Corinthian-Casuals 1-0 Sittingbourne
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 29th September 2015
Attendance: 108
Match Report: Darren Pasley
Pics: Stuart Tree

A welcome clean sheet provided the basis of another important 3 points as substitute Shaun Okojie hit a late winner to see off visitors Sittingbourne.

The Kent side looking to maintain their healthy start to the season following Saturday's disappointing FA cup exit at home to Hoddesdon started well and knocked the ball around with ease in Casuals half. The aerial presence of Harry Smith also causing some concern in the opening stages.

Despite a slow start the home side sprung to life in the 14th minute when following Danny Bracken's huge punt downfield Emmanuel Akokhia saw a rasping volley expertly tipped over by Sittingbourne's number 1 Adam Molloy.
From the resulting corner Brandon Johnson turned the ball back into the area and Danny Dudley was inches away from scoring in successive games. His shot on the turn just wide of the right hand post.

Centre back Ollie Brown has the visitors first effort in the 20th minute with an opportunist volley which was well over but as in previous games Casuals started taking a grip on proceedings. Shortly afterwards after winning the ball on the edge of his own box Juevan Spencer embarked on a run which took him down to the opposite box and saw his dangerous cross dealt with well by the Brickies defence.

Sittingbourne perhaps should have opened the scoring in the 34th minute as from a corner Jono Richardson saw his goal-bound header deflected clear by his own striker Miles Cornwell just yards from goal. At the other end Spencer continued to cause problems and after skipping past Jack Steventon and travelling along the byline only the outstretched arm of Molloy prevented the number 11 from tapping into the net.

Casuals were now in full flow as they attempted to make the breakthrough. Josh Uzun curled just over from 20 yards before having another effort saved low down after Cherno Mendy was denied by Richardson's saving tackle. Sekou Kaba was the next to narrowly miss the bar with another curling effort but going into the break the scores were level.

The second period continued in a similar patten with Molloy tipping over once again this time from Mendy from the edge of the area.

The visitors eager to make an impression of their own in the final third saw Tom Brunt win the ball deep into Casuals territory but Bracken was on hand to dive onto the ball heading towards the line. At the other end Molloy continued to impress and this time his legs kept the scores level when blocking from Emmanuel Akokhia after the striker received the ball back from Johnson.

In the 63rd minute Mendy side-footed over following a well worked build up involving Johnson and Kaba and many of the 108 strong home crowd were starting to wonder if this was to be one of those nights.

Substitute Ollie Bankole was denied by Bracken as a deflected shot fell invitingly to him but the keeper rushed out to block with his shoulder. From the corner the ball was swung back into Billy French who volleyed just over. Sittingbourne making it clear they still had intentions of taking the points.

Almost immediately the home side broke up-field and Emmanuel played in Spencer who in behind Gonnella knocked past Molloy but with the defenders back saw his shot cleared off the line once again by the legs of the keeper.

In the 70th minute Kaba found himself space in the area to fire off another shot which this time drew the save of the night from Molloy this time diving away to his left. Danny Bracken made a brilliant save to keep out a Harry Smith header as once again Sittingbourne threatened before Casuals were denied what appeared to be a huge shout for a penalty. Johnson taking a quick free kick and substitute Shaun Okojie arriving before the keeper who appeared to tug back the striker whilst retrieving the ball.

They say games turn on pivotal moments and in the space of 90 seconds the game was settled. A free kick from the right was met by Billy French and his header beat Bracken but hit the inside of the post where a grateful Dudley slid clear.

Again Casuals broke up field and Kevant Serbony was brought down just outside the right hand side of the area.
Up-stepped Akokhia in the 83rd minute and his left footed effort appeared to be top-corner bound before Molloy once again intervened. Johnson first to the dropping ball steered back into the 6 yard box where Okojie gleefully tapped home and was rewarded with the subsequent bundle of all his team mates. (pictured below)

With 2 minutes remaining Harry Smith received his marching orders for a late tackle on Warren  Morgan which resulted in a second yellow and then Brandon Johnson received his second caution too after electing to take his time over the subsequent free-kick.

There were no further dramas at each end and with those around them all winning with games in hand too Casuals maintained their second spot.

After the match manager James Bracken spoke of his match-winner and his thoughts on the game.

“I’m delighted for Shaun. He wasn’t even due to be in the squad tonight and I’ve pulled him out from training. I had a feeling about putting him in at the last minute and he’s turned up thinking he’s not even going to be involved. To be fair, Dan Pringle (Assistant Manager) has had a word with me about including him and I agreed.
​
“I know how good he is and how good he’ll become. It’s just a case of managing him along with our other good strikers and trying to give everyone game time.”

