Harry Ottaway’s 86th minute header was enough to give Corinthian-Casuals the victory in a top-of-the-table clash against promotion rivals Walton Casuals on New Year’s Day.

Josh Uzun’s whipped in cross was expertly guided home by Ottaway leaving Walton dejected and seeing Corinthian leapfrog their opponents in the Bostik South league table.

James Bracken’s side should’ve taken the lead earlier in the match when Ottaway’s cross was headed onto the bar by Nathan Daly. Casuals continued to pressure their guests and with four minutes remaining, they finally made the breakthrough.

The win sees Casuals get through a tricky Christmas schedule with two wins and two draws against those also in the hunt for the title.

The inclusion of Ottaway, formerly of Braintree Town, Enfield and Dulwich Hamlet has seen the striker hit three in three games. Though on dual registration with Beckenham Town, his appearances have already made an impressive impact.

Defensively, Casuals have also improved. James Bracken’s side has now kept three clean sheets in a row – a stark contrast to the ‘blip’ suffered in the previous month.

“The lads that have come in the last few games have done great,” commented Bracken.

“I’ll be the first to admit that we’ve been short in areas. Dave Hodges leaving us to take up a career in India left us with a big hole.

“We've got good lads here but I felt we needed a little more strength and competition for places. I wasn’t going to bring in anyone who I didn’t feel could add to us. I certainly think Frazer Walker has added to us in his first two performances.

“We also know what we get with Terry Murray, who returns to us from Phoenix Sports. he’s a good lad with a great head. I’ve said to him, he’ll get his chance and should look to take it.

“We’re right in it. We don’t face another top six side until the end of March now. We’ll look to chip away at the leaders and see where we are then.”

Casuals travel to Herne Bay on Saturday before visiting Bostik Premier Division side Hendon in the Quarter Final of the League Cup next week.