Another final reached Thursday 27th April 2006 (7:45pm) – Southern Combination Cup, Semi-Final STAINES TOWN (2) 4 MOLE VALLEY PREDATORS (1) 1 Despite drawing a Southern Youth League fixture on the same night*, the Academy fulfilled this senior fixture and were good enough to see off Combined Counties League club Mole Valley Predators, to progress to another cup final. This will be the only senior meeting between these two sides, because, after just one season in men’s football, this club will revert to boys’ soccer in which it has been so successful over the last 10 years or so. Martyn Spong and Mark Fabian picked largely the same side who narrowly lost the Middlesex Youth Cup 24 hours earlier, but added 4 players for the U19s side. On a mild evening, Staines attacked the Silver’s Farm end in the first half. Staines were ahead after only 6 minutes, Tom Windsor having the presence of mind and agility to hook the ball in from close range, with Predators not able to get it clear. A minute later, claims for a penalty were waved away after Robin Shroot went down, and as the attack developed there were further appeal when a Windsor effort seemed to be handled, with Jordan Kiffin following in but shooting inches wide. But Staines could not afford to be complacent, as Mole Valley showed when they equalised in the 10th minute: the skilful Andre McCollin did well to keep the ball in play, and then ghosted past Rodney Chiweshe before sidefooting in the equaliser. Then followed a long spell of even play, in which perhaps the best chance just eluded Reggie Savage as he tried to get onto an accurate Darren Woods cross for the visitors. But with only seconds of the first half remaining, Shroot broke down the middle and lifted a shot over ‘keeper Mark Rouse, only to see it come down off the underside of the bar. However, Jordan Kiffin raced in and twisted to volley into the empty net to restore Swans’ lead. Staines really took the game to Valley for most of the second half, and twice came close to scoring in the opening 10 minutes. First, Shroot’s quickly taken free kick was accurately crossed back in by Adam Gerding, but Kiffin underhit the final volley. Then Kiffin showed great skills in beating two players, but his rasping shot was a fraction too high. Dean Thomas then flashed a header across goal from a Shroot corner, and was then immediately in action at the other end to make a great interception to Reggie Savage’s shot. Jon Coleman scored the third on 69 minutes, just 2 minutes after he had come on for Scott Ricketts, when he collected a wayward defensive clearance and showed great composure in firing it back past Rouse. Staines’ keeper Chiweshe made a spectacular diving save to keep out James Deacons’ low swerving shot, and he then did well to narrow the angle thus forcing McCollin to shoot into the side netting. However, the final goal was claimed by Staines in the 90th minute, Rouse fumbling the ball to Kiffin who made no mistake in stroking it into the net. Although drawn at home in the Final, Staines have agreed to switch the game to their opponents, Molesey, whom they will meet at 7:30 on Thursday 11th May. Staines: Chiweshe, Gerding, Kang, Robinson ©, Joyce, Thomas, Draper, Shroot (Yoo 75), Kiffin, Ricketts (Coleman 67), Windsor; unused Masham, Blake. MVP: Rouse, Deacons, D Thomson, Lyons (Hawkins 78), Hayward, Remnant ©, Woods (Faik 85), Ellis, Savage, McCollin, A Thompson (Ross 74); unused Burnett (gk). Ref S Woodison (Knowle Green); ARs B Fitzpatrick & L Morgan (both Ashford); Official Att 58.
Junior news Surrey Primary League Cup Finals Two of our Junior teams were in Cup Final action in the Surrey primary League competitions at Chertsey Town FC on Sunday 23rd April, and well done to both on bringing back the cups: Surrey Primary League Under 11 Premier Plate Final Chertsey Town Blues 0 Staines Town 5 Rick O’Leary’s side had cruised through to the Final, beating Fleet Town Colts 9-0, Send United 9-2, and Woking Town ‘A’ 8-2 (all at home, the semi at Wheatsheaf Lane). On the big day, Staines started a little nervously but they never looked back after Daniel Constable’s fine 30 yard strike put them ahead, going on to play some very good football. Max Herbert added another fine strike from 20 yards to send Staines in 2-0 up at halftime. Tom Bovington then chipped the keeper with a fine lob from distance before Herbert added no 4. The last goal resulted from some great football with 7 or 8 passes being exchanged before Bovington bagged his second. Overall a great result to beat local Rivals Chertsey. Surrey Primary League Under 13 Upper Tournament Cup Staines Town 3 Goldsworth Park Rangers 0 Ken Halse’s team had beaten Knaphill 2-0 (away), Farncombe Raiders 1-0 (home), and Onslow 2-1 (at Wheatsheaf Lane) to reach this Final. Gary Ashton put Staines ahead in the first minute when he rounded off a good move down the right, and with Staines dominating the game it was no surprise when Steve Mortimer added a second (15m). With the chances they were making, Swans would surely have led by more than 2-0 at the break, but for the heroics of the Rangers’ ’keeper, but eventually Mortimer bagged his second of the afternoon. Skipper Jamie Pearce collected the cup, and it was a memorable day for Sam Aitken and Matt Wallis, who were playing their 100th games for Staines. Junior 5 & 6 a Side Tournaments Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th June - Staines Town Festival of Football Junior Tournaments. To be held at Met Police FC, Imber Court. Applications are still open for boys’ teams at U7 to U16 age groups, and girls U12 & U14 events, so if your team would like to enter, please call Ken Halse on 07944 333703.
Debutants given chance Mon 24 Apr 2006 (7:30) - Southern Youth League (East) STAINES TOWN / Kingston College Academy (0) 0 MOLE VALLEY PREDATORS Youth ................ (1) 1 With the League title already sewn up, Martyn Spong and Mark Fabian were able to introduce some of the less experienced players for this match against the bottom club, Mole Valley, with no less than seven debutants in the team, most of whom have been diligently training since registering at the start of the season. Mole Valley, also stretched for players, scored the only goal of the game after a good passing move on 37 mins, through Daryl Cooper-Smith. He almost added a second just before the interval, but Daniel Gurney headed off the line. In the second half, Vinnie Gilbert was Staines' most dangerous player, sending one shot just over, and then being clattered to the ground by 'keeper Jack Wright to earn a 76th minute penalty, but unfortunately Mathieu Isamene put it wide. Jamie Montgomery hit the bar for the visitors with a neat lob on 81 minutes, and Staines' last chance to level came and went when Aston Ventour's chip beat the goalkeeper but went just past the post with Gilbert not quite able to catch it up. Staines: Pete Doolan, Michael Che, Daniel Gurney (c), Quincy Rowe (booked 57m), Simon Salhotra (Lee Higgs HT), Mathieu Isamene, Nick White, Josh Brooks, Josh Williams (Aston Ventour HT), Vinnie Gilbert, Myles Howell (Yoon Hee Park HT). Predators: Jack Wright, Tom Williams, Daniel Sinton [MoM], Darren Chalice, Matt Jones, Daryl Cooper-Smith, Jamie Montgomery, Sam Robinson, Paul Gough, Stephen Edwards, Tom Kidd (Luke Anklesaria 80). R: Chris Blackie (Chessington); ARs Gerry Kehoe, Steve Karabowicz; Att 46. The side now know that their National ESFA Colleges U18 Trophy Final against Wilberforce College (Hull) will be at the home of League 2 club Boston United FC, at 12 noon on Wednesday 3rd May.
