Epsom & Ewell 1-2 Corinthian-Casuals
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Monday 26 August
Report: Josh Lamey
Image: Andy Nunn

Bank Holiday Monday ended with raucous away victory against the Salts, as Corinthian-Casuals dug deep and snatched the three points from our tenant’s grasp.

You could argue that it wasn’t a standard away trip following the Casuals, as we stepped foot once again on familiar territory at the Armada Group Stadium, King George’s Field, since we groundshare with locals Epsom & Ewell. However, it was game day all the same, and the excitement was tangible ahead of the fourth league encounter of the campaign.

Wholesale changes were made heading into the derby, as the 4-1 defeat to Whitstable Town in the FA Vase took Mu Maan and the rest of the coaching staff back to the drawing board. Maan himself made a return to grace the turf again in Casuals colours, much to the delight of the supporters, alongside right-hand man Richard Blackwell who began in the heart of the defence. It would be assistant manager – and former lethal finisher – Gabriel Odunaike who would take charge of the dugout, and between them they guided Corinthian-Casuals to a solid second win of the season.

The latest King George’s Field clash began in similar fashion to the pre-season match-up just a month prior, which resulted in the Salts lifting the Stella Lamont Trophy. No silverware on the line this time, but once again both sides looked to break each other down early on. With 10 minutes on the clock, a Sabek free-kick led to an askew header which almost found a way past Bernardes, had it not been for the goal-saving intervention of Blackwell. An early let off for Casuals.

Shea Cascoe-Rogers was given the nod to start, and he was back at his best yesterday with some brilliant exchange play and breathtaking dribbling as he breezed past four defenders, but unfortunately the resulting effort couldn’t find the back of the net.

There was also a first league start for sweeper-esque centre half Tommy Castelo, and he marked it in style 40 minutes into his full debut, directing home a Cascoe-Rogers corner at an awkward height to give Casuals the lead on the stroke of half time, sending the ‘travelling’ fans into raptures.

It may have been a scrappy opening, but there were still many moments for each side to be pleased about, and it was all to play for in the second half.

There was little to note in the first exchanges of the second period, apart from the introduction of Reyon Dillon, who was sent on to cause the Epsom & Ewell back line more chaos. Shortly after, Reyon was the man of the moment, after a delightful switch of play from Blackwell opened up space on the far side for Rafael Barbosa to burst through and unselfishly roll it across goal for the experienced centre-forward who wasn’t going to miss from that proximity. An expertly crafted goal, but could they hold out?

Just minutes later and Dillon was in the thick of it again, and he could’ve killed the game when Barbosa’s through ball fell at his feet, took it around a stranded Dan O’Donovan, but a miraculous clearance saw the chance go begging, as the scores remained as they were. Moments later, fellow substitute Frazier Osunkoya whacked the frame of the goal with a glorious effort, but Casuals were in control and looked set for back-to-back away league victories.

Late drama was on the cards, however, and Casuals would have to persevere if they were to hold on to the lead, after Luke Miller got the hosts back in the game with a bit of trickery to beat Bernardes, and keep the game very much alive on the 88th minute mark.

As the Armada Group Stadium held its breath, it was a heart-in-mouth moment when the Salts piled bodies forward in the dying embers looking to salvage a last-gasp point. They all thought they’d got it when Carl Oblitey sprung forwards, latched onto a pass, and finished instinctively as the Epsom & Ewell benched poured out onto the pitch. However, it wasn’t meant to be, as the linesman’s flag signalled offside, and eventually, the referee whistled for the end of another captivating derby.

It wasn’t the prettiest performance in the world, but Casuals showed a fantastic mentality to hang on to the lead late on. As the fans reminded us on the way out, “We’re the Casuals, the mighty Casuals, we love to win away.”

