Corinthian-Casuals 2 - 0 Three Bridges
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 27th September 2016
Attendance: 114
Report: Cameron Smith. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set here)

Marking his 300th appearance with a goal, the tireless Jamie Byatt aided a fabulous Corinthian-Casuals performance as Three Bridges left King George’s with a 2-0 loss on their record.

The beaming James Bracken said that Saturday’s 1-0 home victory against the courageous Ramsgate was “probably our best win of the season”. Shaun Okojie’s vital nudge on a Juevan Spencer pass sent Casuals into dreamland as an impressive start to the season continued, currently sitting in third place.

Jamie Byatt, who was benched for Saturday’s game, would pick up his 300th appearance award in a chocolate and pink shirt as the club legend’s name appeared on the team-sheet at King George’s. ‘Busy’ chucked the no.11 shirt on as he replaced Jordan Clarke on the left wing. Another change was in midfield as Ramsgate conqueror Spencer earned himself a spot in the starting XI ahead of Josh Uzun.

The visitors to Tolworth on a cold Tuesday night were Three Bridges, who had made the hour-or-so trip from East Sussex to improve on previous meetings between the two. Last season, Corinth had taken six points from Three Bridges by scoring once on each occasion. The more celebratory was when Corinth netted in the 95th minute to grab the victory at Jubilee Walk. A four game losing streak and without a single win away from home, Three Bridges were in a poor run of form.

The seventeen place difference between the teams was showcased after only a few minutes. Fresh from netting his seventh league goal of the season, Okojie was looking sharp as he rounded the keeper with simplicity and ease. However, the super striker was unable to dispatch as the defender skillfully dispossessed him when the ball got trapped between his feet. A few half-chances from Spencer and Okojie filled the first 30 minutes before the deadlock was broken.

A delightful in-swinging corner from Maz Bettache beat the flailing arms of goalkeeper Kieron Thorp and it fell for who else but Mr Three-Hundred man - Jamie Byatt. Byatt nodded the ball into the empty net from a few yards out on the half hour mark. Passionate celebrations from the player driven by passion for Corinthian-Casuals. A true legend.

Three Bridges’ main chance, arrived when Danny Bracken lived up to his title as ‘England’s no.1’ when keeping out a point blank header and a lightning quick rebound which followed. Bettache was terrorising the anxious Three Bridges defence again, this time a pinpoint cross for Okojie but his header flew just over the bar. He had another golden chance as he was allowed through on goal by a defence-splitting ball from the midfield. Okojie attempted to place an effort into the near post but Thorpe’s gloves said otherwise. The half-time whistle blew as Casuals entered the next 45 with a 1-0 lead.

Carrying on from the first half, Casuals remained the dominant force. Spencer was denied again as Thorpe managed to save Three Bridges. The stunning heroics had kept the score-line 1-0 until the 56th minute.

After retaining the ball from edging over the line, Josh Gallagher squared the ball to Maz Bettache, who was in acres of space. The midfielder netted his second of the season as he turned and fired the ball in one quick motion. Eluding the stranded Thorpe, the effort clipped off the post before finding the net in a fantastic finish. Finally, the second goal had arrived for Corinth.

The Bridges nearly brought Casuals back down to earth as a free-kick was so nearly converted as the powerful strike skimmed the crossbar. Kieron Thorpe in the Bridge net continued to stop shots on goal as Jamie Byatt had a 1 on 1 saved, whilst Okojie was denied by a magnificent punch.

Despite dominating the chances and possession, Casuals were unable to add to the 2-0 scoreline as the referee signalled for full-time.

Three Bridges took the late drive back to Sussex with another away loss and a position change to 20th. First-placed Dorking Wanderers are the next competitors who face the Bridge. Meanwhile, Corinthians sit in 3rd, a point behind Tooting & Mitcham, who lost 2-1 to Molesey. A trip to the seaside is next on the agenda with relegation-placed Herne Bay who host James Bracken’s majestic pink and brown army.

“We've addressed our defensive problems and have to be happy with two clean sheets in two games. We've only conceded three goals in the last five games, since the six let in against Hythe," said Bracken after the match.

“Something needed to be looked at, as I said at the time. We've done that, worked on it and now we look far more solid and that's how we'll win games.

“It should've been a lot more than two scored tonight. When you see Carshalton winning by ten goals and Walton Casuals banging in seven, that tonight should've been up there with those scores. Realistically, we've had four or five one-on-one chances, two open goals missed and that's all on top of the two we've scored. If we take those chances, and some were absolute sitters, then you're looking at a big score. But three points is three points, regardless of how many we bagged.