Thats all folks Saturday 22nd April 2006 (3:00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS (2) 4 STAINES TOWN (0) 2 By Steve Parsons. Staines’ season was distilled into a single afternoon at Scraley Road, where they had to try to get a result against a Heybridge side already assured of a play-off berth, but wishing to enhance their draw by extending their 5-game winning run. They did, however, rest Gillespie and the talismanic Holdsworth, whilst including right back Russell Pond, the Colchester youngster who played a friendly for Swans earlier in the season. Steve Cordery reintroduced Michael Murphy after suspension, but was disappointed that Robbie King’s hoped-for return was scotched on the morning of the game due to an ankle injury. With Matt Paine also back in the starting line-up, the unlucky pair were André De Lisser and Fiston Manuella. The afternoon was mild and sunny, the pitch rather the worse for wear, being soft and very prone to cutting up. Staines attacked the clubhouse end in the first half. Staines’ hopes of securing an important point took a major knock after just 50 seconds of play, when the ball was cleared to Sean Marks, who put the ball into Neil Cousins, who scored with a powerful drive from the edge of the area. The visitors were not fazed by this, and quickly found their feet: they were looking the side more likely to score, when they were stunned to concede a second goal on 21 minutes, a clearance fell short, and Danny Hill’s cross was helped on by Marks into the path of Richard Jolly, and a striker of his quality was not going to make a mistake from close range. Both sides continued to play some good football, with Hill, Mike Shinn, and Pond combining well for the home side, and André Scarlett, Michael Murphy, Mark Nwokeji and Ali Chaaban posing threats at the other end. Staines were the better side for much of the second half, aided by three fairly early substitutions. They reduced the arrears on 54 minutes, when Scarlett sent in a low cross from the right, and Ali Chaaban struck firmly imnto the corner of Paul Nicholls’ net. But as Staines now pressed for an equaliser, they were hit with a sucker punch, Neil Cousins bursting through, luring Sean Allaway off his line, and then finding the net with a well-placed shot for his second goal of the afternoon. Allaway made another important save from Jolly, but, to their credit, Staines kept going forward, with Chaaban thudding a shot into Nicholls’ chest, and De Lisser drawing a brave save at the near post from the Swifts’ ‘keeper. Although Staines could not afford to neglect their defensive posts for long, as Gianni Frankis’ solo run proved: Nick Burton and Allaway had to be at their best to avert the danger. Then Chaaban netted a remarkable goal, sending the ball into the far top corner of the net from the extreme right, and it almost lodged in the goal-frame ŕ la Trevor Brooking’s famous goal in Hungary. Panic then started to set in among the Heybridge players: twice the ball boy returned the ball to them for goal kicks, only for first the ‘keeper, and then his full back, to smash the ball over the roof of the stand to waste time: incredibly, neither player was carded. Then an injured player did not hinder their pass to Frankis (who was again denied by Allaway), but as soon as possession was lost, they screamed at their visitors top put the ball out of play. Once the “injury” was dealt with, they then unsportingly hammered the ball way down to the corner for a throw-in. Staines even had shouts for the ‘keeper handling a backpass when a defender misjudged his lay-back on the treacherous surface, but referee McCaul was in forgiving mood. Ellis Remy, Chaaban, Jake Newton, and Manuella had chances in quick succession but still the equaliser would not come. This emphasis on attack left Staines sorely understaffed at the back, and it was no real surprise when Marks’ ball to Gianni Frankis left him all on his own, and although Allaway narrowed the angle, he could not prevent him from squeezing his shot in, with 93 minutes on the clock. The 6 added minutes ticked away, and it was Heybridge who came closest to scoring again, when Jolly was put through on his own, but this time she shot wide. So Staines have missed the play offs (unless an unlikely combination of results occurs next weekend, including them hitting at least 8 past Folkestone), but they will look not at these decent performances against Heybridge and Fisher, but at the 4 points dropped at home to Maldon and Redbridge as being the fatal games. Staines: Allaway, Newton, Murphy, N Burton, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Green (Remy 52), Gordon (De Lisser 63), Nwokeji, Paine (Manuella 57), Chaaban; unused: Maskell, McDonald. Heybridge: Nicholls, Pond, I Cousins ©, Shinn, Wiles, Chandler (Barber HT), Farley (Abbott 77), Hill, Marks, Jolly, N Cousins (Frankis 63); unused Glover, Keevill. Ref McCaul (Cambs); ARs Cooper & Atkins (both Essex); Official Att 227.
