Comeback Casuals Go Third In Table
- Stuart Tree
- Oct 23, 2017
- 3 min read
Corinthian-Casuals made it six points in three days as they added a 3-2 scalp of Hastings United to the gripping 1-0 win at Lewes in midweek.
Though behind twice, Casuals fought back through goals from Mu Maan and a brace from Max Oldham, finishing in relative comfort despite the harsh conditions.
Following the 4-2 loss at Cray, albeit with a depleted squad, on paper, the next two fixtures – away at unbeaten Lewes and home to last season’s playoff semi-finalists Hastings United ensured James Bracken’s side would be tested to the max.
But Gabriel Odunaike’s 88th minute strike sunk the Rooks and Corinth were looking to build upon that dramatic finale against mid-table placed United.
Going with the same starting line-up as the one that featured at the Dripping Pan, Bracken would add Kevant Serbony and Reyon Dillon to the bench, both of whom had missed midweek.
Storm Brian wasn’t as fierce as first predicted but nevertheless wouldn’t make for ideal footballing weather. Coupled with a playing surface longer than Bracken would’ve wanted, slick interchanging passing might have been a tough ask. Though fair play to both sides as they made for an entertaining encounter regardless.
Before some had even taken their seats, Casuals found themselves behind; Danny Bracken could only punch a cross out to Simon Johnson and the Hastings Captain, with the wind behind him, crashed home a well struck shot that left the keeper no chance.
Hastings looked to add to Casuals woes early, taking advantage of the downwind gusts. Bracken forced to make a fine save from Sam Adams.
The home side looked to keep the ball on the deck and slick work mixed with darting runs saw Hamilton Antionio played through on goal but his effort was well saved by Charlie Horlock. The Hastings custodian was called upon again, brilliantly saving with his fingertips from Danny Cunningham’s 20 yard curling shot.
It wasn’t long before Casuals were level; Bracken had bemoaned that his side don’t score enough from set-pieces. Since then, they’ve executed free kicks and corners to greater effect. Josh Uzun’s dead-ball was whipped in to find the head of Jack Strange. Horlock may have got a vital touch to push it onto the crossbar but the rebound found Mu Maan who made no mistake in finding the target.
The second half saw the wind advantage change though it was Casuals who were slow out of the blocks. Defensively switching off for a minute, the Amateurs allowed too much time for Hastings to build their attack and it was no surprise when Sam Adams drove his shot low into the bottom corner to once again give the advantage to United.
However, that was as good as it got for Hastings for the rest of the match. Casuals attacked with pace and vigour and United’s back line struggled to contain Max Oldham, Jordan Clarke and Danny Cunningham for the last half hour.
Casuals almost equalised in audacious fashion when Josh Uzun spotted Horlock off his line and powered a free kick from the half way line, beating the keeper but striking the crossbar. Eat your heart out Beckham!
With 25 minutes remaining, the breakthrough finally came courtesy of Oldham. Cutting into the box, his cross-come-shot could only be diverted by Ollie Rowe into his own net.
Two minutes later and Oldham struck again. This time, he met a Cunningham cross at the near post and no defender intervention was needed on this occasion. Casuals had the lead for the first time.
The last twenty minutes saw Casuals push for a fourth and squandered numerous chances including a one-on-one from Cunningham. Wasteful perhaps but the task was complete and Casuals had their victory. The win takes Bracken’s side up to third in the table.
Photo credit: Stuart Tree