“We've got a nice little attitude at the moment where we're approaching one game at a time. We won't under-estimate anyone. I'll be thinking about the next game this week and picking the team for Saturday.

“It might not be the same eleven that plays as we did tonight. We've won 2-0 but I've dropped goalscorers in the game after regularly. It doesn't seem to be steering us too far wrong at the moment. Everyone has a great attitude and when they're picked they're delivering a performance  that ensures we win games. We'll only focus on the next game.”

Corinthian-Casuals 1 - 0 Ramsgate
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 24th September 2016
Match report: Cameron Smith. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set here)

Two crucial second-half substitutions orchestrated by James Bracken proved the difference as Corinthian-Casuals earned their first clean sheet of the season in a 1-0 win over Ramsgate.

As the team sheet emerged on a mild Saturday afternoon, ripples were sent across King George’s, a fascinating selection from boss James Bracken had everyone talking. Despite impressing in the midweek clash against East Grinstead Town, goal-scorer Shaun Brown was benched ahead of namesake Shaun Okojie in attack. Josh Gallagher returned to the starting XI with the the injured Kevant Serbony sitting out. The defence saw the midfielder Niall Wright and the imposing Jack Strange pair up in centre-back whilst Dave Hodges made his first league start since the season opener after a spell on the sidelines. Warren Morgan took his place at his accustomed right back position. Terry Murray, Juevan Spencer, Shaun Brown and Jamie Byatt created a superb bench which Bracken could utilise at any point.

The visiting side were mid-table Ramsgate, who had beaten Casuals in the last meeting between the two in November last year. Hoping to improve on a mediocre 12th spot in the 2015/16 season, the Rams had not won in six games and were on a four game losing streak.

The white shirts of Ramsgate started brightest as the dynamic Ashley Miller fired an early shot towards goal but it was parried by Danny Bracken. Lots of corners came and passed for the visitors as Casuals were swept away by the surge of confidence and attack by the Kent-based club.

In the 17th minute, the deadlock was so nearly broken as Tom Chapman sent a remarkable effort from the right hand side of the area which cannoned off the crossbar and the curling chance denied Ramsgate an opener.

Casuals’ best moment of the half came five minutes from the break as Josh Uzun delivered a pinpoint free-kick for the towering Jack Strange. The centre-half connected but could not convert as the header dodged the crossbar by a few inches. A single moment of creativity nearly wrote Jordan Clarke on the scoresheet as the winger exploded onto the scene, tucking the ball just wide of the post from twenty yards out.

Chapman’s fire-cracker and Clarke’s outburst were the main talking points of the half, which otherwise was poor.

As the second-half started, indecision was cited as the problem, thwarting Casuals’ ability to take the lead on multiple occasions. James Bracken decided to use his star-studded bench as fan favourite Juevan Spencer and Tuesday’s star Shaun Brown made their way on the pitch for wide-men Jordan Clarke and Josh Uzun.

The injection of fast-thinking, creativity and movement on and off the ball was evident as Corinth pounced on the Ramsgate defence. The marauding Dave Hodges provided a fantastic knock to sub Juevan Spencer who controlled expertly before prodding the ball past the oncoming keeper Luke Watkins to the open Shaun Okojie. Stretching, Okojie managed to grab the all-important touch as the ball rolled over the line and into the net. It brought relieved yet surprised celebrations from the Casuals contingent as the home side edged ahead.

Continuing his terrific form, Shaun Brown let loose from 25 yards but his shot met the gloves of Watkins, who cradled the ball and started a Ramsgate counter. A Ramsgate substitute was also making an impact on the game as Alfie Paxman hammered the post ten minutes from time. An unfortunate injury for sub Shaun Brown forced the winger to come off for Jamie Byatt.

Casuals held on to steal three points from the hard-done-by Ramsgate to stay in third place. The 1-0 victory had confirmed Rams’ fifth consecutive loss but they look able to change things on Tuesday night at Sittingbourne. Meanwhile, James Bracken’s pink and brown army face Three Bridges at home on Tuesday.

“I'm delighted with the result today,” said Manager James Bracken. “That's probably our best win of the season in terms of how solid we were for the whole game. We were organised, hard working and our shape throughout the game meant that there was no period in the match where we lost our positioning.

“Everyone grafted for the first hour and made sure we hadn't conceded. We then made a couple of changes that tilted it in our favour to go and win the game.

“We probably could've added one or two more goals in just the way the game panned out on the counter attack. But all in all, I'm delighted with the lads and it's another good win.

