"​We’re pretty good at the moment, aren’t we?" commented Manager James Bracken following the 2-1 win at Leatherhead.

"Tonight we played against a few more than eleven and still got away with the win.

"Some of their supporters reckoned we cheated our way through the game. How on earth they’re working that out I don’t know. We’ve scored two good goals and they were gifted a penalty. So I’m not sure how that’s cheating our way through a match. There wasn’t anything about our game that was even tantamount to cheating.

"Leatherhead had five wins on the spin and we’ve come here and thoroughly deserved the victory.

"That second goal was as good as you’ll see in any level of non-league football. Two or three backheels in a move that finishes with a goal. You don’t see that very often.

“We played the conditions fairly well. We were delighted to get the equaliser just before half time which to be fair, the first half was fairly even. They’ve had moments and we’ve had moments kicking into the strong wind. I’d have been happy going in at 1-0 down because I always thought we had at least two goals in us. The equaliser set us up nicely and second half, had we just been a little more cute in the final third, we’d have scored more. 

"You have to approach things differently in that kind of wind and again, we’re still learning. In the first half, unless I’m calling it through from the sidelines, they’re not getting it right. But we’re looking like a group of men that, more often than not, know what we're doing. If they need a little gee-up now and again from me... well, that’s my job.

“Another good performance, another good night and another building block to keep pushing on with." 

Speaking of the penalty save, Bracken gave praise to his brother, keeper and Captain Danny Bracken. “Let’s give my brother (Danny Bracken) credit. Only because he’ll give himself all the credit anyway. I’m sure he’s going to tell me how we’ve got a 100% record since he’s been back. But seriously, he makes a difference to us. He’s a presence. He doesn’t make rash decisions. He’s consistent and makes saves when you need him to. Tonight, he’s not had to make any ‘worldies’. He’s saved the penalty, which to be fair, I called – I’d told him where to go – so I’m taking that credit. He just used his body and my brain. He gives the boys in front of him more confidence. He’s more vocal. But I’m not just going to single out Dan. A lot of the boys are taking responsibility and it needs to carry on.

"We've just got to keep doing what we’re doing, because as I said a couple of weeks ago, who’s going to beat us? Okay, realistically speaking, we’ll lose one or two – of course we will, but if we stay on track, keep our work level up, keep our energy high and stay fit, then who knows what we can achieve."

Leatherhead 1 - 2 Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik League Premier Division
Wednesday 28th November 2018
Match report: Stuart Tree. Photos: Andy Nunn. (See full set of pics here)

Corinthian-Casuals moved up to sixth in the Bostik League Premier Division following a dramatic 2-1 win at in-form Leatherhead on Wednesday evening.

Coming from behind, Warren Mfula and Max Oldham were on hand to seal the victory and three points at Fetcham Grove with the turning point seeing keeper Danny Bracken saving a second-half penalty.

Both sides came into this wet and windy encounter on the back of multiple wins. A blow was dealt to Manager James Bracken when centre-back Reece Hannigan was missing due to a back injury. Midfielder Coskun Ekim covered his position alongside Jack Strange.

In tricky conditions, it was the hosts who struck first. Jeremiah Amoo neatly slotted past Bracken in the 19th minute. A cagey first half continued with neither side creating any other clear cut chances. That was until the 44th minute when Max Oldham’s byline cross was converted by Warren Mfula.

Leatherhead had a golden opportunity to make amends early in the second period when a hotly-disputed penalty was awarded. Tanner’s players argued with themselves as to who would take it and perhaps came to the wrong decision. Firing low to Bracken’s left, the keeper made a comfortable save to keep the scores level.

Corinth opened up and with pace, created numerous attacks on Leatherhead’s goal, countering the long ball game the Tanners had set up to play all evening. It paid off in the 80th minute with a goal of sublime beauty. A flowing move, which involved Jordan Clarke, Gabriel Odunaike and finally Max Oldham contained no less than two back-heels in the build-up.

Things turned sour for both sides in the final stages; first Gabriel Odunaike was dismissed after he reacted to an alleged comment made directly to him from the assistant referee and Leatherhead’s Charlie Wassmer received a second yellow for a late challenge on substitute Reyon Dillon.

But it was Casuals that came away with the three points and sees the Amateurs just seven points off the top with at least one game in hand on their table-topping rivals.

​Read James Bracken's post match comments here.

"We’ve gone out today scored three and kept another clean sheet,” said Manager James Bracken following the 3-0 win over Burgess Hill Town.

