Corinthian-Casuals 0-0 Tooting & Mitcham United
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Saturday 14 December 2024
Report: Josh Lamey. Images: Stuart Tree (full set here).

“On another day it could’ve been three or four,” lamented Matt Kellett-Smith following yesterday’s respectable goalless draw against ex-Casual Jamie Byatt’s Tooting & Mitcham United.

On an afternoon of familiar faces, Byatt and his in-form Terrors side came to King George’s Field looking to propel themselves up the table after a rich vein of form in which they have gone six games unbeaten.

It has been the opposite story for Corinthian-Casuals, after the frustration of defeat to Guildford here on Tuesday night. Jersey and Fleet have also successfully left Tolworth with points in one way or another lately, and this was another tough test for Mu Maan’s men as two friends became rivals for another 90 minutes. A crowd of 310 showed the popularity of this fixture between two grand old non-league clubs.

Casuals winger Trey Masikini had the first opportunity to make his mark on the contest on the 10-minute mark, when his nimble footwork saw him glide between defenders on the edge of the area. All that was left to do was wrap one into the top corner, but his effort sailed the wrong side of the post. A start of speed and purpose from the hosts.

Masikini’s early intricacies were matched down the other end just moments later. A floater played in from the Tooting right seemed to hang in the sky forever, until Darra Wopara’s acrobatic bicycle attempt was grasped by Sami Nabbad. One for the cameras, perhaps, but not far off giving his side a spectacular lead.

Reyon Dillon will be a name cemented into the minds of every Tooting defender thanks to his decisive double back in August, and he was a mere inch away from crafting another sucker punch against the Stripes. Dillon won a footrace with goalkeeper Toby McKimm before squaring it to Kieron Cadogan, whose drag back and strike was crucially blocked on the goal line to prevent the opener.

The last chance of the half would fall to Tooting’s number nine, Alex Cruickshank, who saw a glimpse at goal with Nabbad off his line. From 40 yards out, it would have needed to be perfect to creep beyond the Casuals keeper, but nevertheless it took an athletic save to preserve the clean sheet going into the break.

Heading into the second 45, Corinth were looking to rekindle the type of confidence in front of goal which helped them secure victory at Imperial Fields earlier in the season. Dillon had the game at his feet once again after being face-to-face with McKimm, but whacked a ferocious effort narrowly wide of the near post.

They say pressure makes diamonds, and Corinthian-Casuals were agonisingly close to being rewarded for their attacking prowess once again. It was panic stations in the Tooting area, as block after block kept Cadogan and Dillon at bay, who themselves

were desperate for any touch to take the ball into the net. After a crazy phase of play, the Stripes cleared to safety.

Added time was upon us, and it would take a moment of magic to prevent this one from going down in the history books as a 0-0 stalemate. Ben Cheklit – freshly back from injury – sought to seize his chance in the dying embers as he picked the ball up 25 yards out and curled a pearler towards the top left corner. Off their seats and expecting the net to ripple, the fans found themselves wondering what could’ve been had it not been for a tremendous save from McKimm.

“We had the better of the chances, so it was a shame not to get a result.” confessed Kellett-Smith at full time. “But I feel like if we play like that in the next game it’ll come, so it’s important to carry that momentum.”

Corinthian-Casuals: Nabbad, Gjoshe, Kellett-Smith, M Dos Santos, Potsyshyn, Adelakun (c), Antonio (Cheklit 69), Dillon, Da Silva (Cascoe-Rogers 76), Masikini, Cadogan

 Corinthian-Casuals 1-2 Guildford City
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Tuesday 10 December 2024
Report: Josh Lamey Images: Andy Nunn

Corinthian-Casuals felt the chill of defeat on an arctic evening in Tolworth, as Guildford City snatched victory in a tight Tuesday night contest.

Not winning since the previous meeting with Guildford has stalled Mu Maan’s side’s progress in the push for a play-off place, but the pink-and-chocolate army certainly hadn’t been short of entertainment in the intervening fixtures.