Corinthian-Casuals: Bernardes, Gjoshe, Pilonetto, Castelo (Adelakun 55), Blackwell (Sacilito 80), Dos Santos, Cascoe-Rogers, Maan, Barbosa (Osunkoya 75), Da Silva, Cheklit (Dillon 45)

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 1 Knaphill
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Tuesday 20th August
Report: Josh Lamey
Images: Andy Nunn

It was another unfortunate night in front of goal, as Knaphill’s solo strike was enough to claim victory leaving Casuals scratching their heads as to how they didn’t get more out of the game.

Yesterday marked the first time facing the Knappers in what promised to be a compelling fixture, as a 3rd placed finish in the 23/24 campaign proved that the visitors play some absorbing football at both ends of the pitch. Nevertheless, Casuals had come off the back of their own remarkable result last week, as like something out of a fairytale, they pipped Sheerwater in a seven-goal thriller in their own back garden to get the Mu Maan era well and truly underway.

Tuesday night, 7:45, league action? It’s the stuff of dreams, and the scene was set ahead of another blockbuster clash in the Combined Counties Premier Division South. Immediately, Casuals came flying out the blocks, after some tidy footwork from Dillon managed to dig out a cross to Murad who’s deft touch flew narrowly over. A fantastic start for the pink and chocolate.

Corinthian-Casuals were asking all the questions of the Knaphill defence who remained compact, yet had a moment to forget when Ben Cheklit won the ball back deep in opposition territory, and after all Jonathon Gjoshe’s effort just sailed wide of the mark.

There was a new face in between the sticks for Casuals, as keeper Murillo Bernardes made his debut in Corinthian colours, and was almost called into action after a ball into the corridor of uncertainty connected with the head of marksman Ben Mitchell who planted his attempt a whisker away from the roof of the net.

It wasn’t just the moon on the horizon as half time drew closer, but against the run of play, the away side capitalised on a free kick in a dangerous area with Copland’s low strike that bundled its way under the wall and past the outstretched Bernandes.

Casuals were then just millimetres away from restoring order at the Armada Group Stadium with veteran Ben Cheklit going close from far out, much to the appreciation of the 210 in attendance, yet it took a picture postcard of a save from Sam Gray to preserve his clean sheet going into the break.

Despite just the one goal so far, the game had been anything but dull with both sides playing attractive football as the hosts look to pick the lock and find a way back into the constest.

The drama continued to unfold after the break, and the highly-anticpated introduction of skilfull frontmen Barbosa, Grant and Cascoe-Rogers looked to regain a foothold in the game, after tearing the Sheerwater defence apart a week ago. Just before the turn of the hour, the Knappers’ Jamari Jackson drifted in from the flank, and unleashed a stinger that was well kept out by the Casuals shotstopper, only for David Orisatoki’s follow-in to fly just wide of the post.

Following a good spell in the game for CCFC, you’d be forgiven for having the feeling that any miniute now the fortunes would shift for the hosts, yet two shots in quick succession went agonisingly close from Gjoshe and Dillon; the latter’s effort squirming under Gray, who quickly pounced on the ball to prevent the equaliser.

As the time was ticking, Casuals didn’t have long left to find a winner. Tensions began to rise after a red card for Knaphill’s Jack Carrod as a result of a shocking challenge left a lengthy delay in proceedings, but the question on everyone’s lips was could Casuals make the man advantage count?

Unfortunately the answer was no, however not without its fair share of late controversy. The home faithful were up in arms in added time when Barbosa was played clean through, but despite being sandwiched between two Knaphill defenders, referee Stephen Matthews waved away any penalty protests.

Yet another well-fought performance from Mu Maan’s side showed more promising signs, and we’ll look to build on them as we face Whitstable on Saturday.

Corinthian-Casuals: Bernandes, Gjoshe, Pilonetto, Onovwigun (Barbosa 57), Morgan (Dhanipersad 57), Dos Santos, Brown (Allchurch 72), Cheklit, Dillon, Da Silva (Grant 64), Murad (Cascoe-Rogers 60)

Sheerwater 3 - 4 Corinthian-Casuals
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Tuesday 13th August 2024
Report: Dominic Bliss
Photo: Andy Nunn

Mu Maan registered his first win as Corinthian-Casuals manager as we picked up three points on the road at Sheerwater in our second league fixture of the season last night.