"But we could’ve won by maybe a record score in the league this season had we been more clinical. We had so many opportunities. But we can work on that and improve in those areas.

"We were on the front foot from the off and some of the football in the second half was fantastic. At times, I had my right winger overlapping my left winger and when we’re playing as we did, you don’t want to rein it in. The boys were enjoying it; backheels, flicks, tricks – they were all coming out. When you get in a comfortable position, that’s what people pay their money to see.

"We haven’t enjoyed that position too often this season so that was pleasing. We didn’t get too low when we lost a couple in a row and we won’t get too carried away now we’ve won a few on the bounce. They realise that everything comes off the back of hard work. Even in the first half, I’m going crazy on the touchline ensuring they keep up the intensity.

"Hamilton’s scored a great goal. He’s been around me long enough to know what I want from him and what I believe he can do. Today, he’s picked the ball up, driven with it and hit it. That’s what he could’ve done another 15-20 times this season. Had he done so, he’d have probably had at least another five goals to his name.

"That’s true of everybody. They can all do more, do things differently and that’s why we strive to constantly improve. It’s process of play, review, learn, implement and try to be better. That’s what football is about. When do you stop? When you’re the ‘real-deal?’ No, because there’s always room for improvement whether it’s individually or part of the team. We have to embrace that ethos and the boys are.

"Hopefully Hamilton gets the confidence now that when he gets in those positions, he lets a shot off, because he’s got a hammer of a right-foot and sometimes he tries to be too precise. He just needs to put his laces through it."

Speaking of the Leatherhead fixture on Wednesday Night, James Bracken was relishing the chance to go up against his young protégé, Shaun Okojie, who was league top scorer with Casuals two years ago.

“It’ll be good to see Shaun. I can’t ever say anything bad about the lad. He showed loyalty beyond what I could’ve ever expected. He turned down numerous approaches to stay here and believed in what I thought he could become. He done it all; got his move to Aldershot which unfortunately turned out to probably be the wrong move for him at the time. He’s back at this level now and I hope he can kick on once again. Just not on Wednesday. We’ll hope for a blank from him, take three points and I’ll pat him on the back and say hopefully, one day you’ll come back and play for me.

"Leatherhead are a form side but so are we. That’s going to make for a good game.”

Corinthian-Casuals 3 - 0 Burgess Hill Town
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 24th November 2018
Match report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set here​)

​Corinthian-Casuals notched up their third successive Bostik League Premier Division win with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over struggling Burgess Hill Town.

Casuals have climbed to eleventh in the table with the playoff positions in tantalising reach. Manager James Bracken will also be pleased with defensive form having kept two clean sheets in the trio of wins.
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The Hillians arrived at King George’s for the first time in four seasons, on the back of a 3-0 win and a 3-0 loss in the past seven days. New boss Simon Wormull has given the Sussex side some pep and could’ve easily been a threat – especially with Andre McCollin, a player fond in the hearts of old Casuals supporters. McCollin played his early days in Chocolate and Pink and was reminiscing with old strike partner Jamie Byatt prior to kickoff.

If Burgess Hill were to get anything from this game, then they’d have to keep Casuals at bay in the early stages. Alas, in the sixth minute, Warren Mfula broke down the left and finished well to give Corinth the early lead.

The home side enjoyed much of the play and looked dangerous on every attack. A plethora of corners saw Casuals almost score a second. Jack Strange’s header appeared to have crossed the line before Josh James scooped it away, though wasn’t given.

As the half continued, Hill managed to get a foothold in the game but was abruptly halted by a fine effort from Hamilton Antonio. Picking up the ball in his own half, the midfielder evaded a couple of tackles before unleashing a beauty into the corner to make it 2-0. It’ll be hard to top that effort this season.

Casuals had a firm grip on the game and wasn’t going to let that slip. They reduced Hill to long range efforts of which the closest came from McCollin who’s strike clipped the outside of the post. Bracken only had to be sharp to one other effort in the half.

By contrast, at the other end, it was Casuals who continued to pile pressure on the visitor’s back line. Moves were free flowing and neat interactions were aplenty. Coskun Ekim forced a fine stop from James and Reece Hannigan also went close. But it was Strange who got his just rewards with five minutes left, converting a Jordan Clarke cross to condemn Hill to a successive 3-0 loss. 

Read James Bracken's post match comments here.

“Massive credit to all of the boys when they play like that,” said James Bracken following the 3-2 win at Carshalton.

