Match Reports
Thatch Dispatch Casuals in Quick Time
Aderi-Dede 90’ Ebanda 5’, 16’ Tanner 33’
Pitching In Isthmian League – South Central Division
Saturday 3 February 2024
Attendance: 196
Match Report: Zac Welshman
mage: Stuart Tree
It was another tough afternoon for Casuals as the visiting Thatcham Town ran out as comfortable winners following a dominant first half performance that saw Paul Barnes’ side three goals down after 33 minutes.
Played out beneath a moody grey sky, Casuals struggled to get a foothold in the game with Thatcham setting the pace early on. After a handful of opportunities in the opening moments, Jordi Ebanda opened the scoring in the fifth minute – connecting with a low Kyle Daniel-Spray cross from the left flank and firing past Daniel O’Donovan. Despite the early setback, Casuals nearly levelled after Melford Simpson snatched the ball from a Thatcham defender on the halfway line before driving toward goal, but the resulting effort was easy enough for Callum Smart to collect.
After that missed opportunity, Daniel-Spray and Ebanda combined once again to double the deficit in the 16th minute. Daniel-Spray, who caused Barnes’ team issues all afternoon broke free midway up the pitch, running into open space before teeing up Ebanda who slotted the ball into the net with a neat first-time finish.
The result was effectively sealed in the 33rd minute as the hosts added another. Captain Quade Taylor haphazardly lost the ball on the edge of the Casuals box and despite Nathan Jones hitting the frame of the goal from the resulting strike, Casuals couldn’t escape the pressure. Sam Tanner found a sight of goal from the edge of the box, and his emphatic left-footed effort flew into the Casuals net before O’Donovan could react.
After a bitterly disappointing first period, Casuals emerged from the tunnel to play out an improved second half performance. With Casuals nullifying much of the visitor’s attacking threat, chances were at a premium for both sides after the break. But Casuals were rewarded for their improvement in stoppage time as Aderi Arthur-Dede fired home amidst a scramble in the Thatcham box, giving the home fans behind the goal a late chance to celebrate.
Casuals will now shift their focus to Tuesday’s Surrey Senior Cup fixture against Woking before a vital league matchup away to relegation rivals Binfield.
Thatch Dispatch Casuals in Quick Time
Aderi-Dede 90’ Ebanda 5’, 16’ Tanner 33’
Pitching In Isthmian League – South Central Division
Saturday 3 February 2024
Attendance: 196
Match Report: Zac Welshman
mage: Stuart Tree
It was another tough afternoon for Casuals as the visiting Thatcham Town ran out as comfortable winners following a dominant first half performance that saw Paul Barnes’ side three goals down after 33 minutes.
Played out beneath a moody grey sky, Casuals struggled to get a foothold in the game with Thatcham setting the pace early on. After a handful of opportunities in the opening moments, Jordi Ebanda opened the scoring in the fifth minute – connecting with a low Kyle Daniel-Spray cross from the left flank and firing past Daniel O’Donovan. Despite the early setback, Casuals nearly levelled after Melford Simpson snatched the ball from a Thatcham defender on the halfway line before driving toward goal, but the resulting effort was easy enough for Callum Smart to collect.
After that missed opportunity, Daniel-Spray and Ebanda combined once again to double the deficit in the 16th minute. Daniel-Spray, who caused Barnes’ team issues all afternoon broke free midway up the pitch, running into open space before teeing up Ebanda who slotted the ball into the net with a neat first-time finish.
The result was effectively sealed in the 33rd minute as the hosts added another. Captain Quade Taylor haphazardly lost the ball on the edge of the Casuals box and despite Nathan Jones hitting the frame of the goal from the resulting strike, Casuals couldn’t escape the pressure. Sam Tanner found a sight of goal from the edge of the box, and his emphatic left-footed effort flew into the Casuals net before O’Donovan could react.
After a bitterly disappointing first period, Casuals emerged from the tunnel to play out an improved second half performance. With Casuals nullifying much of the visitor’s attacking threat, chances were at a premium for both sides after the break. But Casuals were rewarded for their improvement in stoppage time as Aderi Arthur-Dede fired home amidst a scramble in the Thatcham box, giving the home fans behind the goal a late chance to celebrate.
