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

Tooting & Mitcham 1-2 Corinthian-Casuals
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Saturday 31 August
Report: Josh Lamey
Images: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)

Captain Reyon Dillon was instrumental once again, as Mu Maan’s high-flying Casuals triumphed on opposition soil for the third successive time.

In a week when Oasis reunited, Maan continued to get the band back together at Corinthian-Casuals, with the highly anticipated return of icon Kieron Cadogan adding to the ensemble of former players back at the club as we looked to orchestrate another masterclass on the road.

It wasn’t exactly half the world away, as Casuals made the short trip east to Imperial Fields in fine voice, knowing another victory could see them take a leap up the league table. Tooting & Mitcham sat inside the top five heading into the clash, but despite it being early days in the season, every point matters.

It was a supersonic start to the contest as Cadogan’s perfectly executed pass found Dillon who took it in his stride and slotted into the bottom corner with ease, getting the game rocking n’ rolling in the best possible fashion.

Some might say that away form has been an issue for some Casuals teams of the past, however this new-look side seems to be really coming into their own on the road so far. The dominance continued as Diogo Da Silva let fly from 30 yards but to no avail in front of the travelling away support. Little by little, we were getting closer.

It looked for all the world that the pink-and-chocolate army were going to double their advantage, and Cadogan was at the heart of most attacking moves with spells of tricky footwork and intelligent hold up play as we sought a second. The former Crystal Palace academy talent was in the thick of it again, as a smart turn and strike stung the gloves of Toby McKimm in the Stripes’ net.

In the end, Maan’s first-half masterplan worked wonders as right before the break, Casuals had the ball in the net again. This time, Dillon’s 20-yard effort took a deflection taking it up in the sky before nestling into the far corner, deceiving McKimm on its way in. Fortunes shifting, and it was all to play for.

Casuals were basking in the afternoon glory so far but were going to have to maintain focus levels if they wanted to secure all three points.

This wasn’t the case three minutes after the restart, however, as Tooting & Mitcham got back in the game thanks to a cleverly worked goal from Tariq Omar Mahmoud. The number 14 took down a visionary pass, found a way beyond Murillo Bernardes, and slotted into an empty net to get the visitors back on track.

Maan would certainly be the happier of the two friends in the respective dugouts, and perhaps Jamie Byatt’s side were lucky to not concede a third as Dillon found a way past Tooting & Mitcham’s defensive quartet again, but this time his low shot was blocked by the feet of the goalkeeper.

The Stripes continued to bang on the door for a dramatic equaliser, and most of the football was being played in the Casuals half. However, the defence remained resolute, although the search for the first clean sheet of the season will continue.

After being under the cosh for the majority of the second half, Casuals had the chance to wrap it up as they hit on the break - Cascoe-Rogers was brought down right on the edge of the area and it looked a penalty… definitely… maybe. Whatever. The referee gave a free-kick just outside the box, and we had no choice but to acquiesce.

Despite Tooting’s improved performance after the restart, Maan’s side refused to let the lead slide away. After two years of miserable away form, Casuals fans would be forgiven for thinking “don’t go away”, but they continue to turn out in numbers and another victory on the road means it’s three away successes in a row. We will look to make it four when we travel down to Horley on Tuesday night.

Corinthian-Casuals: Bernardes, Gjoshe, Pilonetto, Maan (Allchurch 67), Morgan, Dos Santos, Cascoe-Rogers, Cheklit (Adelakun h/t), Cadogan (Osunkoya 82), Da Silva (Grant 83), Dillon (Brown 80)

Tooting and Mitcham Utd 1 - 2 Corinthian-Casuals
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 5th July 2022
Imperial Fields (3G)
Full set of pictures can be seen here.

New Corinthian-Casuals Boss Tony Reid was pleased with the initial showing of his side in a 2-1 pre-season friendly win at Tooting & Mitcham United.

Two first half goals, one via the penalty spot was enough to ensure the win in an early July contest that was far more about giving minutes to Reid’s large squad than anything else. Wholesale changes were made throughout the contest ensuring all the players, many returning, some trialling, had chance to impress the new Manager and his coaching staff. Tooting pegged a goal back with just minutes remaining but both sides will be pleased with the workout.

