Corinthian-Casuals 3 - 3 Tooting and Mitcham United
Ryman League Division One South
Monday 29th August 2016
Attendance: 212
Report by Cameron Smith. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)

Corinthian Casuals moved to the top of the Ryman Division One South table despite only gaining a point in a nail-biting 3-3 draw against Tooting & Mitcham United.

Returning to the gloriously  sunny King George’s after a brilliant away victory at Godalming Town, Casuals faced possibly their toughest opponent so far this season as Tooting aimed to maintain their unbeaten run. Likewise were Corinth as they sat in third place behind Carshalton and Faversham. James Bracken made three changes from Saturday’s win as Josh Uzun, Niall Wright and Jamie Byatt were introduced ahead of Juevan Spencer, Kevant Serbony and Shaun Okojie. This bank holiday fixture had attracted a large crowd of 212 including a big cluster of the fantastic Tooting contingent.

The visitors, who were in a Fiorentina-esque away kit, started the brightest as they tested the sharp Danny Bracken. Bracken was on call to save Casuals again as a deflected through ball found Taurean Roberts, who was denied, but the rebound was converted by no. 9 Danny Basset from a few yards out, which was by far the easiest goal Bassett will score all season. Two minutes later, a Casuals corner was half-punched by Tooting shot-stopper before the unmarked Terry Murray slotted into gap left by committed keeper Pierson. Moments after Casuals had clawed their way back in the game, they found themselves in a losing position once more. Pacey full-back Jordan Wilson inserted a dangerous ball into the box in which the unfortunate Josh Gallagher bundled in to put Tooting ahead. A crazy five minutes, Corinth were 2-1 behind to the impressive Terrors.

Calm was restored to King George’s for a twenty-five minute period before Gallagher, playing as a striker, was upended whilst bursting through on goal. The referee pointed to the spot before Josh Uzun composed himself and sent the keeper the wrong way to equalise. Casuals had to hold on for four minutes before half-time. Tooting had other plans as a corner swung into the near post was scored- by Corinth’s Danny Dudley! A penalty, two own goals, five goals overall - what a sensational first-half!

The definition of nail-biting, the teams switched ends and re-started the thrilling game.

James Bracken, obviously unhappy with the current set-up, implemented talisman Shaun Okojie at half-time while left-back Dave Hodges was replaced. The versatile Byatt shifted into left-back. Even though Byatt was in a more defensive position, the club legend was still making the keeper work as Pierson saved a low effort in the 60th minute. Then, Bashiru Alimi of Tooting used his hand in the area to give away the second penalty of the match. Uzun dispatched as Pierson correctly judged which way the midfielder was going but couldn’t grab a firm hand on the strike. It was 3-3 as Casuals were injected with a new sense of hope. Soon after, Warren Morgan sprinted down the touchline before producing a perfect cross for the oncoming Uzun. A chance for the hat-trick, Uzun connected but his header agonisingly flew a few inches over the bar. End to end, Casuals and Tooting were level in ability as shots were flying everywhere! In the 74th minute, Jordan Clarke was dismissed for a second yellow card as the winger obstructed the goalkeeper to earn a harsh yellow. Down to ten men, Casuals were just about holding on, even conjuring a few chances of their own from Okojie and Byatt.

A tense three minutes of stoppage time was concluded as the game ended 3-3. Tooting would be disappointed to leave Tolworth with a point after being pegged back from a leading position three times, dropping them down to tenth. Next, they faced Horsham at home. Meanwhile, Corinth moved to the top of the table and are up against Oxford based North Leigh in the FA Cup on Saturday.

James Bracken said after the match, “We've come back from behind three times to win games coming into this game and we've done it again today, this time to draw.

“It was a funny old game. There were a lot of horrible goals and it wasn't a vintage performance. The game on Saturday probably played its part in that having played twice in three days.

“There were plenty of positives by the end of the match. Again, we've come from behind and again we haven't been beaten. We played with ten men for the last fifteen minutes and yet still looked the more likely to go on and win. That's the resilience you need if you're going to be successful. You can't just roll over after conceding a goal and we've never done that. If we concede, we'll stay in the game and carry on to get our rewards at the end of it.