“I thought they should’ve had a penalty in the first half. I also think we should’ve had two in the second half. Thankfully, we scored from one where the referee waved away the shout. How could he say no to that? It was a stonewall penalty.

“I’m struggling to see anyone that’ll contain us for ninety minutes and struggling to see how anyone will score enough goals to beat us. Let’s get the facts straight; we gifted Carshalton the first goal today through an error and the referee has given the second with a penalty. We’ve come to Carshalton for the second time this season and scored three goals.

“Speaking of struggling, I’ve heard comments saying we’re struggling this season. Look at the facts; we’ve won the same amount of games as Bognor Regis. We’re five points off the playoff places with two games in hand.

“Struggling is having a four grand a week budget in the league below being mid-table. We’re punching well above our weight. If we lose a game, everyone comments on how we’re struggling. But let’s have a reality check. Look at the teams below us. The likes of Folkestone for example. Or look at the teams just above us who we’ll overtake if we win our games in hand. At the minute, we’re the team of the season.

“I’ll admit, our early season form wasn’t what we wanted it to be. We went through seven signed goalkeepers and lost our top goal scorer through injury with no money to replace him. But I don’t whinge about it… we get on with it. We’ve had to ride a couple of storms but it’s how we’ve reacted that’s key.

“We’ve performed well for the last dozen games. Apart from a couple of blips along the way, we’re getting better and better. That’s the bottom line.

“The boys are getting more and more understanding of what I’m asking of them. They’re working their socks off in executing it. There’s been a realisation that in the level below, you can carry one or two players and get a result. At this level, you cannot carry anybody. Everyone needs to understand the game-plan, everyone needs to know the shape and discipline and they’re doing that. That’s when you ask the question, who’s going to beat us?

“Of course, when you win, you always feel like that. But really… if we continue to play like that, who is going to beat us?

“If you’d have said to me, after the defeat in August at home to Folkestone, that we’d be above them come November, I’d have been slightly surprised. But people know what I’m like. If something isn’t working, I’ll fix it. We wouldn’t have just gone on as we were. We changed what we were doing. We’ve re-enforced and analysed and most importantly, put 100% belief in it.

“The first month of the season there was the realisation that we weren’t good enough, but we’ve worked with what I’ve got. Now, we’re getting it right. If we all keep our heads straight, there’s no reason why we cannot continue this all season.
​
“We’ll lose two in a row at some point. It will happen. But that’s when we look back at these games and realise what we can achieve.”

Carshalton Athletic 2 - 3 Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 17th November 2018
Match report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)

For the second time this season, Corinthian-Casuals came away from Carshalton Athletic with a victory, scoring three goals in the process.
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Goals from Jordan Clarke, Warren Mfula and Gabriel Odunaike was enough to give Casuals a second away win in the space of four days and move the Tolworth-based outfit up to 12th in the Bostik League Premier table.

Following a dramatic late winner at Bognor on Tuesday night, Casuals faced another stern test in local rivals, Carshalton who’d won their last five league matches on the bounce.

However, Casuals would have recent memories of the Velocity Trophy win to call upon after Casuals disposed of the Robins at the same venue just weeks ago.

Corinth started brightly and were ahead after just six minutes. Clarke fired home from ten yards following a penetrating run from Juevan Spencer on the right. Buoyed by the early lead, Casuals continued to control the game.

Hearts were in mouths when Robins’ Ricky Korboa was upended in the Corinth box, however, strong appeals were instantly waved away by the official. By rights, it should’ve been awarded.

Casuals could’ve gone into the break, two goals to the good if not for Daniel Pappoe clearing one off the line for the home side.

Robins were level just after half-time. Korboa was able to beat Danny Bracken to a loose ball and with the keeper in no-man’s land, the striker happily slotted home into an empty net.

But the lead was restored on 57 minutes when an excellent through ball played in Odunaike who was upended in the box, with Mfula on hand to finish the move, neatly firing home with two covering defenders guarding the line.

It was to be one-all with penalty claims turned down as Spencer was fouled by Jordan Cheadle with the referee choosing to play on. Ironically, it was Spencer who upended Korboa at the other end which finally led to a spot kick being awarded. Omar Koroma converted to level the scores once again.

But it was to be Casuals’ day; A goalmouth scramble resulted in the ball being cleared only as far as Mu Maan, who’s shot took a wicked deflection off Odunaike with keeper Ohman completely wrong-footed.

