AFC Whyteleafe 5 - 1 Corinthian-Casuals
Combined Counties League Premier South
Saturday 28th December 2024
Report: Dominic Bliss
Photos: Stuart Tree (full set here) More photos from Andy Nunn here.

The first thing to say is this was not a typical 5-1 game. Casuals were not outclassed, simply beaten to the punch too many times by a ruthless Whyteleafe side who are in the thick of a tight promotion race.

At times, we had the better of the play between the boxes and our widemen were keen and effective. Trey Masikini was the liveliest player on the pitch in the opening exchange and won a penalty when he panicked the Whyteleafe goalkeeper into bringing him down just inside the area on seven minutes. Diogo da Silva, who also troubled the opposition backline during a bright start, stepped up to dispatch the penalty with nonchalant grace, sending George Hill the wrong way and giving Casuals an early lead.

Perhaps stung by Horley Town’s comeback the previous week, and aware of the threat posed by Whyteleafe, there was a reluctance among players and travelling support to get too ahead of ourselves.

With fog enveloping Church Road, the home side conversely began to play with more clarity, jolted into action by that early blow. Whyteleafe dominated the middle of the first half, with their midfield men Dan Bennett and Jordan Johnson-Palmer getting on the ball more, and green shirts surging onto second balls before looking to find their rapid wingers, Ryans Gondoh and Hall, at every opportunity.

The equaliser – after 20 minutes – was a piece of instinctive brilliance from Hall, who gave the Casuals defence very little chance to set themselves as he seized on a loose ball on the edge of the area following a blocked effort.

Kieron Cadogan came close for Casuals with a free kick shortly afterwards, as the visitors looked to respond. But just when we began to regain a foothold, we were caught cold by another through ball, and Matt Kellett-Smith arrived late in his attempt to intervene, bundling over his man just inside the area. The referee pointed to the spot.

Mo Maan returned to goal this week and read the penalty well, getting down to his left to push it away, only to see the determined Hall pounce on the rebound and score with his follow-up effort.

We were very much in the game until half-time, but within 10 minutes of the restart our optimism was dashed by a goal from Gondoh, our tormentor-in-chief in the reverse fixture against Whyteleafe earlier this season.

Yet Casuals continued to get on the ball and produce moments of promise, if only we had been more decisive in the final third. At times the combination play of Masikini, Cadogan, Da Silva and Reyon Dillon was enough to open up a half-chance, but we were shot shy, waiting for a clearer opening that just wouldn’t come.

Meanwhile, there was an intensity and a tenacity to the hosts’ play in both boxes. At the back, Corey Holder was vocal throughout, geeing up his team-mates, applauding every block, every challenge, every intervention the home side made in defence of their area. The experienced centre-back used to coach the Corinthian-Casuals FA Youth Cup side during our collaboration with Kinetic Academy a few years back and his nous, alongside the quality of skipper Helge Orome, made it very difficult for a lively Casuals attack to make a telling breakthrough.

It all played a part in the psychological battle, as Whyteleafe grew in belief, and Casuals’ confidence dropped off. There was no gulf in class, but there was a difference in decisiveness.

Mo Maan in goal made a couple of brave one-on-one blocks but could do little to prevent Gondoh and Orome adding a fourth, then a fifth, as we committed more men forward in search of a way back into the game.

On a day when it felt like every mistake was punished to the full, the frustration was in the fine detail. Whyteleafe’s fourth came from a break immediately after a Casuals attacking move that broke down due to over-elaborate play in front of goal. Their fifth came moments after Casuals’ substitute, Rafael Barbosa, was cynically brought down by the last man in the Whyteleafe backline after bursting towards goal with just the keeper to beat. The foul was made just outside the area, yet the referee decided to award just a yellow card, leaving Casuals dumbfounded as they watched the 11 men of the home side go and extend their lead at the other end.

No, the scoreline was not a true reflection of the game, or the respective quality within the two teams, but it did tell a story of its own about momentum. A few weeks back, Casuals were on the right side of an encounter like this, dismantling a spirited Sheerwater side as we seized on every loose ball and relentlessly pushed for more and more goals, eventually running out 4-1 winners in Tolworth.

A return to that level of performance wouldn’t take much. The ability is there, the support from our fans has never waned, and the togetherness within the dressing room was clear to see in the celebrations following Diogo’s opener. Sometimes a game just gets beyond a team in the middle of a difficult run. It will only take a battling victory to turn things around.