This result has been coming after a series of promising attacking displays in recent weeks, but it didn’t come easily against a dangerous opponent in a harum-scarum match. In the end, Casuals edged a seven-goal thriller, and there could have been even more goals on a night when attack came out on top.

It was clear from kick-off that both teams would look to get the ball forward quickly and play on the front foot, but there was a distinct difference in the way they tried to do that. Casuals had the superior technical quality, putting together some intricate passing moves, while the widemen, Kiyo Brown and Shea Cascoe-Rogers, unsettled their respective markers with quick feet and darting runs. Meanwhile, Sheerwater looked to hit us on the break with balls down the inside-channels and whipped crosses into the penalty area, while their sharp midfielders followed up whenever we failed to clear our lines.

That was precisely how they took the lead before 10 minutes were up, and Casuals had every reason to feel hard done by, given our lively start to proceedings.

However, just as the Casuals fans – who made up the bulk of the attendance – were beginning to search their ranks for the person who must have smashed a mirror two years ago, we found ourselves level. Brown and skipper Reyon Dillon combined smoothly on the edge of the area before the centre-forward laid it off to Diogo da Silva, who was following up in the No10 position. The Brazilian then stroked home a beautiful low left-footed finish from the edge of the area and it felt like the goal we had needed to settle our nerves.

However, this game refused to settle all night. It was end-to-end stuff from start to finish and, midway through the first half, Sheerwater striker George Sellick capitalised on some indecisive defending to fire home his second goal of the game and give Casuals fans that sinking feeling again.

That sinking feeling lasted less than two minutes, though, on an evening when no one in attendance was allowed to relax for a moment. Dillon has come close to scoring his first goal since returning to the club on several occasions already this season, and he broke his duck here with a precise low finish into the bottom corner after a marauding run by right-back Jonathan Gjoshe.

Dillon had another effort ruled out by the assistant referee’s flag moments later, following some fine play by Ryan Murad and Da Silva that picked apart the Sheerwater defence. He then hit the woodwork with a back-post header from a delightful cross by Brown on the right wing.

The half-time whistle brought the opportunity to decompress and catch our breath, but there was a sense that this game was there for the taking if we could only make our chances count.

Casuals seemed to step up a level in the second half, growing in confidence as the game unfolded, while the travelling supporters raised the decibel levels behind the goal.

Around the hour mark, the faithful erupted when Ben Cheklit ran onto a loose ball 25 yards out and thumped a right-footed piledriver straight into the top corner, before nonchalantly raising his arms into the air in that inimitable style we became used to during those heady post-pandemic days when he hit his stride in his previous spell here.
​
Finally, we were ahead, and it felt as though this could be the moment for us to kick-start the Mu era… for about 30 seconds.

That was all it took for our new-found confidence to be punctured by a Sheerwater goal, as we failed to regroup following the restart. It was a blow that could have produced two outcomes: either we fought, or we folded.

We fought. The Casuals players, stung by the equaliser, sprung back to life immediately and began to pour forward in search of a winner. They clearly weren’t willing to accept a point on a night when it felt like a goal could arrive at any moment.

Dillon was withdrawn after 65 minutes, having connected things brilliantly from his centre-forward’s role, and was replaced by the Brazilian livewire, Raf Barbosa – a defender’s nightmare, constantly breathing down his marker’s neck and sniffing out any loose pass. He picked up a booking for one slightly over-zealous attempt to block the Sheerwater left-back’s clearance, but he had no intention of cooling off.

On 82 minutes, he got the chance to satisfy his thirst for goals when his indefatigable compatriot Emerson Pilonetto burst forward from left-back, made it to the byline and sent a low cross towards the edge of the six-yard box – the corridor of uncertainty. Da Silva seemed to be the target but, seeing his route to goal blocked by a defender, he deftly stepped over the ball, leaving it for the unmarked Barbosa to finish firmly into the back of the net. A goal made in Brazil, from a move fashioned on the training ground in Tolworth.