Second part of treble complete Sunday 23rd April 2006 (4pm) – Middlesex Women’s Junior Cup Final STAINES TOWN Women (1) 1 BARNET Ladies Reserves (0) 1 At Uxbridge FC, Honeycroft, Horton Road, West Drayton Staines Town Women completed the second leg of what they hope will be a ‘treble’ by overcoming Barnet in a tense county cup final at Uxbridge FC. It was good to see Sid Bryan at the game, despite being ruled out for the season with a knee injury, but Staines were disappointed to lose two more players in quick succession, Sharon Heaven damaging ankle ligaments in training on Wednesday, and Sarah Bell out with a shoulder problem. Nevertheless, Nat Hedges and Mark Callaghan were able to name a strong side, and expectation ran high following extensive local press coverage, and weekend radio interviews with Mr Callaghan (County Sound) and Ms Hedges (Radio Wey). Barnet have reached this final 3 times before, including 2005, and were winners in 2001, whilst this was Staines Women’s first ever cup final. Barnet 1st XI actually won the Senior Cup, played earlier today at the same venue, and fielded a couple of players in both games! The match proved to be a very keenly contested affair in mild conditions, with Staines attacking the far end in the first half. Staines made a good start, with Rachel Fell quickly finding her shooting boots, but at the other end, Lizzie Goodwin sent a shot fractionally over the bar, as Barnet then enjoyed a good spell in the middle of the half. They also went close when Kerry O’Connor’s chip went just too high, and when the prolific Maddy Hills made space, only to be denied by excellent covering from Kate Davies. Staines regained the initiative late in the half, and Lucy McNeil almost turned in a low Amy Baker cross. What proved to be the only goal of the game came on 43 minutes, Davies picking out Amy Baker on the right flank, and she fired in a somewhat speculative shot from the right hand side, almost 30 yards out. However, Alysha Cole in the Barnet goal came under pressure from the forwards, and spilled Baker’s shot just over the line. Cole was almost punished again a minute later, when she found a Fell shot too hot to handle, but Lee-Ann Elliott could not quite turn in the rebound. Barnet came out purposefully in the second half, and Danielle Richards sent over two telling corners, which were met by dangerous headers from Sarah Willis-Croft, and then Katie Bond had to chase back to neutralise a dangerous break. As the game ebbed and flowed, McNeil received the ball from an imperious tackle from Georgie Giddings, and let fly with a powerful shot which went inches too high. Barnet’s Richards made space for a shot with a deft turn in the box, but Sarah Clutterbuck made the save look easy. Goodwin was involved in several clashes with Staines players, but lost concentration when tackled by Eddy Koff, who played a great ball in to Fell, who was just inches from settling the game in the 72nd minute. Koff was close again, this time following great approach work by McNeil and Shona McKay, the latter in tireless form in midfield despite her preparation being disrupted by her work shifts. Amy Murphy had come on for Staines, and was a constant torment for the Bees, with her darting runs frequently taking her between the defenders. With Barnet now loading their forward line, it was left to Clutterbuck to pull off another vital save from Richards on 84 minutes, and then Laura Spooner blocked a Hills header from a deep Richards free kick with just 2 minutes remaining. Right at the death, Elliott sent a header across the face of goal from a well struck Fell free kick. Staines were desperately trying to introduce Hannah Murphy when the final whistle sounded, sparking yet another champagne celebration in this remarkable first season. Bob Langley presented the medals on behalf of the MCFA, climaxed by Kate Davies’ lifting of the Middlesex Junior Cup 2005/6. Staines: 1 Sarah Clutterbuck, 2 Kate Davies ©, 3 Georgie Giddings, 4 Eddy Koff, 5 Katie Bond, 6 Laura Spooner, 7 Lucy McNeil, 8 Shona McKay, 9 Amy Baker (15 Amy Murphy 62), 10 Lee-Ann Elliott, 11 Rachel Fell; unused 12 Hannah Murphy, 14 Kate Cook, 16 Charlotte Phillips, 17 Sharon Heaven. Mascot: Molly Carpenter. Barnet: 1 Alysha Cole, 2 Hannah Grover (17 Holly Darling HT), 3 Ellen Swygart, 4 Sarah Wallis-Croft, 5 Kay Swygart, 6 Fran Stringer © (14 Jade Kite 71), 7 Danielle Richards, 8 Kerry Jones (12 Jade Strzelecki 82), 9 Madeleine Hills, 10 Kerry O’Connor, 11 Elizabeth Goodwin; unused 16 Sarah Tague. Ref: Michael Richardson (N Harrow); ARs Stephen Reuter (Enfield), Jamie Baxter (Mill Hill); 4th Off Richard Elliston (Harow). Est Att 154.
Vets lose 23 April 2006 - Thames Ditton 3 ... Staines Town Veterans 2 (friendly) Mark Dawber twice hit equalisers for Staines, but Ditton snatched victory with a late winner.
Youths reach National final Friday 21st April 2006 (2:15pm) – ESFA Under 18 Colleges Trophy Semi-Final FILTON COLLEGE (Bristol) (0) 0 KINGSTON COLLEGE / STFC (1) 1 The Kingston College side (which doubles as Staines Town’s Youth team) pulled off a remarkable win against Bristol Rovers’ Academy team on Friday afternoon, defeating the red-hot favourites to reach this prestigious national final. Filton had won every one of the 25 League and cup games played this season, and with two England players in their side (Lewis Powell and Sean Rigg), they were confident of progressing to a Final against Wilberforce College (Hull). Confidence would have been greater still if they had known that two key players had been ruled out: Danny Fisher was not passed fit to play, having spent Tuesday night in hospital after being concussed against Colliers Wood, and, just before departure, Robin Shroot called in sick. The squad then made the long journey down to the Bristol Academy of Sport, where the match took place on the second top pitch, with Martyn Spong’s team attacking the railway end of the excellent surface in the first half, assisted by a stiff wind. Kick off was delayed from 2pm, as the officials were held up en route arriving from Cornwall. The visitors started well, with Windsor and Draper running at the defence, and forcing goalkeeper ‘keeper Toby Pawlowski into the first of a succession of punched clearances. But Filton showed, with their first attack after 6 minutes, that they were always going to be dangerous, as they broke incisively, and Powell brought a diving save from Chiweshe. Chiweshe then saved a Powell volley, before Draper and Kiffin won a string of corners, and Kiffin sent a shot just wide when through on goal. There were no fewer than 9 minutes added to the first half for a number of injuries, and the ball rolling down the bank, but frustratingly, apart from a breakaway engineered by Draper and fired just wide by Coleman, Staines were forced to defend at the end when they would have hoped to press home the wind advantage. Powell saw a free kick expertly held after Windsor handled just outside the box, and McCarthy also went close. Filton also started the second half well, but Chiweshe was immense in goal, saving from Rigg, and narrowing the angle for the excellent Groves so that he shot over. But having soaked up the best that Filton could throw at them, old gold shirts started to get forward again, and Coleman was desperately unlucky to see his 74th minute effort fingertipped away after he darted into the box. On 82 minutes, there were appeals for a penalty after Kiffin was pulled back, but the free kick was awarded just outside the box. Kiffin took it quickly to Windsor, who did well to take possession despite being unsighted by the referee, only to be tripped by a defender, and Jordan Kiffin stepped up to confidently convert the penalty. There remained 8 nervous minutes, and Filton might have gained an injury time equaliser when Groves turned in an Else cross, only for Powell to be penalised for an elbow on Pitt, for which he became the only player cautioned in the game. The victors were applauded by their small band of supporters, and by the watching Lenny Lawrence, as the final whistle sounded, and can now look forward to a final which is rumoured to be at the ground Boston United of West Bromwich Albion. Afterwards, Martyn Spong praised his side, saying it was ‘a great all-round team effort to beat the red hot favourites; defensively we were magnificent today’, and indeed skipper Robinson was masterful, and was backed by an immaculate display by Chiweshe. Team: 1 Rodney Chiweshe, 2 Tim Pitt, 3 Daniel Gurney, 4 Chris Robinson ©, 5 Elliott Blake, 6 Dean Thomas, 7 Jon Coleman (14 Jermaine McGlashan 85), 8 Tom Windsor, 9 Craig Masham, 10 Jordan Kiffin, 11 Harry Draper; unused 12 Ronnie Vincent, 15 Vinnie Gilbert, 16 Daniel Meggie, - Nick White. Filton: 1 Toby Pawlowski, 2 Scott Thomas, 3 Tom Parrinello © (14 Stuart Nelson 33), 4 Ryan Paddock, 5 Tom Godsell, 6 Theo Tonkin, 7 Matt Groves, 8 Jason Burt (16 Tom Lowndes 84), 9 Lewis Powell, 10 Sean Rigg, 11 Fabian McCarthy (12 Jon Else 68); unused 13 Sam Martin, 15 Ryan Britton. Ref: Ian Spurling (Saltash); ARs Ben Minns (Cambourne), Steve Tootle (Saltash). Att 51. Venue: 2nd top pitch, Bristol Academy of Sport, AXA Sun Life Sports Ground, Station Road, Henbury, Bristol, BS10 7TT.