Corinthian-Casuals: Mo Maan, Gjoshe, Kellett-Smith, M Dos Santos, Protsyshyn, Antonio, Onovwigun (Barbosa 72), Da Silva (Cheklit 79), Cadogan (Cascoe-Rogers 68), Masikini, Dillon (Osunkoya 68)

Corinthian-Casuals 1-3 AFC Whyteleafe
Combined Counties Premier Division South
Saturday 14th September 2024
Words: Josh Lamey
Images: Andy Nunn (full set here)

Corinthian-Casuals fell to a first defeat in five, as Whyteleafe forward Ryan Gondoh proved too hot to handle in a clash at the top end of the table.

Mu Maan has recently orchestrated a run of form that we could only have dreamed about after the last two seasons, and now the Casuals faithful find themselves feeling confident heading into each game.

Yesterday, however, we welcomed high-flying phoenix club, AFC Whyteleafe, who sat in second place and came into the game fresh off the back of a 5-1 drubbing of Horley Town. The visitors are the highest scorers in the league this season, having netted an impressive 29 goals in their eight previous outings, so it was going to be a mission for the back four to keep them at bay. Nevertheless, it was time to go eyeball-to-eyeball with one of the league’s best.

Maan’s side have gotten into the habit of starting games at breakneck speed, often setting the tempo in the opening 10 minutes. This time, they were on the receiving end of an early blow, after Aaron Watson’s cross was dispatched by Gondoh to claim his first of the afternoon. Although the visitors had the upper hand, Casuals had plenty of quality on the pitch to find a response.

And they did just that. Earlier in the week, the club announced the re-signing of exciting winger Trey Masikini and he carried the ball up the pitch as the hosts went in search of a reply. Pink-and-chocolate shirts flooded forwards in numbers to support the returning wideman, but on this occasion Michael Onovwigun’s header shaved the top of the bar.

Masikini was behind the equaliser when it did come, and it was another recently returned cult hero, Kieron Cadogan, who finished to square up the game just past the half-hour mark, collecting a perfectly weighted pass and burying his shot beyond Whyteleafe goalkeeper, James Shaw.

However, Whyteleafe had the final say in the first half. The Leafe’s lethal finisher Omari Delgado-Hibbert notched his 10th goal of the season in brutal fashion, sliding in to bundle home Gondoh’s low cross at the near post and making sure that Casuals keeper Murillo Bernardes felt the full weight of his challenge as he did so.

Heading into the break, there was work to be done, despite glimpses of football from the clouds.

With anything but a full roster available to Maan, the injury list continued to creep up during the second half. Onovwigun limped off to be replaced by Dejarhn Grant on 23 minutes, and Warren Morgan – who had moved out to left-back for this game in the absence of Emerson Pilonetto – was also withdrawn with an injury.

Yet the depleted Casuals continued to soldier on. A Cadogan free-kick caused problems for Shaw in goal and a goalmouth scramble ensued, yet the ball somehow crept just wide of the Whyteleafe post, denying us a second equaliser.

Whyteleafe then had their own chance to seal the points as Gaspar Mico burst through the Corinthian ranks and teed up Watson, but the chance went begging as the ball flew over the bar.

However, Gondoh made no mistake when he burst through on goal minutes later. The former Colchester United winger caused problems all afternoon, and neatly slotted his second of the game past Bernardes before taunting the home crowd with a questionable celebration.

Frazier Osunkoya struck the upright late on as Casuals continued the fight, but it wasn’t to be for Maan’s side.

There were, however, positives to take from a tricky test, and we will look to bounce back as we turn our attention to a trip to Fleet Town on Tuesday, before visiting Abbey Rangers next weekend.

Corinthian-Casuals: Bernardes, Gjoshe, Morgan (Daud 60 (Osunkoya 72)), Castelo (Zini 81), Agbinone, Dos Santos, Dillon (Brown 66), Onovwigun (Grant 23), Cadogan, Cheklit, Masikini

Whyteleafe 2 - 1 Corinthian-Casuals
Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round Replay
Tuesday 11th September 2018
Report: Stuart Tree. Photos: Andy Nunn (full set here)

Corinthian-Casuals and the FA Cup. There’s something about this competition that doesn’t sit well with the Amateurs. Is it punishment for our forefathers declining participation in this most famous competition in its formative years? Of course not, but just six wins in the Cup in seventeen years isn’t a record to boast about. It seems, even under Manager James Bracken, who’s broken records and brought success to King George’s, isn’t infallible to the ‘Casuals FA Cup Curse’– winning just three times in four seasons.
 