Casuals rode their luck in the dying minutes, escaping a spot of pinball that broke out in our penalty area during stoppage time, when the Sheerwater keeper, Chris Adams, saw his desperate goalbound effort blocked.

The final whistle brought raised arms and guttural cheers from the pitch and the terrace behind the goal. We did it the hard way – of course we did – but we’ve deserved this. Now it’s time to build on it.

Corinthian-Casuals: Greenaway; Gjoshe, Morgan, Adelakun, Pilonetto; Brown, Cheklit, Murad (Allchurch 80), Cascoe-Rogers (Hudson 55); Da Silva (Castelo 90); Dillon (Barbosa 65)

Redhill 1 - 0 Corinthian-Casuals
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Saturday 10th August 2024
Report: Josh Lamey
Photos: Stuart Tree

Another dominant Corinthian-Casuals performance ultimately proved to be in vain as the first game of the Combined Counties Premier Division South ended in narrow defeat for the Pink and Chocolate army.

The dawn of the new league season was upon us, and first on the fixture list was a quest down to Surrey to face Redhill FC, as the visitors looked to amend the woe of Tuesday night’s FA Cup exit. It was the first visit to Kiln Brow in 10 years for the Casuals, where Carl Wilson-Dennis’s first goal for the club saw the away side grab all 3 points in the last enthralling encounter in RH1.

After finishing in a respectable 6th last campaign, Redhill were positive heading into the new season that they could replicate or build on a strong finish. Despite this, Casuals began on the front foot from the get go, with Brazilian duo Diogo Da SIlva and Rafa Barbosa combining expertly to force Redhill shot stopper Luke Roberts into a number of fine saves.

With a fluid and exciting style of play encouraged by Mu Maan - who took charge of his first league game yesterday - Casuals sustained the attacking pressure early doors with Da Silva going close again from long range, however it was to no avail as the hosts clung on.

There was yet more drama in the Redhill 18-yard box prior to the half time interval, as a lively Barbosa burst into the area before seemingly being fouled by Eoin Fraser, yet all Casuals cries for a spot kick went unnoticed by the referee. History repeated itself just a few minutes later when Ben Cheklit went to ground, but once again, no sympathy from the officials.

It's been a similar narrative for Corinthian-Casuals so far this campaign: some extremely positive build up play in the final third but some misfortune in front of goal has left a few frustrating results. The visitors were somewhat harshly punished for this once again when against the run of play, a ball across the face was tucked home by Adam Grant to give Redhill the advantage.

After the late setback, Casuals had their work cut out for them in the second half especially since the hosts were beginning to get a foothold in the contest.

The Lobsters continued to throw bodies forward in search for a second, as they came close twice in quick succession with an arrowing effort that sailed wide of the post, and a curling shot that found its way just off target from Ethan Ford left the score untouched.

The turning point could've been in Casuals favour as Barbosa cut in from the right, found substitute Ryan Murad who, with the keeper out of position and only needing to place the ball into an open goal, blazed the cross over the bar. The biggest chance of the match.

Despite bringing on the ever-energetic Shea Cascoe-Rogers, it was a quiet half in front of goal for Casuals. This was up until the 70th minute, where a tidy flick around the corner met the boot of full back Jonathon Gjoshe, who’s sweetly-struck volley could only find the outside of the post.

It was from there on out that the tide turned in Corinthian’s favour once again, who gambled to find a last gasp equaliser. Reyon Dillon’s low piledriver saw Roberts scramble across his line before a series of deep corners longed to penetrate the hosts’ defence. After the latest penalty claim was waved away by the referee, the full time whistle was blown to conclude defeat in the season premiere for Mu Maan’s side.

