Match Preview - Kingstonian

Kingstonian vs Corinthian-Casuals
Isthmian League Premier Division
Wednesday 26th February 2020 – 7.45pm
King George’s Arena, Hook Rise South, Tolworth KT6 7NA

Corinthian-Casuals Manager James Bracken will be hoping his brother and club captain, Danny Bracken will be available for the derby game ‘away’ at Kingstonian on Wednesday evening.

The talismanic keeper was absent through illness on Saturday for the 3-1 loss to Potter’s Bar Town. Casuals called on ‘Ibby’ Ugradar – the backup, who’s heroics will forever be remembered against Chelmsford City in the FA Cup this season. But luck was against the Amateurs after the Soccer AM stopper suffered a bad injury just minutes into the match.

Without another keeper on the bench (Jon Williams wasn’t named), striker Ben Cheklit had to don the gloves. Sadly, when an outfield player has to step in, it’s an uphill task. It already happened once at the Pakex Stadiumthis season, when Carshalton Athletic suffered the same fate. The end result was the same – no points for the visitors.

Now, Casuals must focus on the task in hand – the unique fixture that sees Bracken lead his side out at King George’s from the away changing room. Hosts are tenants Kingstonian, who are fast becoming the league’s draw specialists. Seven of the last nine league matches have been tied. In fact, over the last ten matches, Casuals are in better form than their hosts having gained a point more in that time.

But the lack of game-time hasn’t helped momentum and Corinth find themselves bottom of the league after weekend wins for fellow strugglers Wingate & Finchley and Brightlingsea Regent. Casuals have up to four games in hand over those immediately above and with only six points separating the bottom seven sides, they’ll be confident of clawing back lost ground.

But this is no ordinary fixture and derbies are always keenly contested. The two sides met earlier in the season – drawn in the FA Trophy. Hayden Bird’s K’s stormed to a 3-0 lead before Casuals pulled it back with a better second half performance. However, it was Kingstonian who progressed, winning 4-2.

This time, they won’t be able to call on their top scorer, Louie Theophanous who left for Glenn Tamplin’s new Romford project. Without the hairdresser, they’re at the lower end for scoring goals but they’re sharing the workload with Gus Sow, Dan Bennett, Eddie DSane and Dan Hector all netting recently. At the other end is ever-present Rob Tolfrey, the longest serving keeper in the league, now with over 500 appearances for the K’s.

Whatever happens, it’s likely to be a night to remember under the lights at King George’s with a bumper crowd expected. Remember, with the outside field likely to be saturated, parking may be limited (it’ll be controlled by our hosts). Please look to using public transport if possible.

Also, the planned Christmas charity collection will take place at this match. The Kingstonian Supporters Club have organised a bucket collection, Golden Goals and 50/50 raffles on the night with the proceeds split equally between Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness and Kingston Carers Network. Please give generously to these great charities.
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Entry to King George’s is the same as Casuals matches. £10 adults, £6 concessions, £4 students and Under 18s for free. Casuals season ticket holders can enter for half price thanks to our mutual arrangement with Kingstonian.