The reverse fixture five games ago saw Casuals bag a stoppage-time winner courtesy of Jerson Dos Santos. Since then, a spirited fightback from two down against Fleet Town tasted bittersweet, as one point could’ve been three on another day, while two stoppage time goals from Jersey Bulls denied us victory over the islanders.

Seeking payback for the prior encounter, 16th-placed Guildford had a point to prove last night. It was a scrappy start for both sides as they acclimatised to the conditions, but the deadlock was broken after 14 minutes, when Sami Nabbad misjudged after coming to clear on the edge of his box, leaving Deven Reid-Solanki to tuck home into an empty net.

However, Casuals erased the nightmare start with a glorious team goal just before the half-hour mark. Trey Masikini dribbling wizardry on the left wing was followed by a perfect cut-back to Diogo Da Silva in front of goal, and the Brazilian finished to grab his ninth goal of the season.

As the half wore on, the Corinthian chances continued to come, and a variety of Brazilian trickery had the home crowd gasping. Da Silva’s push and run had City’s back line stretched, and after some tidy interchange with Kieron Cadogan, he hammered the bar with a ferocious effort.

Cadogan was presented with the final opportunity of the half by a stunning ball across the face of goal from Michael Onovwigun, but the wrong contact meant it skimmed off his shin, although his blushes were spared by the linesman’s flag. Home fans and players alike went into the break in disbelief as to how they weren’t leading.

The second period began the same as the first: a topsy-turvy encounter that had the feeling it could go either way, and after a wave of Guildfordian dominance, another chance opened up for Corinth. Cadogan had the ball under his spell once again, and after dancing around opposition defenders on the edge of the box let fly. His shot was parried by Terry, but the rebound fell kindly to Da Silva who somehow failed to head home with the goal gaping.

Casuals were then punished for our profligacy when Emmanuel Acheampong capitalised on uncertainty in the Casuals backline to score Guildford’s second, before wheeling away to the corner flag with his whooping team-mates. 2-1 to the visitors.

Despite a bold late effort to find an equaliser, it wasn’t to be for Corinthian-Casuals in another agonising defeat.

Despite the result, winger Kiyo Brown was quick to acknowledge the role of the fans yesterday and throughout the season. “It’s great having such a large and noisy crowd,” he said. “It gives us that extra motivation to perform. They’re always such a big part, home and away, win or lose, they’re there no matter what.”

Corinthian-Casuals: Nabbad, Gjoshe, Pilonetto (Adelakun 58), Onovwigun (Ojo-Osagie 83), Kellett-Smith, Protsyshyn, Brown (Dillon 68), Antonio (M Dos Santos 64), Cadogan, Da Silva (Cascoe-Rogers 64), Masikini

Alton 1 - 1 Corinthian-Casuals
Combined Counties League Premier South
Saturday 23rd November 2024
Report and Photos - Stuart Tree (full set here)
​
Storm Bert played its part in a very wet and windy draw at Alton on Saturday.

Diogo Da Silva’s first half strike was cancelled out by Jamie Hoppitt’s equaliser on the hour.

And with both teams looking for a winner, neither would be ultimately happy with a solitary point.

For Casuals, it was a missed opportunity to slip into the playoff places, hot on the heels of Cobham who could only draw with Camberley Town. But it’s only one loss in seven for Mu Maan’s side who, by and large, are picking up far more positive results than not.

Without Alton’s all-weather playing surface, the fixture would’ve likely been postponed due to the weather. Howling gales and driving rain constricted supporters to the very back row of the seated stand or take shelter in the opposite covered terracing. Those foolhardy enough to brave it in the elements behind the goal didn’t last too long before retreating.

Despite Alton’s lowly league position, they set out their intentions early, putting Casuals under pressure from the off. But with five attacking forwards on the pitch, Corinth was to strike first. Jerson Dos Santos broke down the left channel and fired at Theo Rust in goal, who could only parry the ball into the path of Da Silva who couldn’t miss for his seventh of the campaign.

