head and just approach things right and ensure the mentality stays the same.
“Usually, when we slip up, others slip up too or vice-versa but very rarely we get a week where we get a good win and those chasing us drop points. There’s a little gap that’s opened up after this weekend and next Saturday at Lewes, we have another massive game. Replicate this win and we’ll put another side out of the race to catch us.
“We’re just ticking the games off now. If we get that win next week, we’re looking at one more win and perhaps a draw in the last three games to secure a playoff spot. But we don’t want to stop there. We have our sights set on Greenwich. We’re looking behind but we need to look in-front and keep the pressure on.
“Home advantage in the playoff semi-final would be most welcome. I know we’ll get great support – better support than any of the other teams regardless if we’re home or away – that’s a given. Our record is not fantastic at home but to get our own support down, make it our day in our environment and replicate the Dorking or Greenwich wins, which we can do, would be great.”