“We were the better side tonight though we’ve missed two or three sitters and their keeper has pulled out three absolutely world-class saves. Yeah – Danny (Bracken) made a couple of saves in the second half but we should’ve had the game killed off before he’s had to make one meaningful save. We’ve just got to make sure we take our chances."

Casuals play host to Three Bridges in the FA Trophy Preliminary Round on Saturday and Bracken emphasised how important the cup tie is to the club. 

 “It’s a massive game on Saturday (against Three Bridges in the FA Trophy). I know we take one game at a time but I realise it’s important. After the disappointment of the FA Cup, there’s a lot more emphasis on the Trophy and it’s a competition that I feel that we can something in and make progress. Obviously it’s important for the club on a financial side of things too.”

Corinthian-Casuals 3-1 Chipstead
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 26th September 2015
Attendance: 121
Match report and pics: Stuart Tree (images can be seen here)

Corinthian-Casuals put the midweek heartache of losing in stoppage time well and truly behind them as they put three past strugglers Chipstead in the Ryman League Division One South.

Goals from Danny Dudley, Josh Uzun and Emmanuel Akokhia were enough to propel James Bracken’s side up to second in the table, three points behind leaders Folkestone Invicta. 

Casuals started the day with Kevant Serbony and Josh Uzun once again available for selection after suspensions, however, only the latter made it to the starting XI with Serbony placed on the bench. 

Chipstead had only accumulated two points coming into the match but with a new manager at the helm – Lyndon Buckwell, hopes were raised after a midweek draw with Walton and Hersham.

Corinth started the brighter of the two sides and the left-wing combo of Dave Hodges and Juevan Spencer immediately caused the Chip’s defence a number of problems. A succession of corners gave the home side the best chances of scoring with Niall Wright having a shot charged down before both Terry Murray and Danny Dudley went close from set pieces.

The pressure soon paid off; On 16 minutes, Josh Uzun’s deep corner found Dudley on the edge of the six yard box and the defender had the time and composure to volley home to give Casuals a deserved lead.

Soon, it was two; Uzun now the recipient of a cross from Hodges who’d beat his man to neatly cross it to the near post where the midfielder slotted home. 

The first half continued in much the same vein. Dudley was denied a rare brace when Brandon Johnson played him in but was narrowly beaten to the ball by the Chips’ stopper. Warren Morgan’s wicked cross was inches from connecting with Spencer’s head which would’ve certainly been a third and Johnson himself had a penalty shout turned away.

Casuals started to play with a little more flair and Sekou Kaba was close to netting with a cheeky backheel which was just a little too cute for a decisive finish. The Amateurs had to be careful though. At 2-0, there’s still plenty to play for and Chipstead reminded those in attendance that they were still in the game. Terry Murray denied Felix Oggah by clearing off the line in what was Chipstead’s only real chance of note.

Into the second half and the play continued much the way it had finished in the first. Uzun intercepted a loose cross field pass and fired past Milan Stojsaveljvic but also the wrong side of the post. Murray had two golden opportunities to open his Casuals account but last ditch defending denied the defender.

Casuals further extended their lead on 59 minutes with hotshot Emmanuel Akokhia leaving the Chip’s keeper stranded to fire home his eighth goal of the season. A short backpass was charged down by the striker as Milan attempted to clear it and with the ball falling kindly to Akokhia, it was one of the more easier goals he’ll score this season.

The game was won; James Bracken took the opportunity to use his substitutes and mix it up a little. It was a disappointing end to the match from a Casuals perspective after conceding a late penalty following a foul in the box. Danny Bracken was close to saving Oggah’s penalty but Chipstead had their fifth goal of the season. But it was Casuals’ day and ended the day sitting second in the league.

James Bracken spoke after the match.

“It was obviously really important that we got three points today. We only lost a point in the scheme of things on Tuesday night so it wasn’t like we threw away a lead or anything. It was a bit of a downer though to concede that late. So the remedy is a win today and we’re up to second now which is nice.

“It was disappointing to concede at the end. I’m a perfectionist. I don’t want to give away anything ever. I said a few weeks ago that it’s about keeping clean sheets and scoring a lot of goals. We’ve scored three today which is a lot in footballing terms but we want to keep a clean sheet.

“We’ve got a lot of flair players and sometimes they see three-nil as an opportunity to go four or five ahead rather than keeping it tight at three-nil. 

“It’s vitally important to get goals across the park. If you have a team with one goalscorer, you’re always worried if they go down with a knock or if he’s unavailable. With us, it doesn’t matter if we’re missing two players from our front-line as I’m still confident the players that go out there will score.”

