Horsham 1-0 Corinthian-Casuals
FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round
Saturday 30th August 2014
Attendance 224

By Darren Pasley

Pictures: Steve Wigg

Corinthian-Casuals recent poor record in the FA cup continued as they went out to a highly contested last minute penalty at Horsham.

It was a decision with rightly left manager Matt Howard raging after the match and denied Casuals a more than deserved replay on the balance of play.

With both left sided regular starters Jordan Vidal and Dave Hodges unavailable there was a first call up for reserve team left back Mason Welch-Turner whilst Juevean Spencer made a return after missing Mondays crushing victory over Walton Casuals.

Right from the start the home side with a fine FA pedigree made a bright opening with Harry Smith in particular down the left causing Nial Wright problems. It was his trickery, which created the opening chance of the match, but Jamie Ampleford swept a near post effort into the side netting

The game had a lovely tempo and in the 5th minute following a Hornets attack which saw Cade just failing to connect with Millers cushioned knockdown the visitors broke and Byatt beat keeper Williams to the ball but was forced wide with his cross cleared to safety.

Max Miller on the opposite wing to Smith was also offering an attacking threat and after teasing Welch-Turner his cross was kept out by Bracken, with the ball not fully cleared Smith was allowed an effort from the edge of the area which curled just wide.

The chances continued at both ends with wingers on both sides having joy down the flanks and this time Juevan Spencer cut inside Hills but his low cross saw Byatt failing to connect.

Home keeper Gareth Williams was called into action for the first time on the afternoon when Byatt worked his was past two defenders before sending in a low cross which Carl Wilson-Denis saw his sliding effort brilliantly saved. Unknown to the keeper the offside flag had been raised.

His opposite number Danny Bracken excelled himself on 21 minutes when after yet more good work from Smith the ball broke to skipper Jamie Cadey but his effort was deflected clear by the outstretched leg of the Casuals number one.

After such a lively start it was no surprise the game settled down but there was still a golden chance for the home side 7 minutes before the break, Welch-Turner’s backpass from the halfway line lacked the pace to reach Bracken and Ampleford capitalising rounded the keeper and showed good composure on the byiine to cut the ball back. It seemed as if Cade had arrived on time to open the scoring but his effort was blocked on the line and cleared at the second time of asking by Danny Dudley.

The second half saw Casuals step up a gear and take the game to their opponents.

Lee Hall was first to test Williams 8 minutes into the second half when he hit a stinging first time effort from the edge of the box, which was superbly palmed away.

The chances continued and a couple of minutes later Welch-Turner saw a long ball from the full back position send in Jamie Byatt between the two defenders however with Kaffo in full chase the striker failed to get his shot away until it was too late and Williams was relived to see the effort fired wide. It was all Casuals and Fahm was next to have an effort from the edge of the box, which the ever-increasing desperate defence superbly blocked this time.

Perhaps the best chance arrive half way through the second period when after defending a corner Casuals broke and Bettache did well to find Spencer who in-turn played the ball into the path of Byatt. However not for the first time in the afternoon Williams was on hand to block expertly and keep the scores intact.

Carl Wilson-Denis, ever improving in a Casuals shirt was keeping the Hornets back-line on their toes with his intelligent positioning and in the 74th minute was inches away from connecting with sub Michael Salako’s low right wing cross. Williams and Byatt continued their dual with the keeper again making a brilliant one handed stop from Casuals number 9 with 5 minutes remaining.

The home side threw on player manager Gary Charman for the final 5 minutes and it was a substitution that was to have a dramatic impact. With 3 minutes remaining the seasoned striker headed just over from a corner and it was a warning Casuals failed to heed.

As the game entered injury time Charman showed a neat piece of skill to lift the ball over his marker and drive into the box before being tackled by the one of the trio of covering visiting defenders. As the game continued the far side assistant raised his flag and after consulting with the referee a penalty was awarded. It was a staggering decision considering that any alleged tug of the shirt would have taken place yards outside the box. To compound matters Danny Dudley the offender was dismissed. Skipper Jamie Cade stepped up to smash the kick past the outstretched Danny Bracken into the left hand corner.

