Back on Track

Corinthian-Casuals 4-1 Thatcham Town
Combined Counties League Premier South
Saturday 25th October 2025
Report and Photos: Stuart Tree (full set of pictures here)

​Corinthian-Casuals ended their recent poor run of results with a resounding 4-1 victory over Thatcham Town.
Goals from Gabriel Odunaike, Arsenii Protsyshyn, Andre Coker and Patrick Maia lifted Mu Maan’s side to one point outside the playoff places.

Despite the rout, Maan thought his side had more in them. “I told the boys at halftime, I don't think we got out first gear,” said the Manager after the final whistle.

“We could have been a bit more aggressive. And I know we won 4-1, but it could have been a bigger score line.”
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Casuals had only picked up one point in the last three games, finding the net just once since striker Rafa Barbosa suffered a knock against Kingstonian at the start of the month.

Thatcham came to Tolworth desperate for points following six defeats on the bounce. Their task looked infinitely harder when Assistant Manager and emergency forward Gabriel Odunaike ran through to claim his second goal in three games and adding to his 32 goals in his previous spell in James Bracken’s promotion-winning side.

At the other end of the scale was young forward George Hockey – earning his place in the forward line after bagging a brace for the Under 23’s last week. Hockey, former Captain of Lancing College was recommended by none other than former Casual and TV commentator Martin Tyler.

Hockey, who was lively all game, was a little unfortunate to be booked for simulation despite being clipped in the box by a Thatcham defender.

It didn’t take long for Casuals to earn a second goal; Arsenii Protsyshyn popping up with a lovely looping strike from 20 yards gave the home side clear daylight.

And it was three just after the half hour mark when Thatcham keeper Nathan Smith made a right hash of Andre Coker’s free kick. Having lined up his wall for the left foot of Hakeen Adelakun, he was wrong footed when Coker struck his effort, bouncing over the stricken stopper to give Casuals an unassailable lead.

The second half’s energy dropped with the temperature and Thatcham also dropped a man after skipper Callum Willmoth was shown red following a late challenge on Shea Cascoe Rogers.

Despite being a man down, Kye Williams popped up to deny Casuals a clean sheet and give a sliver of hope for the visitors in the last ten minutes. Any hope of a dramatic comeback was snuffed out by substitute Patrick Maia who took the sting out of Thatcham, by notching up his third goal of the season with five minutes left.

The win puts Casuals in eighth place just one point outside of the playoff places.

“The last the last three games were disappointing,” admitted Maan after the match.

“But like I've said before, teams go through tough times. It's just how you get out of it. And the best way to do it is to get three points. Whether it was 1-0 or 4-1, three points are three points.

“We brought a couple of boys in from the Development squad today. Connor (Everitt) joined in centre midfield and George (Hockey) up top. Both lads done well and had plenty of energy.
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“They're good players. And that's the whole point of having the Under 23’s. If there's any players that are good enough, then the chance is there for them.”