Casuals looked to make it two, with Rust tipping a fierce shot onto the post and Cadogan spotting the keeper off his line but firing just wide. Ultimately, the two sides would retreat from the weather just a goal apart.

And it was Alton who looked the more lively after the break. Their pressure told in a period that many could see what was coming. Jamie Hoppitt’s header squirmed over the line with Nabaad unable to scoop it away in time and the home side had a deserved equaliser.

Despite the horrendous weather, both sides looked to play football rather than descending into hoof-it-and-hope with Casuals coming back into the fray to find another late winner. Da Silva’s free kick whistled over the bar and in stoppage time, Johnno Gjoshe’s cross looked destined to land on Kieron Cadogan’s head, but the wind caught it and the chance was gone.

Honours even on a tough afternoon, with weather often billed as a ‘leveller’. Whilst Casuals, with playoff ambitions will feel aggrieved that they didn’t pick up all three points at a side with ony three wins all season, they’ll also be grateful that a potential ‘banana skin’ was avoided and another valuable point picked up on the road. In fact, that point gives Casuals a better away record than at home, with 17 earned on their travels, opposed to 16 at home (albeit playing two less at King George’s).

Corinthian-Casuals U18s 1-1 AFC Croydon Athletic U18s
Tony Ford Under-18 Division East
Thursday 14 November 2024
Report: Josh Lamey
Images: Andy Nunn

The togetherness from Corinthian-Casuals’ Under-18s side shone through on Thursday night, overcoming early adversity to maintain their six-game unbeaten streak.

Fresh off the back of first-team involvement, goalkeeper David Wloch and centre-half Ogbeifun Ojo-Osagie met back up with their teenage colleagues, looking to defeat an AFC Croydon Athletic side sitting neck-and-neck with Casuals at the summit of the league.

Two sides that have become familiar with each other in recent years locked horns once again in the league, and the narrow 2-1 victory at Mayfield Stadium proved it’s always a close-run affair against the Rams. Both are early title contenders, but would Croydon leapfrog the leaders, or could Casuals cling on to top spot?

The visitors sprang into life from the get-go, but not many around the Armada Group Stadium would’ve predicted what was to come just 30 seconds after the referee’s first whistle. The start of dreams for Athletic saw them carve open the back line, and their No7 fired through the legs of Wloch. Palpable delight in the away dugout.

Casuals sought a rapid response to get back into the contest, and they got just that. No defence is safe with captain Tom Rolls standing over a corner, and his pinpoint delivery eased past the gloves of the keeper for Nathan Downer to force it home off his thigh. They all count, and it was set-piece superiority which drew the hosts level.

They ended the half in stark contrast to how they started, however. Some picturesque football from the young Casuals gave them the chance to forge ahead, but a wild swing at the end of a fine move meant it was all square at the break.

A second half which was injected with fighting spirit under the cover of Tolworth darkness followed, as both sides pushed for a vital three points. Casuals were a needle’s width away from finding a winner, as a lack of communication between goalkeeper and defender left the ball eager to cross the line, before being smashed well away from goal by the Croydon defender.

As we headed deep into the end of the 90 minutes, Casuals had one final chance to extend their lead at the peak. Downer had the ball in the net once more, but the linesman deemed him to have made the run too early. A late let-off for the visitors.

“Even though we are still unbeaten in the league, we have missed out on two additional points.” said Under-18s boss Paul Hill afterwards. “I feel we did enough to win the game, but it got overshadowed by emotions out there.

“It’s a new experience for the players along with the pressure of being top of the league, but we will chat through it as a team and focus on next week’s game versus Balham.”

It’s already been a successful season so far for the youth section. First-team experiences and an unbeaten run show the potential this group of players possesses, and it’s exciting to see what the future holds for them.


Corinthian-Casuals: Wloch, Raven, Ojo-Osagie, Wilkens, Frimpong, Warby, Rolls, Downer, Bland, Blakeway, Glyrow

Corinthian-Casuals 2-2 Fleet Town
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Saturday 16 November 2024
Report: Josh Lamey
Images: Andy Nunn

Mu Maan’s daredevil Casuals left it late once again, as supersub Kieron Cadogan clutched a point from the jaws of defeat in stoppage time.

