Cunningham Secures Win For Casuals
- Stuart Tree
- Sep 25, 2017
- 2 min read
Corinthian-Casuals extended their unbeaten run to five games as they edged out Faversham Town by a goal to nil at Salters Lane in the Bostik League South.
A goal on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Danny Cunningham was enough to seal the three points which left Casuals sitting sixth in the league table come 5pm.
James Bracken’s side have won four and drawn one of their last five matches since the abject performance in the FA Cup at Ashford Town. A solid win at early front-runners Whyteleafe in the week meant selection headaches for Bracken and Dan Pringle – the bench looking every bit as strong as the starting XI.
Whilst chances were few and far between on this bright afternoon, Casuals imposed themselves enough to ensure they had the bulk of possession and territory. Gabriel Odunaike had the first real chance for Corinth but the winger couldn’t quite reach the cross early enough and his glancing header was steered wide.
Jack Strange, imperious in defence once again could’ve bagged a hat-full of goals already this season. Today, his free header from a Josh Uzun cross whistled just over the bar, much to the chagrin of the 18 year old.
With half time looming, the old adage of ‘a great time to score’ came true for Bracken’s side when Casuals snatched the lead with seconds remaining. A failed clearance from the Whites could only find Tommy Smith who clipped a delightful cross to Cunningham. The striker’s scissor kick beat Simon Overland in goal and found the bottom corner, much to the jubilation of the visitors.
Cunningham perhaps should’ve killed the game off after the break when one-on-one with Overland, he could only blaze over the bar.
Casuals continued to dictate play and Faversham’s chances to get back into the game took a blow when Carl Rook was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Despite the dominance of play, a scoreline of 1-0 is fragile and Casuals would’ve felt aggrieved if they let that lead slip. It almost happened; in stoppage time, a launched throw-in found Dan Carrington who’s header was directed to the top corner, but Danny Bracken, who’d had a quiet game to this point, pulled out a stunning reflex save to tip the ball over. Heartbeats could restart!
Photo credit: Stuart Tree