The ten men threw everything forward in the 5 minutes of injury time that were played but found Williams who was justly awarded the man of the match commanding his box and combined with solid defending Horsham booked their place at home to Kingstonian in the second qualifying round.

An understandably frustrated Matt Howard spoke after the game

“"I’m gutted if I’m honest, absolutely gutted. We can’t blame the referee for not taking our chances when we created them but the penalty decision was absolutely appalling.

He hasn’t stopped us winning the game but he certainly affected us losing it.

"We had a lot of chances, we should have scored when we were on top but we didn’t and as I said, we can’t blame the referee for that. But I’m gutted and I feel cheated. I have to choose my words very carefully and I’m not calling the referee a cheat, but I do feel cheated.

"We’ve got to bounce back. We had one or two missing today. If I’m honest, we’re never going to win the FA Cup but to go out like this, I feel for the lads because they didn’t deserve that. A draw perhaps… take them back to our place for the replay, then maybe." 


Steve Wiggs photos can be viewed by clicking here
Match highlights from a Horsham fan can be viewed here 

Corinthian-Casuals 4-1 Walton Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Attendance 140
Monday 25th August 2014
By Darren Pasley

Pictures: Stuart Tree


Corinthian-Casuals made it back-to-back home wins on the Walton clubs as a dominant second half performance earned the 3 points to send them up to 7th in Ryman South Division Table.

With many local games falling foul to the horrendous weather it was a credit to the King George’s Arena groundstaff that the game never looked in any doubt. 

The home side nearly took the lead inside the first 120 seconds when Maz Bettache had an effort from a free kick saved by Badiali who produced a superb flying stop to tip the ball over. Michael Fahm was next to try his luck but after cutting inside he prodded a right rooted effort well wide of goal. The visitors were soon into their grove and after a few promising moves they threatened Danny Brackens goal for the first time when ex Tooting & Mitcham midfielder Sol Patterson-Bohner curled just over from 20 yards.

In the opening stages it seemed as if the Casuals in Orange were adjusting to the monsoon like conditions better and on 10 minutes the games real first chance arrived. Danny Dudley despite making a superb covering tackle in avertedly sent the ball into the path of Odunaike, however with Danny Bracken expertly positioned on the edge of his box the striker found his shot blocked yet the ball fell invitingly to Connor French but his side-footed effort from distance went wide of the open goal.

Shortly afterwards the reliable keeper was on hand again to preserve the scoreline getting down low to another effort from Odunaike as the visitors sensed an uncharacteristically lacklustre start from the home side.

On 24 minutes it was the turn of visiting keeper Luke Badiali to excel as he flung himself to his right to keep out Nial Wrights 25 yard left footed effort. The tide of the game was beginning to turn with Casuals keeping the ball better and the games best chance fell 9 minutes before the break when Lee Hall dinked a lovely though ball over the visiting defence to play in Carl Wilson-Dennis. However despite having what seemed like all the time in the world the experienced striker was outfoxed by Badiali who got down low and made the save leaving the striker still seeking to open his Casuals account.

The home side continued to press and after a spell of pressure at the end of the half the deadlock was finally broken on the stroke of half time.

With another cross not fully cleared by the less than commanding Badiali Bettache sent the ball back in from the right hand side and Michael Fahm produced a stunning overhead kick from the edge of the box which flew into the top right hand corner. It was a magnificent effort and one out of contrast to what had been a relatively poor first half from both sides.(celebrations pictured left)

The second period saw Corinthian’s take the initiative from the start and the lead was doubled soon after the restart. Danny Brackens long clearance seemed a routine clearance for the visiting back line but Simon Huckle attempted a back header to his keeper and the ball looped over Badiali and into the net.

