Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Corinthian Casuals

We asked a supporter from each of our member clubs to answer the same series of questions as part of our preview of the new season. We also asked them to predict how their particular division would finish, from one to 24- and their answers will be revealed in a collection of Supporters Prediction Tables to be released the day before the big kick off.

Here are the answers of Stuart Tree, the award winning programme editor from Corinthian Casuals.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

In a season where we achieved 93 points and scored 99 league goals, there were plenty. However, the second the final whistle went after a belting 4-3 win at Greenwich Borough in the playoff semi final had to be the standout moment. Down to ten men for 70 minutes, not many gave us a chance at half time but to go on, win and make it to the final was something I never thought I’d witness as a Casuals fan.

2. And what was the worst moment?

Unfortunately, four days later in the playoff final. We came up against a goalkeeper who was determined not to be beaten and had the game of his life. Even Dorking Wanderer’s boss Marc White said to me afterwards that it was a one-man team performance from them. To lose on penalties is always a tough way to lose and every one of those lads deserved to be playing Premier football this season.

3. How will you do this season?

I’d be delighted if we can have a season like last term. Making the playoff final attracted a lot of attention towards our players and, understandably, a few have left since. It's early to tell how we'll do. However, we have total faith in James Bracken and his management team. For two years now, they’ve made us punch well above our weight. Let’s hope it’s third time lucky.

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

First match of the season is away to Hastings and the Pilot Field is a cracking place to visit. Got a few friends down at the club too – they’re nice folk. Guernsey away and for once, not in the depths of Winter will be nice. Of course, the new sides in the league too. Thamesmead, playing at Dartford’s Princes Park should be special.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

I bet you’ll get a lot of this as an answer, but Lewes’ Dripping Pan. Cracking place to watch football. Following on from that, the Pilot Field as already mentioned is up there too.

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

I suppose it’d have to be a geographical rival and with Tooting and Mitcham now promoted, that means Carshalton Athletic. We’ve been a bogey side to them since they dropped to this level. I think they’ve only beaten us once in three seasons.

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

As one recent visitor stated on Twitter, try the Guinness. It’s the best you’ll find outside Ireland. I’m assuming that having an Irish barman means the quality control is pretty high for the black stuff. Mingle with the fans… they’ll make you feel like one of their own by the end of the game. Grab a programme too… I hear they’re alright!

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

They’re all cracking chaps but I’d have to single out two… both who made the 300 appearance mark last season. Jamie Byatt, who epitomizes spirit. Closer to 40 than 30, he still sprints around like a headless teenager, but with over 120 goals for the club in his time, he’s been priceless. But he also gets involved in all the duties off the pitch too. He’ll cut the grass, get on the tractor, paint the fences… you name it.

The second player is Danny Bracken. What a captain and goalkeeper. Could easily play at a higher level and winning League keeper of the Year for the past two seasons says it all. He’s a right joker too and keeps spirits high. Has saved us more points than one can count.

9. Finally, predict who will fill the top five positions at the end of the forthcoming season:

Greenwich Borough, Corinthian-Casuals, Carshalton Athletic, Lewes, Hastings Utd.