Casuals will now shift their focus to Tuesday’s Surrey Senior Cup fixture against Woking before a vital league matchup away to relegation rivals Binfield.
Casuals Collapse to Commoners
Jenkins 48
Ghannam 86
Saturday 13 January 2024
Pitching In Isthmian South Central Division
Attendance: 111
Report By Finlay Stubbs
Photo by Gary Brigden
Corinthian-Casuals were left frustrated after they fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to 10-man Sutton Common Rovers on Saturday afternoon.
Despite a much-improved performance, Casuals were undone by two goals at either end of the second half.
Casuals were given hope in the latter stages when Matthew Tanton was sent off following a second yellow card, however the visitors failed to capitalise.
Paul Barnes made five changes from the New Years’ Day defeat to Chipstead, with several debutants coming in, who put in impressive displays. The first 10 minutes proved to be hotly contested, leading to plenty of fouls in the midfield, which invited the hosts to deliver crosses into the box.
Nebay Haile had the first real chance of the game for Casuals when he cut inside off the right and saw his effort brilliantly saved by Oshane Brown. It was then Jason Kaate’s turn to test Brown with a driven cross that was beaten away, to deny a simple tap-in at the far post.
The hosts began to create chances of their own as Charlie Martin’s toe-poked effort hit the post with the rebound well cleared by the Casuals defence. Rovers had the ball in the back of the net just before half-time when Ollie Twum poked home from close range, only for the offside flag to be raised and the sides went in level at the break.
Casuals started the second half slowly and were punished when Aaron Jenkins’ attempted cross snuck inside the near post to give SCR the lead.
The visitors almost got their equaliser soon after when Haile won the ball high up the pitch. His first strike was well saved by the SCR keeper and his second attempt was cleared miraculously off the line.
The hosts were close to doubling their lead when Daryl Coleman’s free kick was headed across goal and cleared off the line by Jakob El Hage.
Rovers were forced to play the last 20 minutes with 10 men when their captain, Tanton, was sent off for a second bookable offence after he brought down Haile. Casuals then began to control possession which led to several chances, including substitute Ashley-Paul Robinson’s free-kick which just flash wide.
However, the hosts doubled their lead with four minutes left to play when a misplaced pass ended up at the feet of Nabeel Ghannam, who rounded Dan O’Donovan and slotted his effort home.
In the latter stages, O’Donovan got down low to his right to deny SCR another before the full-time whistle was blown.
Overall, it was a frustrating afternoon for Barnes’ side, who at times threatened the Rovers goal, but were denied on several occasions by Brown.
“I think the performance was good,” the Casuals manager said afterwards. “A lot more solid today and I think we began to play a lot more, then the goal was just a killer five minutes into the second half.
“We then got on the front foot against 10 men and gave them a very soft goal which takes the wind out of our sails. It’s a tough one to take but we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. There’s nobody else that’s going to fix it, only us.
“Unfortunately, we are not in a position where we can test things if boys can’t do it. Then we bring in players that can.”
Casuals return to action on January 23rd, when we host QPR Under-21s in the London Senior Cup.
Corinthian-Casuals: O’Donovan; Sankanu, L.Taylor, El Hage (A.Clarke 85), Majekodunmi; Abie, Q.Taylor, Pollock(Robinson 63); Dembele, Haile, Kaate
Casuals Collapse to Commoners
Jenkins 48
Ghannam 86
Saturday 13 January 2024
Pitching In Isthmian South Central Division
Attendance: 111
Report By Finlay Stubbs
Photo by Gary Brigden
Corinthian-Casuals were left frustrated after they fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to 10-man Sutton Common Rovers on Saturday afternoon.
Despite a much-improved performance, Casuals were undone by two goals at either end of the second half.
Casuals were given hope in the latter stages when Matthew Tanton was sent off following a second yellow card, however the visitors failed to capitalise.
Paul Barnes made five changes from the New Years’ Day defeat to Chipstead, with several debutants coming in, who put in impressive displays. The first 10 minutes proved to be hotly contested, leading to plenty of fouls in the midfield, which invited the hosts to deliver crosses into the box.
Nebay Haile had the first real chance of the game for Casuals when he cut inside off the right and saw his effort brilliantly saved by Oshane Brown. It was then Jason Kaate’s turn to test Brown with a driven cross that was beaten away, to deny a simple tap-in at the far post.