“We haven’t worked on anything like formations, patterns of play or set pieces yet,” said Reid after the match. “I’ve just worked the hell out of them and it really showed tonight. The fitness levels were good.

“We had a number of triallists that we’re looking at and a few definitely impressed me, so there’s one or two who’ll be signing right away. The squad is shaping up well.

“I’m not going to get carried away though. This is pre-season and that’s all about trial and error. It’s about experimenting and looking at players.

“The fans will have only seen a glimpse of the possibility of what we can achieve. Once everything clicks together as a team, then it’s going to be exciting.”

Casuals travel to Hanwell Town on Saturday. 

Tooting & Mitcham United 2 - 0 Corinthian-Casuals
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 20th July 2019

Corinthian-Casuals suffered their first defeat of the 2019-20 pre-season campaign going down to two late goals at Tooting & Mitcham United.

The Terrors clinched their fifth win in five courtesy of Edwards and Carty. Played on the Tooting's artificial surface behind the main ground, the match was played in competitive but good spirits.

Casuals had the best chance of the half when Uzun struck the post from range. At the other end, Ex-Casual Hibber-Delgardo tested keeper Minter who expertly tipped over.

With both sides making numerous changes, it was left late before the deadlock was broken; a pinpoint diagonal ball was latched onto by Edwards who slid his shot into the bottom corner.

And moments before the final whistle, Tooting doubled the lead when Kojo produced a fine cross for Carty who headed home at the near post.

Thanks to our hosts for the warm-up and we wish them all the best for the forthcoming campaign. Next up for Casuals is the visit of a Crystal Palace XI to King George's on Tuesday night.

Tooting & Mitcham United 1 - 0 Corinthian-Casuals
Surrey Senior Cup
Wednesday 29th November 2017
Match report and Photos: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)

Corinthian-Casuals exited the Surrey Senior Cup at the first hurdle courtesy of a solitary Elijah Simpson goal, giving Tooting and Mitcham United passage to the next round.

A bitterly cold night coupled with two sides who’d made extensive changes to their line-ups meant that only 65 souls watched this first round encounter at the KNK Stadium.

James Bracken had 12 players unavailable, including six forwards in what was a makeshift-looking Casuals side. Tooting fielded 9 youngsters in their line-up giving them valuable game time.

Missing the likes of Jordan Clarke, top scorer Danny Cunningham, Reyon Dillon, Max Oldham, Gabriel Odunaike and Matt Reece was telling as although Casuals had plenty of possession, they never really tested Liam Sallis in goal.

Casuals looked the more assured in possession and pushed forward early before suffering a setback in the 12th minute. An error in defence let in Elijah Simpson to pounce on the break gifting the Terrors an early lead.

Omari-Delgado Hibbert, starting his second game for Casuals fired a half-chance into the side netting. The main talking point at half time came about whether referee Mr Nigel Lugg should’ve awarded a penalty to the visitors when Mu Maan’s charge into the box was abruptly interrupted and was felled. Play on, waved Lugg much to the protestations of Maan, his teammates and supporters.

Corinth pressed on for the equaliser in the second half and as the clock ticked, the threat level increased. Mu Maan’s snap-shot from 15 yards was narrowly deflected wide of the post. Ben Cheklit rounded Sallis and finished well only to see the Referee’s Assistant holding aloft his flag for offside. Warren Morgan flashed a shot over the bar following a poor clearance from Sallis. The chances kept coming, but ultimately falling away.

However, the writing was on the wall when Ike Robertson-Feehi’s stab at goal was turned off the line by a bundle of Tooting defenders – the rebound not quite falling kind enough for Maan to react as he could only push it wide.

Tooting held on for the win and make it into the draw for the next round. We wish them the best for the competition and their league campaign.

​Manager James Bracken said after the match: "Not in a million years did we deserve to lose tonight. We’ve gifted them a goal against the run of play.
 