A play-off battle, a Goal of the Season contender, and a last-gasp equaliser – all the ingredients needed for a Combined Counties classic. Daring to dream of another fairytale ending, Corinthian-Casuals went toe-to-toe with fellow promotion hopefuls Fleet Town, who boast a near-flawless record so far this campaign.

The previous outing in the league also demonstrated a refreshing and inspiring fighting spirit that Maan’s side now possesses. Jerson Dos Santos rescued victory in Guildford when it looked for all the world that the hosts had secured a hard-fought point, but a winner in the dying embers brought all three back to Tolworth.

Midweek Under-18s action meant rests for prospects David Wloch and Ogbeifun Ojo-Osagie, as Sami Nabbad and Warren Morgan were welcomed back to a reshuffled Corinthian pack. A first half of few clear-cut chances made for a fairly quiet return for the pair, although an early Fleet stinger that flew narrowly wide of the post would’ve left them uncomfortable.

After the late glory of last weekend, Jerson had an opportunity to write his name into the headlines again right on the stroke of half-time – some breathtaking build-up from Casuals left Diogo da Silva with acres of space, but Dos Santos couldn’t redirect his cross into the back of the net. The first sighting of a busy afternoon in front of goal.

The 321 Corinthian-Casuals fans in attendance went into the interval wondering, “What if?” as they cast their minds back to the handful of chances the side could’ve put away. Jerson was involved in the action once more, this time when Trey Masikini picked it up in the pocket and rolled it into the stride of the onrushing striker, but his airborne strike didn’t trouble Finley Purcell.

The hosts’ hard luck continued, as the Blues cashed in on a lapse of Casuals concentration against the run of play. Nabbad has been a reliable presence bearing the gloves since his return to the club, but a mix-up between him and Morgan on 57 minutes was seized upon by Fleet forward Tane Caubo, who slotted into an empty net. An unfortunate way to go behind.

Fleet’s attacking armada set sail once again less than 10 minutes later, when pink-and-chocolate penalty cries at one end were quickly drowned out by Fleet jubilance at the other, as the visiting supporters witnessed a Kai Tanner pearler on the break, just moments after the officials had overlooked what looked a clear foul on Denis Travin in their own area. The visitors’ winger cut in from the left channel to unleash a majestic strike into the far corner of Nabbad’s net, leaving sombre expressions upon the faces of the home crowd.

As a sheet of darkness overtook the Tolworth skies, the hosts were offered a lifeline. Given 25 minutes (plus stoppage time) to make his mark, Cadogan introduced himself from the bench with a bang, kick-starting the Casuals comeback with an instinctive finish into the roof of the net. A fresh wave of hope overcame the supporters that Corinth could get even a fraction of what they truthfully deserved out of the game.

The seconds and the minutes ticked past, and the eager fanbase urged the team on while Nabbad was given the nod to venture forward for Da Silva’s final corner of the game in the seventh minute of time added on. Time seemed to stand still as Casuals bodies hurled themselves at the cross, and many prayers would have been answered behind the goal when Cadogan was there at the back post to hook the ball over the goal line, sending the supporters into raptures. Wheeling away in relieved celebration, Maan’s men had salvaged it just in time.


Corinthian-Casuals: Nabbad, Gjoshe, Kellett-Smith, Morgan, Pilonetto (Cadogan 64), Adelakun, M Dos Santos, Masikini, Da Silva , Dillon (Travin 61) (Cascoe-Rogers 68), J Dos Santos

Guildford City 1 - 2 Corinthian-Casuals
Saturday 9th November 2024
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Report and Photos - Stuart Tree (full set here) 

​“54 points. 54 points” That was the rallying cry in the post-match huddle from Manager Mu Maan to his players signalling the number of points still up for grabs this season.