“Ramsgate's league position doesn't reflect where they'll end up in April. I don't think they're a bad side at all, which made it a little tougher going for the first hour. We probably lacked a bit of thrust in our game but certainly gained more defensive shape which meant we were in the game.

“Conceding two or three goals has been a problem for us this season. I'm pleased with what I've seen and like I've said before, I've wanted to get back to winning games by 1-0. On another day, that would be two or three-nil and praise would be heaped on us saying that's fantastic... that's brilliant.”

East Grinstead 2 - 2 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 20th September 2016
Match report: Darren Pasley. Pics: Andy Nunn (full set here)

Four points from two away games was the result on Tuesday evening as Casuals were held by a spirited and tricky East Grinstead who defied their lowly league position.

On a ground that they are still to win on Casuals handed a rare start to Shaun Brown and the young striker forced an early corner which from the resulting delivery saw Jack Strange send a free header wide.

It was clear from an early stage that the hosts defence would be in for a tough evening with Kevant Serbony the next to nearly profit from hesitation in the back line. On this occasion the ball was cleared to safety.

Skipper Callum Emptage saw yellow inside the first 5 minutes for a nasty tackle on Josh Uzun as the visitors made all the early running.

Following a series of shots that were blocked, Casuals took the lead in the 19th minute when Maz Bettache from out on the left touchline swung a deep delivery onto the head of an unmarked Shaun Brown who expertly guided the ball home. It was a deserved lead and Casuals looked to add to this straight away. Firstly keeper Al-Drouni fumbled Josh Uzun's shot with a defender saving his blushes and then Kevant Serbony brought the best out of the stopper with a fierce drive from 30 yards which was kept out.

Despite the early dominance the hosts equalised out of the blue in the 26th minute when from the right wing Danny Bracken had kept out Elliot’s header brilliantly, the rebound was tapped home by Tashi-Jay Kwayie.

Casual’s response was immediate and within 90 seconds had regained the lead. Shaun Brown this time the creator getting to the by-line with a burst of pace and the oncoming Juevan Spencer slotted home from 6 yards.

The visitors continued to create chances with Spencer again twice going close. Firstly lifting a lob over keeper Al-Droubi which fell just the wrong side of the post before having a shot on the turn well held by the home keeper.

Kevant Serbony stuck the outside of the post with another curling effort before the home side squared matters just before the break.

Jamie Byatt upended Travis Gregory who showed a fine touch to bring the ball down and burst into the area and from the spot Marcus Elliott made no mistake.

The second period saw Jamie Byatt glance a header just wide from a Shaun Brown cross but it was clear the home side had taken confidence from going in level at the interval and they emerged a much tougher proposition.

Former Tottenham youngster Laste Dombaxe curled a free kick just wide with Danny Bracken flying across his goal and the Casuals skipper had to get down smartly to foil Gaggin’s near post effort.

James Bracken introduced top scorer Shaun Okojie and Jordan Clarke from the bench and it was the latter who nearly made an immediate impact but smashed his effort just wide on the hour.

The substitutes were to combine shortly afterwards and this time Okojie saw a goal-bound effort blocked whilst at the other end Elliot was inches away from putting East Grinstead in front for the first time.

With the home side looking the more likely to push for the winner the appearance of Josh Gallagher spurred Casuals on and both Byatt and Clarke had efforts just wide as the visitors finished strongly.

ASsthe game approached injury time, Dombaxe who had made a real impact from the bench saw an effort well kept out by Bracken following smart improvisation to get the shot away.

A well-earned point which was probably a fair reflection of an entertaining match.

Chipstead 1 - 4 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 17th September 2016
Match report: Cameron Smith. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set here)

Corinthian Casuals bounced back after a catastrophic 6-3 loss in the league last week to convincingly beat Chipstead 4-1 away from home.

A feeling that no Casuals player would want to feel again, the morale-destroying defeat against Hythe Town last Saturday was still fresh in their minds. However, on Tuesday, Casuals beat Whyteleafe 2-0 under the lights at King George’s in the Robert Dyas League Cup thanks to goals from Josh Uzun and man-of-the-match Shaun Brown.

Chipstead (located near Banstead) having not won in four games in all competitions, sat in 16th position. Four changes from the Hythe Town game saw Warren Morgan and Danny Dudley replace Niall Wright and Terry Murray at the back. Also, Ben Cheklit and ‘Super Maz' Bettache were left out ahead of Uzun and Brandon Johnson. The Chips played in their inaugural green and white hoops while it was the classic chocolate and pink for Casuals. A chill in the air and an occasional gust of wind kept everyone in the ground wrapped up in layers.

