Harlow Town 1-2 Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 15th September 2018
Report: Cameron Smith.
Danny Cunningham’s last-minute strike sent the travelling Corinthian-Casuals faithful into a coma of jubilation as a spirited and deserved comeback at Harlow Town secured James Bracken the first three points of the Bostik Premier Division campaign.
Two weeks since their last league match, Casuals took various modes of transport to watch the pink and brown army back on the road- searching for points. The accursed FA Cup competition is out the way for another year; Whyteleafe nicked a last-gasp winner in the Qualifying Round replay on Tuesday night. But with a trip to Essex lined up on the Saturday, it would be the perfect way to grab an initial victory in the Premier Division. Harlow Town’s record in 18/19 almost mirrors their opponents for the day, apart from the fact that Danny Chapman’s team have won- 3-1 over Leatherhead. And like Casuals, the Hawks have tired legs from a midweek replay in which they lost 2-1 to Hendon after extra-time.
The departure of full-back Fraser Walker had narrowed down James Bracken’s options for the starting XI with Juevan Spencer pushing back into the side since his re-appearance. Gabriel Odunaike returned from his suspension and shifted straight into the team ahead of Gil Carvalho, which meant the no.11 contributed to a frightening trio that included Jordan Clarke and Cunningham. Undoubtedly, this had the red and white defence quaking as soon as one of the attackers was in possession.
Casuals were simply on fire in the entirety of the first-half: out-pacing, out-passing and out-playing Harlow. A volley from Cunningham could only find the gloves of keeper Josh Bexon whilst Clarke had an effort that had the same outcome. Quick footwork and sensational positioning, Clarke took left-back Louis Yuill out of the game at one point with a roulette that mimicked Zidane in his prime. Allowed space on the wing thanks to a Cunningham dummy, Clarke fired a low cross into the path of Odunaike in the centre, but he could not make complete connection as the ball dribbled out for a goal-kick. Despite being awe-struck by the offensive display, the Casuals contingent were apprehensive that these opportunities would not equal goals. So when Cunningham was released in on goal and a bobble from the artificial pitch caused him to sky the ball over the bar, finishing became a worry. Just as the first-half came to a close, no.7 Jason Raad took advantage of a defensive error to smack the ball wayward of the post in a rare Harlow chance.
The drums and occasional chanting from the Harlow lot returned after the break, which may be why the hosts seemed a change side. Three minutes after the referee blew his whistle to re-start, Raad picked up where he left off and dribbled past Jack Strange in the Casuals defence to curl an effort towards the far corner. Exceptional, the opening goal was from the team that least deserved it, but football is an unforgiving sport and Harlow were 1-0 up. A clear foul in the 63rd minute resulted in a free-kick 20 yards out for Casuals. Moments before, Clarke had an agonising chance to equalise but now it was set-piece king Coskun Ekim who could level the playing fields. Donning the captain’s armband, Ekim adjusted his man-bun and took a deep breath before he lifted the ball over the five-man Harlow wall and into the keeper’s top right corner. Exquisite effort from the midfield ace, he wheeled away in a cool celebration whilst at last Corinth had something to cheer about behind the goal. It was the sixth goal in the league so far and a first goal in a pink and brown shirt for Ekim.
Back to cheering Casuals to get the decisive winner, the supporters behind the goal were beaming with hope and pride- the tremendous goal summarised the performance on the day. Half-chances here and there, the tension was unbearable for the two teams but must have been wonderful for neutrals. Just as the clock hit 90 minutes, the officials signalled five minutes of added time. At this point in time, Harlow were in the middle of an attack, and the thought of five minutes was nerve-racking for Casuals. This changed in the matter of seconds as play was swallowed by Comins. Thwacking the ball upfield, Comins was looking to catch either Rodgers or Da Cruz slacking as Cunningham lurked. Allowing a bounce was Rodgers’ mistake as the dashing and determined striker controlled both the ball and himself with a few touches that let him in a 1 on 1 situation. He had done the hard work and all that was needed… was the finish. Luckily for Casuals, it was Danny Cunningham so despite the keeper getting a strong hand to the shot, it trickled past the no.1 and into the net. It may have been a scrappy finish but they all count as the no.10 sprinted to the section of supporters behind the goal, like a proud Gladiator celebrating his savage victory with on-lookers. The rush of adrenaline was contagious as the pink and brown avalanche of players ran to join in with the pure joy… and pyro!
The remaining three or so minutes was comfortable for Casuals with sub Cheklit having a pop at goal, even if Harlow pressed for an equaliser. Full-time at Elizabeth Way saw Casuals’ comeback turn into three magical points and a move from 23rd to 21st, ahead of Harlow Town.
Carshalton Athletic are up next in the Velocity Trophy on Monday night. The fantastic 2-1 victory is the first win of the season and it is the perfect way to start a prolonged rest from the league as unfortunately next Saturday provides no football relief in the Bostik Premier.