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Kingston College semi-final winning team: STANDING - Vinnie Gilbert, Nick White, Daniel Gurney, Elliot Blake, Steve Freestone (Fitness Coach), Ronnie Vincent, Danny Fisher, Rodney Chiweshe, Dean Thomas, Craig Masham, Mark Fabian (Assistant Manager), Steve Parsons (STFC Secretary), Martyn Spong (Manager), Keith Robinson (facilitator). KNEELING - Jon Coleman, Jordan Kiffin, Chris Robinson (Captain), Tom Windsor, Tim Pitt, Jesse Richards (STFC YDO). RECLINING - Harry Draper.
Young Swans win again Thursday 20th April 2006 (7:45pm) – Southern Combination Cup, Round Three STAINES TOWN (1) 1 CHESSINGTON & HOOK UNITED (0) 0 At Chessington & Hook United FC, Chalky Lane, Chessington, Surrey This much delayed quarter-final finally went ahead, after being switched to Chessington’s ground. Both sides used the game as a vehicle to test less experienced players alongside some established names: for Staines, the squad was primarily drawn from the Academy (minus those U18 players needed for the next afternoon’s big national colleges’ semi-final in Bristol), with the addition of only three players with previous 1st XI experience: Jon McDonald and skipper Adrian Browne at the back, and young Robert Hamling in goal. There were also shirts for their new Korean signing, Hyunwook ‘Austin’ Kang, and for the returning Ollie Wheatley-O’Neill. Unfortunately, neither Gareth Risbridger nor Clement James were after all fit enough to make their returns. Chessington included one former Staines player in David Field, who came on as a second half sub. The Combined Counties League club’s pitch was in good condition, the evening mildish, and Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half. The opening period was cagey, with both sides probing without really testing their opposing goalkeepers. However, Mark Russell in the United goal did well to block a stinging angled drive from Jermaine McGlashan, whilst Browne and Hambling at the other end had to scrambled away a shot from Darren Forta, who had been picked out by a Ross Shoefield cross. Play continued to swing from end to end as the pace hotted up, with Mathieu Isamene shooting just wide for Staines, and then Darren Smith sending a free kick just over after Browne was penalised for a challenge on Forta just outside the area. Unfortunately, on 44 minutes, Browne had to limp off with a recurrence of his knee injury, and, in a pleasing chromatic exchange, was replaced by Nick White. United had clearly not adjusted to the new arrival as, with his very first touch, Nick White diverted the ball beyond Russell after Kang had helped on a long McDonald throw, to give Staines the lead on the stroke of half time. Before the interval, there was still time for Chessington’s Richard Webber to go close with a shot which deflected for a corner. Hambling got down well to save a shot from Neil Wicks, but Staines gradually imposed themselves on proceedings, and kept further Chessington chances to a minimum. Going forward, Ronnie Vincent drew a superb one-handed save from Russell, and Kang got down to ground level for a header which was scrambled off the goal line. In the last 10 minutes of the game, three Staines players had their names taken: Vincent for dissent and Yoo and Ventour for late tackles on Forta and Russell respectively. There were 8 added minutes, but Chessington were unable to force extra time, and in fact Staines nearly snatched another at the death, Kang putting Vincent through one-on-one, but Mark Daniels chased back well to force a corner. The semi-final is scheduled to be at home to Mole Valley Predators, also of the Combined Counties League. Staines: Hamling; Wheatley-O’Neill, McDonald, Joyce, Browne © (White 44), Higgs, McGlashan, Isamene (Yoo 75), Vincent, Ricketts (Ventour 68), Kang. C&HU: Russell; Webber (Field 57), A Heath (D Heath 66), Nichols ©, Daniels, Lascells, Shoefield, Smith, Forta, Bochanski, Wicks; unused Hu Err, Moorhouse, Weeks. Ref R Chatfield (Addlestone); ARs D Blackie (Chessington), B Gale (Cheam). Official Att 106.
Academy are crowned Champions! Tuesday 18th April 2006 (7:30pm) – Southern Youth League (East) STAINES TOWN Academy (2) 5 COLLIERS WOOD UNITED Youth (0) 0 Champagne flowed at Wheatsheaf Lane for the second time in 7 days*, as Staines Town’s Youth side lifted the Southern Youth League (East) championship on Tuesday night. Ashford’s unexpected stumble against Epsom last week gave them the chance to wrap up the title with 2 games to spare, and they seized it with both hands, despite being paired with s strong Colliers Wood side who are still chasing 3rd spot, and who only lost in extra time to Swans’ League Cup conquerors Bromley. Staines began strongly, but lost Danny Fisher with a worrying head injury on only 10 minutes. A move down the left was crossed in by Daniel Meggie, and stroked home by Jon Coleman to give Staines at 16th minute lead. They then lost Meggie with a hamstring problem. Continuing to attack the Silver’s Farm end on the excellent surface, Jordan Kiffin was unlucky to have one disallowed after he disposed ‘keeper Young (formerly of Staines), but then Wood raced upfield and Pearce went close in a one-on-one. In first half stoppage time, Rodney Chiweshe started a move, Kiffin crossed, and Coleman just failed to turn it in. But in the 3rd minute added on for Fisher’s collision, a similar combination brought Swans their second goal: Chiweshe’s kick was flicked on by Craig Masham to Kiffin, who showed great skills before laying the ball off for Coleman to tuck away the all-important second. Pearce continued to pose a threat for Wood after the break, having a great chance deflected wide, and then his team mate Newton drew the first of several superb saves from Chiweshe to preserve Staines’ lead. They had to wait until the 77th minute before it was extended, however, Kiffin’s pass to Robin Shroot being followed by a slick turn and clinical finish. Four minutes later and Jordan Kiffin netted one himself, dancing through the visitors’ defence before sidefooting into the corner. The scoring was completed on 86 minutes, when Masham picked out Shroot who hammered home his second of the night. Staines still have 2 League games to play, but will wait and see which of the other three regional winners will be their play-off semi-final opponents in a game likely to be played at Wheatsheaf Lane on Thursday 4th May. Staines: Rodney Chiweshe; Elliot Blake, Tim Pitt, Chris Robinson ©, Danny Fisher (Dean Thomas 10), Robin Shroot, Jon Coleman, Tom Windsor (Daniel Gurney 66), Craig Masham, Daniel Meggie (Jordan Kiffin 29), Harry Draper; unused Lee Higgs, Ronnie Vincent. Colliers WU: Wester Young, Mark Giddings, Carlos Talbot, Ryan Hughes, Alex Hallett, Delano Sam-Yorke, Chris Beard, Mark Dunning, Jamie Pearce (Phil Frodsham 70), Liam Newton (Daniel Hughes 78), Michael Beard © (David Weatherhead 76); unused Ben Duncan. Ref: Steve Gudge (Esher); ARs Gerry Kehoe (W Molesey), Steve Tyler (Selsdon); Att 49