And so that curse was to strike again. It almost had on the previous Saturday, when Bracken admitted his side had been fortuitous in getting a replay. Following a 0-0 stalemate, the two teams would once again face-off to find out who’d be meeting National League South outfit St Alban’s City in the next round.
 
Bracken understandably made changes from the first match. In came Mu Maan and Warren Morgan for Callum McAllister and Jack Tucker respectively. The makeshift front line remained unchanged with five forwards still absent. Gabriel Odunaike and Warren Mfula suspended whilst last season’s top scorer Max Oldham, Josh Uzun and Reyon Dillon work their way back to fitness.
 
Both sides started with the intention of getting this replay done and dusted in the first half, with frenetic pace and intensity. Whyteleafe’s Eddie Dsane, who’s into double figures for scoring already this season looking lively all game.
 
The closest chance to breaking the deadlock fell to Casuals’ Jack Strange. A Coskun Ekim corner was powerfully met by Strange whose header smacked the underside of the crossbar and bounced just the wrong side of the line. Calls for VAR at Church Road rang out.

In a tie that had seen zero goals in 118 minutes of play, it was therefore no surprise to see the first goal come via the penalty spot. Juevan Spencer’s mazy run into the box ended with his cross which was steered behind by Bentley Graham’s arm. The official pointed to the spot – perhaps harshly considering the proximity of the Leafe midfielder, and Danny Cunningham converted, much to the delight of the noisy travelling faithful.
 
There was perhaps time for one more chance before the break. Ekim’s wicked free kick was tipped around the post by Tyler McCarthy.
 
Buoyed by the lead, Casuals should’ve emerged for the second half, looking to finish off the tie. It never happened.
 
Naturally, Leafe were going to push forward for an equaliser and Dan Hector, along with DSane had the pedigree and pace to put the Corinth back line under pressure for sustained periods. Matters weren’t helped by a referee who was happy to whistle at every available opportunity along with an assistant who attempted to outdo his comrade with his flag. It was a shame, considering the game was played at a furious pace despite every attempt by the officials to slow things down.
 
The real turning point in the match came with another awarding of a penalty. Same box, same infringement, same result. A Leafe free kick slammed into the two man wall with the referee again harshly adjudging that it had unfairly struck an arm. DSane levelled the scores from the resultant penalty on the hour mark.
 
Leafe took a firm grip on the game, searching for a winner. They bossed the midfield and limited Casuals to rare breaks. If they’d had their shooting boots on, it could’ve been over before the 90 minute mark. As it was, they left it late. A free kick was awarded on the edge of the box when two players tumbled together. At first, the referee appeared to let play continue and turned to his assistant for guidance, though none was forthcoming. So it was a surprise when he indicated that there had been an infringement. Up stepped DSane who neatly whipped it low into the far corner, just out of the reach of Brad Comins.
 
The goal came in the 90th minute but there was time for an unsavoury moment to add unnecessary bite to the tie. A throw in was awarded to Casuals but the home bench refused to provide a replacement ball in unfortunate time-wasting tactics. Cue tempers flaring which was exacerbated by the apparent act of couple of home youth/squad players who’d jumped the barricades and lashed out. A melee ensued and took several minutes to calm down. Tempers were still high when Warren Morgan’s late challenge resulted in a second booking and left Casuals with 10 men. It was an unfortunate end to a tie in which a number of neutrals agreed had been a good advert for the game.
 
Casuals weren’t good enough for large spells across both ties and the Bostik South East side deserved their win on the balance of play across 180 minutes. Whyteleafe will do well under Harry Hudson this season if these two matches are anything to go by and if they’re able to keep hold of a player in Eddie DSane who'll will surely attract attention from leagues above. This was a real blooded cup tie that was played with good intensity and in a great atmosphere. It’s just a shame we didn’t win!
 
There’s definitely a trait seen too often by Casuals when facing opposition that, on paper, should be beaten. The performances in these two matches have fallen far too short of what we know is capable by this side. Bracken will have to address the poor form quickly as we resume our Bostik League Premier campaign on Saturday, away to Harlow Town. We wish Whyteleafe the very best of luck in the next round at St Albans.
​

Manager James Bracken had these words following the 0-0 draw against Whyteleafe in the FA Cup.

​“They had the better chances on the day. On the balance of play, it was fairly even. We probably had the ball in their half more than them but we didn’t do enough with it. They’ve caught us a few times and Brad’s made a few good saves. Two or three bits of smart goalkeeping from him has kept us in the tie.

The cup is a leveller and you have to perform to your best. We didn’t achieve those levels against Whyteleafe but we’ve got another shot at it and that’s all I can ask for at this moment.