The suspect surface of High Road certainly impacted the way James Bracken had wanted to play as the game took a sharp turn into fouls, complaints and yellow cards. Brandon Johnson was the first in the book after a few tough challenges in the opening fifteen. Another yellow was handed out by the whistle-happy referee, this time to a Chipstead player. The darting run of Jordan Clarke had caught green shirts off guard in the 17th minute and after expertly rounding the oncoming keeper, Clarke slotted into the empty net to score. Appeals for offside were rejected as the position of the linesman’s flag remained by his side.

Minutes later, Casuals were hungry for a second. Jack Strange’s accurate pass allowed Shaun Okojie to have a chance on goal but was rebuked by the gloves of Sheik Ceesay, diving low to save the unlucky effort. Chipstead soon edged back into the game with chances coming through set-pieces that Casuals had given away. Danny Bracken was kept busy as a low shot evaded the net and was parried away by the keeper. Corinth were ahead at half-time by a single goal.

Corinthians started the second-half brightly, Danny Bracken assisting an Okojie shot which lacked connection as it sailed past the post. Nonetheless, the visitors were dealt a discouraging blow when defensive rock Danny Dudley signalled to the bench as he plummeted to the floor and was subsequently replaced by Niall Wright. Dudley walked off the pitch clearly distraught with the injury. Chipstead took advantage of Casuals’ defensive struggles as right-back Steve Betancourt punted the ball upfield. A green shirt controlled and set up Jason Henry to power the ball into the top corner from the edge of the area. The hosts had equalised as the scoreline read 1-1.

Not for long. On the front foot, Corinth had a golden chance soon after the Chipstead goal as Kevant Serbony reacted first to a ricochet that fell for him. The midfielder took a touch before burying the ball into the far corner. Passionate celebrations ensued from both the scorer and the fans as Corinth were back in the driving seat.

Marauding left-back Jamie Byatt was close to scoring another for Casuals as he hit a low shot narrowly past the post. Whilst on the search to score the third, Josh Uzun was awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area; the referee correctly judged a Chipstead player to have used his hand. Uzun superbly converted the set-piece into the top corner of the net, which left keeper Cisse stunned. There was swerve and accuracy on the strike which was the midfielder’s fifth of the season.

Three was obviously not enough as substitute Juevan Spencer netted his first of the campaign. Latching onto a defence splitting cross, the winger took a confident touch and composed himself before rifiing in. Spencer scored to finish the game once and for all.

Manager James Bracken was pleased with the performance.

“It's another four goals scored today. We're always going to score goals but it's pleasing that we've only conceded the one.

“That's six goals scored and only one against us in the last two games after making one or two positional changes. So we're happy and much closer to the level I expect us to perform.

“There's still more to come, but that was much better today.

“Four goals from four different scorers. We've got so many good players at this club. I've had selection problems ever since I got here. But they're good problems. The boys in the changing room knows there isn't a bad player.

“They have to trust me to pick a team which will go out there and win the majority of the time."

Chipstead move into 17th with a visit from high-flying Dorking Wanderers this Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, Casuals return to Tolworth in second place behind Tooting, who have a game in-hand. A meander to East Grinstead on Tuesday is next on the agenda before King George’s host the game against Ramsgate next weekend.

Corinthian-Casuals 2 – 0 Whyteleafe
Robert Dyas League Cup Round One
Tuesday 13th September 2016
Attendance: 74
Match report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)

Corinthian-Casuals set up a second round cup tie at neighbours Met Police after defeating Whyteleafe by two goals to nil in the Robert Dyas League Cup.

Clean sheets have been a rare commodity for James Bracken’s side this season having already shipped twenty goals in just eight games – six of which came against a rampant Hythe Town on Saturday. So it will be pleasing for management and supporters alike to witness the first shut-out of the season.

Bracken is still trying to find the balance between a strong attack and resolute defence and used this respite from the league to shuffle the pack, giving chances to those who’ve found themselves on the fringes. Shaun Brown, a reserve-team stalwart for a number of years made his first start as did Kojo Apenteng, making his competitive debut for Corinth, replacing Jamie Byatt at left back. Whyteleafe boasted two ex-Casuals in their line-up; the impressive Jake Downs at centre back and Daryl Coleman, who’d feature from the bench.

Before flags could be hung and pints supped upon, Casuals were in front; Juevan Spencer was hauled down in the box and reliable Josh Uzun struck his penalty kick into the bottom corner sending Luke Colquhoun the wrong way. Those in attendance could be forgiven for thinking that the early goal would be the catalyst for another goal fest - to follow the sixteen that they’d witnessed at King George’s in the past two matches. Alas, it was not to be.

