Corinthian-Casuals 1-0 Wingate and Finchley
Hyman 90
Pitching in Isthmian Premier League
Saturday 25 March 2023
Attendance 238
Match Report by James Streatfield
Photo by Stuart Tree
It was late jubilation for Corinthian-Casuals as they ended a long run without a win, earning a well-deserved 1-0 win over Wingate and Finchley on Saturday.
Brian Adamson took charge of his first game as interim manager of Casuals, a week on from the club parting ways with Justin Fevrier. Adamson called on experience for the fixture, bringing in club captain Jack Tucker, who undoubtedly gave Casuals a boost. In addition, the returning Jordan Clarke made his second debut for the club, while new boy Yann Janssen was involved, making a first start.
Casuals were up against two forces in the first half: the Wingate and Finchley attack and the torrid conditions. Playing against the wind in the first 45 made it difficult to build momentum but the home side didn’t let that affect them too much.
The opening exchanges were cagey, but Casuals fashioned their first chance when Olarinde Williams gave away a free-kick after a high challenge on Lesley Duru. Kamara flashed a teasing ball across the visitors’ notably high line but no one in a chocolate-and-pink shirt could get on the end of it.
As the clear signs of a battle between two sides in desperate need of points continued, Wingate and Finchley’s full-backs combined to create a chance for Ben Siggers, who couldn’t keep his header on target.
At the other end, Clarke looked lively on his Casuals return, picking up the ball in pockets of space between the lines and running at the Wingate and Finchley back line. Janssen was also effective in holding up the ball for runners such as Duru, who looked dangerous.
Casuals were presented with their next chance when a defensive header fell to Finlay Lovatt, whose shot from distance flew past the right post. Lovatt came close again with the best opportunity of the half when he met Zack Chislett’s pin-point cross with his head, only for Ben Goode to tip the ball round the post with an outstretched glove. A miraculous save amidst Casuals’ pressure.
Wingate’s first real chance fell to Antonios Vasiliou just before the break, played through on goal before Callum Coulter rushed out to thwart the attacker.
Neither side posed too much of a threat in the early stages of the second half, although the visitors did carve out an opportunity when a goalmouth scramble ended in Raynel Hercules’ square ball finding its way to Vasiliou, whose improvised effort ended up in the grateful grasp of Coulter.
However, nothing less than a win would do if Casuals were to keep their season alive. Clarke made way for Pinney on the hour in an attempt from Adamson to add some attacking firepower. But Casuals would have to weather a Wingate storm for the next period of the game. Siggers’ cross from the left found Vasiliou whose shot was straight at Coulter.
Tucker’s return lasted 70 minutes as he was replaced by Sean Agun, coming on to make his Casuals debut. Tucker was a credit to the defence on the day, delivering a true captain’s performance.
But the game was still up for the grabs, with both sides determined to take all three points. Wingate and Finchley had the ball in the net late on, but the linesman flagged for offside. A warning sign for Casuals who were forced to dig deep again when Coulter was called into action to deny Dylan Kearney’s header with a miraculous stop to keep the scores level.
Then, just as it looked like Casuals would be held, Kamara delivered a last-minute free kick into a dangerous area, and Pinney’s flick fell to Malakai Hyman. The centre-back couldn’t miss, tapping the ball home at the back post to give the hosts the lead with only stoppage time remaining.
Yet Casuals fans, so jubilant when Hyman found the net, had their hearts in their mouths moments later when a goalmouth scramble in their own six-yard box was eventually scooped away by Coulter. The Casuals keeper was key to the win, making multiple saves to keep his side in the game.
In the end, it was a well-earned three points for Casuals, priceless in the fight for survival. They will take confidence from their performance and will hopefully carry this spirit into their next fixture, away to Potters Bar Town next Saturday.
Corinthian-Casuals: Coulter; Chislett, Kudyiwa, Hyman, Tucker (Agun 68); Lovatt, McAuley; Clarke (Thompson 60), Kamara, Duru; Janssen (Pinney 61)
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