Minutes before, Casuals had added three to their tally courtesy of a late, late Jerson Dos Santos winner. “He’s arrived” stated Captain Kieron Cadogan following the full time whistle, highlighting the striker’s most important contribution since returning to the club.
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Guildford might feel hard done by the result having got back into the contest late on themselves. 87 minutes on the clock when Casuals defence was finally breached. It was a back line that included two Under-18 lads, David Wloch and Ogbeifun Ojo-Osajie – both part of an unbeaten squad from the youth section, thrust into first team action through a combination of suspensions and Manager Mu Maan having faith in the pathway, after seeing them in action.

Ojo-Osajie was paired with the excellent Arsenii Protsyshyn, who would guide the youngster through the game. But that plan was thrown to the wolves in just the first minute when the Ukrainian’s groin betrayed him. Hakeem Adelakun was hastily brought on and a re-shuffle that saw Marcos Dos Santos take up his old central defensive position caused Casuals to re-think their tactics.

Despite a bright start, Casuals were soon pushed back into their own half. Guildford, who were looking to turn around a three match losing streak had intentions of taking the points on offer. But they couldn’t break the deadlock thanks to some excellent work in goal by Wloch and a resolute back line.

Things came alive in the second half as Casuals vastly improved on their first 45 minutes. Inter-play flowed and quick feet quickened. It paid off. A lovely through ball from Denis Travin to Jonathon Gjoshe saw the wing back fire past Jacob Terry to give Corinth the lead. Travin had been a menace all afternoon and only when he was substituted, did Guildford stopper, Terry give a passing compliment to the midfielder, “I’m glad you’re off the field now… well played.”

Terry was also confident that his side would score and his prediction came true in the 87th minute. Jake Brown was finally able to penetrate a defence that had only conceded twice in the previous four games. A blow for Casuals who felt that their second half performance was worthy of more. Terry celebrated like Guildford had won the World Cup and as seen a number of times already this season, playing in front of a sizeable supporting contingent can lead to some players being… ahem… over-exuberant.

But it bit him in the backside deep into stoppage time. Gjoshe turned provider in the 94th minute when his cross found Jerson Dos Santos twelve yards out who steered home an excellent finish to send the away fans into delirium and leave egg on the keeper’s face.
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Casuals can take pride in this squad, now bolstered by an excellent Under-18s setup that has proven they can mix it with the best Mu and his management team have to offer. Fans have grown to know, and more importantly, love this group of players and the hugs given out at the end shows just how much a turnaround this club has had from last season.

Corinthian-Casuals 4 - 1 Sheerwater
Combined Counties Premier South
Tuesday 5th November 2024
Report: Josh Lamey. Photo: Andy Nunn.

Fireworks continued both on and off the pitch on Tuesday night as Sheerwater failed to extinguish a blistering Corinthian-Casuals attacking performance.
 
The assured confidence that came with back-to-back home wins disappeared on Saturday, following a forgettable game in Camberley. An afternoon which lacked action, however, midfielder Ben Cheklit finishing the game between the sticks after a Sami Nabbad red card certainly set up an intriguing finale.
 
Casuals came into this one with a mission: record the double over a side for the first time since the Step 3 days of 2021/2022, where a 2-1 win in Bromley coupled with a soaring 4-0 home victory was enough to defeat Cray Wanderers twice in one campaign. Suffice to say, since then, wins have been hard to come by and doubles over any opposition have been completely absent.
 
The dreams of a double were almost troubled after just mere seconds, as Sheerwater looked to set out their intent early. A shot hooked towards goal from Danny Webster had Nabbad rooted, but fortunately for him, the post intervened to prevent the opener.
 
From what was a lightning-quick start from the hosts, Casuals suddenly burst into life in the 10th minute. A meaningful run from Raf Barbosa through a sea of Sheerwater defence saw the Brazilian impeded in the area, and left the referee in no doubt of a penalty. Fellow countryman Diogo Da Silva calmly placed in his sixth goal of the season to send his side into the lead.
 
Denis Travin - on loan from Oxford United - got his name onto the scoresheet for the first time in the Pink and Chocolate of Corinthian-Casuals, reinstating an effervescent buzz of playing at home that the side had become accustomed to before the weekend. A corner swung in wasn’t dealt with by the Sheers, and Travin cooly slotted home to double the advantage. A well-deserved two-goal lead.
 