"Second half we’ve pretty much laid siege on their goal. How they’ve cleared one chance off the line, I’ll never know. I’m not quite sure how we haven’t scored. We’ve had plenty of shots. A few were a little wayward. Get them on target with the wind behind us, we probably would’ve scored.
 
"But they’ve managed to nick a win and that’s fair enough. That’s football and sometimes it happens.
 
"That was a definite penalty in the first half. We’re not getting the rub of the green anywhere at the moment.
 
"All I ask for is consistency. Don’t book us for infringements and not the other side. It’s happening too often at the moment. If we get a fair and level playing field every week, we’ll win.
 
"If we get that penalty, it goes 1-1 and then there’s only one winner in the match from there.
 
"We had twelve players unavailable too. We had a front three missing and then the attacking wide players as well. That’s perhaps why we didn’t score. But I’m not taking anything away from those boys who were out there. We performed well enough and there won’t be any harsh words said to them for losing. We changed shape seamlessly, created problems right up to the final whistle and they gave it their all. So I’ve no problems with them whatsoever.
 
"We just didn’t get the rub of the green. A few scuffed chances scrambled off the line. Another day, they go in." 

Corinthian-Casuals 3 - 3 Tooting and Mitcham United
Ryman League Division One South
Monday 29th August 2016
Attendance: 212
Report by Cameron Smith. Pics: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)

Corinthian Casuals moved to the top of the Ryman Division One South table despite only gaining a point in a nail-biting 3-3 draw against Tooting & Mitcham United.

Returning to the gloriously  sunny King George’s after a brilliant away victory at Godalming Town, Casuals faced possibly their toughest opponent so far this season as Tooting aimed to maintain their unbeaten run. Likewise were Corinth as they sat in third place behind Carshalton and Faversham. James Bracken made three changes from Saturday’s win as Josh Uzun, Niall Wright and Jamie Byatt were introduced ahead of Juevan Spencer, Kevant Serbony and Shaun Okojie. This bank holiday fixture had attracted a large crowd of 212 including a big cluster of the fantastic Tooting contingent.

The visitors, who were in a Fiorentina-esque away kit, started the brightest as they tested the sharp Danny Bracken. Bracken was on call to save Casuals again as a deflected through ball found Taurean Roberts, who was denied, but the rebound was converted by no. 9 Danny Basset from a few yards out, which was by far the easiest goal Bassett will score all season. Two minutes later, a Casuals corner was half-punched by Tooting shot-stopper before the unmarked Terry Murray slotted into gap left by committed keeper Pierson. Moments after Casuals had clawed their way back in the game, they found themselves in a losing position once more. Pacey full-back Jordan Wilson inserted a dangerous ball into the box in which the unfortunate Josh Gallagher bundled in to put Tooting ahead. A crazy five minutes, Corinth were 2-1 behind to the impressive Terrors.

Calm was restored to King George’s for a twenty-five minute period before Gallagher, playing as a striker, was upended whilst bursting through on goal. The referee pointed to the spot before Josh Uzun composed himself and sent the keeper the wrong way to equalise. Casuals had to hold on for four minutes before half-time. Tooting had other plans as a corner swung into the near post was scored- by Corinth’s Danny Dudley! A penalty, two own goals, five goals overall - what a sensational first-half!

The definition of nail-biting, the teams switched ends and re-started the thrilling game.

James Bracken, obviously unhappy with the current set-up, implemented talisman Shaun Okojie at half-time while left-back Dave Hodges was replaced. The versatile Byatt shifted into left-back. Even though Byatt was in a more defensive position, the club legend was still making the keeper work as Pierson saved a low effort in the 60th minute. Then, Bashiru Alimi of Tooting used his hand in the area to give away the second penalty of the match. Uzun dispatched as Pierson correctly judged which way the midfielder was going but couldn’t grab a firm hand on the strike. It was 3-3 as Casuals were injected with a new sense of hope. Soon after, Warren Morgan sprinted down the touchline before producing a perfect cross for the oncoming Uzun. A chance for the hat-trick, Uzun connected but his header agonisingly flew a few inches over the bar. End to end, Casuals and Tooting were level in ability as shots were flying everywhere! In the 74th minute, Jordan Clarke was dismissed for a second yellow card as the winger obstructed the goalkeeper to earn a harsh yellow. Down to ten men, Casuals were just about holding on, even conjuring a few chances of their own from Okojie and Byatt.

