Corinthian-Casuals 0-2 Tooting & Mitcham
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
Report: Josh Lamey Images: Harvey Abbott, Andy Nunn, Stuart Tree

The Terrors haunted Corinthian-Casuals on Tuesday night, as Mu Maan’s hosts were condemned to a 2-0 defeat by noisy neighbours, Tooting & Mitcham.

It was a night of familiar faces, welcoming the return of both Michael Onovwigun and Max Oldham, as well as our former prolific poacher Jamie Byatt who now leads the visitors from the dugout. All three once rocked and rolled in the pink-and-chocolate but now returned to their former stomping ground in a fixture where all former allegiances are forgotten.

Courtesy of the season-opening stalemate that was played out between the sides, both desired to set the tempo early on. Alex Cruickshank thought he had scored a timely Terror’s scorcher, but his long-range effort cannoned back off the crossbar. Casuals then had a sighting of their own, as Andre Coker forced Toby McKimm into a shrewd stop from an acute angle.

As the half continued, Casuals began to settle into the game. On the half-hour mark, a corner straight from the training ground saw Diogo da Silva unleash an effort that flashed across the face of goal, drawing agonising gasps from the Corinthian support behind the goal. Then the bar came to the hosts’ aid for the second time moments after, as Shay Brennan’s curler just lacked sufficient dip to find the top corner.

The width of the woodwork was the difference just after the break, this time for Coker and Corinthian-Casuals. A fortunate deflection gave licence for the swashbuckling forward to let fly from range, before bruising the bar for the third time of the night. A game that, on another day, could’ve had countless efforts in the back of the net.

Rafael Barbosa continued an avalanche of Corinthian attacks, and the Brazilian was on the receiving end of an inch-perfect Tommy Smitch switch, working it well to cut inside, but McKimm gratefully grasped Barbosa’s stinger. All angles of the Tooting goal were being bombarded, but still no breakthrough for the hosts.

Instead, it was Byatt’s side who stormed into the lead just past the hour, when Oldham gratefully received Diogo da Silva’s misplaced pass and rifled his effort off the underside of the bar, stunning the 303 in attendance.

The former Casuals winger continued to terrorise his former club’s back line, and a few minutes later a bobbling ball across the face of goal fell kindly into his path, and Oldham did the rest – slotting high beyond the reach of Sanghyun Baek. A quickfire brace on the ground he loves.

The introduction of Raekwon Bailey-Allen from the bench triggered a reaction for the Casuals players, engineering a few late surges into the Tooting area in search of a lifeline. They thought they had one but an effort from Barbosa was stopped at the death, before Smith’s header was bravely diverted off the line. Amidst the frustration, Wilgnner Ewerthon was shown red after a late challenge that saw Corinth finish the game with 10.

Corinthian-Casuals will look to right the wrongs on Saturday as we host Alton in our fifth consecutive home fixture in a row in all competitions.

Corinthian-Casuals: Baek, Ejeta, Smith, Rowe, Bond (Dos Santos 85), Vitinho (Ewerthon 67), Masikini, Da Silva (Sell 71), Coker, Maia (Bailey-Allen 65), Barbosa

 ​Tooting & Mitcham 0 – 0 Corinthian-Casuals
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Tuesday 29th July 2025
Report: Josh Lamey
Photos: Stuart Tree
Full set of photos can be seen   here
 
Controversy concluded Corinthian-Casuals’ 2025/26 league season opener after they were denied a late winner by the assistant referee’s flag at the end of an admirable away performance.
 
After wrapping up their pre-season schedule with a thrilling yet fruitless 5-3 defeat to Leatherhead in the Harvey-Hill Vase on Saturday, attention turned to the inaugural game of the league season.
 
There could be no better way to commence the campaign than the short venture to Imperial Fields – two proud local sides clashing under the lights with the prize of three precious points up for grabs. Hence, it felt fitting that the Tooting & Mitcham stadium announcer declared: “This is football” moments before the first whistle.
 
A fixture of fine margins on paper was epitomised early on, with both sides carving out half-chances in the opening half hour. Most notably for Casuals, a wayward effort over the bar from Shea Cascoe-Rogers, craftily manufactured by new signing Andre Coker’s flick around the Stripes’ centre-half.
 
Coker continued to express glimpses of his Step 3 experience, looking to flourish once again after a successful campaign at Cray Valley. He had an opening of his own on the 15-minute mark, manoeuvring and striking sweetly into the goalkeeper’s grasp. A fast start from the visitors.

​“Yeah, a good, good game of football,” said Manager Mu Maan after the match. These are two big clubs in the Combined Counties going at it.”
​
“It was cagey at times, but we had a few chances… they had a few chances. We had a goal disallowed in the end, but first game in and it’s a clean sheet away from home. This is not an easy place to come and get a result. I’ll take a point coming away from here and I’m always pleased with a shutout.

“We could have gone on to nick it. I think we had four or five corners in a row. Andre’s had one cleared off the line. But to be fair to Tooting, they've had a few chances as well. Good end-to-end stuff.

“The only dampener on the night is that red card. Did Andre handle it on purpose? We’ll have to look back at it. But listen, even with 10 men, we still threatened.

“I think for the second half. We edged it. They had good possession at times. We looked dangerous in those other moments. Overall, it was a little bit cagey at times. But as I say, coming to Tooting and getting our first point on the board, I’ll take that.

“It’s onwards to the FA Cup on Saturday, and our focus will be solely on that for now.”

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.”