“The red card changed the match. The way we played with ten men, if we'd had that extra body on the pitch, we'd have carved out one or two more chances and perhaps taken one of those. But you have to play with ten men from time to time and we adapted well. The boys put an absolute shift in today, from playing in the heat on Saturday to putting in another ninety minutes today with a man less for quarter of an hour, that's a great effort from all of them.

“Dave Hodges is suffering with a sore groin so we couldn't take the risk in the second half and therefore it was logical to take him off and get him some treatment on it.”

Looking ahead to North Leigh visiting in the FA Cup, Bracken commented “We're excited. We're through to the next round of the Cup at home and the lads enjoy playing on our surface. We'll attack that game and try to get at them but I expect a really tough match.”

Godalming Town 1 - 2 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 27th August 2016
Wey Court
Attendance: 161
Match report by Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (full set of pics here)

James Bracken’s pink and brown army marched onto a terrific ten consecutive wins in ten competitive games with a convincing 2-1 away win over league newbies Godalming Town, thanks to Shaun Okojie and new winger Jordan Clarke scoring a superb free-kick.

After a 3-2 win over Crawley Down Gatwick in the FA Cup, Corinth had a seven day rest before they took a trip down the A3 towards Guildford where they would face fellow Surrey side Godalming Town. The G’s have an intriguing history in which they have been forced to change leagues on multiple occasions, including last season where they moved from Southern League Central Division to the Ryman Division One South.

The team were adjusting to life in this league as they lost the opening two games this season. However, Godalming did progress to the next round of the FA Cup as they impressively beat fellow league side Molesey 2-0 away from home. Meanwhile, Casuals were looking to make it three out of three in the league and four out of four in all competitions this season. As both teams made their way out onto the pitch, it was clear that Bracken had decided to try a new formation- the 4-3-3. As the normal back four took their positions, the trio of Brandon Johnson, Kevant Serbony and Josh Gallagher were in the centre of the park. The attack consisted of new recruit Jordan Clarke, talisman Shaun Okojie and the hard-working Juevan Spencer.

The patchy surface of Wey Court was already affecting play early on as unexpected bumps in the ground challenged Casuals’ style of play. Clarke, who netted in the FA Cup win last week, was threatening the hosts full-backs with agility and fantastic movement bundled with skill. Nevertheless, the superior side from the off was Godalming as Danny Bracken saved a point blank header before a rebound flew over. Captain Bracken was certainly on his toes early on as an unexpected long-shot didn’t catch him off guard as he miraculously tipped the ball onto the crossbar. G’s no.9 Matt Anton decided enough was enough with a powerful run into the box, shrugging off Casuals defence to head past Bracken and into the net after fourteen minutes.

Corinth slowly got back into the game. The marauding Kev Serbony was denied by the strong fists of the Godalming no.1 after being allowed through on goal by Gallagher. The following corner was met by Okojie but the effort eluded the back of the net. As Jordan Clarke stepped up five minutes from the break to take a free-kick, the dark cloud above the ground turned into sunlight, which hopefully was a symbol of better things to come. Clarke hit a twenty-five yard set-piece with power and curve as it swerved around and over the wall, into the roof of the net. The remarkably clean strike left everyone in shock as Godalming were pegged back level. A free-kick that the like of David Beckham would be proud of.

The second 45 was dominated by Casuals. The visitor’s short passing between eachother seemed like they were telepathically linked as Gallagher, Hodges, Johnson and Clarke combined to produce a fantastic move in which ‘Ginger Ninja’ Johnson intelligently dummied for Hodges to shoot. The shot was blocked but Casuals were determined to score a second. A trademark sprint down the left flank, Hodges delivered a perfect low cross for Okojie, who controlled fantastically but fired just over the bar. Head in hands, Okojie looked gutted. The 6ft 2in striker picked himself up with even more desire to score the winner.

A few moments later, Super Shaun, from the half-way line, out-paced the defence and dispatched the one on one opportunity to put Casuals 2-1 up. Relief for the away side, grief for the home side. The inspired Oneal Garnes in the Godalming net was on top of his game, saving chances from Clarke, Murray and Okojie. Despite the domination, the G’s still looked like they could counter attack and level the game at any moment. Tension until the final whistle blew; Corinth maintained their 100% account in the league. Currently second behind cruising Carshalton, Casuals move onto the Bank Holiday home fixture against Tooting while Godalming sit in the relegation zone with zero points.