Whyteleafe 1-0  Corinthian-Casuals 
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 22nd September 2015
Att: 116
Report by Darren Pasley
Pics: Stuart Tree (can be seen here)

A goal deep into stoppage time from Sam Clayton gave hosts Whyteleafe a possible kick-start to their stuttering campaign and saw James Bracken's side defeated at the last knockings at Church Road.

It was particularly cruel on Casuals who had controlled the majority of the second period but also denied a first clean sheet in September. Niall Wright replaced the suspended Josh Uzun in the only change to the winning line up at Guernsey.

Whyteleafe, who by the standards set last season have started the campaign poorly, made a bright start and Rob Kember had an early shot wide of the goal as his side looked to end a run of 7 games without a win.

Casuals should have opened the scoring in the 8th minute when Juevan Spencer fresh from a blistering performance on the island jigged past 3 defenders before unleashing a shot Sheikh Ceesay could only parry. Cherno Mendy was on hand to reach the ball first but blasted well over from 6 yards out of the gaping goal.

Sam Clayton went even closer to drawing first blood as he beat the offside trap and rounded Bracken but his goal-bound effort was superbly deflected onto the post by the covering Warren Morgan and away to safety.

Clayton continued to be a threat and after Kember was brought down his 25 yard free kick was saved by Bracken and Jason Henry’s effort blocked on the line as the Leafe piled on the pressure. Clayton again going close moments later after swivelling on the edge of the area and firing just over.

Spencer and Emmanuel Akokhia continued to link well going forward and the latter was sent through by Casuals number 11 and despite beating Ceesay to the ball, his shot was nicked off the line and once again cleared out the danger zone in the 37th minute.

Both sides had further chances as the half drew to a close; first, Dan Moody firing just past Bracken's far post before Akokhia had another glorious opportunity through one on one after Osa Obamwonyi’s mis-weighted back-pass but Ceesay stood tall to block with his legs.

The second half saw a more determined and dominating visiting side with plenty more bite. Juevan Spencer going close on two occasions, firstly with a hooked shot and then a blistering  volley after the ball came to him from a cleared corner that whistled inches wide of the upright.

For all their promise and territorial advantage, Casuals perhaps didn't feel they tested Ceesay enough as they would have liked, what with the home rear-guard defending well on the edge of their own box. Indeed the introduction of Rosco D’Sane for the hosts gave them a threat when countering and the visitors were grateful for the covering Danny Dudley in the 79th minute as he cut out Henry’s low cross with D’Sane waiting to tap home unmarked. 

Another substitute , Stef Joseph fired an effort just wide after creating the opportunity himself for Bracken's side before Casuals were furious as Cherno Mendy appeared to be clipped in the box but was booked for diving with 9 minutes remaining.

As the game entered injury time Mendy on the opposite flank crossed for Akokhia to head over when well placed from 8 yards out. It proved to be pivotal as with seconds renaming the home side stole an unlikely victory. D’Sane again instrumental sliding in Clayton and although Bracken did well to block his initial effort the ball fell invitingly to the striker and he flicked the rebound home to waken the Whyteleafe choir and earn his side all 3 points.

Casuals boss James Bracken spoke after the match.

 “These things happen. It happened tonight and it’ll happen again in the future. Sometimes you play well and you deserve to win and make all the running in the game. However, someone scuffs a shot – the worst shot I’ve seen in the whole game – straight into the path of someone who has no right to be there and not only that, he doesn’t even tap it in… he gets a lucky rebound. Danny makes a great save that he probably has no right to make and the rebound could’ve gone anywhere but falls straight back to the same player. So, there’s two bits of bad luck in a row.

“But on the flipside, they’re down near the bottom of the table and maybe they’ve not been having the luck lately but got two pieces of luck and three points tonight.

“It’s a case that for some games we’ve had purple patches for fifteen minutes where we’ve been outstanding and yet not scored and we’ve spoken about that to the players. But tonight, it was the whole of the second half, where we’ve controlled the game, the pace, the possession and everything we’d want to do. But we haven’t created many clear cut chances as we would like and that’s led on to us having promising situations where we’ve rushed it or the shot’s not been of the right quality.”

“From where I stood, I thought it was a penalty. Just previous to that, they felt they had a foul on the edge of our box and their bench has erupted when it wasn't given. We've gone up the other end and it's happened. The penalty wasn’t given because it was almost an even up process where the referee thought ‘well, I didn’t give them that one, so I’m not going to give this one’ and when he doesn’t give the penalty he has to book Cherno for diving. But it did look like a pen to me.