A tense three minutes of stoppage time was concluded as the game ended 3-3. Tooting would be disappointed to leave Tolworth with a point after being pegged back from a leading position three times, dropping them down to tenth. Next, they faced Horsham at home. Meanwhile, Corinth moved to the top of the table and are up against Oxford based North Leigh in the FA Cup on Saturday.

James Bracken said after the match, “We've come back from behind three times to win games coming into this game and we've done it again today, this time to draw.

“It was a funny old game. There were a lot of horrible goals and it wasn't a vintage performance. The game on Saturday probably played its part in that having played twice in three days.

“There were plenty of positives by the end of the match. Again, we've come from behind and again we haven't been beaten. We played with ten men for the last fifteen minutes and yet still looked the more likely to go on and win. That's the resilience you need if you're going to be successful. You can't just roll over after conceding a goal and we've never done that. If we concede, we'll stay in the game and carry on to get our rewards at the end of it.

“The red card changed the match. The way we played with ten men, if we'd had that extra body on the pitch, we'd have carved out one or two more chances and perhaps taken one of those. But you have to play with ten men from time to time and we adapted well. The boys put an absolute shift in today, from playing in the heat on Saturday to putting in another ninety minutes today with a man less for quarter of an hour, that's a great effort from all of them.

“Dave Hodges is suffering with a sore groin so we couldn't take the risk in the second half and therefore it was logical to take him off and get him some treatment on it.”

Looking ahead to North Leigh visiting in the FA Cup, Bracken commented “We're excited. We're through to the next round of the Cup at home and the lads enjoy playing on our surface. We'll attack that game and try to get at them but I expect a really tough match.”

Corinthian-Casuals 0-2 Tooting & Mitcham United
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 27th October 2015
Attendance: 173

Pics: Stuart Tree  & Andy Nunn ( Links to follow )
Match Video : FITB (click to view)

Casuals suffered a third consecutive home defeat as a revitalised and determined Tooting & Mitcham took the points at King Georges Arena.

Following last weeks disastrous 7-2 defeat at Chatham, a complete overhaul of Frank Wilson's squad has seen no fewer than 8 new faces.  The visitors signalled their intentions early on with Gavin Quintyne breaking down the left and finding Staines Town loanee Chace O’Neil who had a shot charged away.

Another of the new signings, Matt Price was brought down on the edge of the area by Dave Hodges with the culprit receiving a yellow card. The same player sparked the move that saw Danny Bracken called into action for the first time as his superb cross found its way to Serge Makofo but his curling effort flew into the grateful keeper's arms.

Casuals best moment of the half came in the 17th minute when Kevant Serbony powered his way to the right side of the area and his low cross was met first time by Cherno Mendy. However keeper Matt Pierson was equal to the effort diving low and reacting brilliantly. 

The respective number ones continued to impress with Bracken again smartly catching at full length Gareth Chendlik’s header after the striker had rose above Terry Murray.

Makofo, not for the first time was denied again this time from centrally inside the box his powerful drive was magnificently palmed away from the top corner and around the post by the Casuals' skipper in the 28th minute.

Bracken again was on hand to keep the scores level as O’Neil’s free-kick was glanced goal-wards by Jake Baxter but the keeper pushed the ball away to safety.

After being on the back-foot for the majority of the half it came as no surprise when Juevan Spencer and Sekou Kaba were introduced at the break. It seemed to have an immediate impact with the home sides shape much better and in-turn the one touch passing which had served James Brackens men so well this season appeared for the first time in the evening. 

Josh Uzun was the first to test Pierson; his curling effort after a cleared corner found its way back to him but the effort was driven into the keeper's arms.