“We’re in the hat for the draw and we have another chance to secure our place on Tuesday. I said to the lads afterwards, we’ve been gifted another chance. Let’s not take it for granted and throw it away. We haven’t been good enough in this first game and we need to ensure that we’re much better, come the replay.

“Get through and I’d personally like to face a side that’s caused an upset – and from a lower level. Drawing a big club is great. Every FA Cup match is a big occasion but I’d rather see someone come out of the hat that would make us believe we have a good chance of getting through. You want to get as far as possible in this competition and if that means perceived favourable draws, then we can look forward to perhaps facing a big club down the line.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ve got a tough test on Tuesday. Whoever awaits in the next round will be a tough test, so there’s no easy draw.”

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 0 Whyteleafe
Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round
Saturday 8th September 2018
​Match report: Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (pics here)

Corinthian-Casuals survived a flurry of late scares in the form of Whyteleafe attacks all while missing a few golden chances of their own in the Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round as the 0-0 draw forces the two Surrey sides to replay on Tuesday night.

The last outing in the FA Cup was a memorable one for the Casuals; six goals left Croydon in the dust, but since then there has been two Bostik Premier Division games and a victory has evaded James Bracken and his team on both occasions. A bitter taste still apparent from last Saturday’s unjust 1-1 draw, Tolworth welcomed the familiar Whyteleafe to King George’s. Regularly playing against the Leafe in the Division One South, Casuals were drawn against the green and white army after the Croydon win, which meant Harry Hudson’s new-look team were clashing with the pink and brown once more.

In the opening ten minutes, it was clear that the league difference did not faze Whyteleafe as they battled Corinthians’ pacey attack through the wings and even produced chances of their own. The returning Casuals keeper Bradley Comins got down to palm a low free-kick away from the bottom corner as captain Coskun Ekim attempted to re-group and push for an opener. With Mfula suspended, Cunningham returned to the frontline whilst Jack Tucker replaced Warren Morgan at left back. Jordan Clarke was starting and his presence struck fear into the Leafe defence- they knew he could pace forwards and make an opportunity like turning on a switch. In the 20th minute, Clarke began a fantastic counter attack after a Leafe set-piece, but his rapid speed did not match his finishing on this occasion. Saved by McCarthy, the following corner was cleared.

The rest of the half was strange. Casuals failed to find a glimpse of a weakness in the visitors’ two centre-backs and unfocused possession was not contributing to the search for the goal. It was Whyteleafe who had the chance of the half. Premature celebrations from behind the goal, an unclear scramble in the penalty area saw a green shirt roll the ball towards the goal from only yards out. But Juevan Spencer was there to boot the ball away heroically, even if the offside flag saved Casuals’ blushes anyway.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and if Casuals were to win this game it would’ve been through a chance in the 50th minute. Clarke was ruining full-backs as per usual, but his lightning-quick cross did not find a chocolate and pink jersey, but a green one. Rebounding off Nathan Campbell, a brilliant stop from McCarthy in the net avoided an embarrassing own goal and Casuals notching an opener.

Unable to penetrate the defence centrally, Corinth tried to sneak one past on the outskirts with yet another effort from Clarke narrowly missing the target of the goal. Despite introductions of Morgan, Maan and Cheklit in the end, the hosts looked tired. Whyteleafe capitalised on fatigue and pounded on the door of the Casuals back four and keeper. Luckily Comins was ready to answer the knocking with a wonderful point-blank save that had Casuals fans on the other side of the pitch in awe. Partly due to the solid defence, Whyteleafe would feel robbed after a last ten minutes that consisted of remarkable opportunities via scrambles and set-pieces. Holding strong, Casuals battled until the end in the 0-0 draw.
​
Cancelling the London Senior Cup game with Croydon, the FA Cup takes priority as a replay in Church Road on this Tuesday night means Casuals have a new midweek fixture- will James Bracken’s pink and brown army secure a place in the next round?

Read James Bracken's post match comments here >>

Whyteleafe 2 - 1 Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik League South
Saturday 20th January 2018
Match Report: Cameron Smith. Photos: Paul Downs (full set here)

Corinthian-Casuals left it all too late in a crucial Bostik Division One South encounter at Whyteleafe FC as an inspired comeback wasn’t enough to salvage a point following the hosts’ two first-half strikes.

