Corinthian-Casuals (2) A – A (0) Molesey
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 5th November 2016
Match report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set of pics here)
On a day that traditionally sees the night sky lit up, darkness descended on King George's Arena 19 minutes earlier than planned as floodlight failure caused the abandonment of Corinthian-Casuals' league fixture against Molesey.
Casuals were two goals to the good when referee Tim Donnellan called a halt to the proceedings after half the lights failed due to a power cut to the club, which affected all elements of King George's electricity supply.
It capped a frustrating week for Manager James Bracken following the exit in the FA Trophy and 2-1 loss to Sittingbourne in the week – arguably played under worse light than King George's with half power.
Bracken made several changes to his side; The returning ex-Captain Joe Hicks – on dual registration with National League South side Hampton and Richmond, was thrust into a familiar centre-back role in place of Danny Dudley. With Warren Morgan absent, Juevan Spencer took up the role. Injuries and suspensions kept out Niall Wright, Brandon Johnson, Jordan Clarke and Maz Bettache so there was room on the bench for new signings Luke Tan and Max Oldham.
Corinth started brightly which paid dividends after just five minutes on the clock. Josh Gallagher played through Jamie Byatt and the seasoned striker had the presence of mind to lift a delightful lob over oncoming keeper Liam Allen – the weight perfectly judged as the ball landed in the foot of the goal.
Casuals continued to dominate but frustratingly couldn't find the vital second goal. Shaun Okojie almost turned provider when his slotted pass found Gallagher and forced Allen to tip the shot round the post. Dave Hodges continues to haunt full backs and almost created what would've been a contender for goal of the season. Without the ball touching the floor, his cross found Okojie, who laid off to Byatt and his volley whistled narrowly wide.
Molesey had few chances of note and thus continued into the second half. Okojie should've made it two-nil from the kick-off, blasting over when a more calm finish would have done the trick.
The game started to slow and Molesey edged their way back in, without really testing Bracken in goal. The introduction of Oldham sparked Casuals into life and his first touch in a chocolate and pink shirt was a vicious cross that led to Byatt inexplicably missing the conversion at the far post. Hodges poked another shot into the side netting and it appeared the home side weren't going to add to their tally.
Then on 71 minutes, the lights went. Well... half of them. Light was clearly affected but play continued. Gallagher slipped a ball through to Okojie and this time made no mistake. 2-0. The game looked safe.
Alas, the officials consulted and determined that the light wasn't sufficient to continue. A half hour wait to see if the problem could be rectified passed and all went home frustrated, not least James Bracken who sees three points slip away as they have to re-run this fixture in the near future.
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 5th November 2016
Match report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set of pics here)
On a day that traditionally sees the night sky lit up, darkness descended on King George's Arena 19 minutes earlier than planned as floodlight failure caused the abandonment of Corinthian-Casuals' league fixture against Molesey.
Casuals were two goals to the good when referee Tim Donnellan called a halt to the proceedings after half the lights failed due to a power cut to the club, which affected all elements of King George's electricity supply.
It capped a frustrating week for Manager James Bracken following the exit in the FA Trophy and 2-1 loss to Sittingbourne in the week – arguably played under worse light than King George's with half power.
Bracken made several changes to his side; The returning ex-Captain Joe Hicks – on dual registration with National League South side Hampton and Richmond, was thrust into a familiar centre-back role in place of Danny Dudley. With Warren Morgan absent, Juevan Spencer took up the role. Injuries and suspensions kept out Niall Wright, Brandon Johnson, Jordan Clarke and Maz Bettache so there was room on the bench for new signings Luke Tan and Max Oldham.
Corinth started brightly which paid dividends after just five minutes on the clock. Josh Gallagher played through Jamie Byatt and the seasoned striker had the presence of mind to lift a delightful lob over oncoming keeper Liam Allen – the weight perfectly judged as the ball landed in the foot of the goal.
Casuals continued to dominate but frustratingly couldn't find the vital second goal. Shaun Okojie almost turned provider when his slotted pass found Gallagher and forced Allen to tip the shot round the post. Dave Hodges continues to haunt full backs and almost created what would've been a contender for goal of the season. Without the ball touching the floor, his cross found Okojie, who laid off to Byatt and his volley whistled narrowly wide.
Molesey had few chances of note and thus continued into the second half. Okojie should've made it two-nil from the kick-off, blasting over when a more calm finish would have done the trick.
The game started to slow and Molesey edged their way back in, without really testing Bracken in goal. The introduction of Oldham sparked Casuals into life and his first touch in a chocolate and pink shirt was a vicious cross that led to Byatt inexplicably missing the conversion at the far post. Hodges poked another shot into the side netting and it appeared the home side weren't going to add to their tally.
Then on 71 minutes, the lights went. Well... half of them. Light was clearly affected but play continued. Gallagher slipped a ball through to Okojie and this time made no mistake. 2-0. The game looked safe.
Alas, the officials consulted and determined that the light wasn't sufficient to continue. A half hour wait to see if the problem could be rectified passed and all went home frustrated, not least James Bracken who sees three points slip away as they have to re-run this fixture in the near future.
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