Swans unlucky once again Saturday 15th April 2006 (3:00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division FISHER ATHLETIC (London) (1) 2 STAINES TOWN (1) 1 By Steve Parsons. Staines went into this third of four successive games against top clubs, knowing that Fisher are now almost certain of a 2nd or 3rd place finish, but encouraged by the facts of Staines’ excellent away form and Fisher’s patchy home record. With Murphy serving the second and final game of his suspension, Steve Cordery chose not to select Jon McDonald at left back, preferring the returning Danny Gordon. Who was playing his first game in 11 weeks due to injury. The other changes were further forward, where André De Lisser and Ellis Remy were selected ahead of Mark Nwokeji and Currie (who had limped off on Tuesday). Fisher were without the suspended Scannell. On a cool afternoon with a breeze blowing across the pitch, the playing surface was not in good condition, and both flanks had numerous sand pockets. Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half. Having performed well in the recent London Senior Cup visit, Staines started in confident mood against their high-flying opponents, with Ali Chaaban twice wriggling free in the box but being forced to fire into the side netting. However, Fisher quickly showed that they are a force to be reckoned with, as Shaun Allaway had to save with his feet from Steve Watts’ scrambled shot. The home side had to make an early substitution, when skipper Chris Piper came off with a back injury, to be replaced by Charlie Taylor after only 10 minutes, Steve West assuming the captain’s armband. Watts and Hamid Barr combined well for the home side, but Matt Flitter made a saving tackle, then Watts fired in another shot, but Fiston Manuella cleared from in front of goal. Tim Clancy’s long throws proved a potent weapon for Fisher, and Allaway was forced to claim smartly from Watts’ head following one of them. However, Staines were more than holding their own, and they shocked Fisher when they took a 29th minute lead. André Scarlett won a corner, which he took from the right, and this was cleared for another flag kick on the opposite flank. Scarlett took it again, picking out Dean Green in the middle, and he rose to head powerfully past ‘keeper Will Packham. Scarlett might have increased the lead 3 minutes later, but he hit the free kick too high following a foul just outsid4e the box on Danny Gordon. Staines were 4 minutes shy of going into the break with a lead, but they were pegged back when a pinpoint left footed cross by Clancy was met by a diving header from Steve Watts to equalise. A scramble 2 minutes later resulted in Lenny Piper stabbing the ball inches wide. Referee Gary Ives issued 5 cautions in the game, the first coming seconds before the break, when a reckless foul on Remy, followed by some choice words to the linesman, saw Fisher’s Clancy booked. (During the break, further protests by Fisher official Simon Cox saw him dismissed from the technical area). The resulting free kick was taken by Scarlett, but well claimed by Packham. The second half was played in persistent rain, and the home side were quickest out of the blocks, with Barr beating the offside trap, only to be denied by a saving tackle by Green. As Staines endured a sticky patch, Allaway made a superb save from Barr, and then the defence did well to catch the raiding Watts just offside. After enduring almost 15 minutes of intense pressure, Staines then came back into the game, and started to force the pace themselves. Scarlett volleyed just over, after two defenders failed to deal with Green’s cross from the right, and Chaaban made a darting run which defender Nick Davis did well to touch wide for a corner. When another Staines move broke down, Newton was rather harshly cautioned for a late challenge. Staines suffered a hammer blow when Fisher scored against the run of play on 76 minutes, Allaway dealing with Watts’ driven free kick from 30 yards, but the ball was crossed back in by Hearn and Steve West planted his header firmly into the corner of the net. Staines tried to work an equaliser, with Gordon letting fly with a shot which just cleared the bar. The remaining three cautions all came in the last 9 minutes. Manuella got his for a foul on Ahmed Deen, although the Fisher player was very lucky to escape unpunished for a retaliation which threatened to draw other players in. Nwokeji, who had only just come on, hurtled into the box and was fouled by Davis just inches outside the penalty area, with Scarlett and Manuella going close from the resulting free kick and corner. And right on time, a late tackle brought Anthony Riviere Fisher’s third booking. Staines can be pleased with their performance, but that will be of little consolation for the three dropped points. They ended the day clinging to 5th spot, but with no Easter Monday fixture, they could end the holiday outside the play-off places. Staines: Allaway, Newton, Gordon, N Burton, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Green, Manuella, Remy, De Lisser, Nwokeji 77), Chaaban; unused: Maskell, McDonald, Phillips (gk). Fisher: Packham, C Piper © (Taylor 10), Deen, Davis, West, Hearn, Riviere, Clancy, Barr, Watts, Piper; unused Wareham, Duku, Warren, Pullen (gk). Ref Ives (Hornchurch); ARs Bullen (Crawley), Kendall (Redhill). Official Att 139.
Georgie Giddings is Staines Town's first international One player who missed Staines Town Women's championship winning game against Luton Town was 15 year old Georgie Giddings, but she had the best possible excuse … she was off playing for England Women’s U17s in the Nationwide International Tournament in the West Country. The left sided defender or midfielder was one of only two players connected with smaller clubs – the other players all being with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Leeds and Everton. Georgie’s début came in Monday (10.4.06) evening’s game against the Republic of Ireland at Clevedon Town’s magnificent Hand Stadium, watched by an estimated 411 spectators. As a defender who played the full 80 minutes, she could be pleased with the final score of 0-0, and it was her pass to Ellen White which set up one of England’s best chances of the game. Georgie was cheered on by a seven-strong contingent of supporters from Staines Town. On Wednesday night (12.4.06), she was in action again, contesting the whole of England’s second and last Group B match against The Netherlands, at Forest Green Rovers, the 1-0 win being enough to win the group and book a place in Good Friday’s Final. Scotland had finished ahead of USA and N Ireland in Group A, but were no match for England in the decider at Gloucester, going down 0-2 in a match for which the Staines player was an unused sub. To gain selection for her country at such a young age was a great achievement for her, and one in which Staines Town can share her pride. In fact, Staines were just a whisker away from having a second player in the squad, as Rachel Fell had also made the shortlist, but – hampered by a slight injury – was not included in the final squad. The opening goal against Scotland was scored by the other local player, Katie Owen of Hampton & Richmond Borough, while the second was added by Kate Longhurst - the Colchester United player who ended Staines' WFA Cup dreams in extra time.