The ten-men of Hythe Town managed to hold James Bracken’s pink & brown army to a goalless draw last Saturday, in which assistant manager Dan Pringle summed it up perfectly: “really frustrating.” It was a trip to Whyteleafe’s Church Road that was next on the agenda, and whilst games across the country were postponed due to the poor weather, the side from Croydon boast an artificial pitch, so the game was always going to be played! Comfortably sat in mid-table, Leafe grabbed a point at King George’s earlier in the season, but Corinthians did triumph over the club from the east of Surrey in the first round of the Velocity Trophy soon after.

On a drizzly Saturday afternoon, the third meeting of the 17/18 season was underway. Twenty-five minutes into the match, Casuals and Leafe had battled hard, with the hosts the ones creating more of the chances and retaining most of the possession. Silky exchanges before a superb flashing cross, Tommy Hutchings bundled home a well-timed and well-executed assist from the left flank to edge Whyteleafe into a 1-0 lead.

Keeper and captain Danny Bracken hastily grabbed the ball from the net and urged his team to step their game up a notch, whilst the travelling support continued voicing their encouragement. Despite cheers from the away end, no real change occurred, as Leafe threatened via their speedy wingers once more. Their inevitable second goal, however, wasn’t from the wings, it was from 30 yards out. Hutchings was gifted the ball by a mistake in the midfield before a stroke of pure luck saw the no.10 smash a powerful effort towards goal that took an agonising deflection off a Casuals defender and ended up bouncing over Bracken and in. It was a cringe-worthy moment for the visitors, who were dealt an unfortunate blow in the 34th minute as Whyteleafe notched their second.

Just before the referee blew the whistle for half-time, super striker Harry Ottaway used his instincts to intercept a backpass and aimed for the goal, but Leafe no.1 Kyle Merson was there to save it. At the break, Gabriel Odunaike and Hamilton Antonio entered the fray ahead of Uzun and Oldham. Same support, different ends from the Casuals contingent as the Tolworth side had improved considerably in the second-half. Although the final touch of class did not seem to appear, opportunities via headers from Ottaway and Terry Murray left Corinth on the verge of pulling a goal back. It was only until the 82nd minute in which they finally did. Odunaike was given a difficult, bouncing through ball to work with when clean in on goal, but a glorious touch was the perfect height to beat the keeper and Casuals were given an injection of hope.

Eight minutes flew by with the hosts resorting to extra-long set-pieces, goal-kicks and substitutions in order to run down the clock, but it didn’t stop Corinth from making chances. A perfect free-kick hit straight down the middle of the pitch was headed forward by Ottaway in the 90th minute, and the cheeky knock-on was met by Nathan Daly’s looping header that dribbled into the net. Celebrations lasted for around five seconds before the pink & brown army realised the linesman’s flag was raised on the right flank. Jubilation turned to anger very quickly as everyone on and off the pitch were in shock at the inexplicable decision to rule out the goal due to offside- Daly had seemingly been yards ahead of the last defender! The decision stood, and Casuals played out four minutes of added time before the referee concluded proceedings. Whyteleafe were triumphant in a 2-1 victory.

The loss left Casuals just inside the play-offs in 6th place whilst first-placed Lewes beat second-placed Cray Wanderers to stay at the top of the table. Another frustrating fixture in the Bostik South will hopefully be erased from Corinthian-Casuals’ memory next week; mid-table Faversham Town make the trip to South London on Saturday.

Corinthian-Casuals 2 – 0 Whyteleafe
Robert Dyas League Cup Round One
Tuesday 13th September 2016
Attendance: 74
Match report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)

Corinthian-Casuals set up a second round cup tie at neighbours Met Police after defeating Whyteleafe by two goals to nil in the Robert Dyas League Cup.

Clean sheets have been a rare commodity for James Bracken’s side this season having already shipped twenty goals in just eight games – six of which came against a rampant Hythe Town on Saturday. So it will be pleasing for management and supporters alike to witness the first shut-out of the season.

Bracken is still trying to find the balance between a strong attack and resolute defence and used this respite from the league to shuffle the pack, giving chances to those who’ve found themselves on the fringes. Shaun Brown, a reserve-team stalwart for a number of years made his first start as did Kojo Apenteng, making his competitive debut for Corinth, replacing Jamie Byatt at left back. Whyteleafe boasted two ex-Casuals in their line-up; the impressive Jake Downs at centre back and Daryl Coleman, who’d feature from the bench.

Before flags could be hung and pints supped upon, Casuals were in front; Juevan Spencer was hauled down in the box and reliable Josh Uzun struck his penalty kick into the bottom corner sending Luke Colquhoun the wrong way. Those in attendance could be forgiven for thinking that the early goal would be the catalyst for another goal fest - to follow the sixteen that they’d witnessed at King George’s in the past two matches. Alas, it was not to be.