Despite a couple of close calls, one which Cheadle skimmed the crossbar from a free kick, Casuals held on for the win which sees James Bracken’s side climb two places up to twelfth.

Read Manager James Bracken’s post-match thoughts here.

Here's what Manager James Bracken had to say following the 2-0 loss at Dorking Wanderers.

Never in a million years did we deserve to lose 2-0. We’ve ended up playing with nine men today. We’ll take a certain amount of responsibility for that but the referee has had a stinker of an afternoon.

He told me at half time, unequivocally that he was going to book seven of my players in the second half. He said this in front of his assistants. And they’re supposed to be impartial?

Mu’s sending off; the referee consulted his assistant who apparently only said ‘eight-off’ [alluding to Mu Maan’s shirt number]. They didn’t even discuss the incident, such as what was happening around. Was there cover? What was his next touch going to be? There was nothing more said than ‘eight-off’.

That’s a massive decision in a crucial part of the game and they don’t even discuss it?

It’s a joke decision though. It’s on the corner of the penalty area with a covering defender and he’s never going to score from where the foul is committed. He’s not the last man, he’s not in the middle of the goal, so why is he sending him off?

Jordan’s sending off – there’s a lunge on him in the build-up and he doesn’t give the free kick. He lets him run into another tackle where two players have tangled. He’s booked both of them for it – and it was only a tangle. Jordan’s clearly said something in frustration and he’s sent him off. The referee has taken great delight in being the star of the show and sending three players off today.

But getting back to us, we were fantastic. I said in the group huddle just now, you can play like wimps or you can play like warriors. We turned up today and played superb. Okay – we didn’t get three points but sometimes there’s more to football than just three points. That’s what that was today. Absolutely superb.

Play like that every week and we’ll win most weeks. Dorking are a good side but they got away with one today, and if they’re honest, they know that too. It would’ve been nice for everyone to have seen eleven-a-side though.

Dorking Wanderers 2 - 0 Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 3rd November 2018
Match report and photos: Stuart Tree

Corinthian-Casuals suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of high-flying Dorking Wanderers in a game that saw both sides suffer the wrath of the match officials as they claimed centre stage.

Wanderers, in their impressive new Meadowbank home sat in third place having not suffered a loss in the league since mid-August. By contrast, Casuals came into the match off the back of two Trophy defeats in the past week. Manager James Bracken was certainly looking for a reaction getting back to league duty.

Casuals started bright and Warren Mfula raced through on goal but could only steer his shot wide of Slavomir Huk’s goal.

But despite the start, Corinth found themselves behind on 15 minutes. Tom Richards raced onto a ball deep on the left and keeper Brad Comins came rushing out but found himself in no-man’s land as Richards calmly lobbed the ball over and into an empty net. It was a disastrous end to a promising start.

The amateurs had barely regrouped when Jason Prior struck with a second. The defence failed to deal with a cross and Prior was able to capitalise much to the delight of the majority of the 368 in attendance.

Casuals got their act together and began to play very attractive football. Large portions of the game were played deep in Dorking’s half but the breakthrough never came. Coskun Ekim came closest as his vicious curling shot ricocheted off the post and to safety.

Dorking’s task was to hold Casuals at bay in these periods but their task got harder when Rob Sheridan fouled Mfula as the striker was through on goal – the defender getting his marching orders.

But close to half time, Casuals found themselves also down to ten men. As Dorking launched an attack down the right flank, Mu Maan upended his attacker on the corner of the box. After a brief deliberation with his assistant, it was deemed that Maan had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity and he was also dismissed. Bizarrely, the foul had occurred in an area not clearly deemed to see such a decision made, especially with two covering defenders sweeping across the box.

The odd decisions continued into a stifled second half. Mfula had the best chance to get one back but steered his effort just wide. Jordan Clarke also saw his shot well saved by Huk at the near post.

Nearing the end and with the yellow cards clocking up for both sides, Clarke came together with Issac Philpott which saw the Casuals player receive treatment. Philpott and Clarke were both cautioned but as Clarke was leaving the field of play, Clarke was called back by the referee and dismissed him for dissent. In a game that saw five bookings and three red cards, you’d never have guessed it was played in good spirit with barely a bad challenge. If all matches were officiated in this way, football’s popularity would soon be in decline.

Supporters and players from both sides were bemused and agreed it had utterly ruined what should’ve been a good game between two sides that like to play football.

Congratulations to Dorking and they move up into second place, now unbeaten in ten league matches. Casuals remain in 16th.

James Bracken's post match thoughts can be read here.