The new look Casuals lifted the inaugural Fulham Deaf Annual Shield following a comprehensive victory over their old rivals.

 

Despite fielding five debutants the Casuals produced long periods of flowing football much to the delight of new player manager Grant Payne - who says he wants the team to "get it down and play" - and club captain Dom Edwards who praised the contribution of the new boys as well as the departing Rodney van der Laan.

 

"Its great to get off to a winning start albeit in a non-competitive game with so many players making Casuals debuts - and one robot making his final bow" said Dom.

 

"I think I speak for everyone when I say we thoroughly enjoyed the day. FDFC were great hosts, and on a perfect surface we pushed the ball around nicely and played some good stuff. All the new lads without exception did really well and it looks promising for the season ahead."

 

Michael Rootes opened the scoring midway through the first half after combining well with Payne and Andy Barnett before finding the top corner.

 

Right back Dave Brain then scored a brilliant first goal of his Casuals career when he met Rootes' deep cross with a spectacular volley from a narrow angle.

 

Newly elected penalty taker Sam Holder increased the lead from the spot to put the visitors firmly in the driving seat.

 

However within a minute of the restart the Casuals received a timely reminder that you are never more vulnerable than just after scoring when Fulham's Italian striker Alex Bovino finished a cross from the right from close range.

Edwards and van der Laan entered the fray at half time and within a minute 'Gaffer Grant' ran past two Fulham defenders before lifting his shot over the advancing goalkeeper.

 

The introduction of Great Britain Deaf International winger Ben Lampert enlivened Fulham but with Edwards sitting in a holding midfield role in of front of the impressive new centre back pairing of Oliver Harker-Smith and Adam McCullagh the Casuals proved difficult to break down.

The visitors enjoyed an element of good fortune for their fifth goal when a Fulham defender saw the linesman's raised flag and caught the ball in the area. Unfortunately for him the referee had waved play on and had no choice but to award the Casuals another penalty. Never one to show any mercy, Sam Holder stepped up to convert in some style.

 

With a couple of minutes remaining and Holder substituted, Barnett had his own chance to audition for the role of penalty taker as the Casuals were awarded their third spot kick of the afternoon but he fluffed his lines and the relieved Fulham keeper sat on the weak effort without having to move.

 

Captain Dom was delighted to finally get the pre-season campaign underway and is looking forward to kicking off the Casuals first game in the Surrey South East Combination on Saturday week.

 

"The conditions won't always be as good as on Saturday but the hot weather will have tested our concentration and helped our fitness as we prepare for the league campaign" he said.

 

"With the likes of Ian Hardy and others to return as well I can't wait for the season to begin now. It's going to be a long slog with a lot of games so we will need a good size squad of committed players which I think we are close to now."

 

One final word from Dom on the exiting Robot who enjoyed a Saturday night farewell at Wimbledon Dogs: "Rod's performance out of position at left back showed just how much we will miss his attitude, commitment and versatility - not to mention his goals."

 

 

                                 Martin Cooke

 

Dave Brain    Adam McCullagh   Ollie Harker Smith   Godwin Akinyemi

 

Sam Holder   Michael Rootes   Andy Barnett  Dave Maunsell

 

                       Paul Cameron   Grant Payne

 

Subs:

Rod van der Laan for Godwin (HT)

Dom Edwards for Rootes (HT)

Many thanks to Lydia Docker and Nick Beese at FDFC for the photos

More can be seen at http://www.fulhamdfc.com/