The hosts began to create chances of their own as Charlie Martin’s toe-poked effort hit the post with the rebound well cleared by the Casuals defence. Rovers had the ball in the back of the net just before half-time when Ollie Twum poked home from close range, only for the offside flag to be raised and the sides went in level at the break.
Casuals started the second half slowly and were punished when Aaron Jenkins’ attempted cross snuck inside the near post to give SCR the lead.
The visitors almost got their equaliser soon after when Haile won the ball high up the pitch. His first strike was well saved by the SCR keeper and his second attempt was cleared miraculously off the line.
The hosts were close to doubling their lead when Daryl Coleman’s free kick was headed across goal and cleared off the line by Jakob El Hage.
Rovers were forced to play the last 20 minutes with 10 men when their captain, Tanton, was sent off for a second bookable offence after he brought down Haile. Casuals then began to control possession which led to several chances, including substitute Ashley-Paul Robinson’s free-kick which just flash wide.
However, the hosts doubled their lead with four minutes left to play when a misplaced pass ended up at the feet of Nabeel Ghannam, who rounded Dan O’Donovan and slotted his effort home.
In the latter stages, O’Donovan got down low to his right to deny SCR another before the full-time whistle was blown.
Overall, it was a frustrating afternoon for Barnes’ side, who at times threatened the Rovers goal, but were denied on several occasions by Brown.
“I think the performance was good,” the Casuals manager said afterwards. “A lot more solid today and I think we began to play a lot more, then the goal was just a killer five minutes into the second half.
“We then got on the front foot against 10 men and gave them a very soft goal which takes the wind out of our sails. It’s a tough one to take but we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. There’s nobody else that’s going to fix it, only us.
“Unfortunately, we are not in a position where we can test things if boys can’t do it. Then we bring in players that can.”
Casuals return to action on January 23rd, when we host QPR Under-21s in the London Senior Cup.
Corinthian-Casuals: O’Donovan; Sankanu, L.Taylor, El Hage (A.Clarke 85), Majekodunmi; Abie, Q.Taylor, Pollock(Robinson 63); Dembele, Haile, Kaate
A New Dawn
Body 8
Sharpe 58
Galloway 61
Saturday, 30 December 2023
Pitching In Isthmian League South Central Division
Attendance: 193
Report by Finlay Stubbs
Photo By: Stuart Tree
Paul Barnes’ first game in charge of Corinthian-Casuals ended in defeat as they fell to a 3-0 loss to Metropolitan Police at Imber Court.
Only meeting his players on the day of the game, Barnes kept the same squad from Boxing Day’s 1-0 defeat to Leatherhead.
Barnes’ first 10 minutes in charge proved to be difficult, as Alex Body got the better of Toby Bridges and fired his effort into the top corner to put Met Police ahead.
Casuals almost got a swift reply and looked a threat from set-pieces when a header from a Met Police defender clipped the top of their crossbar and out for a corner.
The visitors, under their new boss, looked to play out from the back and keep the ball, which led to a few chances going forward. Shea Cascoe-Rogers looked to be Casuals’ main threat, driving directly at defenders and almost getting an equaliser when he cut inside his man and saw his effort fly past the near post.
After a spell where both teams failed to take control, Body almost got his second of the afternoon when his effort clipped the side netting and went out for a goal kick.
At the beginning of the second half, Casuals faced early pressure with the Met Police attackers using the conditions to their advantage as a strong wind drove into the face of Corinthian keeper, Dan Purdue.
Purdue was called into action on two separate occasions, first denying Jamal Andrew Sharpe one on one, and then just minutes later keeping out a Met header at the front post.
Using the wind to their advantage, Met Police continued to keep on delivering crosses into the box, and the hosts grabbed their second when a goal kick was flicked on and into the path of Sharpe, who slotted his effort past Purdue.
It quickly got worse for Barnes’ side when Mason Galloway looped his header over the despairing Purdue and into the top corner to claim Met Police’s third and surely seal the three points.
The last 20 minutes contained little action with the hosts looking to maintain their clean sheet and Casuals failing to secure the ball in midfield. In the latter stages, Oscar Walton’s header from a Jack Smith free-kick was tipped over superbly by Liam Beech to keep his clean sheet intact.