Although the elation of scoring was tangible, it was also wiped out instantly. Sheerwater made full use of the hosts’ celebrations to go straight down the other end, led by Captain Liam Avery, and after some missed chances to clear the Casuals lines, the centre-half pounced and smashed it past Nabbad. Game on, it seemed.
 
That was, until Matt Kellett-Smith restored order for Mu Maan’s side, who regained the upper hand just prior to the break. Perhaps history repeated itself as the Sheers found themselves defending another set-piece, and it was another wicked delivery that left the back line at sixes and sevens, and Kellett-Smith couldn’t miss as he thumped home from 6 yards.
 
Half time, and Maanball was in full force, showing that the fireworks weren’t the only spectacular on display on the 5th of November…
 
The downside of the contest was a nasty injury to Ben Cheklit who required an ambulance and hospital visit following a rib injury that left him with breathing difficulties. Thankfully, Ben is recovering and hopes to be back in action within a few weeks. It’s a blow to Maan losing his current Captain, but with a number of players due back and a strong squad now formed, Casuals will look to continue this upward rise.
 
And so they did. It was game set and match as the clocks struck for the 75th minute, and Kiyo Brown struck for the fourth. It was his cross-come-shot which Fabio Suarez could only palm into the back of his own net, meanwhile Brown celebrated in humble fashion. It may have taken a slice of luck, but it had restored that winning feeling back to the stands of the Armada Group Stadium.
 
Corinthian-Casuals: Nabbad, Gjoshe, Adelakun, M Dos Santos, Kellett-Smith, Protsyshyn, Brown (Blackwell 90+7), Cheklit (Ewerthon 58), Barbosa (Pilonetto 90+4), Da Silva (J Dos Santos 83), Travin

Corinthian-Casuals 2-0 Balham
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Report: Josh Lamey
Images: Andy Nunn (full set here)

What may be a time of horror and fright for some is becoming a memorable spell for Corinthian-Casuals, as the week began with a bang.

The Armada Group Stadium at King George’s Field has been somewhat of a haunted house at times for Casuals this season, however recent performances have treated home fans to the taste of sweet victory. It’s now three in the last four at home, after fireworks against Abbey Rangers and Spelthorne Sports, and going spine-tinglingly close to a result against Tadley Calleva.

Mu Maan was looking to cast his three-point spell once again, aiming for a victory that would well and truly blow away the cobwebs of our recent winless run. Aiding his mission, the comeback of Emerson Pilonetto to the left-hand side, who terrifies any opposition with his lightning pace.

There was almost a costume clash for the occasion, but the kits were just about different enough for the game to go ahead. The visitors in deep red began the faster, but Casuals came close with an early Diogo da Silva free kick that was inches from creeping into the top corner.

It was a cagey first half under the blanket of darkness, and Maan looked to turn the tide by swapping Shea Cascoe-Rogers and Trey Masikini on the flanks. The decision almost paid off immediately as Cascoe-Rogers fed Hakeem Adelakun, whose piledriver just narrowly sailed over the crossbar. Casuals were knocking on the door…

As the half wore on, Balham looked in grave danger of conceding. It would be Masikini who found that breakthrough just three minutes before the break as The Blazers’ defence failed to clear from a maul of bodies, and the No7 pounced upon the loose ball and applied the killer touch. A perfect end to the half.

Corinthian-Casuals haven’t often led at the break in the recent weeks, but nevertheless, work was still required to wrap up this one.

After notching just before half time, it looked as though a second was just around the corner. Much to the fear of the Balham defence, Shea ghosted past the back four once again and unleashed a stinger which fell kindly to the feet of Kieron Cadogan, who accepted the invitation to tuck into the back of the net – yet the assistant referee had his flag up on the far side, not for the first nor the last time.

The Casuals faithful turned the ground into a cauldron of noise as the home side continued to ask all the questions. Moments later, the nail was in the coffin when Diogo Da Silva – the man in form at the moment – swept home Cadogan’s cross to send the home support into raptures.