Another step towards treble On Sunday, the Staines Town Women's team moved a step closer to a possible treble when they overcame a stubborn Newham side in the Semi-Final of the Russell Cup. An early own goal from Laura Bryant gave Staines the lead in just 45 seconds, but Newham hit back with a Shona McKay own goal and a volley by Karen Livingstone. However, Staines' England star Georgie Giddings levelled things by scoring another goal direct from a corner 4 minutes before the half time break. A brave finish by Lee-Ann Elliott sewed up a tense victory 14 minutes from time. Staines take on Barnet in the Middlesex Junior Women's Cup next Sunday (4pm at Uxbridge), and will now meet 3rd Division leaders Surbiton Town in the Russell Cup Final on 14 May at Wembley FC. They wrapped up the league title this week by beating Luton Town at Wheatsheaf Park.
Women are crowned Champions! Wednesday 12th April 2006 (8pm) – Greater London Women’s League Division 2 STAINES TOWN Women (3) 5 LUTON TOWN Belles (0) 0 Delighted scenes engulfed Wheatsheaf Park, as Staines Town’s newest team secured a league title in is very first season. After the disappointment of Sunday, they knew that they needed to take a point from their closest challengers, Luton Town, in this rare midweek encounter, to lift the championship. Defeat would leave the door open for Luton to overhaul them. A new crowd record was set (74), as Staines attacked the Silver’s Farm end of Graham Gould’s excellent playing surface. Mark Callaghan and Nat Hedges had a tough decision to make before kick-off, and it was Jemma Moss who was unlucky enough not to get a shirt. However, she can share in the pleasure of the result, having contributed to the season, notably in the away win over Luton when the team really had its back to the wall. Also missing from the big night were Georgie Giddings (helping England to a 1-0 win over the Netherlands), Sid Bryan (injured), and Dora Lega (working). If Staines were nervous at the start, it did not show, as they immediately set about their task with the utmost professionalism. It took only 5 minutes for them to open the scoring, Lucy McNeil supplying a long pass for Amy Murphy to run onto and fire a glorious strike past ‘keeper Burbury. Goal number two on 19 minutes was perhaps even better: Amy Murphy was the provider this time, and her cross was met by a stunning volley by Rachel Fell, finding the top corner of the net from outside the 18 yard box. Half chances fell to the hard working Eddy Koff and Lee-Ann Elliott, while Staines continued to completely shut down Luton at the other end. With Sarah Bell, Laura Spooner, and Sharon Heaven unbeatable at the back, and Kate Davies playing a captain’s innings as well as delivering a stream of testing throw-ins, the two goal lead was always likely to be enough. But Staines were in no mood to sit back, and, following a 34th minute foul on Elliott 10 yards outside the box, Fell scored another great goal when lashing the free kick directly into the net. Early in the second half, Sarah Clutterbuck was in action to make a leaping claim, and her hands were as safe as ever. With one game to go, she has yet to concede a League goal at Wheatsheaf Park all season! Staines were soon on the attack again, and Hatters’ goalkeeper Burbury pulled off an excellent save to deny Elliott after she had been put clean through by McNeil. A fourth goal followed on 55 minutes, Eddy Koff playing the pass to Amy Murphy, which she did well to control and muscle past the ‘keeper before firing home. Staines introduced three of their subs in quick succession (Charlotte Phillips and Kate Cook being the unlucky ones), as Heaven, McNeil and Elliott were withdrawn to make way for Katie Bond, Hannah Murphy, and top-scorer Amy Baker. The fifth and final goal came on 69 minutes, and involved all three of the subs. Bond won the ball in midfield and played the pass via Shona McKay to through to Baker. She advanced on the right side of goal, and hit a shot which had Burbury beaten, but it struck the far post. However, Hannah Murphy arrived and, despite the seemingly impossible angle, managed to hammer the ball first time into the roof of the net. The two Murphys and Baker all peppered further shots at goal during the remaining period, but there were no further goals. When Steve Woodison sounded the final whistle, it was the signal for the champagne celebrations to begin. Staines: Sarah Clutterbuck, Kate Davies ©, Sarah Bell, Eddy Koff, Sharon Heaven (Katie Bond 56), Laura Spooner, Amy Murphy, Shona McKay, Lucy McNeil (Hannah Murphy 63), Lee-Ann Elliott (Amy Baker 63), Rachel Fell; unused Charlotte Phillips, Kate Cook. Luton: Alice Burbury, Natalie Forbes ©, Laura Massey, Amy Summerfield, Steff Cowell, Charis Wakefield, Rebecca Dimmock (Kelly Lockey 61), Hayley Matcham, Stacie Lockey (Shelley Miller 58), Kristina ‘Nina’ Hale, Anne Folan; unused Chrissy Baker, Tamzine Neale, Nikki Baker. Ref – Steve Woodison (Knowle Green); ARs Nick Taylor (STFC), Colin Matcham (LTFC); Att 74
Old enemy take spoils once again Tuesday 11th April 2006 (7:45pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division STAINES TOWN (0) 0 HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH (0) 1 By Steve Parsons. Games between Staines and Hampton have always been keenly contested derbies, but seldom has the anticipation or importance been as great as this meeting at rain-soaked Wheatsheaf Lane, with these two old foes chasing places in the play-offs for the Conference South. Heightening the rivalry was the fact that the Staines manager, physio, and players Nick Burton, Michael Currie, Matt Flitter, Dean Green, Fiston Manuella, Craig Maskell, and Jake Newton have all spent part of their careers at the Beveree, while Matt Lovett, Dudley Gardner, and sub Jon Henry-Hayden have all moved in the opposite direction. Wheatsheaf Lane welcomed its biggest crowd of the season except for the two Wimbledon games and the pre-season visit of Brentford; the matchball was sponsored by former Staines player of the 1960s Tony Carroll, and Harry Loader was the mascot. On a chilly evening, Staines attacked the houses end in the first half. Steve Cordery made two changes to the side which did so well at Walton, as Murphy started a 2-game suspension and was replaced at left back by Jon McDonald, whilst Fiston Manuella returned from his own similar lay-off to come in for Paine. The game was preceded by a minute of silence in memory of both Colin Young (long-time supporter of and advertiser with Staines Town, whose late father, Charlie, was a local hairdresser instrumental in securing the move to Wheatsheaf Lane), and Mrs June Cousins, the 67 year old Slough Town supporter who collapsed and died after the local derby at Wheatsheaf Lane 10 days earlier. Staines began well enough, with a McDonald free kick from near the corner flag being met at the far post by a powerful Nick Burton header which flew back across goal and inches wide of the post. Dean Wells picked up an early yellow card for a foul, and the visitors’ Ryan Lake sliced a clearance dangerously close to his own goal. The first half continued in a feisty vein, with Luton referee Paul Forrester doing well to keep things under control, although he issued a further card after a foul by Dean Green, and a number of other players on each side seemed to have