Whyteleafe loomed large around the Casuals’ six yard box with an impressive tally of corners, none of which really threatened, barring a small goalmouth scramble. The visitors looked comfortable in possession and crafted half chances via Karl Parker and Jake Downs, both heading wide. Danny Bracken made a fine stop from the dangerously-quick Andrew Mensah, diving low to his left to palm the shot round his post. Leafe entered the break looking the better side but still a goal down.

The pace increased and space widened in the second half as both sides looked to establish themselves. Corinth appearend more settled than in the first period and patterns of play yielded some enjoyable football. A well-worked set piece ended with Shaun Brown narrowly missing the target at the back post. Maz Bettache’s bursting run was only ended via a cynical foul and Uzun’s resulting free kick was deflected wide of the mark. All seemed comfortable and was made even more so in the 79th minute when a terrific turn of pace from Brown saw the striker burst into the box and fire past Colquhoun to give Corinth an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Three changes by Bracken in the final ten minutes ensured that Corinth earned their first clean sheet of the season and passage to the next round. Eyes turned to the match at Hendon, as Met Police snuck past their hosts 4-3 on penalties to set up a neighbourly encounter with our Ryman Premier compatriots. 

Corinthian-Casuals 3 - 6 Hythe Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 10th September 2016
Attendance: 112
Match report: Cameron Smith. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set here)

On a gloomy afternoon in Tolworth, Corinthian Casuals were swept off their feet by the majestic Hythe Town in a high-scoring, yet disheartening, 6-3 defeat in the Ryman Division One South.

A morale-boosting 5-2 victory fresh in James Bracken’s mind, there were no changes to the impressive back four, which included man-of-the-match and goal-scorer Jack Strange. The suspended Jordan Clarke returned to the starting XI ahead of Josh Uzun whilst Juevan Spencer was replaced by fan favorite Mahrez Bettache. ‘Super Maz’ was starting his first match since rejoining Casuals from Hendon. The opposition, Hythe Town, were off the back of a 2-1 win over Faversham Town on Tuesday. Two wins, two draws and one loss, Hythe travelled to King George’s with intentions to improve on their mid-table status.

As the wind howled and the rain fell, Casuals lined up in a new home kit for the first time, retaining the historic, fabulously-unique pink and chocolate while the visitors wore blue. It was clear that the kit wasn’t the only thing that was new-look, as the midfield were struggling to keep up with the fast attacking style of Hythe. In the 19th minute, the Cannons edged ahead after no.9 Frankie Sawyer sent Bracken the wrong way to score a penalty. Identical to the penalty incident against Guernsey on Tuesday, Casuals had given Hythe a chance to open the scoring, which they did.

Five minutes later, a controversial refereeing decision saw Terry Murray earn himself a yellow card for a sliding tackle when the defender looked like he had slipped on the wet surface. Despite protests, a free-kick on the edge of the area was given. That free-kick was beautifully converted by Sam Adams as Hythe doubled their lead. Two set-pieces sealed Casuals’ fate. Lack of creativity, the new set-up did not seem to be working for Corinth. Thankfully, the referee’s whistle blew and the horrendous first half was over.

Substitute Josh Algar scored two minutes from the edge of the area after the re-start to continue Corinth’s horror story. Questionable gaps in Casuals’ defence were opened ten minutes later as Alfie May slotted past Bracken when allowed clean through on goal to add the fourth. Minutes after, May scored again, this time a fire-cracker of a volley. Flying into the roof of the net, the score-line was now five goals to nil.

Finally, Casuals found their feet as Maz Bettache fired the ball off the crossbar and into the net to pull a goal back twenty minutes from time. Hythe relentlessly replied with another goal, May grabbing his astonishing twelve minute hat-trick after dispatching another 1 on 1 situation. After going 6-1 down, James Bracken made a double change, implementing midfielder Josh Uzun and defender Danny Dudley. Uzun, fresh from scoring a brilliant goal against Guernsey, netted Casuals’ second of the game, rifling a Byatt cross past Hythe’s Joe Mant. In the 89th minute, the unusually-quiet Okojie tapped the ball into the empty net after finishing what Shaun Brown could not. It was his fifth goal in three games; the game ended 6-3. Despite the overwhelming score-line, Casuals maintained character and determination to restore pride when 5-0 down, which showcased the level of care and love the players have for the game.