Corinthian-Casuals: Greenaway, Gjoshe, Pilonetto, Onovwigun (Cascoe-Rogers 56), Morgan, Dos Santos, Brown (Murad 46), Cheklit, Dillon, Da Silva, Barbosa (Ewerthon 88)

Corinthian-Casuals 0-1 North Greenford United
                                        Balogun 117
Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round replay
Tuesday 6 August 2024
Match Report: Josh Lamey
Images: Stuart Tree

Despite a swashbuckling performance, Corinthian-Casuals fell agonisingly short of a place in the preliminary round of the FA Cup after North Greenford United snatched away the chance in the dying embers of extra time.

After a well-fought draw on Saturday afternoon, which could have seen Mu Maan’s men decide the tie in Middlesex, North Greenford visited a pristine Armada Group Stadium at King George’s Field due to Brazilian bagsman Barbosa’s deadly finish which forced an FA Cup replay for the second season running. Fans were hopeful prior to kick-off after an inspired second half away from home, yet it wasn’t going to be a smooth ride against fellow Step 5 opponents.

Tuesday was a night of many occasions. It marked the first competitive home game for new gaffer Mu Maan and, for some, a first taste of action in Tolworth. However, it’s always nice to welcome back some old faces, as the returning Ben Cheklit and Hakeem Adeluakun received warm receptions from the home faithful. Additionally, yesterday was the first run about in the sharp new home threads which are set to become a staple of the Combined Counties Premier Division South this season.

It was a smash-and-grab affair in the opening minutes, as each side took it in turns to swing pinpoint crosses into the middle but, ultimately, nobody was there to tap home for either team.

A fantastic turn-out from both sides of 271 meant that the atmosphere was boiling within the ground. The North Greenford megaphone was drowned out by the Casuals drums after an error from Jacob Ballheimer in the visitors’ net led to Barbosa picking his pocket and laying it off for Reyon Dillon, only for his attempt to be miraculously scrambled off the line.

Casuals were beginning to find their feet in this replay, and another chance arose with Cheklit standing over a free kick just outside the area. As all of Tolworth held its breath, the effort looked destined to nestle in the top corner, but Ballheimer got across to make a wonder save to preserve the stalemate.

However, minutes later and North Greenford had an opening of their own: Charlie Jay Mitchell’s attempt cannoned back off the woodwork as both sides headed into the break needing a breakthrough if they were to progress.

It wouldn’t be a true FA Cup tie without the spectacular, as four bicycle kicks were attempted all night. Although some were closer than others, it all added to the sheer excitement of the tie when Barbosa’s athletic effort sailed just wide after the break.

Despite the early antics of the second half, there wasn’t much to write home about up until the 70th minute, where a ball over the top was met by Barbosa again who took it around the keeper, and yet another goalmouth clearance left Casuals wondering how they didn’t already have one foot in the next round.

There was a late flurry of opportunities for both sides, as North Greenford looked to hit on the counterattack, meanwhile Casuals looked to force a way through via set-pieces. However, after 180 minutes of battle, the tie was to be decided by extra time.

The first 15 brought encouraging signs from the home team, as a catalogue of early crosses were whipped in but all efforts could only find the thankful grasp of Ballheimer. The noise from the crowd continued, and we were set for an all-or-nothing finish.

Casuals continued to bang on the door for the remainder of extra time, with efforts from Shea Cascoe-Rogers and Frazier Osunkoya putting pressure on the North Greenford back line. However, they managed to reclaim the ball, pounce on a Corinthian mistake and Oluwajenyo Balogun finished well to send the visitors into ecstasy. There was time for one last attack for Mu’s men to try and salvage the tie, however Adelakun’s corner was diverted onto the frame of the goal by Marcos Dos Santos in the closing stages, meaning North Greenford progressed to the preliminary round.


Corinthian-Casuals: Greenaway, Gjoshe, Pilonetto (Adelakun 112), Onovwigun, Morgan, Dos Santos, Hudson (Cascoe-Rogers 59), Barbosa (Murad 74), Dillon (Osunkoya 67), Cheklit, Brown (Da Silva 74)

North Greenford United 1-1 Corinthian-Casuals
Martin-Thomas 13 Barbosa 75

Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Saturday 3 August 2024
Match Report: Dominic Bliss
Images: Stuart Tree

The FA Cup has a special ability to bring out the cliches, but it would be difficult to label Saturday’s season opener at North Greenford United anything other than a good old-fashioned game of two halves.

