Harris: Casuals cup clash is no more important than any other game (From Wandsworth Guardian)

harris: Casuals cup clash is no more important than any other game

10:00am Saturday 25th February 2012 in Sport By Stuart Amos

Corinthian Casuals may have set up a Surrey Senior Cup semi-final clash with Sutton United, but boss Kim Harris has insisted it is no more important than any other game.

Casuals came from 1-0 down to beat Walton & Hersham at Stompond Lane on Tuesday night thanks to two late goals from Steve Barilli and Paul Honey.

Harris’s men, who beat League Two Wimbledon in the previous round, are eyeing a defence of the cup they won by beating Leatherhead in last season’s final.

But the King George’s Field chief has warned his players they would be playing a dangerous game if they got too far ahead of themselves.

“We want to win league games, but at the same time I don’t think we are in danger of going down,” he said.

“It is going to be a massive ask for us to beat Sutton, but I never thought we had a chance against Wimbledon, so you never know.”

Honey, who hit Tuesday’s winner from the penalty spot, could line up against his former club and his contribution, since returning from a broken arm, was not lost on his manager.

“Paul was the difference,” said Harris.

“He is so good. Once we got the penalty I knew he would score. I know he’ll want to be fit to face Sutton, so I think he’ll be going on a diet to make sure he isn’t embarrassed on the night.”

Casuals’ four-month winless Ryman Division One South run continued with an encouraging 1-1 draw against high-flying Chipstead at the weekend.

Casuals go to Whyteleafe on Saturday having drawn 11 of their past 17 games.