The away side marched from King George’s with three well-deserved points. Eighth place, Hythe played Faversham next in the Robert Dyas League Cup on Tuesday evening. Casuals also are set to play against Whyteleafe in the Cup on the same evening before taking a trip down the A217  for a league clash against Chipstead. Behind high-flying Tooting and Dorking Wanderers, Casuals sit in third, still in contention.

After the match, boss Bracken said, "Whether the first decision is a penalty or a slip, I don't know but when two players come together in the box, with their player goal-side, a spot kick is often given. If it's the other way round, it probably doesn't get given as a free kick and the ball rolls out of play. But it's been given and that's how it goes sometimes.

"But the next decision, the one that leads to their second goal is the real harmful one. Terry slips over, not even aware of the attacker and ends up on the floor with his back to the forward, who falls over the top of him. If you had a player injured on the pitch and someone fell over him, a free kick would never be given. Our player is oblivious to what has happened. I think the reaction of most summed it up. Their manager has even agreed that should never have been given. But the decisions made throughout the game were poor if I'm honest.

"At half time, I told the lads in the changing room that we'll score three. I had seen enough in the first period to be encouraged and knew what needed to be changed at half time in terms of making us a little more effective going forward. We didn't have enough width in the first half and no real overlap from the full backs - we were too narrow. We were stifled and that had to change.

"We scored the three that I said we would but conversely, we've let in another four. We can't dress it up as anything. It's just one of those days.

"I've not shouted at them afterwards. I said to the lads, sometimes you play a side where every shot they hit goes in. They've had a penalty, a free kick where the chap has stuck it in the top corner, a shot where the ball has skidded over Dan's hand and a volley from the back post that he'll never hit again.

"But when you look at how many chances they miss, there wasn't many. They've had probably seven chances as they should've scored the one they put over the bar. Almost every time they took a shot, it went in the goal. Sometimes that happens. There'll be a game where we don't play particularly well but go on to score four or five ourselves because every time we hit the ball it goes in the net. It's one of those days. There's no point dwelling on it now and we'll put it down to experience... we've just got to move on.

"I won't be mixing it up as much as I'd planned to on Tuesday.  Our goal is to not lose two games on the spin. So we'll put out a strong team and set our sights on winning. There will be changes – the boys on the bench will get a game and perhaps one or two from the reserves squad that have been doing well. It's a chance for those who are looking to get back a bit of fitness to get ninety minutes in.

"Ultimately, we're still searching for the balance between attacking and defending. How many attackers do we put in and how do we ensure we're a little more solid and resilient to conceding goals? We'll use this as an opportunity to look at a few things and tinker with it slightly. It's not right with the amount of goals we're letting in."

Corinthian-Casuals 5 - 2 Guernsey
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 6th September 2016
Report by Cameron Smith. Pic: Stuart Tree

The new-look Corinthian Casuals side comfortably ran out 5-2 winners as struggling Guernsey FC were defeated on a warm summer evening at King George’s.

“Some of the boys who have been waiting will get opportunities and others will have to realise that, whilst I'm a fair man, I'm also here to deliver performances to a good level on a consistent basis” were the words of James Bracken after the disappointing 3-2 loss in the FA Cup on Saturday. The Casuals boss stuck to his word as there were four new faces in the starting line-up. Also, former-Casuals man Mahrez Bettache returned to Tolworth after a season at Hendon FC and was on the substitutes bench.

The customary back-four were changed as centre-half Jack Strange started for the first time ahead of Danny Dudley whilst Warren Morgan sat out for midfielder Niall Wright to shift into right-back. Suspended, Jordan Clarke was replaced by Juevan Spencer on the wing and Ben Cheklit also started his first game, playing instead of Brandon Johnson.

A rough start to the season, Guernsey travelled to South London without a win, hovering just out of the relegation zone. Their last match was the 2-2 stalemate against Chatham Town, their third draw of the campaign in which former-player Matt Le Tissier attended.

Corinth started the game strongly, knocking the ball around the pristine King George’s field with a desire to continue their unbeaten run in the league. Early half-chances slowly eased Casuals into the game and in the twenty-eighth minute, an unlikely source struck gold. A chaotic goalmouth scramble was eventually poked home by the foot of debutant Jack Strange, who opened the scoring.

Moments after, Josh Gallagher was given space to run forwards and release a fierce thunderbolt towards goal. Narrowly missing the net, the effort crashed onto the post as sounds of disbelief echoed around the ground. Exploiting the left side, Jamie Byatt used his speed to find space and cross for Shaun Okojie at the back post who smoothly chested the ball in the net from a yard out to double Corinth’s lead.

