Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 1 Folkestone Invicta
Isthmian League Premier Division
Saturday 21st August 2021
Report and Photos: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)
Corinthian-Casuals and Folkestone Invicta played out a closely-fought contest that won’t live long in the memories of either sets of supporters, but one that Invicta boss Neil Cugley will be happy with taking the three points.
More memorable for the off-field atmosphere created by Fiel Londres – a group of thirty-so Corinthians fans on their first pilgrimage to King George’s, the game was decided by a solitary goal in the 17th minute by the dangerous David Smith.
Casuals probably gave their title contender opponents too much respect in the first twenty minutes and despite going close via a deflected free kick, it was Folkestone who broke the deadlock with a cross to Smith who couldn’t miss from close range.
Invicta were close to adding a second late on in the first half when a goalmouth scramble led to the ball crossing the line, but Referee Shelby Elson had blown for an infringement in the melee.
Casuals looked better in the second half and certainly had more endeavor in an attempt to get back into the match. Spurred on by constant authentic South American chants, backed by a samba beat, Warren Mfula forced a fine save from Roberts in goal.
Corinth’s attacks were met with what could be one of the best defences they’ll face in the league this season and couldn’t find any sustained pressure. The best opportunity fell to Ben Cheklit, who, after the match had said the slightest touch by the Folkestone defender was just enough to ensure he didn’t made clean contact from a cross to the far post… his effort sadly falling just wide.
Folkestone Boss Cugley was happy with the win, commenting ““I thought we scored a good goal and battled hard.” Casuals could’ve walked away from this tough fixture with a point but now travel to Wingate and Finchley on Saturday in an attempt to get off the mark.
"Folkestone are a good side," said Manager James Bracken after the match. "The front pair are very lively with Draycott in behind them. I actually thought we done alright though. In the first half, we didn’t play our football. We didn’t run their wing-backs backward. We seemed to set ourselves up in a defensive block and struggled to break out from that. There was a lack of quality from us in trying to complete the first pass. We always had an out ball, but too often we didn’t find it."
"Second half, we concentrated on ourselves and came into it with a bit more belief. At the end, I think we deserved a draw. If we’d have scored in the second half, you’d say that was with the run of play. I got the feeling from their bench that they were hanging on for large parts of that second half."
"Folkestone will be a top four side. But we’ve given them a tough test today and be happy to get away from here with a 1-0 win."
Isthmian League Premier Division
Saturday 21st August 2021
Report and Photos: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)
Corinthian-Casuals and Folkestone Invicta played out a closely-fought contest that won’t live long in the memories of either sets of supporters, but one that Invicta boss Neil Cugley will be happy with taking the three points.
More memorable for the off-field atmosphere created by Fiel Londres – a group of thirty-so Corinthians fans on their first pilgrimage to King George’s, the game was decided by a solitary goal in the 17th minute by the dangerous David Smith.
Casuals probably gave their title contender opponents too much respect in the first twenty minutes and despite going close via a deflected free kick, it was Folkestone who broke the deadlock with a cross to Smith who couldn’t miss from close range.
Invicta were close to adding a second late on in the first half when a goalmouth scramble led to the ball crossing the line, but Referee Shelby Elson had blown for an infringement in the melee.
Casuals looked better in the second half and certainly had more endeavor in an attempt to get back into the match. Spurred on by constant authentic South American chants, backed by a samba beat, Warren Mfula forced a fine save from Roberts in goal.
Corinth’s attacks were met with what could be one of the best defences they’ll face in the league this season and couldn’t find any sustained pressure. The best opportunity fell to Ben Cheklit, who, after the match had said the slightest touch by the Folkestone defender was just enough to ensure he didn’t made clean contact from a cross to the far post… his effort sadly falling just wide.
Folkestone Boss Cugley was happy with the win, commenting ““I thought we scored a good goal and battled hard.” Casuals could’ve walked away from this tough fixture with a point but now travel to Wingate and Finchley on Saturday in an attempt to get off the mark.
"Folkestone are a good side," said Manager James Bracken after the match. "The front pair are very lively with Draycott in behind them. I actually thought we done alright though. In the first half, we didn’t play our football. We didn’t run their wing-backs backward. We seemed to set ourselves up in a defensive block and struggled to break out from that. There was a lack of quality from us in trying to complete the first pass. We always had an out ball, but too often we didn’t find it."
"Second half, we concentrated on ourselves and came into it with a bit more belief. At the end, I think we deserved a draw. If we’d have scored in the second half, you’d say that was with the run of play. I got the feeling from their bench that they were hanging on for large parts of that second half."
"Folkestone will be a top four side. But we’ve given them a tough test today and be happy to get away from here with a 1-0 win."
RSS Feed