THIS EVENINGS MATCH PREVIEW – CORINTHIAN-CASUALS (AWAY) LONDON SENIOR CUP SECOND ROUND KO 7.45PM

Dulwich Hamlet make the return to Tolworth this Tuesday evening as they take on old friends in the shape of the Corinthian-Casuals.

Whilst Dulwich Hamlet dispatched Erith & Belvedere with a late show in the last round of the London Senior Cup (Sponsored by Coventry Scaffolding), eventually winning 4-0 with a trio of goals in the last ten minutes, the Corinthian-Casuals were taking their time to get pass AFC Croydon Athletic. After a goalless first half against the Southern Counties East League, the amateurs eventually took the lead 5 minutes into the second half when goalkeeper Danny Bracken tucked home a penalty. Stef Joseph sealed victory over stubborn opposition with a 76th minute effort to set up tonight’s tie.

Though the Casuals may have slipped off the pace in the race for promotion from the Ryman League Division One South it has been a stonking season so fare from the men from King George’s Field. Early doors the amateurs topped the table ahead of more fancied and better financed teams such as Faversham Town, Folkestone Invicta and Guernsey. Only a month ago they still held a slot in the playoff places, only overtaken by their rivals as a storming FA Trophy run to the First Qualifying Round turned attention from the promotion battle. As things stand the Corinthian-Casuals sit back in eighth spot but with just four points the gap to the fifth Channel Islanders, now that the distraction of the FA Trophy has been removed promotion quest looks set to begin anew.

That FA Trophy run certainly opened a few eyes around the Ryman League as the Casuals twice dispatched highflying Isthmian Premier Division teams from the competition. The long-haul trip up to Leiston looked to heading for a replay after Emmanuel Akokhia’s early opener had been cancelled out by Joe Francis’s successful penalty conversion for the hosts. However, in stoppage time, the Causals Stunned Victory Road as Terry Murray was on hand to prod home the winner.

Another highflying Premier Division side was shot down in the next round as Grays Athletic went the way of the Blues in a Tuesday night replay at King George’s Fields. The opening encounter at Aveley’s Mill Field had finished in deadlock with neither side able to break through and score. It looked as if the return encounter might be heading for a similar stalemate but then came the winner as Juevan Spencer headed home a cross from Dave Hodges 4 minutes into stoppage time. Momentous times for the Corinthian-Casuals as they sealed a place in the first round proper for the first time in their long history.

More supposedly superior opposition awaited in the shape of Southern League Premier Division side Hungerford Town, who came into the game on the back of a 12 match unbeaten run, a far cry from the Crusaders in the lower reaches of the Isthmian League and the Hellenic League. Yet once again the Corinthian-Casuals excelled themselves, more than matching Hungerford in all departments. Hungerford took the lead on 43 minutes through Nat Jarvis, the Casuals responded rapidly as Sekou Kaba nodded home just before break. However, on 71 minutes Mark Draycott restored the visitors’ lead and despite laying siege to the Hungerford goal in the latter stages, that heroic, historic run was at an end.

Back to the bread and butter of the league, the Casuals five league games since the start of November having seen a return of two wins, two defeats and a draw, a reasonable run though not strong enough to maintain their place in playoff pool. A week ago tonight the team returned to league action with a bang as they feasted upon the Swans of Walton & Hersham. All thoughts of Trophy exit hangover were swiftly blown away as Terry Murray struck early to settle any nerves. Matt Reece bagged a quick double, scoring twice inside the space of 3 minutes and though Aaron Watson nicked one back for the Swans, goals from Jeuvan Spencer and Josh Uzun completed the rout in the second half.

The winning run continued apace as the Oystermen of Whitstable Town cracked at the weekend, the strugglers hopes of making it back-to-back wins after ending a 12 match losing streak with victory over Peacehaven & Telscombe dashed by professional performance from the amateurs. With the Belmont pitch not at its best after the inclement weather of late, Casuals struggled to adapt and had to wait until four minutes before the interval to at last break the Oystermen’s resistance. A clumsy challenge in the area allowed Josh Uzun the opportunity to score from the spot, an opportunity he took with relish. The second half saw Whitstable come out fighting but just as it seemed their determination might draw reward, the Casuals struck again, this time fatally, as Danny Dudley tucked home to secure the points.

It has been more than three years since Dulwich Hamlet last visited King George’s Fields. Then, back in October 2012, it was a Ryman League Division One South encounter that was settled by a bizarre looping back header from diminutive striker Jamie Byatt over a stranded Billy Grainger in goal. To say that game had a profound effect on the Hamlet season might be an understatement, though for some it was their last game in Pink and Blue. By the end of the season Dulwich Hamlet would be champions of Division One South. Intriguingly of the Dulwich Hamlet starting XI only Nyren Clunis remains a regular starter though both Junior Kadi and Kevin James were involved, the former in midfield, the latter coming on as an 83rd minute substitute for the former.

Remember that should the tonight’s match finish level after 90 minutes then NO extra time will be played. Instead the game goes straight to kicks from the penalty mark with the winners hosting either London Bari or AFC Wimbledon in the Quarter Final, scheduled to be played in late January 2016,

A reminder that prior to tonight’s kick off a minute’s applause will be observed for Corinthian-Casuals Club President Jimmy Hill who passed away at the weekend

Match Day Admission Prices

• £8 adults
• £4 Concessions
• U16's Free (with accompanying paying adult)