Bostik Supporters Predictions 18/19: Corinthian Casuals

We asked supporters of our Bostik League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-20 (or 22) will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off.

Stuart Tree, photographer and award-winning programme editor of Corinthian-Casuals FC, encounters joy and heartbreak and treats those two imposters just the same.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

Absolutely has to be the injury time equaliser at Hythe Town in the last game of the season to ensure we made playoffs. Hythe had taken the lead with 10 minutes remaining and that would’ve dumped us out of the playoff spots and put them through instead. When Harry Ottaway popped up with the 91st minute header, there weren’t many who were able to keep control of their emotions. As James, the manager said afterwards, it’s moments like this that are the reason we love this game so much.

2. And your worst moment?

Without a doubt, losing yet again on penalties in the playoff final. The second year in succession that we felt that heartache. It felt worse this time around as it was on our own ground too. You can’t really escape it when you’re the hosts. It was horrible to see the players in tears in the changing rooms after, knowing what an effort they’d put in all season. As it turns out, it didn’t matter anyway as we were promoted as the best ranking losing finalist at Step 4. But it’d still been nice to have actually won it and have our celebration then rather than a week later at the season awards night.

I’ll also add in another ‘worst’ moment – seeing Danny Bracken break his leg and how distraught he was at knowing he wasn’t going to play a part in the promotion run-in. It really wobbled us too. We went on a terrible run of results. That’s no slight to Gareth Williams, who was brilliant as a replacement keeper for Dan, but losing our Captain – and what a Captain, clearly un-nerved the team for a while.

3. How will you do this season?

This will be an interesting one. It’s our highest level we’ve ever played at. We have a good record against Premier sides when facing them in cup competitions so no reason we can’t do well. As a strictly amateur side, we always said we were punching above our weight at Bostik South level so to compete at Premier level will be an even tougher ask. However, we have complete faith in James Bracken, Dan Pringle and all of the lads in what they can achieve. When James joined us a few seasons ago, he boldly claimed he’d get us promoted. How we laughed. Impossible. Just keep us up was the request from the Chairman. But James showed us what can be achieved even without a budget and he’s confident again that this team can achieve great things.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

All of them! A new league for us. Margate on the opening day of the season is always good to make a day out at the seaside. We won there last year in the Velocity Trophy too, so good recent memories. Re-acquainting ourselves with the likes of Leatherhead, Burgess Hill and Whitehawk will be good. Of course, we have a very local derby now with new tenants Kingstonian so that should be two cracking games. One is the game before Christmas, so I’m sure we’ll get together with K’s and organise a big Christmas Party which we can promote football in the borough.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

Probably the same as 80% of your responders. Lewes for all the reasons previously stated. Others I’m looking forward to is Tonbridge Angels, who have a decent set-up (and quality programme). It’ll be interesting to see the new Meadowbank in Dorking too. It looks very smart from what I’ve seen.

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

I suppose now we’re in the same league and the same ground – Kingstonian. Though we have a very good relationship with them too. Many of their fans come and watch us regularly and I’m sure that’ll increase this season. So it’ll be a friendly rivalry. I guess following that is Carshalton Athletic who we've had some great tussles with in the past few seasons.

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

Get there early and grab a programme. I’ve heard good things about it ;). Also, try the Guinness. Many have said it’s the best drop for miles. I guess it helps we have an Irish Bar Manager. Try the cheesy chips too – a secret blend of four varieties of cheese. The supporters even have several songs about them. Don’t get stuck on the A3 either. We’re along the slip road that runs between Hook and Tolworth.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

I’m going to be greedy and say two; Jamie Byatt and Danny Bracken. Both with around 350 competitive appearances and have been pivotal in their own ways to the club’s success. Jamie sadly hung up his boots this summer – not before scoring the winner in the Suburban League Cup final on his last appearance. He’s joining the coaching set up too and couldn’t ask for a better tutor in James. Danny – a player who’s won us as many points at the other end as any striker we’ve had. What a keeper. Unsurprisingly voted the best Bostik South keeper for a third year in succession. He’s a great lad too who bleeds chocolate and pink. An inspiring Captain on and off the pitch. The only downside is he supports West Ham.

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?

Bognor Regis Town, Enfield Town, Margate, Folkestone Invicta, Corinthian-Casuals