“We don’t treat anyone lightly; we didn’t take Whyteleafe lightly tonight and we won’t take Chipstead lightly on Saturday. We’re not in a position to do that – we need to be at our best whoever we play and be as good as we can be.” 

Guernsey 2-4  Corinthian-Casuals 
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 19th September 2015
Att: 745
Report by Darren Pasley
Pics: Stuart Tree

It was third time lucky for Casuals as they left Footes Lane with 3 points for the first time after a wonderfully crafted second half display.

Even before Jason Dodd was dismissed for the home side on the stroke of half time, the visitors had already more than proved their worth and ultimately became one of the few sides ever to breach Chris Tardif's net on several occasions on home territory.

The Green Lions started positively and attacked from the first whistle with Mark McGrath advancing on the back post but completely missing his attempted volley.

Casuals first chance came in the 7th minute when Sekou Kaba powerfully met Josh Uzun's corner but headed well over.

The home defence nearly paid the price for failing to clear their lines when after good pressure from Casuals Kaba knocked the ball into the path of Juevan Spencer. With just Tardif to beat, the winger opened his body but fired weakly at the keeper when he should have really scored.

The opening stages saw the game very much end to end and in the 15th minute from a free kick out wide Ross Allen rose to glance his header off the crossbar.

Casuals continued to press forward and in the 20th minute Brandon Johnson and Josh Uzun worked the ball well out to Cherno Mendy who saw his shot deflected over by James Dodd. Left back Dodd had earlier been cautioned for pulling back Warren Morgan.

Casuals right back Morgan  in a fine run of form was contributing at both ends and another lung busting run set up Mendy who again fired over. Morgan took matters into his own hands shortly afterwards electing to shoot after striding forward and his shot taking a deflection of Tom Strawbridge before being superbly kept out of his near post by Tardif.

On 34 minutes after clearing a Guernsey corner, the visitors broke and Kaba clipped the ball into the path of Emmanuel who checked in before firing narrowly over. In spite of the pressure and chances the home side once again hit the woodwork as Dodd smacked the post from a training ground corner routine. The ball rebounding off the outside of the upright.

Craig Young headed wide for the hosts before Casuals created and missed another glorious chance. Tardif, attempting to play out from the back, saw his pass cut out by Kaba and after driving into the box and cutting back he saw Josh Uzun slice wide with the goal at his mercy.

With the whistle approaching Casuals were handed a real boost when Dodd upended Mendy and received his marching orders for 2 bookable offences.

It seemed a surprise to many when the home side moved to a 3 at the back for the second half especially as all the warning signs were from the flanks in the first period. Even so, it looked to be an attacking move as Ross Allen saw an early half chance charged down for a corner by Morgan.

It took only 5 minutes for Casuals to make the advantage count as Emmanuel Akokhia opened the scoring with a low shot into Tardif’s bottom corner from the right hand edge of the area.

One soon became two in as many minutes as Johnson’s ball forward saw Akokhia in between the back 3 and his half volley squirmed under Tariff and the lead was doubled.(pictured below)

A ten minute hat-trick was nearly achieved as the Casuals leading scorer rose above Strawbridge to meet Dave Hodges left wing cross but his header looped just wide.

The home side had no answer to their opponents pressing and pace on the counter. Mendy was next to test Tardif after having the ball worked to him but his effort deflected into the arms of the grateful keeper.

Matt Reece replaced the two goal Akokhia and with his first touch, was denied by Tardif when through on goal in the 72nd minute... the keeper staying big to tip the effort over.

A 3rd goal to wrap up the match came in the 80th minute and again was a result of neat passing on the counter. Josh Uzun who had a fine afternoon sending in a low cross to Niall Wright who rolled out to Spencer. Despite being a much harder opportunity than his first half effort Juevan curled home magnificently past the home custodian.

The chances continued to come with Morgan flashing a shot wide whilst the introduction of Glyn Dyer for the Green Lions gave them an outlet for the first time in the half. Ross Allen nearly benefiting when muscling in on goal but sending a shot wide.

With 6 minutes remaining the hosts pulled a goal back when Matt Loaring arrived before the diving Bracken to bundle home after the ball was returned following a shot spell on pressure instigated by Dyer.

Reece was twice played through by fellow substitute Wright but having been first denied by his own touch and then the imposing Tardif he rifled home the hardest chance of the lot with a sizzling left footed drive into the top corner from 12 yards to make it 4-1 in injury time.

Spencer was next to be clean through but this time side footed wide whilst the hosts pulled another back with literally the last kick of the match after Ross Allen dispatched a spot kick having himself been fouled in the box.