“We're looking very sharp.” said Manager Bracken after the 2-1 win at Wey Court.

“We're continuing to win games yet no-one has performed beyond 70% of their potential.

“Today, we've edged closer to our best. We're still not quite there but to be fair to their goalkeeper, he's made five or six top quality saves. On top of that, we've blared a couple of great chances over the bar and taking all that into consideration, it's emphatic today. We could easily have won by five or six goals.

“Three wins in three league games and into the next round of the FA Cup is a great start. The lads are doing what I'm asking of them. Obviously, the scorelines have been tight and ideally we'd want to kill off games, but I can't be too frustrated as we've created so many opportunities today, which in the past few games, hasn't been the case.

“Aside from their goal, which is one long kick from the keeper ending in a bit of a fluke, we limited Godalming to virtually nothing – Dan (Bracken) had to make a couple of early saves but nothing major. We were in control today and we're looking good.

“Ten league wins in a row is a nice achievement. It's something to put in the record books for this group of lads – I doubt that's been done in a long time here, if ever. We're definitely pleased about that.”

Crawley Down Gatwick 2 - 3 Corinthian-Casuals
FA Cup Preliminary Round
Saturday 20th August 2016
Attendance: 114
Match report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set of pics here)

Corinthian-Casuals put to rest to their terrible recent performances in the FA Cup, but it didn't come without a scare after trailing to Crawley Down Gatwick before winning 3-2.

The Amateurs have an unenviable record of winning just two FA Cup ties in the past thirteen years. Considering that they play opposition lower in the football pyramid at this stage, it felt like there was a jinx over the famous club.

Standing to potentially profit from the miserable luck was Crawley Down Gatwick – a former Ryman League club who's recent years have seen them compete back in the county league, now re-named the Southern Combination. They already had pedigree in this year's competition; The Anvils had emphatically fired seven goals past Hailsham Town proving that they know how to find the net.

Casuals travelled to the Haven Centre without the injured talismanic striker Shaun Okojie, who had grabbed a brace in the week. New signing Jordan Clarke was given the nod over Jamie Byatt in what was a fairly unchanged side that won 3-2 at South Park on Wednesday.

Blustery conditions weren't conducive to producing a free-flowing game but Casuals looked dangerous on the ball, with Warren Morgan and Clarke causing the back line particular problems. What was clear though was the Anvils were not going to be pushovers – hounding Casuals at every opportunity they could and threatening on each attack.

Without a shot on goal to their name, it was obvious that Corinth were not firing on all cylinders. Then, on the half hour mark, things took a turn for the worst when Michael Belli slotted past Danny Bracken to give the jubilant home side something to cheer.

It looked like the writing was on the wall yet again when Josh Uzun's penalty was well saved by Anvil's stopper Andy Greaves before the follow-up was bundled wide.

Casuals had more purpose and direction right from the start of the second half; Josh Gallagher latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Brandon Johnson, leaving the on-coming Greaves stranded and tapping into the empty net.

Crawley Down, who'd looked strong up to that point started to feel heavy in the legs and more and more space was created. Josh Uzun found the time and presence to slot home unmarked in the box following a neat square pass from substitute Jamie Byatt.

Three minutes later, the deal was done; Clarke, who'd looked impressive all afternoon, danced his way through the box before finishing the deal, giving Casuals an unassailable lead. There were a couple of nervy minutes to be had when Kieran Grieg nodded home from a corner, but James Bracken's side held on for the win and a home tie against Southern League South and West side North Leigh in the next round on 3rd September.

After the match, James Bracken had these words.

“It was a typical early round of the FA Cup where you play a team from a division below; they probably played a little bit above themselves and we played a little bit below ourselves.

“We tried something new today too. We played with a different shape. For big parts of the game there was a lot to be positive about, apart from in the final third of the pitch. Despite that, we've come away with another three goals scored. So I'm not going to be too critical.

“We haven't been very good this week but we've won two games and scored six goals. If we play like that every week, but still end up scoring six and winning, then I'll take that.