Overall, it was a difficult afternoon for Casuals under their new boss, who has yet to take charge of a training session and bring in players of his own.
“We knew it was going to be hard work before and it’s not a fairytale where you wave a magic wand, give a nice team talk and everything turns out roses,” said Barnes afterwards.
“I gave the players an opportunity to make a first impression. Only they know if it’s a good first impression, only they will know if it is a good impression or not. I wanted to give the squad I inherited a chance to show what they are about.
“Off the back of that, we need a few people through the door, so Monday you will see a few new faces.”
Barnes takes charge of his first home game when his side take on Chipstead on New Years Day.
Corinthian-Casuals: Purdue; Clarke, Bridges (Samson 12), Smith, Walton; Majekodunmi, Quarm, Smith; Cascoe-Rogers, Kaate, Cascoe (Lillie 45)
A New Dawn
Body 8
Sharpe 58
Galloway 61
Saturday, 30 December 2023
Pitching In Isthmian League South Central Division
Attendance: 193
Report by Finlay Stubbs
Photo By: Stuart Tree
Paul Barnes’ first game in charge of Corinthian-Casuals ended in defeat as they fell to a 3-0 loss to Metropolitan Police at Imber Court.
Only meeting his players on the day of the game, Barnes kept the same squad from Boxing Day’s 1-0 defeat to Leatherhead.
Barnes’ first 10 minutes in charge proved to be difficult, as Alex Body got the better of Toby Bridges and fired his effort into the top corner to put Met Police ahead.
Casuals almost got a swift reply and looked a threat from set-pieces when a header from a Met Police defender clipped the top of their crossbar and out for a corner.
The visitors, under their new boss, looked to play out from the back and keep the ball, which led to a few chances going forward. Shea Cascoe-Rogers looked to be Casuals’ main threat, driving directly at defenders and almost getting an equaliser when he cut inside his man and saw his effort fly past the near post.
After a spell where both teams failed to take control, Body almost got his second of the afternoon when his effort clipped the side netting and went out for a goal kick.
At the beginning of the second half, Casuals faced early pressure with the Met Police attackers using the conditions to their advantage as a strong wind drove into the face of Corinthian keeper, Dan Purdue.
Purdue was called into action on two separate occasions, first denying Jamal Andrew Sharpe one on one, and then just minutes later keeping out a Met header at the front post.
Using the wind to their advantage, Met Police continued to keep on delivering crosses into the box, and the hosts grabbed their second when a goal kick was flicked on and into the path of Sharpe, who slotted his effort past Purdue.
It quickly got worse for Barnes’ side when Mason Galloway looped his header over the despairing Purdue and into the top corner to claim Met Police’s third and surely seal the three points.
The last 20 minutes contained little action with the hosts looking to maintain their clean sheet and Casuals failing to secure the ball in midfield. In the latter stages, Oscar Walton’s header from a Jack Smith free-kick was tipped over superbly by Liam Beech to keep his clean sheet intact.
Overall, it was a difficult afternoon for Casuals under their new boss, who has yet to take charge of a training session and bring in players of his own.
“We knew it was going to be hard work before and it’s not a fairytale where you wave a magic wand, give a nice team talk and everything turns out roses,” said Barnes afterwards.
“I gave the players an opportunity to make a first impression. Only they know if it’s a good first impression, only they will know if it is a good impression or not. I wanted to give the squad I inherited a chance to show what they are about.
“Off the back of that, we need a few people through the door, so Monday you will see a few new faces.”
Barnes takes charge of his first home game when his side take on Chipstead on New Years Day.
Corinthian-Casuals: Purdue; Clarke, Bridges (Samson 12), Smith, Walton; Majekodunmi, Quarm, Smith; Cascoe-Rogers, Kaate, Cascoe (Lillie 45)
Heartbreak Before Christmas
Cascoe-Rogers 56 Young 76, Khan 93
Saturday, December 23 2023
Pitching In Isthmian League South Central Division
Attendance 190
Report by Finlay Stubbs
Photo by Stuart Tree
A free kick in stoppage time left Corinthian-Casuals stunned as they fell to a 2-1 defeat over Ashford Town on Saturday.