been given ‘final warnings’. As with most recent games, Staines’ most lively player was Ali Chaaban, and he forced Lovett to save bravely at his feet on 35 minutes. Shaun Allaway dealt easily with a Graham Harper shot, and did well to get down and claim a fiercely skidding drive from Barry Matthews. The visitors forced a string of corners late in the half, and the crowd was moved to applaud a sterling McDonald tackle which dispossessed the flying Matthews. Right on half time, Matthews exchanged passes crisply with Lawrence Yaku, and hit an excellent low shot which seemed destined for the far corner, before Allaway made a fingertip diving save to turn it round for a corner. Unfortunately for the sizeable crowd, the quality of football on display from both sides was well below their best, and there was no real pattern to the game. Players were given very little time on the ball, and scoring chances were few and far between. An early second half corner by André Scarlett was almost bundled over the line by a combination of Mark Nwokeji and Michael Currie. On the 61st minute, a couple of errant headers in the Staines defence let in Yaku, but he screwed his shot wide of the target. The only goal of the game came on 70 minutes, and came when the ever-dangerous Yaku was given far too much space. He should have scored himself, but although he successfully lifted his shot over Allaway, it did not drop into the net. Instead, it came back off the crossbar and right into the path of Elliott Godfrey who simply headed it into the empty net. Staines pitched Darren Campbell intpo the mix, and he made some blistering runs up the right, but the home side could not get themselves back into the game. A huge Lovett drop kick was headed on by Yaku, and Allaway dealt with it well. With 86 minutes played, Matt Flitter fouled on Yaku just outside the box. Hampton actually netted from the first attempt to take the free kick, but the referee could not allow the goal as he was busy taking Flitter’s name at the time. When the kick was legally taken, Lake skied it. Hampton thus became the only club to do the league ‘double’ over Staines this season, and Swans failure to claim at least a point has seen the good work from Walton undone, although for the time being they remain 4th in the table. Staines: Allaway, Newton, McDonald, N Burton, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Green (De Lisser 78), Manuella, Nwokeji (Remy 66m), Currie (Campbell 74), Chaaban; unused: Maskell, Gordon. Hampton: Lovett; Harper, Lake, Barnett, Paris, Wells ©, Gardner, Godfrey (Seedel 81), Yaku (Henry-Hayden 88), Francis Quarm (McIntosh 88), Matthews; unused Elverson, Connor. Ref Forrester (Luton); ARs Power, Howick. Att 588.
Derby win for Staines Friday 7th April 2006 (7:45pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division WALTON & HERSHAM (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (0) 2 With Staines chairman Alan Boon celebrating his 60th birthday on the Saturday, Walton kindly agreed to switch this game to the Friday night. It was a decision which also contributed to a decent crowd, as over 400 turned out to watch this exciting local derby, filling the Stompond Lane stadium with a tense atmosphere. This was added to by the fact that defeat for either side would seriously (if not terminally) dent their play-off hopes, and inclusion in Staines’ ranks of Mark Nwokeji, who remains Walton’s highest scorer this season. Staines were unchanged except for the inclusion of Dean Green for André De Lisser. The pitch was rather bumpy, and the evening cool with a chilly wind, as Staines attacked the tennis dome end in the first half. As usual, a nasty neighbour lit a stinking bonfire which wafted acrid smoke over the ground. Walton still maintained outside hopes of a play-off position, Staines are in a marginally better position, in that they have found their form again, but this was the first of four successive games against other clubs in contention. John Whitbread received a presentation from the two Chairmen – Alan Smith and Alan Boon – before the game got underway, marking 40 years as a local journalist, covering both clubs. Both sides started at a fast pace, but Staines slowly got on top, and Walton’s Gindre pulled off a reflex save to deny his former team-mate Nwokeji who had hit an awkward shot after a Green cross. There was only one yellow card all game, very pleasing for such a vital derby, Walton’s Tristan Frontin having his name taken for a foul on Matt Paine. A Staines free kick 30 yards out was touched by André Scarlett to Michael Murphy, and his well struck shot cannoned off the wall for a corner, which he took himself to Michael Currie, who in turn saw his shot blocked. On the half hour, Walton worked one of their best openings, as Adam Cottrell raced down the right and picked out Joe Healy at the far post, but Shaun Allaway made a reflex save, and the arriving Wes Goggin was unable to turn in the rebound. Staines forced a string of corners, taken by Murphy, one leading to a Matt Flitter volley which was scrambled off the line, and one to a Nick Burton header which went just over. Murphy himself put a free kick just too high, following a lay off by Scarlett. But the last action of the half saw the home side engineer a three against two situation, but Bobby Traynor’s shot was blocked after receiving from Goggin, and the half finished goal-less. The second half followed a similar pattern: a spell of equality being followed by lengthy Staines pressure. Walton’s best chances were a Traynor volley over following another cross from the hard-working Goggin, and a raid involving Traynor and sub Ben Thorne, which Allaway’s header and Newton’s chase back were able to tidy up. At the other end, Ali Chaaban fed Scarlett who stabbed a shot into the side netting. Walton were now restricted to trying to release their front men with long balls down the middle, but this seemed as likely to succeed as Staines’ more patient build-up on a difficult surface. Although Nwokeji came off to appreciative applause, Staines had not settled for the draw, and they went in front in unusual style with 20 minutes to go. Currie fed Newton, who cut in from the right and drilled the ball across the box, where Ali Chaaban got goal-bound touch, which defender Will Jenkins could only turn the ball into his own net. Initially credited as an own goal, evidence suggests that it was a bona fide Chaaban goal, his 14th of the season. Staines settled the issue with another goal on 89 mins, from a superb move started by Ellis Remy’s firm tackle, Chaaban’s expert holding of the ball and pass to André Scarlett, and the latter’s inch perfect shot over Gindre and into the roof of the net. A wonderful goal in pressure circumstances, and one that not only completed a rare double over Walton but- with the next day’s results - has given Staines new hope of a play-off zone finish. Staines: Allaway, Newton, Murphy, N Burton, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Green, Paine, Nwokeji (Remy 67m, Currie (De Lisser 90+1), Chaaban; unused: Ifura, Hughes, Campbell. Walton: Gindre, Jenkins, Frontin (McNamara 75), Cartwright, Thurgood, Goggin ©, Cottrell, Huckle (Edgar 80), George, Healy (Thorne 53), Traynor; unused Perks (gk), Reive. Ref R Smith (New Addington)); ARs L Collins, M Webb. Official Att 401.