The breakthrough came in the 59th minute and although Tooting had not threatened in the second period so far it came as no surprise after their first half dominance. O’Neil dealt another superb delivery 10 yards inside the half from a free kick and Antonio Simeone, the Terrors skipper, met the ball and guided home on the volley from 8 yards.

Former Army player Price continued to offer a threat and he nearly the doubled the lead immediately but his left wing cross was inches from the right hand upright following a quickly taken free kick.

The last twenty minutes saw Casuals throw caution to the wind and Diego Maradona was introduced to the fray. Spencer escaped the attentions of 2 defenders to get into the area but a low left footed effort failed to trouble the Tooting custodian.

Makofe was for the third time denied by  Bracken with a low shot before the game edged firmly towards the visitors following a controversial decision in the 79th minute. O’Neil won the ball in a central position clipped a ball into the area where Chendlik failed to control. However the striker went down theatrically and a penalty was awarded much to the disgust of the Casuals players and management. Baxter dispatched he spot kick to double the lead.

​With 5 minutes remaining Kaba embarked on a run which took him into the area and after pulling the ball back for Maradona the Brazilian saw his effort miraculously blocked on the line by Quintyne. The follow up saw Brandon Johnson also thwarted as the visitors threw their bodies on the line determined to keep a rare clean sheet.
The same player was on hand to once again clear off the line this time denying Cherno Mendy whose right footed shot looked destined for the bottom corner.

There was still time for one piece of final drama in stoppage time as the match official who it seemed was more than happy to display his round shaped cards at every opportunity finally got a chance to pull out one of a red colour. Brandon Johnson after a low sliding tackle once again saw the limited Chendlik go down platoon style and thus earned a second booking.

An understandably frustrated James Bracken spoke after the match.        

"That wasn’t the best night for us tonight. Too many of our games of late have followed the same trend of where we seem to be doing well, being the better side and only a matter of time before we score but for whatever reason, we come away with nothing.

“I can’t recall once when I’ve mentioned officials this season but they’ve been poor far too often. I feel like too often they’re not fit to be on the pitch with the players. Not just for our team but the opposition as well. I feel the whole level of refereeing isn’t as good as it should be.

“The biggest problem is the lack of experience they have in football and they’re heavily influenced by players ‘playing’ them – and it costs us.

“We don’t appeal for everything, we don’t berate them and we don’t get on their case from the first minute. To be shouting for every decision is just ridiculous and it’s what I’ve had to listen to tonight. Some of the calls that were happening are just obscene… to even have the gall to call for some of the things that are happened. But the referee bought it.

“I said to the lads after ‘do we descend to that level and berate them and get in their head?’ I think we can be better than that.

“We’ll be successful and hopefully people will sit up and notice and realise you don’t need a budget to be successful, you don’t need to break referees to be successful. You can go out there and play football properly and get what’s deserved.

“We haven’t got a problem though. I said to the boys that if there’s weeks that we lose and we’re poor, they’ll know about it. We weren’t good in the first half today. We were well below our normal level. The shape of what we tried to do didn’t work like it did on Saturday. It was dis-jointed.

“Second half, we’ve put that right in my opinion and with the substitutes we made, we’ve played well up until their first goal. Then it’s descended and got a bit scrappy and that’s when the ref has had more influence on the game than what he should do.

“There’s no problem on my part with the team though, because their effort is there, their commitment is there, their quality is there. We need to turn all of those things into wins. For having all the good players in the world, thinking that we’re good, what matters is if you get that win at the end of the night.

“We’ll bounce back on Saturday. We’ve got Redbridge in the Trophy and that’ll be a tough game. We want to win and have a run in the competition.”

Tooting & Mitcham United 0-2 Corinthian Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday11th August 2015
Report by Darren Pasley.
Pics: Stuart Tree (click here to view)
Video: Steve Wigg (click here to view)
Att:228

Corinthian-Casuals made a winning start on the road as they picked up where left off from the Worthing game in a comfortable victory at Tooting & Mitcham United.