Whyteleafe loomed large around the Casuals’ six yard box with an impressive tally of corners, none of which really threatened, barring a small goalmouth scramble. The visitors looked comfortable in possession and crafted half chances via Karl Parker and Jake Downs, both heading wide. Danny Bracken made a fine stop from the dangerously-quick Andrew Mensah, diving low to his left to palm the shot round his post. Leafe entered the break looking the better side but still a goal down.

The pace increased and space widened in the second half as both sides looked to establish themselves. Corinth appearend more settled than in the first period and patterns of play yielded some enjoyable football. A well-worked set piece ended with Shaun Brown narrowly missing the target at the back post. Maz Bettache’s bursting run was only ended via a cynical foul and Uzun’s resulting free kick was deflected wide of the mark. All seemed comfortable and was made even more so in the 79th minute when a terrific turn of pace from Brown saw the striker burst into the box and fire past Colquhoun to give Corinth an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Three changes by Bracken in the final ten minutes ensured that Corinth earned their first clean sheet of the season and passage to the next round. Eyes turned to the match at Hendon, as Met Police snuck past their hosts 4-3 on penalties to set up a neighbourly encounter with our Ryman Premier compatriots. 

Corinthian-Casuals 2 - 1 Whyteleafe
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 13th August 2016
Attendance: 143
Match report: Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (full set of photos can be seen here)

The re-invigorated Corinthian-Casuals were victors in their first Ryman Division One South game as the complacent yet valiant Whyteleafe FC left King George’s with a 2-1 defeat and no points whilst Corinth collected three.

Last season was a distant memory as Casuals started their 2016/17 campaign hoping for a more successful one than the last. The pain of missing out on the play-offs due to unforeseen circumstances needed to be put behind us as a new season was on the horizon. Just like the song says, I woke up this morning feeling fine and I did have Corinthian Casuals on my mind.

The first match of the season was against East Surrey-based Whyteleafe FC who finished in the bottom half of the league last season in a respectable 15th spot. However, Leafe have proven to be a bogey team in the past few seasons with the previous two meetings ending in 1-0 losses for Casuals. James Bracken certainly wanted to change that as he fielded a strong starting XI for the opener. The usual trusty back four were used as always; but there was a shake-up in the midfield. Josh Uzun and James Cottee took their places out wide while new recruit Josh Gallagher partnered “Super Kevant Serbony” in the middle. Meanwhile in attack, Corinth had two fierce weapons ready to destroy the opposition’s defences once more as the 6ft 2in tank Shaun Okojie was complimented by the nifty but powerful fan favourite Jamie Byatt.

After a minute silence was impecably observed by the crowd, following the sad passing of Keith Blunt, Jamie Byatt rolled the ball to Serbony to start Casuals’ competitive season. From the start, Corinth knew that it was set to be a high-intensity game as Whyteleafe came out with pace and forcefulness. Nevertheless, Casuals managed to find a weak spot in the visitors side. Slack defending from Leafe captain Jason Mensah resulted in the resilient Shaun Okojie stealing the ball from the No.5’s feet before feeding James Cottee to score inside six minutes. With team morale low after conceding, Whyteleafe seemed to lose togetherness and communication, especially in the defence.

In the 17th minute, there was a unbelievable mix-up between Mensah and keeper Colquhoun in which Mensah looped the ball over the head of Colquhoun, who watched as it comedically bounced over the line and into the net. Delight for Casuals, dismay for Leafe. The 2-0 scoreline was deserved as Corinth dominated possession, having many chances. Thanks to full-back Dave Hodges who supplied Okojie with a fantastic cross. The target man connected with the ball but it flew over the bar. It was 2-0 at half-time.

In the second half, Whyteleafe were determined to turn the game around but struggled as Josh Gallagher saw his shot palmed away. Leafe keeper Colquhoun was called into action multiple times as Dudley and Okojie had efforts denied.

Regardless, Whyteleafe pulled a goal back in the 68th minute with midfielder Ryan Fowler adding his name to the scoresheet. A superb effort from just outside the area was hammered beyond the reach of Bracken with such force that no-one had time to react! The fast tempo of the match was halted with five minutes to go as substitute Emil Salama was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after a painful-looking injury (We wish him a speedy recovery). After a few anxious stoppage time minutes, the referee blew the whistle for full-time.

A well-deserved win, Corinth move onto the next league fixture which is away in Reigate as they face South Park on Wednesday evening.

