Epsom & Ewell 0-0 Corinthian-Casuals
(Epsom & Ewell won 4-3 on penalties)
Stella Lamont Trophy
Tuesday 23rd July 2024
Words: Josh Lamey
Pictures: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)

Casuals missed out on the Stella Lamont Trophy last night, as a penalty shootout defeat to Epsom & Ewell denied them the chance of pre-season silverware.

The supporters were optimistic heading into the encounter, as two positive performances against Grays Athletic and Westfield have seen the Mu Maan era start promisingly. Next on the agenda were new tenants Epsom & Ewell, who we faced in the first of this season’s King George’s Field derbies.

Both sides started brightly, going at each other from the first whistle yet no breakthrough could be made in the early exchanges.

Meanwhile, Epsom & Ewell may have had the better chances, but you could argue that Casuals were on top as some great tiki-taka football on the edge of the area saw numerous shooting chances open up.

However, down the other end, the hosts had their fair share of opportunities to gain the upper hand, only for them to be closed down by a rigid Corinthian back four.

It was a composed first 45 from Mu’s men although the game definitely had a local derby feel to it, especially under the bright Tolworth lights – and the second half began with banners on full display and chants in full force at the Casuals end.

Unfortunately, the second period didn’t begin like the first, as Epsom & Ewell saw more of the ball, and ultimately the better chances, albeit still not being able to penetrate this new-look backline.

As the tie looked destined for penalty kicks, one final roll of the dice saw Epsom & Ewell come close with an astonishing bicycle kick directed just wide of the stanchion, followed by a series of corners as they looked to apply the pressure late on.

Ultimately, neither side could find a dramatic ending in normal time, and the winner of the 2024 Stella Lamont Trophy had to be decided by penalties.

In the end, it wasn’t to be for Casuals, who failed to convert the first and final penalties of the shootout, while Epsom & Ewell missed just one kick to win back the trophy on their new turf.

​Grays Athletic 3-1 Corinthian-Casuals
Saturday 13th July 2024
Pre-Season Friendly
Words: Josh Lamey
Pictures: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)

Yesterday marked the dawn of a new era under the management of Corinthian-Casuals fans’ favourite Mu Maan.

We faced Grays Athletic in our first pre-season game under the sunny Essex sky, and the squad made the trip up to the Thames Estuary in high spirits, producing a positive display against Step 4 opposition.

The last two campaigns have been tough for the club. Back-to-back relegations have left supporters frustrated, while managerial uncertainty during that period meant that we haven’t reached the heights that our rich history might suggest. But on May 15th, Mu Maan returned to his old stomping ground, where he racked up 133 appearances and 20 goals in the pink and chocolate, scoring some crucial strikes in the process. With a new manager and a different crop of players, there are hopes that a more exciting chapter lies ahead for the club.

Everyone was eager to get the 2024/25 pre-season up and running, none more so than the travelling Casuals supporters who were brilliant from minute one. However, the hosts made the fast start as winger Bobby Unwin’s cross-come-shot from the left found its way into the back of the net, catching out all those in the middle.

It was just before the half time whistle went when the home side doubled their lead on the Tilbury turf where they groundshare, after a corner was floated towards the back stick, fired back across the face by Hirst, and Dariri was on hand to tuck it home.

As the second 45 got underway, this fast-paced encounter lost its momentum slightly as Casuals looked to find a way back into the game, but Mu’s men were reduced to 10 just after the hour mark, after midfielder Malachi Hudson was sent off for a late challenge.

Despite playing with a man less in the hot sun around the Tilbury Docks, Casuals dug in and fought hard. Substitute Jenson Allchurch pulled out a 40-yard thunderbolt destined for the top bins to reignite the visitors’ dreams of a comeback. The missile stunned Grays slightly, as the fighting spirit led to a flurry of late chances for Corinthian, but it wasn’t meant to be – a late lay-off from Gordon into the path of Joe Damrell allowed him to rifle a low half-volley into the bottom corner and seal the win for the hosts.

Despite the result, Mu remained upbeat afterwards.

“The boys played well,” he said. “You can clearly see the style of football we’re trying to play, so overall very happy with the performance.

“Obviously with 10 men, it was more difficult, but even then the boys showed resilience and were very solid. It changes the whole aspect of the game, but sometimes that happens in football, and we’ve got to react straight away.

“We’re looking forward to the next games. I feel like the more games we play, the better we’ll get. The boys love to play so the quicker they come, the better for us!