Little Common have much to look forward to despite FA Cup exit to Corinthian-Casuals

The FA Cup adventure is over for Little Common. After fine victories in their two previous rounds, the Commoners bowed out with a 3-0 defeat to Corinthian Casuals.
It's back to league business this weekend for Little CommonIt's back to league business this weekend for Little Common
It's back to league business this weekend for Little Common

The final margin was clear, but the game had been far from one-sided. Common matched the Casuals – who play two leagues higher in the Isthmian Premier – stride for stride in a goalless first half, but were undone by two goals just after the interval, and could not find a way back.

Early waves of Casuals attacks were stoutly resisted, including with one splendid Matt Crudwell save from Max Oldham, and the Commoners responded well through the pace up front of Lewis Hole, and the bright movement of Adam Smith. But with three or four corners and a couple of attacking free-kicks not fully exploited, they reached half-time without a clear effort on the visitors’ goal.

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But the first-half work was undone within minutes of the restart. A Casuals corner – needlessly conceded – was not cleared and Keiron Cadogan opened the scoring.

Within five minutes, a penalty – cheaply conceded – was converted by former Eastbourne Borough star Nat Pinney for 2-0.

The Commoners found fresh energy and dominated the middle phase of the second half. Smart moves brought good efforts by Paul Feakins and Kian Moynes, but Casuals held firm and capped off the victory with a late third.

Player-manager Russell Eldridge said: “I cannot fault the players’ commitment and spirit. Like myself, the club should be proud of them all. We knew we were up against experienced and strong opponents; we held them for much of the game.

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“The major disappointment was the timing of their goals. We’d got to half-time, and we spoke about managing the game and taking it in little phases. But within ten minutes we’d let in two very avoidable goals, and we gave ourselves too much to do.

“This little Cup run gave us impetus and good experience, and it showed the players what we are capable of. We have a terrific team spirit and a really good mix.

“We can now turn back to the Southern Combination, where of course we’ve made an unbeaten start. Little Common may not be the biggest club in our league, but we are a happy outfit with some terrific people.”