After the match, Manager James Bracken had his take on the game.

"We're delighted to get off the mark with three points. Of course we want to start the season well. We've come into this off the back of a decent end to the last campaign and this pre-season. It was important that we continued in that form and hit the ground running, putting points on the board.

"If we take half of our chances today we'd probably be four-nil up before they even score. It's an old cliché but at 2-0, the game is never dead. But there was never any real danger or scary moments where they've peppered our goal. We've defended quite well and saw the game out at 2-1 which has been good enough for the win.

"Emil's injury isn't good. He's a terrific player and he'd have had a big part to play going forward over the next eight to ten games whilst he's with us. He was going to feature heavily and that looks as though that plan has been scuppered.

"However, we have a lot of strength in depth; it opens the door for someone else to get more game time. For instance, the Reserves side won again today against the team that won the league. I know what those players have got... I watched all of their pre-season games and there's some very good players.

"Of course, I'm gutted for Emil – I've known the boy since he was about four years old and you never want to see lads like Emil get hurt in that way.

"South Park lost their first game 4-1 to Hastings so I'm not sure what mental state they'll be in come Wednesday. A lot of their players know me personally and I have no doubts that it'll be a tough game. Of course, they'll want to beat us but we look forward to every game – we're bright, young and hungry to win.

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 1 Whyteleafe
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 20th October 2015
Match report and pics: Stuart Tree (photos here)
Additional photos from Andy Nunn here.

Corinthian-Casuals slid to a second defeat in four days as a solitary Jason Henry goal for Whyteleafe was enough to seal the points in an otherwise unmemorable encounter.

Despite losing 2-1 at King George’s Arena on Saturday, the scoreline hadn’t reflected the performance after two own goals were enough to topple James Bracken’s side. With this in mind and retribution from a Sam Clayton stoppage time winner in the reverse of this fixture three weeks ago, hopes were high amongst the Corinth faithful that this would be a fruitful night.

The ‘Leafe in direct contrast had come into the match on the back of a win against Carshalton despite losing their previous three fixtures. Before Casuals’ loss on Saturday, Bracken’s side held top spot in the form guide with five wins in five and seven in eight in all competitions.

If Casuals were to get something out of the match, they’d have to do it without hotshot Emmanuel Akokhia – side-lined with an injury. Dave Hodges could only make the bench with his right leg still heavily strapped following the two footed tackle at Sittingbourne ten days prior. Brandon Johnson was once again eligible to play following suspension but would start as a substitute.

The opening exchanges appeared cautious and the high tempo that Casuals normally play looked lacking. One factor being the slippery pitch which saw numerous players lose their footing throughout the match.

Josh Uzun came closest to opening the scoring for the home side when his free kick from 20 yards struck the crossbar. It was a warning shot from Corinth who looked good in possession but unable to otherwise break down a resolute ‘Leafe defence.

On 24 minutes came the only goal of the game; a defensive slip saw Jason Henry gifted with time and space on the ball. With only Danny Bracken to beat in goal, he placed it to the left of the keeper and Whyteleafe took the lead.

As they did on Saturday, Casuals immediately looked to get back into the match. Juevan Spencer’s pace down the wings caused problems but the final product appeared lacking. Kevant Serbony and Stef Joseph linked well on a through ball which saw the latter’s shot well saved by Brighton and Hove loanee Bailey Vose in goal.

A change in approach was deemed necessary to break down a solid defensive performance from the visitors, and at half time, James Bracken made two changes, replacing Uzun and Serbony with Ben Cotton and Cherno Mendy.

But it was unfortunate for Casuals that regular penalty taker, Uzun had been subbed. Corinth won a penalty which saw a nervous Mendy step up and with a stuttering approach, crashed his shot against the crossbar and out to safety. It appeared that the old adage of ‘could play all night and not score’ was going to be true. Despite this, Casuals mounted more and more pressure with Whyteleafe content to play on the break. Bracken was forced into a number of good stops from Leafe’s attack, which surely would have sealed the Casuals’ fate.

Alas, it was not to be. Despite large periods of possession and territorial advantage, Whyteleafe held firm and at times looked comfortable – not least Daryl Coleman in the centre who put in a fine performance. And so it was that Whyteleafe claimed all three points with a solitary goal, as per three weeks ago.

Whyteleafe 1-0  Corinthian-Casuals 
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 22nd September 2015
Att: 116
Report by Darren Pasley
Pics: Stuart Tree (can be seen here)

A goal deep into stoppage time from Sam Clayton gave hosts Whyteleafe a possible kick-start to their stuttering campaign and saw James Bracken's side defeated at the last knockings at Church Road.