At the other end, Sami Nabbad was in fine form again, pulling off a fine double save to prevent Balham from clawing one back. The ball ricocheted off Matt Kellett-Smith who would’ve had a scare, but Nabbad tipped it off the line before hurriedly shutting out the rebound from Omario Stewart.

It was a near-perfect evening for Casuals, marred only by the harsh sending off Masikini in the final knockings of normal time. After what looked certain to be a Corinthian free-kick in the far corner, the goalscorer slid in to win the ball back but the referee deemed it to be a red card. An unwanted trick at the end of a night of treats, which included a late debut for Casuals youth graduate Ogbeifun Ojo-Osagie.

Corinthian-Casuals: Nabbad, Gjoshe, Pilonetto (Ojo-Osagie 90+2), Adelakun (Ewerthon 73), Kellett-Smith, Protsyshyn, Masikini, M Dos Santos, Cadogan (Barbosa 74), Da Silva (J Dos Santos 84), Cascoe-Rogers (Brown 63)

Corinthian-Casuals 2-0 Spelthorne Sports
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Tuesday 26 October 2024
Report: Josh Lamey
Images: Andy Nunn (full set here).

Diogo da Silva cast his spell on the Corinthian-Casuals faithful once again as the Brazilian orchestrated a comfortable victory for the hosts.

Falling tantalisingly short at home to Tadley Calleva on Tuesday night left fans itching for an upturn in form, having taken just four points from a possible 15 before yesterday’s triumph. Undoubtedly there were some positive signs to take from a tough spell in the league, but this was a flawless performance which Mu Maan will look to use as a springboard for weeks to come.

It seems as though Maan has found the solution to his defensive questions. The return of Matt Kellett-Smith has proven to be a masterstroke from the management team, and yesterday he was paired alongside Ukrainian debutant Arsenii Protsyshyn in the heart of the back four. Together, the duo were able to keep a clean sheet for the first time this campaign.

In the early exchanges, Casuals were pulling the strings. Marcos dos Santos – playing in a holding midfield role – went on a mazy, Socrates-esque dribble into opposition territory, but despite alarm bells in the defence, the visitors managed to clear the danger.

Receiving the ball on the left channel, it was Shea Cascoe-Rogers’ endeavour and skill that led to the opener. His quick feet and intent left Spelthorne’s Patrick Kavanagh bamboozled, and the right-back had no choice but to wrestle Shea to the ground inside the area. A stonewall penalty. Da Silva did the business from the spot, and Corinthian-Casuals were off the mark for the afternoon.

It was inches away from being two just moments later. A pirouette from a dancing Da Silva created the opening for Trey Masikini to venture into the final third. He squared it back to the Casuals No10, who unleashed an effort out of the Spelthorne blue that sailed just over the bar. Another taste of the side at their best.

Casuals went into half-time in control of the encounter, but the best was yet to come…

Just five minutes after the restart, the smiles were repainted on the faces of those in the stands. Substitute Jerson dos Santos was a whisker away from an instant impact, as his effort cannoned back off the line thanks to a Spelthorne body. Fortunately, it fell perfectly to the man of the moment, and Daniel Watts wasn’t going to stop Da Silva notching his brace.

After a 20-minute spell of end-to-end football as the away side looked for a route back into the game, most of the 212 inside the Armada Group Stadium at King George’s Field would’ve thought it was three. Da Silva was in the thick of it once more, as he breezed past the Spelthorne goalkeeper, but could only find the outside of the far post. However, Jerson was on hand to fire home from close quarters. Bizarrely, the linesman saw an offside in the build-up, so it remained at just the two.

Corinthian-Casuals continued to justify their eighth place in the table as they pushed on for a third. Masikini was an electric presence down the left all game and it was his dribble and cross which created another chance for Jerson, but it wasn’t to be as he fired over the bar.

