
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.