“We've always had the ability to dig in, the ability to scrap and see things through. Last season, we had that run of games when we conceded a few late goals before we went on that last push towards the playoffs. If we'd have got that right then, we'd have made third in the table at least. We conceded another late goal today from the corner but at 3-1 up, it was game over anyway.

“We have fight and determination – we've come from behind twice this week to win so there's no problem in being able to get stuck in.

“We'll look to improve each week now, to get ourselves into top gear as we're probably only in second gear at the moment.

“Jordan Clarke had a good debut today. He wants to be challenged and is here to win. He's good friends with a lot of the boys here so he's settled in quick. I'm expecting good things from him.

“Jordan adds strength in depth that we lost with Emil (Salama) being out for what is likely to be the remainder of the season. Ben Cheklit is struggling with his groin, Matt Reece is off travelling soon. Along with Shaun Okojie missing today, that was four unavailable strikers for what is a pivotal game. So it was nice to be able to bring Jordan in and strengthen ourselves again.

“I saw that North Leigh put seven goals past Thame United so it'll be another tough test. It's probably a good thing that they've scored that many today. If they'd scraped through we might have had the same scenario as we faced today.

“We did our homework on Crawley Down, looking at their players, how they play and figuring out what we wanted to do to combat them. Yet as much as I tell the lads it's a serious test, there's always that subconscious thought that creeps in when they look at the league tables, they see our opposition play a division below and that's dangerous.

“That's why there are upsets in the cup. So we'll always do our best to make sure we're not one of them. It's cup football and that's what makes it great. Hopefully we can get past these sides and start causing our own upsets. Then someone else can start answering those questions.”

Corinthian-Casuals 2 - 1 Whyteleafe
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 13th August 2016
Attendance: 143
Match report: Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (full set of photos can be seen here)

The re-invigorated Corinthian-Casuals were victors in their first Ryman Division One South game as the complacent yet valiant Whyteleafe FC left King George’s with a 2-1 defeat and no points whilst Corinth collected three.

Last season was a distant memory as Casuals started their 2016/17 campaign hoping for a more successful one than the last. The pain of missing out on the play-offs due to unforeseen circumstances needed to be put behind us as a new season was on the horizon. Just like the song says, I woke up this morning feeling fine and I did have Corinthian Casuals on my mind.

The first match of the season was against East Surrey-based Whyteleafe FC who finished in the bottom half of the league last season in a respectable 15th spot. However, Leafe have proven to be a bogey team in the past few seasons with the previous two meetings ending in 1-0 losses for Casuals. James Bracken certainly wanted to change that as he fielded a strong starting XI for the opener. The usual trusty back four were used as always; but there was a shake-up in the midfield. Josh Uzun and James Cottee took their places out wide while new recruit Josh Gallagher partnered “Super Kevant Serbony” in the middle. Meanwhile in attack, Corinth had two fierce weapons ready to destroy the opposition’s defences once more as the 6ft 2in tank Shaun Okojie was complimented by the nifty but powerful fan favourite Jamie Byatt.

After a minute silence was impecably observed by the crowd, following the sad passing of Keith Blunt, Jamie Byatt rolled the ball to Serbony to start Casuals’ competitive season. From the start, Corinth knew that it was set to be a high-intensity game as Whyteleafe came out with pace and forcefulness. Nevertheless, Casuals managed to find a weak spot in the visitors side. Slack defending from Leafe captain Jason Mensah resulted in the resilient Shaun Okojie stealing the ball from the No.5’s feet before feeding James Cottee to score inside six minutes. With team morale low after conceding, Whyteleafe seemed to lose togetherness and communication, especially in the defence.

In the 17th minute, there was a unbelievable mix-up between Mensah and keeper Colquhoun in which Mensah looped the ball over the head of Colquhoun, who watched as it comedically bounced over the line and into the net. Delight for Casuals, dismay for Leafe. The 2-0 scoreline was deserved as Corinth dominated possession, having many chances. Thanks to full-back Dave Hodges who supplied Okojie with a fantastic cross. The target man connected with the ball but it flew over the bar. It was 2-0 at half-time.

In the second half, Whyteleafe were determined to turn the game around but struggled as Josh Gallagher saw his shot palmed away. Leafe keeper Colquhoun was called into action multiple times as Dudley and Okojie had efforts denied.