It was an improved performance from Andy Gray’s side, who took the lead through Shea Cascoe-Rogers in the 56th minute.
However a spirited last 15 minutes from Ashford ensured their side secured the early Christmas present from King George’s Arena.
Casuals returned back home looking to rectify a heavy defeat to Uxbridge the week before and were up the for the battle early on with both teams looking to gain success through direct passes forward and retain possession in the midfield through second balls.
The first chance of the afternoon fell to Ashford Town’s Connor Young whose effort was well saved by Dan Purdue in the Casuals goal.
It was then Ashford’s goalkeeper Harry Cant’s turn to keep Casuals at bay, denying Saweed Djinadoo’s header from a free kick delivered into the box by Jack Smith.
Cant was quickly called into action again denying Djinadoo, this time one on one to keep the Casuals striker at bay.
Cascoe-Rogers was next to test the Ashford keeper as he finished off his mazy run by stinging the palms of Cant, who got down low well to deny the young winger.
Chances kept on coming for both sides as Sam Humphries’ volleyed effort from outside the box was well-saved by Purdue to ensure both teams went into the break on terms.
After both teams failed to take control of the opening stages of the second half, Casuals took the lead when Cascoe-Rogers poked home from close range following a cross into the box to put his side ahead.
Alexander Sami was at the heartbeat of Ashford’s attacking play and almost got his side back on level terms with a teasing volley that just looped over the bar.
One almost became two for Casuals when Cascoe-Rogers’ free kick was met at the far post by Matt Smith, unfortunately his powerful header flew just over the bar.
The hosts then looked to defend their lead, sitting deep and looking to clear any balls that came into their box.
When in possession, Casuals looked for the pace of Cascoe-Rogers in behind the Ashford back line, but the forward was left isolated up front on his own.
However the visitors got their leveller as Young found space in the Casuals area and curled his effort past Purdue to put scores level with 15 minutes left to play.
The goal looked to have lifted Ashford’s spirits and they pushed for a late winner by putting crosses into the box and winning free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Then in the third minute of added time, Ashford got their winner as Khan’s long-range free kick found the corner of the net, past the despairing Purdue, to complete his side’s comeback and leave Casuals deflated.
Despite the defeat it was an improved performance from Andy Gray’s side, who created many chances throughout the game and should feel hard done by to not take at least a point out of the game with spirited performances from Cascoe-Rogers and young Jack Lillie in midfield.
Next up for Casuals is a short trip to Leatherhead on Boxing Day where Gray’s side look to bounce back from the defeat.
Corinthian-Casuals: Purdue; Clarke, Bridges, Smith, Walton; Lillie (Cascoe 83), Smith, Quarm, Majekodunmi; Djinadoo (Kaate 83), Cascoe-Rogers
Heartbreak Before Christmas
Cascoe-Rogers 56 Young 76, Khan 93
Saturday, December 23 2023
Pitching In Isthmian League South Central Division
Attendance 190
Report by Finlay Stubbs
Photo by Stuart Tree
A free kick in stoppage time left Corinthian-Casuals stunned as they fell to a 2-1 defeat over Ashford Town on Saturday.
It was an improved performance from Andy Gray’s side, who took the lead through Shea Cascoe-Rogers in the 56th minute.
However a spirited last 15 minutes from Ashford ensured their side secured the early Christmas present from King George’s Arena.
Casuals returned back home looking to rectify a heavy defeat to Uxbridge the week before and were up the for the battle early on with both teams looking to gain success through direct passes forward and retain possession in the midfield through second balls.
The first chance of the afternoon fell to Ashford Town’s Connor Young whose effort was well saved by Dan Purdue in the Casuals goal.
It was then Ashford’s goalkeeper Harry Cant’s turn to keep Casuals at bay, denying Saweed Djinadoo’s header from a free kick delivered into the box by Jack Smith.
Cant was quickly called into action again denying Djinadoo, this time one on one to keep the Casuals striker at bay.
Cascoe-Rogers was next to test the Ashford keeper as he finished off his mazy run by stinging the palms of Cant, who got down low well to deny the young winger.
Chances kept on coming for both sides as Sam Humphries’ volleyed effort from outside the box was well-saved by Purdue to ensure both teams went into the break on terms.
