Balogun 117
Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round replay
Tuesday 6 August 2024
Match Report: Josh Lamey
Images: Stuart Tree
Despite a swashbuckling performance, Corinthian-Casuals fell agonisingly short of a place in the preliminary round of the FA Cup after North Greenford United snatched away the chance in the dying embers of extra time.
After a well-fought draw on Saturday afternoon, which could have seen Mu Maan’s men decide the tie in Middlesex, North Greenford visited a pristine Armada Group Stadium at King George’s Field due to Brazilian bagsman Barbosa’s deadly finish which forced an FA Cup replay for the second season running. Fans were hopeful prior to kick-off after an inspired second half away from home, yet it wasn’t going to be a smooth ride against fellow Step 5 opponents.
Tuesday was a night of many occasions. It marked the first competitive home game for new gaffer Mu Maan and, for some, a first taste of action in Tolworth. However, it’s always nice to welcome back some old faces, as the returning Ben Cheklit and Hakeem Adeluakun received warm receptions from the home faithful. Additionally, yesterday was the first run about in the sharp new home threads which are set to become a staple of the Combined Counties Premier Division South this season.
It was a smash-and-grab affair in the opening minutes, as each side took it in turns to swing pinpoint crosses into the middle but, ultimately, nobody was there to tap home for either team.
A fantastic turn-out from both sides of 271 meant that the atmosphere was boiling within the ground. The North Greenford megaphone was drowned out by the Casuals drums after an error from Jacob Ballheimer in the visitors’ net led to Barbosa picking his pocket and laying it off for Reyon Dillon, only for his attempt to be miraculously scrambled off the line.
Casuals were beginning to find their feet in this replay, and another chance arose with Cheklit standing over a free kick just outside the area. As all of Tolworth held its breath, the effort looked destined to nestle in the top corner, but Ballheimer got across to make a wonder save to preserve the stalemate.
However, minutes later and North Greenford had an opening of their own: Charlie Jay Mitchell’s attempt cannoned back off the woodwork as both sides headed into the break needing a breakthrough if they were to progress.
It wouldn’t be a true FA Cup tie without the spectacular, as four bicycle kicks were attempted all night. Although some were closer than others, it all added to the sheer excitement of the tie when Barbosa’s athletic effort sailed just wide after the break.
Despite the early antics of the second half, there wasn’t much to write home about up until the 70th minute, where a ball over the top was met by Barbosa again who took it around the keeper, and yet another goalmouth clearance left Casuals wondering how they didn’t already have one foot in the next round.
There was a late flurry of opportunities for both sides, as North Greenford looked to hit on the counterattack, meanwhile Casuals looked to force a way through via set-pieces. However, after 180 minutes of battle, the tie was to be decided by extra time.
The first 15 brought encouraging signs from the home team, as a catalogue of early crosses were whipped in but all efforts could only find the thankful grasp of Ballheimer. The noise from the crowd continued, and we were set for an all-or-nothing finish.
Casuals continued to bang on the door for the remainder of extra time, with efforts from Shea Cascoe-Rogers and Frazier Osunkoya putting pressure on the North Greenford back line. However, they managed to reclaim the ball, pounce on a Corinthian mistake and Oluwajenyo Balogun finished well to send the visitors into ecstasy. There was time for one last attack for Mu’s men to try and salvage the tie, however Adelakun’s corner was diverted onto the frame of the goal by Marcos Dos Santos in the closing stages, meaning North Greenford progressed to the preliminary round.
Corinthian-Casuals: Greenaway, Gjoshe, Pilonetto (Adelakun 112), Onovwigun, Morgan, Dos Santos, Hudson (Cascoe-Rogers 59), Barbosa (Murad 74), Dillon (Osunkoya 67), Cheklit, Brown (Da Silva 74)