Hoping to put the game to bed, the hosts searched for a third. A mix up just inside the area saw Okojie find an inch of space before firing past Guernsey’s Josh Addison right on the 45th minute. Then, the referee blew for half-time with Corinth leading by three goals.

At the start of the second half Juevan Spencer latched onto a terrific long ball, controlling before sending a pin-point cross for the rushing Gallagher to nod into the gloves of the shot-stopper, who parried away, keeping out a fourth. The Green Lions had their first real chance of the game as Matt Loaring was denied by the strong hands of Bracken. Corinth’s domination was restored as Byatt was close to writing his name on the score-sheet but the header was saved by Addison. Then, the elusive fourth goal was captured as Josh Uzun curled a marvellous shot into the top corner as the keeper stood still, unable to compute what had flown past him.

The lead-up matched the finish as a heavenly cluster of one-touch play found Uzun who did the rest. The short injection of jubilance soon faded as Byatt slid in on a Guernsey player which resulted in a penalty for the visitors. Ross Allen netted as Guernsey restored a glimpse of pride. Minutes later, Allen scored again as the no.10 notched his second of the game, reacting first in the area. Substitute Brandon Johnson finished the game with a magnificent curling shot which nestled into the far top corner of the net after a Niall Wright set-up. The game ended in a remarkable 5-2 win.

Corinth were in a celebratory mood as they are a point behind league leaders Tooting, with a game in hand. The islanders dropped into the bottom three with another trip to London to face Carshalton Athletic on Saturday. James Bracken’s pink and brown army will play Hythe Town next in their fourth home game on the trot.

"We wanted to get back to winning ways immediately after Saturday’s loss in the FA Cup, and that was the perfect response." said Bracken after the match.

"I made the few changes that I vowed I would and the boys that come into the side performed fantastically. Overall, everyone did well out there. When I look back on the game, we played some lovely football, scored some sublime goals and I’m sure everyone that come and watch the game appreciated the football that we played. All in all, we have to be happy with that.

"When you’re four-nil up, it’s easy to have a couple of lapses in concentration. ‘Busy’ went to the floor in the box and he won the ball but probably just needed to stay on his feet to prevent the referee having to make a decision. The linesman was in a far better place to see it and he gave nothing but with the game at 4-0, referees give those. If that challenge is made at 0-0, he probably doesn’t give them and we see it out comfortably.

"But it’s not as though they’ve peppered our goal. Dan didn’t have to make any great saves so ultimately it just became a couple of consolation goals for them.

"I was pleased with Jack Strange making his first start – more for the whole performance and not just for the goal. He was superb, especially for an 18 year old starting his first game here. I said to both, Dan Pringle and Joe Davies that Jack would score tonight. I thought it’d be a header as he attacks the ball so well. However, it was a horrible scrambled goal but it was great to see that we had someone in there with the desire to force it over the line rather than wait for someone else to do it.

"It’s a very welcome return for Maz (Mahrez Bettache) to Casuals too. He was certainly one player that I didn’t want to leave when I took over here at the beginning of last year, but he’d already agreed to join Hendon in the league above. That’s fantastic for him and it’s helped gain good experience in a higher division.

"He’s come off the bench tonight and played half an hour and at the end, he’s had a massive smile on his face, saying that ‘he loved it out there’. You could just see the lad enjoyed playing good football. That’s our aim. If we can get everyone enjoying their playing, then we’ll get the best out of them all."

Corinthian-Casuals 2 - 3 North Leigh
Emirates FA Cup First Round Qualifying
Saturday 3rd September 2016
King George's Arena
Attendance: 168
Match report: Cameron Smith. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)

On a sombre Saturday afternoon, Corinthian Casuals exited the Emirates FA Cup in the first qualifying round as Evo-Stik Southern League side North Leigh scored an 89th minute winner to win 3-2 and progress into the next round.

The overcast King George’s was host to two sides doing very well in their respective leagues as the magic of the FA Cup took over Tolworth. Two changes were made from the entertaining 3-3 draw against Tooting on Bank Holiday Monday; the injured Dave Hodges was replaced by Shaun Okojie as Byatt reverted to left-back and Niall Wright was out for Kevant Serbony. Fourth in their division, North Leigh hoped to extend their two-game winning streak with an FA Cup victory. The international break brought a healthy 168 to the ground and everyone was in for an interesting clash.