It was particularly cruel on Casuals who had controlled the majority of the second period but also denied a first clean sheet in September. Niall Wright replaced the suspended Josh Uzun in the only change to the winning line up at Guernsey.

Whyteleafe, who by the standards set last season have started the campaign poorly, made a bright start and Rob Kember had an early shot wide of the goal as his side looked to end a run of 7 games without a win.

Casuals should have opened the scoring in the 8th minute when Juevan Spencer fresh from a blistering performance on the island jigged past 3 defenders before unleashing a shot Sheikh Ceesay could only parry. Cherno Mendy was on hand to reach the ball first but blasted well over from 6 yards out of the gaping goal.

Sam Clayton went even closer to drawing first blood as he beat the offside trap and rounded Bracken but his goal-bound effort was superbly deflected onto the post by the covering Warren Morgan and away to safety.

Clayton continued to be a threat and after Kember was brought down his 25 yard free kick was saved by Bracken and Jason Henry’s effort blocked on the line as the Leafe piled on the pressure. Clayton again going close moments later after swivelling on the edge of the area and firing just over.

Spencer and Emmanuel Akokhia continued to link well going forward and the latter was sent through by Casuals number 11 and despite beating Ceesay to the ball, his shot was nicked off the line and once again cleared out the danger zone in the 37th minute.

Both sides had further chances as the half drew to a close; first, Dan Moody firing just past Bracken's far post before Akokhia had another glorious opportunity through one on one after Osa Obamwonyi’s mis-weighted back-pass but Ceesay stood tall to block with his legs.

The second half saw a more determined and dominating visiting side with plenty more bite. Juevan Spencer going close on two occasions, firstly with a hooked shot and then a blistering  volley after the ball came to him from a cleared corner that whistled inches wide of the upright.

For all their promise and territorial advantage, Casuals perhaps didn't feel they tested Ceesay enough as they would have liked, what with the home rear-guard defending well on the edge of their own box. Indeed the introduction of Rosco D’Sane for the hosts gave them a threat when countering and the visitors were grateful for the covering Danny Dudley in the 79th minute as he cut out Henry’s low cross with D’Sane waiting to tap home unmarked. 

Another substitute , Stef Joseph fired an effort just wide after creating the opportunity himself for Bracken's side before Casuals were furious as Cherno Mendy appeared to be clipped in the box but was booked for diving with 9 minutes remaining.

As the game entered injury time Mendy on the opposite flank crossed for Akokhia to head over when well placed from 8 yards out. It proved to be pivotal as with seconds renaming the home side stole an unlikely victory. D’Sane again instrumental sliding in Clayton and although Bracken did well to block his initial effort the ball fell invitingly to the striker and he flicked the rebound home to waken the Whyteleafe choir and earn his side all 3 points.

Casuals boss James Bracken spoke after the match.

 “These things happen. It happened tonight and it’ll happen again in the future. Sometimes you play well and you deserve to win and make all the running in the game. However, someone scuffs a shot – the worst shot I’ve seen in the whole game – straight into the path of someone who has no right to be there and not only that, he doesn’t even tap it in… he gets a lucky rebound. Danny makes a great save that he probably has no right to make and the rebound could’ve gone anywhere but falls straight back to the same player. So, there’s two bits of bad luck in a row.

“But on the flipside, they’re down near the bottom of the table and maybe they’ve not been having the luck lately but got two pieces of luck and three points tonight.

“It’s a case that for some games we’ve had purple patches for fifteen minutes where we’ve been outstanding and yet not scored and we’ve spoken about that to the players. But tonight, it was the whole of the second half, where we’ve controlled the game, the pace, the possession and everything we’d want to do. But we haven’t created many clear cut chances as we would like and that’s led on to us having promising situations where we’ve rushed it or the shot’s not been of the right quality.”

“From where I stood, I thought it was a penalty. Just previous to that, they felt they had a foul on the edge of our box and their bench has erupted when it wasn't given. We've gone up the other end and it's happened. The penalty wasn’t given because it was almost an even up process where the referee thought ‘well, I didn’t give them that one, so I’m not going to give this one’ and when he doesn’t give the penalty he has to book Cherno for diving. But it did look like a pen to me.

“We don’t treat anyone lightly; we didn’t take Whyteleafe lightly tonight and we won’t take Chipstead lightly on Saturday. We’re not in a position to do that – we need to be at our best whoever we play and be as good as we can be.”