Will The Sum-s Work Out For Corinthian Casuals?
- James Barrett
- Feb 17, 2017
- 2 min read
Ryman South promotion hopefuls Corinthian Casuals have made a statement of intent this week by bolstering their forward line, writes James Barrett. Striker Dan Summers, who has hit over 60 goals in this league over the past three years, left Ryman Premier outfit Met Police just in time to join in with Casuals’ mid-week trip to struggling Guernsey. Boss James Bracken’s squad showed no mercy as they beat the Channel Islanders 4-1 and, although he was denied a debut goal late on by the width of a post, Summers is keen on helping ensure his new club are celebrating come the end of April.
“Although I got on with (manager) Jim Cooper, I simply wasn’t getting enough playing time at Met Police and we agreed I could move on,” explained Summers.
“I’ve spoken to James in the past and he’s a very down to earth, yet still enthusiastic, person and I was happy to come be a part of a community club that is also steeped in football heritage.
“I trained just once with the squad before Wednesday's game and yet was impressed with the quality in it, so I hope I can help Casuals continue their fight for promotion.”
Those three points took Casuals back up to fourth in the league but, despite striker Shaun Okojie hitting 21 league goals to date, their goal difference is decidedly weaker than those around them.
With Tooting and Mitcham United, one of Summers' previous clubs, and Dorking Wanderers currently leading the way, the rest of the top 10 is separated by only eight points, one of which is Carshalton Athletic - another club Summers has played for.
"Tooting are flying and I'm especially pleased for the fans as they were always good to me," added Summers.
"And it's great to see the young lads at Carshalton up there. There's a lot of talent in that squad, none more-so than Tommy Bradford who is a great footballer. I'm not surprised to see he's the league's top goalscorer right now."
Despite only hitting the back of the net twice for Met Police this season, Summers did score an impressive 52 goals during his time spent between those two of those local rivals, so his new employers will be hoping he can rediscover that kind of devastating form during the last two months of the season.
"I'm training for the London Marathon so my general condition is good but I just now need to sharpen my match fitness," he said.
"I've joined a squad that contains a lot of creativity so I've no doubt about getting chances throughout a game, plus I'm looking forward to playing alongside someone like Shaun who is having a brilliant season.
"But I'll concentrate on settling in and doing well when given a chance. It's very close at the top but I hope I can add something to a squad that has already done great things this season."
Corinthian Casuals next game is away at Faversham Town on Saturday 18th February (kick-off 3pm).