Boss James Bracken reflected on how high the goal tally could’ve been.

“We know it could have been a lot, lot more, but to come here and win 4-2 – if you’d have told me before the match that’s what we’ll get, I’d have snapped your hand off and go home with a big smile on my face like we have.

“It could have been more, not with just half chances, but with absolute clear-cut chances… one-on-ones… great saves by their keeper. Realistically, if we’d have won by seven or eight today, you wouldn’t have really argued.

Bracken commented on whether they changed plan after the dismissal of Guernsey’s Dodd. 

“Not really. We were creating chances against them before they went down to ten men and I felt we were quite comfortable dealing with them before the sending off. So we didn’t change our game plan. We weren’t going to push the panic button, go all-out attack on them and have the chance of being caught on the break. So we kept it the same with the exception of getting our wingers to get a little wider and stretch them and it worked.”

Corinthian-Casuals 3 - 1 Peacehaven & Telscombe
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 12th September 2015
Attendance: 108
Match report: Darren Pasley. Pics: Stuart Tree


Casuals recorded a much needed win as they reaped the rewards of a dominant second half display in overcoming Peacehaven and Telscombe 3-1.

It wasn't the best of starts to the afternoon and in particular Danny Dudley as his weak clearance allowed Chamel Fenlon to steal in and burst into the box in the 3rd minute. The ball broke into the path of visiting captain Jamie Brotherton who rifled home from just inside the box to give the Sussex side the lead.

It cemented what was already a flat King Georges Arena going into the kick off and in the opening stages Casuals struggled to create against a hardworking Peacehaven defence with themselves looking dangerous when breaking

Jack Rowe-Hurst came close to adding a second in the 25th minute when playing a one two with Fenlon the striker’s effort appeared to be heading in with Bracken beaten but the award of a corner indicated Dudley had perhaps got back to get a vital deflection and going some way to atoning for his earlier error.

Despite creating few chances Casuals equalised in the 36th minute as Juevan Spencer skipped down the left hand side and after getting to the byline rolled the ball across for Emil Salama to arrive between 2 defenders and tap home from 3 yards out.

This sparked the home side into life and Spencer found himself in behind the back four after Ross Defoe’s precise lofted pass but was denied when attempting to lift the ball over keeper James Broadbent, who was making his debut for the visitors.

On the 131st birthday of the club, Casuals emerged for the second half a different proposition sensing the vulnerability and also fitness of their opponents. 

It was pretty much one way traffic for the duration and Emmanuel Akokhia was first to test Broadbent in the 52nd minute when he got a shot away on the turn from 18 yards. The keeper equal to the effort and also holding on well with Spencer in close attention.

Josh Uzun featuring in a more advanced position created two chances with his set piece delivery. Firstly finding an unmarked Salama who perhaps should have nodded the ball back rather than heading straight at the keeper and then a free kick closer in which he curled just wide of the left hand upright.

On 68 minutes Akokhia was replaced by former Gambia youth international Cherno Mendy and the skillful front-man's introduction paid immediate dividends. 

After breaking from the back, Referee Maskell played a good advantage after Spencer was taken out on the half way line and Uzun spread the ball wide to Mendy who skipped past Lira and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

Casuals continued to press with Peacehaven offering little and doing their best to stay in the match. Broadbent being kept busy firstly tipping over a goal-bound Uzun corner which had caught the wind and then spectacular diving to keep out Dudley’s volleyed effort.

It seemed a formality that a third goal would arrive and it duly did so in the 75th minute. Josh Uzun who had a fine afternoon showing brilliant improvisation on the edge of the area to tee up the ball and volley into the path of Spencer. The in-form winger took a touch and clipped home a left footed shot from just inside the area which deceived the keeper.

Broadbent continued to keep the score down as he denied Salama after being linked in by Brandon Johnson but his efforts were in vain as his side were well beaten.

After the match, manager James Bracken was relieved and pleased with how the side came back from one-down.

“I know what the problem has been in the last few games but today we’ve gone out and played well and it’s great to be back to winning ways.

“After the last twenty minutes of the last match (a 4-1 loss to Dorking Wanderers), the worst thing that could’ve possibly happened was to concede an early goal and in that manner, through another error inside three minutes.

“You stand there and you think ‘I’ve just given what I feel is a good team-talk and set us up in a way where I believe we can win’ and then three minutes into the game, our opponents score and it throws it out the window. It’s then down to the players as to what they can achieve before I can get them in at half time.

“You do feel if their heads drop, then we could be two or three down by half time. But they haven’t dropped… they’ve got back on it. We’ve got a young team and these are all learning experiences.