Mixed fortunes for Women Staines Town Women's bid to win the Greater London League Div 2 faltered on Sunday, when they travelled to East Ham to take on Newham Women in a "double header". The first game produced a comfortable enough win with three superb strikes giving them a 3-0 win. Amy Baker opening the scoring in just 50 seconds, Hannah Murphy made it 2-0 on 14 mins, and Rachel Fell added a third 10 minutes into the second half. However, the second game (technically at home) was a frustrating one, but it seemed to be heading for the 0-0 draw which was all Staines needed to all but be sure. However, 5 minutes from time, the powerful Karen Daly scored a header which gave Newham a 1-0 win. Staines have two games left, and lead their only challengers, Luton Town, by 8 points, and the two sides meet in a crunch game at Wheatsheaf Park this Wednesday (12th) KO 8pm GREATER LONDON WOMEN’S LEAGUE Division 2 At Mon 10 Apr 2006 P W D L F A GD Pts 1 Staines Town 16 14 1 1 90 8 +82 43 2 Luton Town II 15 11 2 2 58 16 +42 35 3 Newham Women’s 17 8 5 4 22 18 +4 29 4 Belmont United 15 7 3 5 35 24 +11 24 5 Wembley 17 5 5 7 40 41 -1 20 6 Watford Youth 16 5 5 6 26 32 -6 20 7 Metropolitan Police 18 5 4 9 34 48 -14 19 8 Corinthian-Casuals 16 3 4 9 19 45 -26 13 9 East Barnet O.G. 15 2 4 9 17 58 -41 10 10 Leyton Ladies 17 2 5 10 14 65 -51 8* *3 pts deducted for failing to fulfil a fixtur
Swans return to form at home Saturday 1st April 2006 (3:00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division STAINES TOWN (2) 2 SLOUGH TOWN (1) 1 By Steve Parsons. Staines set about repairing their home form and their play-off chances with this very professional win over keen local rivals Slough. The visitors contributed to a most entertaining afternoon’s football, not to mention the decent crowd, but Staines held their nerve to claim all three points. Steve Cordery had signed several players on deadline day, mostly as cover, but young Colchester defender Craig Hughes was named on the bench. Nick Burton returned to the defence for McDonald, Matt Paine played his first game for nearly 2 months for the suspended Manuella, Ali Chaaban and Jake Newton replaced Ellis Remy and Dean Green. Two Swans players, Shaun Allaway and Michael Murphy, were ex Rebels, while Slough’s Leigh Mason was briefly with The Swans. Staines attacked the houses end in the first half, against a gusty wind, and the pitch was rather heavy following overnight rain, and in fact had to be inspected earlier by Kevin Haines. The home side moved into an early lead when Mark Avery tripped Mark Nwokeji as he flew into the box, and Ali Chaaban stepped up to stroke home the penalty, and deliver on his promise to be Swans top scorer. He has now drawn level with Jermaine Hunter’s 13 in all games, quite an achievement for a player who signed less than 3 months ago. Michael Currie thought he had doubled Staines’ lead just 4 minutes later when he got his head to a whipped Michael Murphy corner, but the ball struck the underside of the bar and was ruled not to have crossed the line. Charlie Ide, in for Slough leading scorer Hodges, did manage to put the ball in the net, but was clearly offside, before they levelled following a spell of pressure in the 28th minute. Newton blocked Mason’s shot, and Allaway did well to save McClearly’s follow-up, conceding the first of a triplet of corners, the last of which was taken by McCleary and firmly headed in at the far post by tall skipper Steve Daly (who incidentally lives in Staines). Staines pressed once more to regain the lead, with their best effort being an André Scarlett snapshot following good work by André De Lisser and Chaaban. However, on the stroke of half time, a Murphy corner found Mark Nwokeji, and although his first effort was well saved by Clark Masters, he was not to be denied his first Wheatsheaf Lane goal on the rebound. There were no further goals after the break, although Nwokeji for5ced Masters into a good save from a tight angle after being fed by Chaaban, and at the other end Allaway was pleased to get away with a spot of dribbling which McCleary might have punished. Daly was forced to sweep the ball just past his own post following a driven free kick from Chaaban, and a Murphy dead-ball was bulleted just wide off the head of Nwokeji. From this, Slough went straight up the other end, and had penalty appeals waved away after the ball ricocheted against a defender’s arm. Masters was not to be beaten by a ground shot which ended a Chaaban solo run, nor by a firm header from Burton after another Murphy corner, whilst Scarlett was in action in front of both goals, making an important block to deny Glen Harris at one end, and then releasing Nwokeji for a near miss at the other. Two minutes into stoppage time, Slough had another big appeal, as the ball slithered into the net at the far post (possibly via a Newton arm), but the officials correctly spotted that Daly had also controlled with his hand before shooting. There was just one booking in the game, for a foul by Slough’s Andy Ballard, and the 53rd minute introduction of Dean Green for De Lisser ended Steve Cordery’s longest run of 249 minutes without a change! The game ended 2-1, and Staines remained in 5th place in a play-off race which is now really hotting up. Sadly, the afternoon was overshadowed by the death of June Cousins, a Slough supporter, as she was boarding the coach after the game. Having attended the game with her children and grandchildren, she is believed to have suffered a heart attack, and despite their efforts, the medics were unable to save her. Both clubs offer there sympathies to Mrs Cousins’ family and friends. Staines: Allaway, Newton, Murphy, N Burton, Flitter ©, Scarlett, De Lisser (Green 53), Paine, Nwokeji, Currie, Chaaban (Ifura 90+4); unused: Campbell, Hughes, Remy. Slough: Masters, Carbon, Avery (Steele 45+2), Daly ©, Ballard, Woodruffe, Alexis, Harris, Ide (West 70), McCleary, Mason; unused: Parkin, Moleski, Wilkinson. Ref A Trivett (Southampton); ARs W Christie (Bucks), A Groves (Berks). Official Att 376.
Staines Town host final Staines Town was privileged to be chosen to host the FA Women's Premier League Reserve Cup RFinal on Sunday afternoon, and a crowd of 222 saw ARSENAL defeat CHARLTON ATHLETIC 3-0, with two goals from Dan Buet and one from Sarah McGrath.
Women gain revenge Meanwhile, Staines' own Women's team were battling to a 4-0 victory away to Belmont United in the Quarter-Final of the Russell Cup, thus avenging their recent shock League Cup exit. Sharon Heaven, Lee-Ann Elliott, and a Georgie Giddings goal direct from a corner opened up a three goal interval lead, and Elliott's powerful header rounded it off after the break. They now face Newham in the Semi-Finals, as they continue to chase honours on three fronts.
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