Match Preview: Whyteleafe

Tuesday 11th September sees Corinthian-Casuals travel over to Whyteleafe to settle their Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round tie after the two sides were locked in stalemate at King George’s on Saturday.

Following the 0-0 draw at Tolworth, both teams will play to a conclusion at Church Road, potentially ending on a penalty shoot-out if required. The winners will receive £6,000 in prize money and a mouth-watering tie away to National League South side St Albans City on the 22nd.

Manager James Bracken said after the match on Saturday, “We’re in the hat for the draw and we have another chance to secure our place on Tuesday. I said to the lads afterwards, we’ve been gifted another chance. Let’s not take it for granted and throw it away. We haven’t been good enough in this first game and we need to ensure that we’re much better, come the replay.”

Leafe boss, Harry Hudson was the more disappointed of the two managers, quipping “It says a lot when we are feeling deflated about drawing away to a team in a league above us!”

Statistically-speaking, there’s nothing between Leafe and the Amateurs from their previous ten outings at Church Road. In the last ten competitive fixtures, both sides have won five times and scored 15 goals. Bracken can take heart in the fact that he’s won two out of the last three occasions. A pre-season friendly at the start of July realistically can’t be counted, though Hudson’s outfit won that 3-1.

Though Whyteleafe are a step lower, they of course were regular opponents of Casuals up until this season which saw promotion for Corinth to the Bostik League Premier. But a tough start for Casuals combined with an unbeaten start for Whyteleafe results in a replay that’s wide open.

Whyteleafe’s picturesque setting is an approximate 45 minute drive from King George’s, following best rush hour traffic routes. Parking is limited though there is additional room in Church Road. The nearest railway station is Whytelafe, situated just minutes’ walk from the ground. Change at Clapham Junction for the Southern Rail service.

Admission is £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and kids for a quid. Kick-off is 7.45pm.