
Match Sponsored by: Chessington Cars and Couriers
FA Trophy 1st Round Proper
Saturday 12th December 2015
Attendance: 162
Match report: Darren Pasley
Pics:Stuart Tree (full set here)
Despite their heroic efforts, Corinthian-Casuals’ historic FA Trophy run ended after a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Southern League Premier side Hungerford Town.
After resting several players for the midweek league cup tie at Tooting & Mitcham, a near full strength Casuals took to the field against their step 3 opponents who haven’t lost in all competitions since October.
The early stages saw a nervy start from Casuals. Hungerford showing why they are unbeaten in 12 and winning 8 in the process; Alan O’Brien on the left wing showing from the off that his pace could be a threat.
The game’s first real action came in the 10th minute when O’Brien’s set piece delivery was finished at the second attempt by Stefan Brown. The assistant’s flag came to Casuals rescue and in the process of ‘scoring’ Brown was injured and replaced by Mark Draycott.
Sensing the direct approach of their opponents, Casuals steadied and in the 13th minute produced an attack of their own. Dave Hodges’ first time cross was glanced just wide by Josh Uzun.
The wind was now in full flow but for the time being playing into Casuals hands - Uzun this time firing in a corner which was tipped off his own line by keeper Paul Strudley. Another corner saw Sekou Kaba head over from 6 yards, however the whistle had sounded for an infringement.
Nat Jarvis was lucky to escape with just a talking to from the referee after a late challenge on Bracken but the striker inflicted more painful damage in the 43rd minute with the game’s opening goal. James Rusby who was utilising his long throws launched another missile and with the ball holding up in the wind and the Casuals back line unable to clear, the Hungerford striker hooked the ball home into the unguarded net.
Rather than feel sorry for themselves with the half time whistle looming, James Bracken’s men responded in the perfect fashion. Almost immediately, Josh Uzun was awarded a free kick central 40 yards from goal and his cute delivery was perfect for Sekou Kaba to rise and head home into the top corner to see the sides level going into the break.
Although weary the wind would cause some problems second half the home side set their stall accordingly and continued to try and play on the deck as opposed to the more direct approach from their opponents.
The Crusaders had a glorious chance in the opening moments as O’Brien’s cross from the left found an unmarked Scott Rees but his header was directed the other side of Brackens right hand post.
The same player was even closer 5 minutes later smashing the inside of the post with a wind assisted speculative effort from 30 yards - Terry Murray doing well to scramble the rebound clear.
Although Casuals were producing some tidy play at times and getting into good positions, the more clear cut opportunities were falling to the Berkshire side. Substitute Mark Draycott was unable to control the ball at the back post when free after Jarvis had done well to fire the ball across the box.
On their own forays going forward it was Dave Hodges on two occasions who overlapped Juevan Spencer and was able to deliver into the box. On the first occasion keeper Paul Strudley did well to cut out and then a far post effort just evaded the oncoming Emmanuel Akokhia.
Kevant Serbony once again was the driving force in midfield both strong and creative and after beating 2 men he found Uzun whose sliding effort was saved low down by the visiting custodian.
The game was finally poised but it was sensed by all that whoever got that decisive 2nd would progress to the next round. Indeed that proved to be the case and the visitors stuck in the 71st minute. Driving forward, Jarvis cleverly slipped the ball inside to Draycott who was superbly foiled by Bracken. The ball spun clear but the substitute striker managed to smash home the rebound from a tight angle with both Warren Morgan and Danny Dudley covering on the line.
Matt Reece was thrown into the action and Casuals spent the majority of the last 15 minutes camped in the Hungerford half. Perhaps the best chance fell in the 81st minute when following a goalmouth scramble after Uzun’s corner the ball fell to Danny Dudley and his blast on goal was somehow held onto by Strudley.
Naturally with so many men being committed forward, gaps appeared at the other end and Jarvis had the chance to seal the match when clean through. However, Bracken guessed correctly to keep Casuals in the tie.
A flurry of injury time corners and were defended by the visitors and they held on to secure a 2nd round tie.
Gracious in victory afterwards we wish them all the best for the next round and the remainder of the season.
After the match, Assistant Manager Dan Pringle commented on the performance.
“We couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve done in this competition as a whole.
“It was always going to be difficult today. Hungerford came with a game plan which they stuck to. Second half, we’ve had the wind against us and it was tough going at points.
“But we were brilliant. Everyone gave it 100% and they couldn’t have done anything more. We could’ve easily come away with at least a draw. It was one of those games where the ball fell for them.
“It was a very even game. We equalised immediately after they scored which is a great response from us. It was a bit of a sucker punch in the second half; against the wind was tough with us trying to get up field but the ball constantly coming back.
“You could see how delighted Hungerford players were after the final whistle and it clearly meant a lot to them and that they’d definitely been in a tough game today. They didn’t underestimate us; they came to watch us twice in the lead up to this game and knew exactly what to expect.
“This is probably the first time in the Trophy where we’ve had a high level of respect for us from the opposition. I’d say Leiston and Grays Athletic didn’t know too much about us and expected to turn up and roll over us. Perhaps that was to our advantage as we played them on the counter attack as underdogs.
“Today, I think we had more of a chance compared to the previous two rounds where no-one thought we’d progress any further. There was a feeling we’d have half a chance with this one, but they made it really difficult for us and fair play to them for that.
“We’ve still got big ambitions for the league. There are plenty of games left to achieve those. From this cup run, you’ve seen that when it comes to big games, every single one of the players can step up to the plate.
“There’s no-one that we fear in the league. On our day, we can beat anyone. We’ve beaten two top quality teams from the league above, who are both going to be in and around the playoffs themselves. If we can emulate this Trophy run, then we’ll go on and do big things in the league.
“What’s more, we play entertaining football. That shows the players are enjoying it and that’s when you get the most out of them. The players we’ve got in the squad are young, hungry and it’s the only way they know how to play. They’re not old or past it… they can do anything.
“The support we’ve had from everyone, be it on social media or those here today has been fantastic. We have such great support from those who turn up week in, week out and they’ll be here again on Tuesday.
“So, just from myself, James and the rest of the management and the players, we appreciate every single one of them and every single ounce of support they show to the club.”
Match Sponsors Chessington Cars & Couriers with their chosen Man of the Match: Cherno Mendy