Substitute Michael Salako on for the poorly Jamie Byatt at half time was showing plenty of promise on his debut. Fresh from a blistering start to the season for the reserves he nearly opened his account for the first team on 56 minutes when a right wing cross found its way to him but from 6 yards Badiali made a great block. Wilson-Dennis was soon to have another go, this time from distance but his effort was just wide of the left hand post.

The visitors sensing their 6th successive defeat seemed demoralised and apart from a long range Jack Barton effort which was saved well by Bracken on the wet surface they offered little as an attacking threat.

The game was put to bed as the match approached its final quarter. Hall playing in Dave Hodges inside the box and his intelligent cushioned header saw Salako arrive timely to finish into the corner from a central position.(pictured below)

This seemed to spark Walton into life and Connor French had a couple of efforts over, both times showing good footwork to manoeuvre himself into position.

Salako doubled his tally and added Casuals 4th on 79 minutes. A simple ball over the top saw him hold off his defender and after driving into the box finished well into left hand corner. It was an impressive showing from the debut striker.

Again the visitors threw men forward trying to salvage a consolation and Sullivan and Cover both had efforts wide of Brackens goal. As the game approached injury time they did find a way past Bracken as substitute Jamil Okai slid home after a great save by the keeper. It was harsh on Bracken who deserved a clean sheet. There was still time for Dave Hodges to have a final effort saved by Badiali before the full time whistle.

Speaking after the match Matt Howard commented,

“I thought we were poor to start off with and we could’ve found ourselves 3-0 down, but we didn’t – we stayed in the game and the rest is history as they say!

“Conditions were tough. I actually turned round to their manager 20 minutes in and said I don’t think the game will finish, such was the rain. But with other games postponed, it shows what a good job Rob (Darby) and Brian (Adamson) do with the pitch. Even after the game, you wouldn’t know there’s been a match played, that’s how good it is.

“Considering the rain, Danny Bracken in goal was top class and I felt for him as he deserved a clean sheet today. It was poor from us where we’re 4-0 up and should see the game out, so to concede in the 90th minute, we weren’t very happy with that.

“Great debut from Michael Salako who came on and took two very good goals.

“It’s good – we’re slowly getting where we need to be. It’s just disappointing we conceded late on Saturday (against Hythe) because that would’ve been lovely to take six points over the weekend. But we’re unbeaten in three now, so I’m pleased with that.”

Hythe Town 1-1 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 23rd August 2014
Reachfields
Match report and photos by Stuart Tree


Corinthian-Casuals were minutes away from completing back-to-back league wins but a late Jack Sullivan strike meant Matt Howard’s men had to settle for a point.

Casuals were keen to put the memories of last season’s trip to Reachfields behind them; Leading 3-2, the Amateurs conceded two late goals to inexplicably throw away all three points. It was a harsh reminder that Hythe Town is a hard place to collect any points.

However, buoyed by the midweek win over Walton and Hersham, Casuals travelled to the Kent coast with high expectations. There was one enforced change from the side that defeated Walton; in came Carl Wilson-Denis for the unavailable Steve Goddard.

As expected, it was the home side that got off to the better start and the Cannons looked lively in possession. Hythe’s captain Craig Clarke could only head over the bar when presented a decent chance. The back four of Casuals resolutely held out the Hythe attack but on 22 minutes, a dangerous low cross found Craig Thompson in the six yard box but somehow, the Hythe striker couldn’t convert the chance.

The home side were to pay for their error; just one minute later, a Dave Hodges cross found the in-form Juevan Spencer at the far post who volleyed into the ground and past Hythe keeper Dan Eason to give the visitors a surprise 1-0 lead.  It was classic smash-and-grab football.

The hosts continued their dominance of possession but lacking any end product, were unable to trouble Corinth. Laurence Harvey could only head over and further crosses into the Casual’s box were easily dealt with. The only moment that caused any concern was when Danny Bracken found himself outside his area only to half clear the ball. However, the resounding shouts of ‘shoot’ were not met with a finish that troubled the backpedalling keeper as the attempted lob sailed over.