Much to the delight of the euphoric Casuals fanbase, the referee called time on another win, and a first clean sheet in the Combined Counties for Corinthian. This will no doubt boost confidence ahead of Tuesday night’s clash with Balham, the last instalment in this run of four home games in a row.

Corinthian-Casuals: Nabbad, Gjoshe, Adelakun, M Dos Santos, Kellett-Smith, Protsyshyn, Masikini (Ndah 90+3), Cheklit (J Dos Santos 45), Cadogan, Da Silva, Cascoe-Rogers (Brown 62)

Corinthian-Casuals 1-2 Tadley Calleva
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Tuesday 22 October 2024
Report: Josh Lamey
Images: Andy Nunn

Corinthian-Casuals were a whisker away from rescuing a remarkable last-gasp point, but Tadley Calleva held out to triumph in a game of two halves.

Casuals sought to light up a dim Tuesday night with back-to-back home wins for the first time this season, having narrowly defeated Abbey Rangers 2-1 on Saturday. That victory had been The Late Late Show starring match-winner Shea Cascoe-Rogers, who found the decisive finish in the final minute of the 90.

A rallied second-half performance from all in Pink and Chocolate proved to be the thorn in Abbey’s side, and Mu Maan’s squadron required the same again if they were to take points from a well-organised Tadley Calleva, thriving in the early stages of this season.

It had all the ingredients to be a fast-paced Tuesday night encounter, yet time stood still when a whipped Tadley outswinger fooled everyone in the six-yard box except Jonathon Gjoshe, who seized the chance to clear into opposition territory. Early warning signs for the hosts.

Returning ‘keeper Sami Nabbad is a vocal and a physical presence in between the Casuals posts, but he was almost caught off his line by Alex Miller, whose speculative effort from 40 yards bounced just wide of Nabbad’s right post.

Many of the 163 in attendance were impressed by the quick feet and directness of debutant loanee Denis Travin, and he shone down the right-hand channel on a crisp autumnal night, cutting in and unleashing several efforts, however none had enough venom to beat the highly-rated Craig Atkinson in the Romans net.

Just as Casuals thought they might get into the break unscathed, Marcos dos Santos clipped the ankles of Kieran Rogers, perhaps unintentionally, but the referee didn’t see it that way. The winger got to his feet and kept his composure from 12 yards, placing his penalty dead-centre of Nabbad’s goal.

If Maan’s side were to gain anything from this, they would have to overthrow the Romans in some style, as a few spells of tight-knit tiki taka weren’t enough to break down the visitors.

It was a quiet introduction to the second 45, with not much to show from it except a couple of Diogo da Silva half chances at goal. As the time ticked on, Casuals were made to pay again. Sheldon Wright charged down an uncharacteristic Nabbad scuffed clearance on the hour mark, and skipper Jack French found an empty net with laser accuracy to send the visitors into ecstasy.

Although the fortunes had favoured the away side so far, Corinthian-Casuals were about to cash in on their own stroke of luck. To the cries of “Come on Casuals!”, a Ben Cheklit corner found its way to Gjoshe whose drive did enough to deceive the sturdy Tadley defence, and Kieron Cadogan got the final touch to get the home faithful believing, once again.

The Armada Group Stadium held its breath as we approached the final 10, and chance after chance left Casuals players with heads in hands and continuous bellows of support from the stands. A defensive mix-up landed at the feet of the man that you’d want it to – Cadogan – but he could only fire his volley into the abyss.

After a series of tactical yet theatrical time-wasting from the visitors, it was a case of now or never if Corinth wanted to rescue a point. The final chance fell to Cadogan, who, despite his physical presence, danced daintily around Calleva bodies, and forced a save of the highest calibre from Atkinson. The keeper turned around to look the Casuals fans dead in the eye - knowing he’d preserved the win for his side.

Corinthian-Casuals: Nabbad, Gjoshe, Holmes Dennis (Masikini 15), M Dos Santos (Barbosa 60), Kellett-Smith, Morgan (Adelakun 81), Travin (Brown 54), Cheklit, Cadogan, Da Silva, Cascoe-Rogers (J Dos Santos 70)