After both teams failed to take control of the opening stages of the second half, Casuals took the lead when Cascoe-Rogers poked home from close range following a cross into the box to put his side ahead.
Alexander Sami was at the heartbeat of Ashford’s attacking play and almost got his side back on level terms with a teasing volley that just looped over the bar.
One almost became two for Casuals when Cascoe-Rogers’ free kick was met at the far post by Matt Smith, unfortunately his powerful header flew just over the bar.
The hosts then looked to defend their lead, sitting deep and looking to clear any balls that came into their box.
When in possession, Casuals looked for the pace of Cascoe-Rogers in behind the Ashford back line, but the forward was left isolated up front on his own.
However the visitors got their leveller as Young found space in the Casuals area and curled his effort past Purdue to put scores level with 15 minutes left to play.
The goal looked to have lifted Ashford’s spirits and they pushed for a late winner by putting crosses into the box and winning free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Then in the third minute of added time, Ashford got their winner as Khan’s long-range free kick found the corner of the net, past the despairing Purdue, to complete his side’s comeback and leave Casuals deflated.
Despite the defeat it was an improved performance from Andy Gray’s side, who created many chances throughout the game and should feel hard done by to not take at least a point out of the game with spirited performances from Cascoe-Rogers and young Jack Lillie in midfield.
Next up for Casuals is a short trip to Leatherhead on Boxing Day where Gray’s side look to bounce back from the defeat.
Corinthian-Casuals: Purdue; Clarke, Bridges, Smith, Walton; Lillie (Cascoe 83), Smith, Quarm, Majekodunmi; Djinadoo (Kaate 83), Cascoe-Rogers
Casuals Fight To The End
Nyarko 34 Campion 29
Campbell 94
Saturday 14 October, 2023
Pitching In Isthmian South Central Division
Attendance 204
Report by Finlay Stubbs
A dramatic late-goal from Marcel Campbell gave Corinthian-Casuals their first away win of the season against Thatcham Town.
Casuals made their longest trip of the campaign following a spirited second-half display against league leaders Raynes Park Vale on Tuesday. Andy Gray responded to that narrow defeat by giving out three debuts, to goalkeeper Daniel Purdue, Marco Visser and Raphael Azimi.
The opening stages of the first half were mainly dominated by the hosts who looked to attack through wide areas with long diagonal passes into the wingers’ feet so they could deliver.
The first chance of the half fell to Christian Johnson after he latched onto a long pass and cut inside Michael Samson before driving into the box. Luckily for Casuals, their debutant goalkeeper, Purdue, was out quickly to deny the winger.
The chances came quickly for Thatcham in the opening 20 minutes, with Harry Hoath meeting a diagonal cross between the two posts but dragging his effort just wide of the goal.
However, Casuals defended resolutely and then punished Thatcham, taking the lead after a ball forward into the box found the chest of Campbell, who laid it off to Azimi. He then found Danny Campion at the far post to poke it home at the second attempt and put the visitors ahead, despite complaints of offside.
Undeterred, Thatcham looked to find an equaliser and were inches away from levelling proceedings following an excellent delivery into the box that found the head of Hoath, who was denied by the inside of the post.
Casuals, however, did not learn from the previous set-piece and the scores were soon level after a free-kick from Callum Wilmoth found the head of an unmarked David Nyarko at the front post to ensure both teams went into half-time on terms.
The second half was a scrappy affair, with both teams looking to play long, direct passes into the opposition’s box, which lead to a physical midfield battle to pick up the second ball and sustain their attacks.
The first chance of the half fell to Campion, who almost diverted a cross from Oscar Walton over Fisher, but the goalkeeper smartly held on.
At the other end, Purdue came to his side’s rescue again with two big saves to keep Casuals in the contest. The first came from a ball over the top that put Nyarko through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the striker’s effort was turned onto the crossbar by Purple’s foot, much to his disbelief.
The second came from a quick free-kick into the path of Nathan Jones, who was also denied by the Casuals stopper coming out and smothering the danger.
Casuals hung on and as fatigue began to set in for the Thatcham defence, it allowed gaps to open up in the final third.
In injury time, substitute Jason Evans found Ayomide Majekodunmi who bombarded forward from right-back and found Campbell in the box. He then wriggled through the Thatcham defence before placing his effort calmly into the top corner to win the game – cue jubilation among the Casuals squad.