Though Hythe had large spells of possession, it was the pace of Casuals’ counter-attacks that really troubled Hythe. Jordan Vidal penetrated the Hythe defence only for his cross to fall safely between the oncoming Jamie Byatt and Carl Wilson-Denis.

It was Wilson-Denis who had the best chance to make it two before half-time when he broke free of the defence and only a last ditch block from Hythe’s centre-back stopped the experienced striker from doubling Casuals’ lead.

After the break, the Casuals once again looked threatening down both wings. Juevan Spencer’s burst of speed continually troubled the Hythe full back. On the other wing, Dave Hodges was played in from a defence-splitting pass from Maz Bettache but his shot was saved by Eason. The resulting deflection fell into the path of Byatt but with defenders back on the line, his shot was blocked and Hythe escaped their biggest scare yet.

From this moment on, Hythe dusted themselves down and pulled themselves together. As the half progressed, the Cannons became increasingly more dangerous. Josh Burchell attempted to lob Bracken but could only shoot wide and Sam Conlon rounded the Casuals’ keeper with Maz Bettache clearing the resulting shot from the goal-line. Conlon looked ever more dangerous and on 80 minutes forced a decent full stretch save from the Casuals keeper.

However, on 85 minutes, the pressure finally paid off. Despite a fabulous save from Bracken, the resulting parry could only find Jack Sullivan who, to the delight of the home crowd, buried the rebound and level the scores.

Thoughts crossed Casuals supporter’s minds of what happened here last season, but the remaining minutes were uneventful and both teams played out for a draw.

Taking a point away from Reachfields is never easy but boss Matt Howard rued the fact that it could’ve, and should’ve been all three. Speaking after the game, Howard said,

“It feels like two points lost rather than a point gained and the lads have got the hump about it. They’re having a moan and they’re not happy. That’s good though as that’s not the team I inherited where it was a case of ‘oh well, we’ve lost again’. They’re really disappointed.”

“When I took over last season, we lost to Hythe 4-0 at home and come here three days later and lost 4-3, so this is progress.

“We’ve taken seven points from five games and I’m happy with that. Do that over the course of a season and that’s 63 points. 

Photos can be seen in the gallery section as well as all the action from the day here.

Corinthian-Casuals 2-0 Walton & Hersham
Ryman League Division One South
Attendance 221
Tuesday 19th August 2014
By Darren Pasley

Corinthian Casuals produced a solid performance to comfortably ease past Walton and Hersham and in doing so ending a run of 4 consecutive home defeats against the Stompond Lane side.

Manager Matt Howard made three changes to the side that lost to Burgess Hill at the weekend with Niall Wright replacing the unavailable Danny Green whilst Dave Hodges returned and there was a first appearance of the season for striker Steve Goddard.

Tarome Hemmings was the first to test Danny Bracken in the 3rd minute with a long-range effort which was palmed over as the visitors direct approach dictated the early tempo of the match. Casuals tested visiting keeper Garry Ross for the first time when Lee Hall’s free kick was met by Joe Hicks but his effort was well held by the keeper.  The visitors immediately swept upfield and Ogun showed good strength to hold off Niall Wright but his shot was comfortably saved low down by Danny Bracken. The Swans continued to look dangerous with the hosts having to defend well in keeping the lively Jack Battie and Dominic Ogun at bay. After weathering the early pressure Corinthian’s started to build their own attacks and in the 20th minute Dave Hodges showed quick feet to beat Nathan Daly down the left and whipped in a great cross which Steve Goddard headed just over. Hodges, much missed on Saturday was starting to be the home sides main outlet and again after tormenting Daly he looped in a far post cross which met the head of Jamie Byatt. Fortunately for the visitors keeper Ross somehow managed to deflect onto the cross bar and grab the rebound. The pressure continued with Hodges this time having an effort himself but his stabbed shot flew over the bar.  With attentions very much on Hodges space opened up in the middle and Mahrez Bettache found the route to goal after half an hour open up after running from the half way line. Ross once again came to his sides rescue deflecting clear with his legs and when the ball was played back in, Byatt turned and flashed his effort just past the post. Despite the chances from Casuals, Walton came close to opening the scoring themselves on 38 minutes when a free kick from out wide was crashed onto the bar via the head of skipper Louis Clarke.

