Isthmian League Premier Division
Saturday 26th September 2020
CV Construction Stadium
Report and photos: Stuart Tree (full set here)
A second half brace from Bradley Wilson was enough to ensure Casuals got their first three points of the season on the board at a blustery Potters Bar Town yesterday.
Despite substitute Samson Eason pulling one back, Corinth were able to hold on to record their second away win in four days and put points on the board early into the new campaign.
Football weather had truly returned and cold, windy and rainy conditions were not pleasantly greeted by the 213 in attendance. We needed a pleasantly contested affair to warm us all and that’s what we were treated to. The first half remained goalless though not for the lack of trying. Danny Bracken was called into action on more occasions than Fred Burbridge – his Scholar counterpart but Corinth will feel aggrieved that they weren’t awarded a penalty when Kevant Serbony was bundled over in the box.
The second half saw Casuals up the tempo and threatened more than their hosts. The deadlock was broken in the 66th minute when Wilson’s floating free kick from 30 yards latched onto the wind and evaded everyone including Burbridge to sail into an empty net.
This opened the game up and six minutes later, Wilson had a second, ending a fine piece of play. Keiron Cadogan played the final cross from the right to Wilson who’s 10 yard header couldn’t miss.
It became a nervy ending though when Esan pulled one back in fine style for the Scholars, taking a touch and shot with grace. It was backs to the wall for Casuals as Bar bombarded the penalty area. Hero of the hour was Bracken who was back to his finest, pulling off two stunning saves. Thankfully, The Casuals were able to resolutely hold on and record their first league victory of the season.
"Bottom line is we scored more in our period of play than they did in theirs - the first was maybe slightly fortuitous, but Brad’s delivery was great. It’s probably a reward for delivering on set pieces. The second goal is a great goal. The move, the passing, the cross was exquisite and the finish was fantastic. It gave us a little cushion.
"We managed to show grit and determination at the end. It was backs to the wall. Defend, defend, defend, and we did that.
"We’re delighted. It’s nice to get off the mark. It’s especially nice for the management team and the boys that were here at the club last year. We went through a big period of soul searching where you know you’re doing things right. You know you’re setting the team up well and you know you’ve delivered on performances, but you’re not getting any points.
"We needed to get that first win to get that monkey off our back early doors. We’ve done that. It’s two wins on the spin as well. I think we’ve lost one in about the last seven or eight games so we’re going the right way.
"I like grafters. I like workers. If you’re a Fancy Dan that delivers no end product you’re not going to be one for me. But if you’re a player with ability that’s going to graft, then I’m going to love you, and I think in the last 15-20 minutes, I saw everything I would possibly want to see in terms of the effort and the desire to get back and do what was necessary."