It was the ultimate smash and grab from Casuals, however it felt deserved after they battled through difficult periods defensively and took their chances when they came.
In attack, Casuals were clinical with Campion leading the line and causing the Thatcham back four all sorts of problems, while the match-winner, Campbell, was direct and looked to be positive on the ball.
With this hard-fought victory Gray and his management team will be optimistic for the months ahead and feel they can have a successful season despite a slow start.
Next up for Casuals is a home game against bottom-of-the-table Binfield, where Gray’s side will look to build on the weekend’s victory and climb the table.
Corinthian-Casuals: Purdue; Majekodunmi, Samson, Copeland, Vissir (Prescott 65); Campbell, Quarm, Raphael, Walton; Powell-Downey (Evans 62), Campion
A Step Forward
Corinthian Casuals 2-1 Metropolitan Police
Saturday 2 September 2023
Pitching In Isthmian South Central Division
Attendance 275
Match Report by Ollie Luckett
Photo by Chris Randall
A spirited win and a huge three points for Corinthian-Casuals as they came away with a 2-1 result at home to Metropolitan Police.
Three points have been a distant memory for Casuals as they have tasted defeat in all three of their opening matches this season. Sitting bottom of the Isthmian League South Central Division table before this contest, it was clear that fortunes needed to change.
The game began with an early battle for dominance in the midfield. Neither side were really able to establish long periods of possession or intricate passages of play. There was a sense of unease and panic shown by both sides, however it was Casuals who took the first chance.
Seven minutes in, Casuals were looking for a way past Met Police’s defense. It was a delicious cross pitch pass from the chocolate and pink’s number ten, Gabriel Ipanga, that pinged off his boot to land in the path of Shea Cascoe-Rogers. Cascoe-Rogers had the confidence and skill to tie his marker in knots before lifting the ball over the keeper and into the top right-hand corner of the net. A deserving applause followed – a phenomenal individual effort from the Casuals number eleven.
Met Police struggled to create any real chances, with Casuals pouncing to contest 50/50s and dominating aerial duels. Nevertheless, a lapse in focus eventually punished a backpedaling defensive line, and eight minutes after going ahead, a mix up in the midfield led to Met Police earning their first look at goal in the half. Number eight, Adam Green, managed to sneak his shot under Casuals keeper Jordan Brown, who was visibly frustrated at having conceded.
Challenges were strong and not always clean as Casuals number six, Dquame Copeland, earned himself the first booking of the game. Soon though, Cascoe-Rogers was quick to lift the atmosphere once again, delivering a sharp first corner of the game onto the head of Casuals captain, Francis Quarm, who headed home past the Met Police goalkeeper to restore the lead.
The rest of the half followed a similar pattern. Casuals were shaky at times but managed to repel any Met Police attacks. Just thirty-eight minutes in though, Casuals right-back Adonai Dacruz was withdrawn from the game after picking up a knock, a considerable blow to the home side given his threat moving forward and sharp tackling at the back.
Just shy of the hour mark, it was once again Shea Cascoe-Rogers asking all the questions of the Met Police defense. He was taken down rather clumsily and a penalty was awarded to the hosts. Responsibility from the spot fell to Casuals number nine, Elijah Simpson, who had impressed all game with his strong hold up play and aerial dominance. A shot low to the goalkeeper’s left was well saved as Liam Beach read Simpson’s penalty.
That was only the first regrettable moment of the half, as Gabriel Ipanga was shown a second yellow card in the 90th for returning to the pitch before the referee had given permission – a harsh decision with Casuals fighting to hold onto a slim, one goal advantage.
Penalty miss and dismissal aside, A sunny, late-summer afternoon eventually came to a close on a positive note as Casuals held onto the 2-1 scoreline, reinforced by a strong performance from Jordan Brown between the sticks.
Manager Andy Gray said after the game that the win came from “just hard work” but remarked there’s still more hard work to do. Gray also commented on the change of players from game to game saying, “I’m trying to find the right formula”, describing the current state of the side as a “new project”.
Casuals are at home to Hartley Wintney on Saturday September 9th. Andy Gray will be hoping to continue the good work and build on a positive performance, hopefully with more soon to follow.