Bostik League Premier Division
Saturday 15th September 2018
Report: Cameron Smith.
Danny Cunningham’s last-minute strike sent the travelling Corinthian-Casuals faithful into a coma of jubilation as a spirited and deserved comeback at Harlow Town secured James Bracken the first three points of the Bostik Premier Division campaign.
Two weeks since their last league match, Casuals took various modes of transport to watch the pink and brown army back on the road- searching for points. The accursed FA Cup competition is out the way for another year; Whyteleafe nicked a last-gasp winner in the Qualifying Round replay on Tuesday night. But with a trip to Essex lined up on the Saturday, it would be the perfect way to grab an initial victory in the Premier Division. Harlow Town’s record in 18/19 almost mirrors their opponents for the day, apart from the fact that Danny Chapman’s team have won- 3-1 over Leatherhead. And like Casuals, the Hawks have tired legs from a midweek replay in which they lost 2-1 to Hendon after extra-time.
The departure of full-back Fraser Walker had narrowed down James Bracken’s options for the starting XI with Juevan Spencer pushing back into the side since his re-appearance. Gabriel Odunaike returned from his suspension and shifted straight into the team ahead of Gil Carvalho, which meant the no.11 contributed to a frightening trio that included Jordan Clarke and Cunningham. Undoubtedly, this had the red and white defence quaking as soon as one of the attackers was in possession.
Casuals were simply on fire in the entirety of the first-half: out-pacing, out-passing and out-playing Harlow. A volley from Cunningham could only find the gloves of keeper Josh Bexon whilst Clarke had an effort that had the same outcome. Quick footwork and sensational positioning, Clarke took left-back Louis Yuill out of the game at one point with a roulette that mimicked Zidane in his prime. Allowed space on the wing thanks to a Cunningham dummy, Clarke fired a low cross into the path of Odunaike in the centre, but he could not make complete connection as the ball dribbled out for a goal-kick. Despite being awe-struck by the offensive display, the Casuals contingent were apprehensive that these opportunities would not equal goals. So when Cunningham was released in on goal and a bobble from the artificial pitch caused him to sky the ball over the bar, finishing became a worry. Just as the first-half came to a close, no.7 Jason Raad took advantage of a defensive error to smack the ball wayward of the post in a rare Harlow chance.
The drums and occasional chanting from the Harlow lot returned after the break, which may be why the hosts seemed a change side. Three minutes after the referee blew his whistle to re-start, Raad picked up where he left off and dribbled past Jack Strange in the Casuals defence to curl an effort towards the far corner. Exceptional, the opening goal was from the team that least deserved it, but football is an unforgiving sport and Harlow were 1-0 up. A clear foul in the 63rd minute resulted in a free-kick 20 yards out for Casuals. Moments before, Clarke had an agonising chance to equalise but now it was set-piece king Coskun Ekim who could level the playing fields. Donning the captain’s armband, Ekim adjusted his man-bun and took a deep breath before he lifted the ball over the five-man Harlow wall and into the keeper’s top right corner. Exquisite effort from the midfield ace, he wheeled away in a cool celebration whilst at last Corinth had something to cheer about behind the goal. It was the sixth goal in the league so far and a first goal in a pink and brown shirt for Ekim.
Back to cheering Casuals to get the decisive winner, the supporters behind the goal were beaming with hope and pride- the tremendous goal summarised the performance on the day. Half-chances here and there, the tension was unbearable for the two teams but must have been wonderful for neutrals. Just as the clock hit 90 minutes, the officials signalled five minutes of added time. At this point in time, Harlow were in the middle of an attack, and the thought of five minutes was nerve-racking for Casuals. This changed in the matter of seconds as play was swallowed by Comins. Thwacking the ball upfield, Comins was looking to catch either Rodgers or Da Cruz slacking as Cunningham lurked. Allowing a bounce was Rodgers’ mistake as the dashing and determined striker controlled both the ball and himself with a few touches that let him in a 1 on 1 situation. He had done the hard work and all that was needed… was the finish. Luckily for Casuals, it was Danny Cunningham so despite the keeper getting a strong hand to the shot, it trickled past the no.1 and into the net. It may have been a scrappy finish but they all count as the no.10 sprinted to the section of supporters behind the goal, like a proud Gladiator celebrating his savage victory with on-lookers. The rush of adrenaline was contagious as the pink and brown avalanche of players ran to join in with the pure joy… and pyro!
The remaining three or so minutes was comfortable for Casuals with sub Cheklit having a pop at goal, even if Harlow pressed for an equaliser. Full-time at Elizabeth Way saw Casuals’ comeback turn into three magical points and a move from 23rd to 21st, ahead of Harlow Town.
Carshalton Athletic are up next in the Velocity Trophy on Monday night. The fantastic 2-1 victory is the first win of the season and it is the perfect way to start a prolonged rest from the league as unfortunately next Saturday provides no football relief in the Bostik Premier.
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