It seemed inevitable that if Casuals could build on their first half performance the opening goal would soon arrive and Hodges again was pivotal to those plans as he again started the half weaving his magic down the left.  The goal did arrive on 54 minutes and despite the final touch coming off a visiting player it was a superb team move. After playing the ball out of the back Bettache received the ball from Hall and dinked a reverse pass into Hodges which turned the Swans defence. Hodges first time cross was smashed home at the near post by what initially looked like Jamie Byatt however the less than usual emphatic celebration and later video evidence showed Sacha Mbaye had slid in with the final touch. Either way it had given Casuals a much-deserved lead. In truth once the opener went in the visitors heads dropped and Joe Hicks along with Danny Dudley dealt comfortably with the increasing long balls pumped their way. Casuals doubled their lead in the 70th minute when impressive substitute Reece Placid showed a remarkable turn of pace down the right to leave 2 markers in his wake and after playing in Byatt the fans favourite took one touch to steady himself and another to smash the ball past Ross. Two nearly became three just after but Hodges was denied a deserved goal as Ross saved well at the foot of his near post. Ross was on hand once again to stop Casuals in injury time as good play from the two other replacements Fahm and Wilson-Joseph saw the latter have an effort superbly saved and Byatt smashed the rebound against the post. The visitors finally called Danny Bracken into action deep into stoppage time when another substitute Andrew Dalehouse had an effort, which flashed across the goal but also diverted wide with a fine save.

Speaking after the match Matt Howard said

“The result has been coming to be fair. It’s pleasing to keep a clean sheet and again we kept our shape well. We didn’t ever really look under pressure at all. I can’t ask for more than that.

“I thought Lee Hall was immense tonight. I thought he was absolutely outstanding. The entire back four done well. Maz Bettache on the ball was great.

“It’s clicking into place and hopefully we’ll only get better… the more games we get, the better we’ll become.

“It’s frustrating that we haven’t had the same starting eleven out there this season, but what it does show is that we can throw anyone in the mix and they’re capable of doing a job.”

Burgess Hill Town 2-1 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 16th August 2014

Corinthian-Casuals Boss Matt Howard believed the blustery conditions played a part in Casuals 2-1 loss to Burgess Hill Town last Saturday.

The Casuals travelled to Sussex for the second time in three days as they took on a Burgess Hill side that finished one point outside the playoff spots last season. Casuals made one change from their impressive 3-1 win over Worthing with Michael Fahm replacing the absent Dave Hodges.

The Hillians came into the match on the back of a 3-3 thriller versus Redhill but were without influential players Spencer Slaughter, Graham Martin, Chris Breach and Stuart Tuck.

Casuals were looking to avoid a repeat of last April where the Hill overturned the visitors 3-0 in the penultimate game of the season.

From the kickoff, Burgess Hill’s intent to take all three points was clear. Goalkeeper Danny Bracken, off the back of a fine performance against Worthing was once again called into action making early saves. Hill’s Greg Luer posed a threat throughout the match and after breaking free of the defence, beat Bracken but couldn’t beat the post, with the ball rebounding safely back in the keeper’s hands.

However, on 37 minutes the deadlock was broken; Greg Luer once again causing problems. Casuals had several chances to clear the ball but Luer’s mazy run across the box ended with a low shot into the bottom corner which even Bracken couldn’t do anything about.

Casuals could’ve been going into the break two down if it wasn’t for a fantastic save from Bracken when he expertly tipped over a close range header. Casuals looked to push for an equaliser but although Michael Fahm often penetrated Burgess Hill’s defence, a shot on goal was rare.

After the break and with the blustery wind behind their back, Casuals pressed to get back into the game. Juevan Spencer caused the hosts all manner of problems with his pace and guile. Jordan Vidal and Mahrez Bettache both tested the Hill’s defence and Joe Hick’s header couldn’t find the net. Clinical finishing was the only part of Casuals’ game that was missing.