“I hope they learned something from the defeat on Tuesday and today they’ve realised that if they keep themselves in the game after conceding early, there’s a long way to go to turn it around and win.

“Bringing Cherno (Mendy) on was a great substitution, wasn’t it? And the first goal came from the instant we swapped the wingers over where one crosses to the other and scores! If I make decisions like that and they come off then that’s great… but in all seriousness, Cherno gets the credit. He’s had to be patient in terms of getting an opportunity, not through my doing, but other reasons and he’s come in today and shown us a little glimpse of how good he could be.

“We travel to Guernsey on Saturday which is a long day, so I’ll have input to make sure they look after themselves as well as possible throughout. It’s a long day… but not a massively long day. We’re not talking about 14 hours travelling… just a couple of hours. The group is mature enough to rest well and hopefully we can go there and pick up another three points.”

Dorking Wanderers 4-1 Corinthian-Casuals 
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 8th September 2015
Att: 112
Report by Darren Pasley
Pics: Stuart Tree (click here to view)

Corinthian-Casuals unbeaten start to the league away from home was ended in emphatic fashion as a rampant Dorking Wanderers turned on a second half attacking display which the visitors had no answer too.

Diego Maradona returned to the side whilst Ross Defoe made his first start of the season as Casuals kicked off against the beautiful backdrop of Boxhill.

After their first match on Saturday where they failed to score the returning Sekou Kaba showed quick feet early on to release Emmanuel Akokhia but the striker was crowded out by the covering defender as Casuals looks to make a quick impression on the side that had inflicted their first home defeat 2 weeks prior.

Home skipper Chris Boulter had a free header from a corner go well wide in a half of very few chances.

Casuals nearest sight of goal came in the 16th minute when Boulter's intended back pass was latched onto by Akokhia but his effort was instinctively kept out by the outstretched arm of Gary Ross in the Wanderers goal.

Few in the 112 strong crowd could have foreseen what would have happened after such an uninspired yet competitive first period.

The main catalyst for the turnaround being the introduction or former Farnborough striker Phil Page for the hosts. Within seconds of his entrance he picked the ball up 20 yards from goal and held off Murray before seeing a shot defected just wide.

He went even closer in the 49th minute with an audacious effort that had Bracken beaten all ends up. There appeared to be little danger as he and Terry Murray contested a lofted ball but with the ball bouncing down the striker spun and hooked a 40 yard volley that beat Bracken but bounced down off the ground and onto the bar before being clutched in the arms of the grateful keeper.

Skipper Bracken was equal to the frontman's effort moments later beating out a fierce drive at the near post before Josh Uzun at the other end went close after weaving into the box his shot crept just past Ross’s right hand post.

Casuals took the lead in the 56th minute when Uzun hit his second goal in 3 games finishing well from the edge of the area after cutting out a ball across his own box by Jake Hill. It was a calm side footed finish.

The game swung back and forth before the home side hit a 64th minute leveller when Luke Hackett’s shot defected past a helpless Bracken.

5 minutes later and the game had swung around completely; the visitors were dismayed when the referee awarded a very soft looking free kick 35 yards from goal. From the resulting kick Page rifled home into the far corer and the league newcomers were infront.

A shocked Casuals responded well and Akokhia saw another deflected drive just wide after cutting in from the right as they looked to level the match. Those hopes were dashed however with 10th minutes remaining when Uzun’s night took a turn for the worse when he was harshly adjudged to have handed Kevin Terry's goal bound effort on the line. Page dispatched the penalty to see his side two goals and a man to the good.

To rub salt into the wounds a 4th goal was added deep into stoppage time as Page’s right wing cross was emphatically tucked away by another substitute Shaun Findlay.

Corinthian Casuals 0-1 Folkestone Invicta
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 5th September 2015
Att: 210
Report by Darren Pasley
Pics: Stuart Tree (click here)

Leaders Folkestone showed their early season promotion credentials as they become the first side this campaign to stop James Bracken's side from scoring.

A fine strike from experienced striker Ian Draycott (pictured below)just before the break proved to be the difference between the two sides on the afternoon.

Emil Salama returned to the side along with Juevan Spencer whilst Josh Uzun filled in at left back with Dave Hodges having the afternoon off to get married.

After kicking off Casuals made a nice bright start forcing a corner inside the first minute which keeper Tim Roberts did well to fist away under pressure.

The visitors Ashley Miller had the games first shot in the 10th minute with a drive which was always rising and into the safety of the sizeable number of visiting fans behind Danny Brackens goal.