Like the Tooting fixture, the opposition struck first. Lance Williams was first of all denied by the superb reflexes of Danny Bracken before the no.6 headed in the rebound. Four minutes later, Corinth responded with the tricky talisman Shaun Okojie generating a chance out of virtually nothing- the striker shrugged off a defender and directed a low shot from outside the box into the near corner of the net. Calm and composed even in the celebration, Okojie levelled after thirteen minutes. However, he wasn’t finished. Clever work from Josh Gallagher saw the forward burst into the box and set up Okojie for his second. Super Shaun had turned the game around in the matter of minutes with two similar efforts, both sharing the same destination- that bottom left corner. Later in the first half, the visitors crept back into the match with Bracken having to keep out lots of shots from the spirited Yellows. Referee John Pike blew for half-time with the score 2-1 to Casuals as both teams re-grouped.

Inclement weather dampened the mood in the latter forty-five as rain lashed down onto the game. Ten minutes after the re-start, George Seacole scored to equalise as the no.9 headed the ball into the ground to make it difficult for Bracken, who grabbed a touch but couldn’t completely dispose as the away side made it 2-2. North Leigh were ignited as Seacole and Odihambo had opportunities to edge ahead, but either missed or were dismissed by the on-form Bracken. Goal-scorer Williams preposterously sliced the ball over the bar from six yards out as three players in yellow had their head in their hands at the incredible miss, this occurred after Creholes effort hit the post.

Ten minutes from time, Casuals had their furst real chance of the half as Kev Serbony exploded towards goal but North Leigh keeper Thompson made a impressive diving save after the powerful shot was tipped onto the post. Moving closer and closer to a replay, it was the Windmill Army’s Lance Williams, previous goal-scorer and the man who unbelievably missed from yards out, to step up and win the game for his club. Unmarked, Williams brilliantly looped his header past Bracken and into the net to make amends. Despite Okojie nearly scoring his hat-trick with two chances in stoppage time, Casuals’ FA Cup hopes were over.

This game saw Corinth knocked out of the FA Cup as North Leigh advanced into the second qualifying round. We wish them well in the future. Next, Casuals return to King George’s for a league game against Guernsey on Tuesday evening.

“Yet again, we've gone behind which is something we have to stop doing.” said Bracken after the match. “Yet again, we've come back from behind to be winning but we've conceded three goals again. We've let in twelve goals in six games and I cannot remember one of those goals being a good one.

“Every single time, there's been someone who's culpable, whether it's giving away a cheap free kick or not marking their man or switching off. It's happened too often.

“That'll be addressed on Tuesday night. Some of the boys who've been waiting will get opportunities and others will have to realise that, whilst I'm a fair man, I'm also here to deliver performances to a good level on a consistent basis. We've not done that today and even in the games that we've won, we cannot continue conceding two or three goals.

“It might be entertaining and make people come to watch us, knowing there'll be lots of goals but I hate those games. I look at other results and think '4-3? I'm glad I'm not involved in those matches'. But at the moment, with the amount we are conceding, we are involved in those games. It needs to be stopped and fast.

“I want to go back to winning games 1-0 or 2-0. Back to how it should be.

“We never played in the second half. We never got the ball down and under control. We had the wind at our back and that seemed to be an excuse to knock the ball up the other end as far as we could. It was pretty brainless from us if I'm honest.

“When we changed the shape and made the substitutions, it improved us and we started to get back into it and even at the end, Shaun Okojie has a header from six yards and I'd put money on him to score from there. He's also had an open goal where he's taken a heavy touch, so we could've snatched a draw and got a replay. But it would've masked over the fact that we're leaking too many goals and that cannot continue.

“We're down to second in the table but with a game in hand so it's not doom and gloom but I'm at the point where I should be giving chances to other lads after conceding twelve goals in six games. If I have a striker that doesn't score for ten games, then I won't play them and it's the same for defenders. We need to keep clean sheets, concede less and be more dominant. We'll give people the opportunity to prove they can do it and if they can, they'll be in possession of those shirts.

“I'll always say this to the boys though; I'll never judge them in defeat and I won't judge them on their work-rate. There's no problem with their effort but perhaps there is in terms of the quality of our play and our defending

“We have to get back to the basics; winning first headers, picking up second balls, consistently tracking runners, marking in the box. Just defend properly and don't give away cheap free kicks. Things like that will cost us and we've got away with it for a while. When you win 3-2, you tend to forget about it but when you lose 3-2, it highlights it. So we'll address it.

“There's no panic button to push just yet but one or two need a little reminder that levels of performance need to improve. We need to step it up on Tuesday and we'll judge them in their reaction against Guernsey and not in the performance in the Cup today.”