Regardless, Whyteleafe pulled a goal back in the 68th minute with midfielder Ryan Fowler adding his name to the scoresheet. A superb effort from just outside the area was hammered beyond the reach of Bracken with such force that no-one had time to react! The fast tempo of the match was halted with five minutes to go as substitute Emil Salama was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after a painful-looking injury (We wish him a speedy recovery). After a few anxious stoppage time minutes, the referee blew the whistle for full-time.

A well-deserved win, Corinth move onto the next league fixture which is away in Reigate as they face South Park on Wednesday evening.

After the match, Manager James Bracken had his take on the game.

"We're delighted to get off the mark with three points. Of course we want to start the season well. We've come into this off the back of a decent end to the last campaign and this pre-season. It was important that we continued in that form and hit the ground running, putting points on the board.

"If we take half of our chances today we'd probably be four-nil up before they even score. It's an old cliché but at 2-0, the game is never dead. But there was never any real danger or scary moments where they've peppered our goal. We've defended quite well and saw the game out at 2-1 which has been good enough for the win.

"Emil's injury isn't good. He's a terrific player and he'd have had a big part to play going forward over the next eight to ten games whilst he's with us. He was going to feature heavily and that looks as though that plan has been scuppered.

"However, we have a lot of strength in depth; it opens the door for someone else to get more game time. For instance, the Reserves side won again today against the team that won the league. I know what those players have got... I watched all of their pre-season games and there's some very good players.

"Of course, I'm gutted for Emil – I've known the boy since he was about four years old and you never want to see lads like Emil get hurt in that way.

"South Park lost their first game 4-1 to Hastings so I'm not sure what mental state they'll be in come Wednesday. A lot of their players know me personally and I have no doubts that it'll be a tough game. Of course, they'll want to beat us but we look forward to every game – we're bright, young and hungry to win.

Corinthian-Casuals 3 -2 Kingstonian
Pre-season Friendly
Saturday 6th August 2016
Report and pics: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)

Corinthian-Casuals came from behind twice to win by three goals to two over their Ryman Premier neighbours Kingstonian in the penultimate pre-season friendly before the season starts next week.

Three second half goals, courtesy of Man-of-the-Match Josh Uzun, James Cottee and Josh Gallagher gave James Bracken's side the victory over Tommy Williams' strong K's line-up.

In stifling heat, the first half never really took off and Warren Morgan had to be removed from play after falling ill through heat exhaustion. Although Casuals created a few chances through Shaun Okojie and Jamie Byatt, it was Kingstonian who took the lead via a well taken header.

In the second half, Casuals struck back early through neat play seeing Uzun finishing well.

Kingstonian regained the lead through Shelton Gooden before James Cottee placed his 15 yard shot into K's keeper Rob Tolfrey's left hand corner. Josh Gallagher completed the victory in fine style and Casuals finished the game the stronger of the two teams.

Bracken commented on the win after the match.

“We're pleased to get the win. First half, we weren't at our best by any means but we kept in the game. We had three chances to their clear cut one so it was an even half which I wasn't too dissapointed with.

“The weather didn't help today in term of the intensity that you want them to show. When you have one of the lads come off from being sick on the pitch because it's so hot, it tells you how difficult it was out there.

“We got better as the game progressed and ultimately, we have to be happy with the overall performance and the victory.

“Crystal Palace on Tuesday night will be a very good test. I believe it's their full under-21 side that's coming along. They want a game together before their season starts as they've not had that so far seeing as they've featured in XI matches. The pitch here is fantastic which will suit not only them but it'll suit us too. I expect a good night, hopefully full of entertainment for everyone.

I won't put too much emphasis on the result; you can't gauge too much from playing a strong Under 21 side from a Premier League club but I am sure it'll be a good game of football where we'll try and play exciting football and be an enjoyable occasion for everyone who comes and watches.

“We start the season next week with Whyteleafe and I've been looking at their results and teamsheets. They've had a couple leave and a few come in. But I'm never too concerned about what other teams are doing as we'll concentrate on our own game. We'll make sure we're doing things right and then as the season progresses, we'll look at how others are shaping up and address anything from there.”

Casuals face a Crystal Palace XI side at King George's Arena on Tuesday night.