Centre Back Terry Murray, who has made a brilliant start to his career at the club, came close to opening the scoring in the 18th minute when his volley smacked back off the post following Uzun’s precise delivery. Stealing in at the back post the young defender may have feel he should have opened his account for the club but the game remained scoreless.

James Rogers, signed on loan from Conference South side Maidstone, sent a spinning effort just over as both sides were restricted to opportunist efforts mostly from distance with both defences in command.

It took a brilliant save from Casuals' last line of defence Danny Bracken to deny Matt Newman with the midfielder thinking he had put his side in front with a header that was somehow kept out.

Kevant Serbony and Emmanuel Akokhia both had efforts from outside the area which failed to test Roberts but the Seasiders scored the first and ultimately winning goal 4 minutes before the break.

Nat Blanks fired a ball into the box which was contested by Chappell and Danny Dudley. With the ball looping up in the air, Ian Draycott showed great improvisation whilst off the ground to volley home over his head from 6 yards out.

As in the first half, the home side made a good start and Stef Joseph nearly profited from a mix up between Roberts and Frankie Chappell with the keeper gratefully clutching onto the ball having raced to the edge of his area. The pressure continued as Joseph again caused a threat this time firing just over after Juevan Spencer won the ball back from Blanks.

Niall Wright shot just wide with a shot from 25 yards before the same player again just failed to meet Joseph’s low cross after driving into the area. Ross Defoe and Ben Cotton were introduced in a double change before Bracken kept his side in to once again with 25 minutes remaining after somehow keeping out Draycott’s side footed effort after  Dolan's good work.

Despite plenty of huff and puff Casuals couldn't force any real openings against a defence that's been breached only four times in the Ryman league this season so far.

Emil Salama had a late shout for a penalty waved away whilst the visitors perhaps could have worked the ball better on a couple of occasions when breaking but there were no further goals.

However, Casuals Boss James Bracken wasn’t downbeat about the performance as they remain in the top four of the Ryman League Division One South. Bracken said,

It was a tight game which could’ve gone either way, but it’s gone theirs and that’s life. Next week might bring another tight game and it might go our way. 

“It was good to be in a game against a decent side that have started well and yet be so competitive. After the game, their manager has been very complimentary of us which is a nice touch.

“We try to base everything we do on keeping clean sheets and if you try to go out every match and win 4-3, you’ll end up near the bottom of table. You’ve got to try to go out and win 1-0 or 2-0.

“To win this league, you’ve gotta score close to 100 goals and you’ll need to keep clean sheets for 50% of your games. 

In a tight game, Casuals’ captain and goalkeeper Danny Bracken pulled out two first-class stops to prevent the scoreline from flattering the visitors. Sibling James spoke of his brother’s performance.

“We all know how good Danny (Bracken) is; I know more than anyone how good he is. It’s been a different start to the season for him because last year, when I watched him, some games he’d be called to save eight or nine one-on-ones. This season, I think I can count on one hand the good saves he’s made in the first six games. Today he’s shown how good he is again and it’s a case in point that he’s had less exposure this year as we’ve been defending slightly better. But when he’s needed to pull out the saves, he has and that’s what he’s there to do.

“I’ve got my views on the fixtures and how they’ve been compiled; we play Dorking Wanderers who are a decent side twice in space of two weeks, which is ludicrous. Teams change so much over the course of a season, but if you play sides twice in such a short space of time, they might be flying high and doing really well, yet in the tail end of the season, they might not be. And of course, you want to play teams when they’re not performing so well. But we have to make do with that and I’m sure we’ll bounce back from today.”

Molesey 0-1 Corinthian Casuals 
Ryman League Division One South
Monday 31st  August 2015
Att: 75
Report by Darren Pasley
Pics: Stuart Tree (click to view)
2nd set of Pics: Andy Nunn  (click to view)
Video: Steve Wigg (click to view)

A header from substitute Josh Uzun with 2 minutes remaining earned Casuals 3 valuable points as they produced a determined performance to end back to back defeats.

James Bracken handed Steph Joseph his first start after the striker came off the bench to grab a consolation at Pagham in the FA Cup 48 hours earlier whilst in-form Juevan Spencer was unavailable.

After the heavy deluge of rain which had fallen in the 24 hours previous the opening proceedings saw both sets of players struggle to bring the ball under control with the zip off the surface causing problems.

Emmanuel Akokhia was the first to fire at goal but in the 10th minute his weak effort from a free  kick bounced harmlessly wide of Liam Allen's post.