Casuals gave first starts of the season to last season’s regulars Danny Dudley, Juevan Spencer and Niall Wright as James Bracken looked to outwit the side which had claimed the Geoff Harvey Memorial Trophy at King Georges Arena the previous month.

Both sides made a fairly cagey start to the match, getting used to the ball zipping of the slick surface after the early evening rain in South West London.

The games first effort on goal arrived in the 9th minute when after Niall Wright was sized down on the edge of the area Emmanuel Akokhia curled a free kick into the arms of keeper Adam Faith who was well placed.

The home custodian’s handling wasn’t as impressive shortly afterwards as let a Wright cross slip through his grasp but the ball hit the air bound Danny Dudley’s head and wide of the goal as a half cleared corner was returned back into the danger zone.

Casuals were starting to dictate the tempo and Diego Maradona so impressive on Saturday went close to opening the scoring as his deft ball into the box evaded both Akokhia and the far post by inches.

At the other end the home side rarely threatened,their only effort on target in the first half saw Jake Baxter’s low effort held by Danny Bracken after a neat flick from former Casuals reserve striker Michael Salako.

On 37 minutes the deadlock was broken as Faiths luck finally ran out. There seemed to be little on when Brandon Johnson picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and wide of the area. His low drive should have seen a routine save but the keeper once again spilled the ball and although he blocked Akojkhia’s first effort , Juevan Spencer was on hand to latch onto the rebound and chip over his hands into the net.

The Terrors only response was a wild effort from Sol Pinnock after bursting into the box but the River Wandle seemed to be more at risk than Danny Brackens goal.

To their credit the hosts started the second half well and forced a number of early corners which Casuals defended well.

On 52 minutes Pinnock saw a whipped ball from the left lopped over the bar by Jake Baxter as they looked to get back into the match and build on their opening day victory at East Grinstead.

Despite this it was the visitors who still looked the more likely in the final third and Spencer and Akokhia again combined with the latter being denied by a last ditch challenge.

The say football is a game of fine margins and as the game approached the hour mark this was evidently so.

A corner for the visitors saw Kevant Serbony caught on the edge of the box and with the home side breaking at pace the ball was played into Pinnock who once again blazed horribly over his sides best chance of the match.

To compound the misery Casuals launched a break of their own and after Sevant brilliantly found Maradona the young winger played in a delight low cross which was slid home at the back post by Spencer for his second of the match.

This knocked the stuffing out the hosts and it was Casuals who looked for a third. Josh Uzun having an effort deflected just wide moments after coming on.

A 3rd did arrive with 9 minutes remaining as Akokhia picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and after teasing past Harry Knock his shot deflected past Faith.

The result left Casuals one of 6 clubs who maintained their 100% records after 2 games and James Bracken was impressed after the match with the two goal winger. 

“Juevan knows what I want from him. He knows what he needs to do to play in the side. We spoke to him in the Summer and said he needs to add goals to his game and he’s scored two tonight. We haven’t got a bad player here at Casuals and Juevan falls into the category of another good player.

“The boys have been absolutely outstanding again. After Saturday, you worry if they’re going to get to that level again of energy, commitment and quality of football but they went out there and just done it all over again from the first whistle.

“Tooting are another decent side and both teams we’ve played so far have been good but we’re playing well.

“The boys are loving it at the moment. Playing here every week, enjoying it and winning is of course giving them a great feeling. They’re such a good unit and they trust me.

“Let’s see where we are after ten games and again by Christmas but we’ll just keep plugging away, remain focused and work hard.”

Tooting & Mitcham United 1-1 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 14th March 2015
Match report: Darren Pasley
Pics: Stuart Tree
Attendance: 195

Casuals earned another point in their bid to climb the table and in doing so went some way to showing Tuesdays mauling at home to Hythe was nothing but a blip as they drew 1-1 at the KNK stadium home of Tooting & Mitcham United.

Making two changes to Tuesdays line up Ross Defoe returned, as did striker Carl-Wilson Denis.

The home side started well knocking the ball around with confidence but it was Casuals after 2 minutes who worked the games first opening as Juevan Spencer found Carl Wilson-Denis inside the area but his touch let him down when well positioned. 

