Casuals Prepare For Playoffs With Three Points
- Cameron Smith
- Apr 20, 2017
- 3 min read
On Bank Holiday Monday, Corinthian-Casuals’ superb second-half showing ensured three points in a comfortable 3-0 away victory versus Walton Casuals, despite already securing a place in the Ryman Division One South play-offs.
Although the latter half of the match was thoroughly frustrating, Corinth creeped away from King George’s Field on Saturday with sufficient points thanks to a tidy finish from Mu Maan. Edging Chipstead 1-0 on a mild afternoon, James Bracken’s full-strength side had multiple chances to increase superiority over their lowly opposition, but a respectable performance from the Chips’ defence saw Casuals win with just the one.
As two fixtures remained, it was a rather unorthodox time for Casuals, who had swiftly grabbed a place in the top five with games in hand. The crusade for promotion would be temporarily put on hold; Casuals were forced to face Walton Casuals and Godalming Town before the excitement of the play-offs. It was typical of the ruthless and ambitious Bracken to insist on taking these games equally seriously and adding to the point total. Of course, there was something to play for- if Greenwich drop points and Corinth pounce, it was possible that the Tolworth-based side could steal third place and win a home tie versus the North-Londoners.
Since joining earlier in 2017, Dillon has won over the contingent after terrific performances and spirit during key games. He showcased his ability inside the opening fifteen minutes at Church Road after playful build-up involving Spencer, but Dillon’s shot powered into the side-netting. Danny Bracken won man-of-the-match on Saturday and seemed to bring that form to Whyteleafe as a right-footed effort from Walton’s no.11 James-Lewis was dipping towards the net- Bracken was at full-stretch to palm the ball away. It was Casuals who dominated in chances, but Walton in possession. The visitors struggled in midfield with the new additions looking inexperienced together. Although, they played a large part in Corinth’s golden chance. Threading the ball through to target-man Dillon, Casuals would be disappointed at half-time as the no.7 was denied by keeper Denzel Gerrar of Walton.
Two minutes into the latter 45, Casuals had put their bittersweet opening behind them and took the lead. On the right flank, Dillon had twisted and turned away from defenders to fire the ball across the goal line to Shaun Brown, who was rushing to get on the end of a delicious assist. Brown was at full-stretch but narrowly missed it, which saw the ball nestle at the back post for Oldham to slot home from a yard out. Controversy and appeals marred the celebrations as Walton were dumbfounded that Oldham wasn’t flagged offside despite the fact that no.6 and Captain Jordan Cheadle (who is also an ex-Casual) was standing in line with the winger. It was legal, and Corinth took the lead.
Fresh from assisting the opener, Dillon was dealt with an elbow to the face by the frustrated Cheadle, which delayed the match slightly; tempers flared after the two exchanged words. Dillon channelled his anger at the referee’s decision to not discipline the Walton player into his game, where he accelerated past orange shirts and unleashed a remarkably hit shot that hammered the crossbar. In the 78th minute during Casuals’ relentless search for a second, Walton were given an opportunity via a free-kick. Cheadle smashed the ball into the brave Byatt’s face, which gave Casuals a counter attack. Substitute Shaun Okojie charged into Walton’s half before weaving the ball through the hosts’ back-four to the quick Brown. With technical brilliance, Brown intelligently edged past the keeper before firing into the roof of the net. Now Casuals could celebrate.
Introducing Ayman El-Moghafbel and Josh Gallagher, James Bracken was keen to use the last of his substitutes wisely as promising reserve winger Ayman El-Mogharsel made a rare first-team appearance. The Corinthians supporters were ecstatic with the second goal, which prompted chants of ‘Bring on Greenwich’. They’d be singing even more in the 90th minute, but not due to the full-time whistle. Reyon Dillon had a brilliant ninety minutes and made it a day to remember when he blasted the ball into the top right hand corner after a trademark mazy run; celebrating with a finger to the mouth. The referee blew for full-time shortly after.
Photo credit: Stuart Tree