Corinth were to rue those squandered opportunites; on 68 minutes, Danny Dudley was caught between a rock and a hard place. Dudley, attempting to clear a dangerous cross could only find his own net. With Hill strikers bearing down on goal, without intervention from the defender, it was likely that the hosts would’ve scored anyway.

Casuals didn’t let up on tempo and with 20 minutes remaining, there was still plenty of opportunity to get something out of the match. That intensity spilled over when Carl Wilson-Dennis’ shot was parried by Josh James and Jamie Byatt, looking to prod home the rebound, clashed with the keeper. As a result, Byatt was booked.

As time ebbed away, so did the points but Casuals continued to hound Hill’s defence and finally, deep into time added on, it broke. Substitute Ellis Wilson-Joseph stabbing home from five yards gave a glimmer of hope only for the referee to blow for full time immediately after the restart.

Burgess Hill remain unbeaten in all competitions since the start of the pre-season and it’s clear that this strong, organised side could be playoff contenders.

After the game, Casuals Boss Matt Howard said, “I thought we done okay today. The wind was a huge factor. If we’d have come in half time 0-0, my personal opinion is we would’ve won the game. To give the goal away was sloppy. They didn’t need telling that… they knew it was a soft goal to give away.

“Half time, we were upbeat. We thought ‘It’s only 1-0’ and the wind was a huge, huge factor. We’ve come out second half and we’ve done well. We probably got a little anxious… a little gung-ho and obviously the second goal killed us. In my opinion it wasn’t a 2-1 game, I thought a draw would’ve been a fair result.

“First half was Burgess Hill’s; no question about it but second half was ours and I don’t think anyone could argue that.

“The lads in the changing room are really upset and that’s good because when I first came to the club, it was a case of ‘oh we lost again, it don’t really matter’. Burgess Hill finished sixth last year and this season, they’ll be there or there abouts again. So for us to lose 2-1 and our boys have the hump about it, that’s a good sign.”

“Going forward, I’ve set the lads a personal target and they know what’s expected from them and what we’d like to achieve. We’re still on course for what we’re hoping for.”

Photos from the game can be seen in our Gallery.

Worthing 1-3 Corinthian-Casuals 
Ryman League Division One South
Attendance 221
Wednesday 13th August 2014
By Darren Pasley

Casuals put their opening day disappointment behind them as they produced a clinical performance away at Worthing on Wednesday evening.

Our hosts with a reputation as one of the best footballing sides in the division came into the match on the back of a late defeat away to Faversham Town on Saturday.

Casuals made two changes to the starting line up with Lee Hall replacing Niall Wright, whilst Carl Wilson Dennis started with Ellis Wilson-Joseph dropping to the bench

The home side started comfortably knocking the ball about with ease and for the first of many times Danny Bracken was called into action t o make a stunning double save as both McCready and Dawes were denied in quick succession. McCready looking dangerous was foiled by Bracken again after a quarter of an hour when after bringing the ball down superbly in the box his effort was palmed clear and more importantly away from the onrushing Bugiel.  Casuals took the lead with their first meaningful attempt on goal in the 17th minute. After the home side failed to clear the ball Lee Hall making his debut showed good strength and composure to play in Byatt down the left hand channel and his cross was expertly flicked home first time by Dave Hodges. Within moments the same player nearly doubled the lead but this time his half volley flew just wide

Danny Dudley was next to go close but he side-footed wide of a gaping goal from 7 yards after Byatt’s corner fell unexpectedly into his path. Casuals continued to fashion out the clear cut chances with Byatt agonizingly close to opening his account for the season when he headed Spencer’s right wing cross down into the ground and off the crossbar. Despite the chances the home side went close again and Bracken flew down low brilliantly to his right to keep out an Omar Bugiel effort to ensure the scores were level going into the break.