Corinthian-Casuals came out for the second half of Mu Maan’s first competitive game as manager looking like a team inspired after a lacklustre opening 45 minutes that saw us trailing 1-0 at the break. In the end, we not only found the goal required to force a replay but travelled home wondering if we might have won it there and then.

North Greenford are a strong Step 5 side. They finished eighth in the Combined Counties Premier Division North last season and reached the quarter-finals of the FA Vase. They are a settled team who have enjoyed a good pre-season, and they began the game looking confident. Casuals were finding their feet in the opening exchanges, although it was clear from the outset that Mu has assembled a technically gifted group who will look to play attractive, fast-paced passing football as often as possible.

The hosts made the better start, though, forcing a good save from Jack Greenaway just under quarter-of-an-hour into the game, before Christopher Martin-Thomas headed them in front from close range when we failed to properly clear the resulting corner.

Casuals had to ride the storm a little after that, as North Greenford pushed forward in search of a second while the going was good. We held firm, with centre-backs Warren Morgan and Marcos dos Santos looking assured in and out of possession, but there were moments when the home side broke through, and in truth they could have been further ahead at the break had they taken their chances.

Casuals could also go in at the break feeling a little unfortunate, having hit the woodwork and had a Frazier Osunkoya goal ruled out by a very tight offside decision on 24 minutes.

The last 10 minutes of the half suggested that the cobwebs had blown away and we were ready to take a foothold, and a triple substitution from Mu at the break made certain that we began the second half with fresh impetus.

It has been clear to see the brand of football Mu and his staff are looking to develop here throughout pre-season, and it all came together in the second half on Saturday. It was a display of slick passing moves, clever runs off the ball and lively, adventurous forwards who are clearly unafraid to run at defenders or attempt a killer pass.

Shea Cascoe-Rogers, Ben Cheklit and Reyon Dillon were the three familiar faces who came off the bench for the second 45, and they were soon joined by a couple of new arrivals who looked equally sharp, in winger Riyo Brown and striker Raf Barbosa.

The latter was one of five Brazilians in the matchday squad, and there is a genuine sense of excitement about this South American influx at a club with such strong links to the world’s most famous footballing nation.

Casuals’ changed forward line, backed up by a dominant midfield display from another debutant, Michael Onovwigun, took control of the game after the restart, creating chance after chance as we hunted for an equaliser. Returning fans’ favourite Cheklit fired wide, Barbosa was denied a one-on-one opportunity by a questionable offside flag, Brown hit the stanchion with a fine effort, and Cascoe-Rogers consistently asked questions of the home defenders with his jinking runs. Dillon was hungry too, dovetailing well with Barbosa.

It was the Brazilian whose brilliantly taken goal on 75 minutes made the headlines – quite literally, in fact, as the official social media accounts of the Emirates FA Cup pounced on the ‘fairytale’ narrative.

At the end of a slick passing move that took us from our own half to the edge of the opposition penalty area, Onuvwigun played a fine through ball with the outside of his right boot which Barbosa controlled expertly before coolly firing a daisycutter past the goalkeeper and sending the impressive travelling support into raptures.

A Brazilian scoring for Corinthian-Casuals in the FA Cup… it really is the stuff dreams are made of, but nobody involved is any doubt as to the reality of the situation. Tuesday’s replay will define how fondly we look back on this intense opening to the new season.

Corinthian-Casuals: Greenaway, Gjoshe, Pilonetto, Onovwigun, Morgan, Dos Santos, Hudson (Brown 60), Ewerthon (Barbosa 68), Osunkoya (Dillon h/t), Da Silva (Cheklit h/t), Murad (Cascoe-Rogers h/t)