The hosts first chance fell to the right foot of Reis Stanislaus but his shot lacked the power to trouble Bracken who make an easy save low down from 15 yards out,

With both back 4’s in control it was a period of half chances and Niall Wright had a hand in two of these. First curling a free kick onto the head of Stefan Joseph who nodded well over and then firing wide through a crowd of players after good work down the left by Dave Hodges.

Kevant Serbony dismissed in the cup tie in Sussex forced Allen into a save with a fierce drive from outside the area as Brackens men continued to probe.

The best chance of the half fell to the head of Molesey centre back Rob Sheridan with 10 minutes remaining in the half as he met James McShane’s wonderful right wing cross but with Bracken beaten his header went back across the goal and wide.

The home side continued to offer a threat from the long throws of Ollie Robinson but Terry Murray and Danny Dudley protected Danny Bracken well and the half ended all square.

The second half saw Joseph nearly capitalise on a mistake from the home defence when attempting a short goal kick but his effort went the wrong side of Allen’s upright. 

Stafford Palmer so prolific in Molesey’s championship winning campaign last season curled over a right footed effort as his side looked to break the deadlock.
A flurry of corners on the hour saw both Palmer and Stanislaus go close from corners as Casuals threw bodies in front of goal bound efforts.

With the challenges flying in and yellow cards mounting for both sides it was the general feeling that before too long someone would be taking an early bath. That honour fell to Marlon Rodney the home full back as he went into the notebook twice for hauling down Akokhia.

Despite the man advantage it didn't appear that the visitors would exploit the gaps especially with the hosts still looking dangerous going forward.
However with the clock ticking down Serbony picked out Hodges on the left and after steading himself his looping cross was met by the flying Joss Uzun on from the bench who guided a magnificent header over Allen into the opposite corner.

The home sides only response fell deep into stoppage time but Stanislaus blasted well over after the ball dropped to him outside the box and Casuals continued unbeaten on the road in the league.

Pagham 3-1 Corinthian Casuals 
FA Cup Preliminary Round
Saturday 29th August 2015
Att: 117
Report by Darren Pasley
Pics: Stuart Tree (click here to view)

Casuals miserable FA cup record continued as they slumped to a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Sussex County side Pagham.

Despite the good start to the season experienced Casuals fans will know this counts for nothing when the cup comes around and so it proved to be again this time around.

There were returns to the starting line up for Warren Morgan and Brandon Johnson after James Bracken suffered his first defeat in the midweek 2-1 reverse at home to Dorking Wanderers.

It was a confident start for the away side who dominated possession in the early stages and should have taken the lead in the 10th minute when Warren Morgan did well to keep the ball in and cut back from the byline but keeper Binfield was equal to Emmanuel Akokhia’s sliding effort.

Casuals continued to make all the early running and Binfield was in action again this time to beat away Josh Uzun’s fierce drive.

At the other end the home sides first chance fell to the head of Kempson but it was off target following a free kick delivery.

The visitors continued to appear the more likely to break the deadlock with the home side hanging on from set pieces especially but on 25 minutes Dan Swain nearly chipped Bracken from 40 yards with an audacious effort which the Casuals keeper did well to tip over. 

This game the home side the confidence required and they came more into the game and hit Casuals with a sucker punch in the 35th minute. Dan Simmonds with 6 goals already to his name this season picked the ball up just beyond the half way line and was allowed to drive in at goal skipping past Dudley before unleashing a superb 25 yard effort low into the bottom corner past the outstretched arm of Bracken. It was a superb finish.

The game continued to swing end to end and the closest to a second goal came from the hosts with Robert Brown having a low drive just wide.

Any hopes of a dominant Casuals response were quashed in 6 minutes at the start of the second half. In the 50th minute Simmonds was again allowed to run at the Casuals backline weaving in-between two centre backs before finishing well to double the lead. It got worse shortly afterwards as a routine goal kick wasn't dealt with at the back and with Bracken misjudging the bounce Simmonds nipped in to slide home a hat-trick on what was becoming a memorable day for the striker.

James Bracken threw on Diego Maradona and Stephan Joseph for his debut and the big striker certainly gave Casuals the physical presence they had lacked all afternoon in the final third. 

All hell broke loose in the 76th minute when Kevant Serbony on the receiving end of a bad tackle from Kerion Playlet-Howard reacted furiously which sparked a melee with most players involved. The two players received their marching orders with a couple of others lucky to only receive yellow. 

Kaba and Joseph had shots well saved by Binfield whilst the home side continued to look dangerous on the counter.  Joseph was finally rewarded deep into stoppage time with his first Casuals goal but it was too little too late and the Sussex side who were by far the better side on the day deservedly booked their place in the next round against Carshalton Athletic.