As expected the hosts flew at their opponents after the break and Dawes was next to be denied by the flying Bracken, this time palming over the wingers effort from the angle of the box. Just as it seemed a long night could be on the cards Casuals doubled their lead. After receiving the ball from his keeper left back Will Hendon stood on the ball just outside the box and Juevan Spencer drove into the box and after rounding Jack Fagan in the home goal slotted home from the tightest of angles. The young home side were shell-shocked with the visitors seizing a firm grip on the game. It got better for the travelling contingent on 62 minutes when Jamie Byatt hit a stunning volley despite being at full stretch which flew past the helpless Fagan. Such was the technique it resembled Mark Hughes famous last-ditch effort for Man United vs. Oldham in an FA cup semi final 20 years ago. Manager Matt Howard immediately rang the changes giving the inspirational Byatt a rest. For all their efforts the home side finally beat Danny Bracken with 18 minutes remaining. Substitute Curtis Gaylor driving home from just inside the edge of the box when the ball fell kindly. The tempo suddenly increased as the home side found their rhythm. Trevor McCreadie went desperately close on 75 minutes when he volleyed a high ball into the box against the bar before heading the rebound over. Moments later Gayler fired just wide of Brackens right hand post but Casuals stood firm and apart from a final effort from McCreadie going just past the post they were troubled no further.

Speaking after the match Matt Howard commented

“It’s always hard to approach a match after losing your first game. Naturally, you’re a little bit nervous as you want to get points on the board as soon as possible. So to get that first win is a massive relief. Tonight's win is very, very pleasing in that respect and some great goals to boot.

“Danny Bracken was outstanding, but to be fair, he always is. But credit to all of them, they all kept their shape well against a team that are probably going to be the best footballing side we’ll play in this league all year. They move the ball around brilliantly. So, we had to be patient, keep our shape, our discipline and keep it in front of us at all times, which we did.

“It was very similar to last year when we came down to Woodside Road and we won 1-0, even though we got battered for ninety minutes, but again, we kept our shape and discipline and this year we had an end product to us.”

Corinthian-Casuals 0-3 Sittingbourne
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 9th August 2014
By Stuart Tree

A David Abe brace coupled with George Crimmen’s opener condemned Corinthian-Casuals to their first league opening day home defeat in fourteen years. 

Sittingbourne travelled to Tolworth with a new look side after losing six key players throughout the summer. In contrast, Casuals fielded an almost identical side that thrashed Redhill 7-0 in the last league match back in April.

Not looking to give anything away, both sides produced a cagey start with chances at a premium. Half chances fell to the home side including a rasping shot from Juevan Spencer and Mahrez Bettache who could only find the side netting.

Despite large passages of possession, it was the visitors who took the lead, the first of two goals from a corner kick - George Crimmen heading home when unchallenged.

In the 47th minute, David Abe broke free and calmly slotted the ball under keeper Danny Bracken to give Sittingbourne a 2-0 lead. Two attacks… two goals.

Casuals looked to press on and get something out of the game, but resolute defending and decent goalkeeping thwarted any comeback.

And it was down to Abe once again to rub salt into the wounds of the Casuals as another corner went uncontested and Abe’s looping header found the back of the net. A 3-0 scoreline didn’t necessarily reflect the run of play, but with defensive frailties combined with Casuals lack of clinical finishing, the result condemns them to the foot of the table with Sittingbourne fans chanting “We are top of the league”.

Casuals Boss Matt Howard said of the result “It’s certainly not what we wanted. It’s not an ideal result at all as you want to get on the board right away.

“I’m not going to get carried away though. If we had won 3-0, I wouldn’t be saying we’ll win the league, just as I’m saying because we lost 3-0 doesn’t mean we’re going to get relegated.

“I actually thought we played okay. There’s a bit of work to be done defensively, as to concede two goals from set plays is frustrating.

“If you had stats on possession, you’d probably say we had 80% of the ball, so there are positives to take even though the end product wasn’t there.”

Casuals next two games are on the road to Sussex-based sides. Worthing on Wednesday evening and Burgess Hill Town on Saturday.

Pics from the game can be seen here.