Despite keeping the ball well the home side weren’t really threatening a Casuals backline that had conceded 6 in the midweek against Hythe. Indeed it was the visitors who went mighty close in the 14th minute when after forcing their hosts back Wilson-Denis’s flick found Jamie Byatt but the striker thumped his effort against the post. In any case the assistants flag had been raised.

The home sides first effort came in the 19th minute when a long punt downfield from keeper Alex Kozakis found the Casuals backline out of position and Dan Summers stole in to head towards goal from the edge of the area. Thankfully for Casuals Bracken was able to divert the ball away despite being seemingly stranded.

Danny Dudley was inches from opening the scoring in the 22nd minute as he headed Byatt’s corner wide with Kozakis failing to collect the initial delivery

After 27 minutes the visitors took a deserved lead;  a patient buildup on the edge of the area Byatt and Lee Hall exchanged passes. The former clipping in a weighted ball to Carl Wilson-Denis inside the area. The former Tooting striker controlled and turned expertly with his chest for before firing home past Kozakis to open the scoring. (Pictured Below)

7 minutes later the home side came close to levelling as Danny Dudley’s attempted clearance looped up in the air allowing Saidu Khan the opportunity to shoot at Bracken. Thankfully for Casuals his stinging drive was parried away by the stopper and away from danger.

In truth the first half was a very disappointing display from the hosts who by all reports were superb the previous week in their win at Whitstable. The home fans let their frustrations know at half time with the final ball and decision-making lacking all too frequently during the opening period.

Tooting emerged for the second half a changed side and Nathan Gordon was first to test the Casuals defence when after beating Jake Downs his low cross was stabbed away from danger.

The improved start was to pay dividends for the hosts however as they levelled 5 minutes into the second half.
After failing to clear a routine ball into the box the visiting rear guard were made to pay the price as Sol Pinnock picked up the clearance and weaved into the box. Despite Bracken blocking his effort with an outstretched leg Khan’s follow up rebounded into the path of Howard Newton who tucked his effort away inside Brackens near post.

With their tails now up the home side were looking to turn the match around completely and Billy Marshall fired an effort from distance, which Bracken tipped over the bar. 

Dan Summer was the next to try his luck but with an hour gone he fired wildly off target following a well-worked short corner from the home side.

The home sides dominance prompted Matt Howard into making a couple of changes bringing on Max Austin and Reece Placid and the switch in approach seemed to have the desired effect as Casuals once again began looking a threat in the attacking third of the pitch.

It was Austin who nearly gave Casuals the lead back on 69th minute as following Byatt’s knock down his spectacular scissor kick was straight at Kozakis.

Both sides it seemed were happy to settle for a point with neither keeper tested in the final stages. The introduction of debutant Gerald Akosa for the hosts gave them brief hope and his direct play nearly saw a left footed effort go in. The drive just inches over Brackens upright. 

Another substitute Max Noble saw a low cross in injury time diverted away by Bracken and match official Jason Richardson shortly blew an end to the proceedings.

Speaking after the match keeper Danny Bracken spoke of the contest against his former side

“After Tuesday, we’d have taken a point coming into the game today. We didn’t quite find that end product but we defended much better. After a 6-1 defeat, to only let in one goal is much better.

“As a goalkeeper, it’s always disappointing to concede a goal. You don’t ever want to let in any, especially at against an old club of mine like Tooting. I played here a few years ago and really enjoyed my time at the club. It’s a shame we let one in.

“The first half, the way we defended was great and we really restricted them attacking-wise, but it was a shame we couldn’t continue that in the second half. However, it’s still a decent point.

“My personal target for the rest of the season is to keep more clean sheets and as a team, to get more wins. We want to try and get a club record for points in this league. We’ve been pushing up gradually every year. We’ve got a great set of lads here and if we can stay together, push on to the end of the season, let’s wee where we end up.

“Realistically, a top ten position for a club like ours is a great achievement and it’s definitely there for the taking.” 

Stuart Trees pictures can be viewed here