| Tuesday 29th April 2008 (8pm) – Ryman League Premier Division Play-Off Semi-Final STAINES TOWN (0) 2 RAMSGATE (0) 1 By Steve Parsons Staines Town’s amazing season just goes on and on, following a tremendous victory over Ramsgate in the play-off semi-final. Ramsgate had gone on a blistering end-of-season run, to emerge from the pack and capture the last play-off spot as the most in-form team in the division. Staines, too, had hit form at the right time, securing a series of hard earned wins, and finally turning on the style once more at Billericay on the Saturday, as most of their sidelined players returned to fitness. Tuesday’s game had echoes of the postponed Stockport cup-tie about it, as a decent crowd gathered in rapidly worsening weather conditions. Although soft from earlier showers, the problems did not really start until around 5pm, when heavy rain started, and groundstaff were our forking and sweeping the wettest areas, while more water came down from the skies. Ramsgate had left at 4pm, but due to road closures did not arrive until around 7:15; in view of this, and to allow work to continue on the ground, referee Carl Berry sensibly deferred kick off from 7:45 to 8pm, at which point the rain mercifully stopped – at least until the final whistle! The pitch, though firm and grassy, concealed many wet spots not visible from the sidelines, and this made for difficult conditions: it was a credit to both clubs that the game was played in such a good spirit and with no major incidents. Steve Cordery had to do without Marc Charles-Smith (thigh strain), whilst Leigh Mason and Jon McDonald also missed out. Gareth Risbridger came in for Dean Thomas, Howard Newton for Mason, André Scarlett for Lewis Cook, and up front Mark Nwokeji and Richard Butler replaced Elliot Onochie and Charles-Smith. Staines attacked the Penton Hook Road (houses) end in the first half, watched by a crowd of over 500 (many of whom were wearing complimentary ‘yellow baseball caps’ supplied by Angie Payne) in spite of the weather and the European semi on tv. Staines had defeated Ramsgate at home and away in this season’s regular League games. Staines started the better side, while Ramsgate were still perhaps recovering from their journey. A defender was forced to head wide of his own net, Toppin met a cross from Sargent and headed just wide from 6 yards, and Nwokeji made a great run down the right, before centring but the visiting defenders successfully crowded out both Scarlett and H Newton. Rams ‘keeper Paul Wilkerson made a rather unconvincing punch to a super Sargent cross, and Nwokeji got in a shot which went skimming across the goalmouth. By now, Nwokeji was causing the visiting defence all sorts of problems, and he was brought down in full flight by Olly Schulz for the game’s first yellow card, with Sargent driving the free kick just wide from 28 yards out. However, Ramsgate had by now found their feet, with Lee Minshull shooting just over the bar from long range, and Wilkerson starting a move which ended with Sam Jones lifting the ball over Courtnage, only to see it glide wide of the upright. There were some worrying signs for Staines in the last 7 minutes of the half. Firstly, Marcel Nugent pulled up with a suspected recurrence of his hamstring problem. Having played so well at right back to hold onto his place after Jake Newton had recovered from a ‘bug’, Nugent then had to give way to the fit-again international, as he slowly limped away for treatment. Then came a caution for Toppin as he slithered into the skilful Jones, earning him an FA warning. Finally, in the closing moments, Staines defenders twice lost their footing in a treacherous penalty area, and Minshull bustled through to steer the ball into the net – only for Mr Berry to whistle for a foul against an attacking player. The second half was 10 minutes old when Staines broke the deadlock. Butler arrived at Wilkerson’s left hand post for a header which went into the side netting, but the referee spotted a foul, and immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Ramsgate protested bitterly, and had Davis and Vahid cautioned for doing so, but Dave Sargent kept his nerve (and his balance) to fire Swans ahead from the spot. Soon afterwards, Hadden was booked for a foul. It was at this point that André Scarlett made the game his own, producing a quite sublime 20 minutes, in which he won every tackle, played a series of slide-rule passes, and rounded it off with a spectacular goal – not surprisingly he eventually received the Supporters’ Club Man of the Match award. On the hour, Scarlett’s tenacious tackling set up a chance for Butler, which was saved by Wilkerson. Then he darted between to Ramsgate players to claim a Wilkerson kick, and set up a chance for H Newton, but the Rams’ ’keeper was able to save. Then came a scare for Staines, who – having seemingly cleared after some hesitancy, again lost possession, resulting in a foul by Toppin on Warren Schulz; however, the Ramsgate skipped thumped his free-kick into the defensive wall. Then it was back to Scarlett, once again winning the ball in midfield and picking out Butler, whose raking drive just cleared the crossbar. Wilkerson did well to get behind a long range snap-shot by Risbridger, and he also touched a Scarlett effort round for a corner, following a skilful dribble by the Staines man, this after Matt Flitter’s defensive header had been laid off by Sargent. The goal which should have wrapped things up came on 75 minutes, with a ball coming in from the right and reaching man of the moment Scarlett, who let fly with a superb shot that went in off the inside of the post. But Ramsgate had come too far to just give up, and they almost hit an instant response through sub Dan Dolton, which Courtnage could only gather at the second attempt. The final period of the game was as exciting as any, with H Newton drawing a fine one-handed save from Wilkerson after Nwokeji had splashed his way through the puddles, then Courtnage somehow claimed a ball in from the left under pressure from Stuart Vahid, then Butler battled his way forward before letting fly with a shot that stung Wilkerson’s fingertips and hit the angle of post and bar. With 7 minutes to go, Ramsgate clawed their way back into the game, as Dolton whipped a cross in, and another sub, Simon Pettit scored at the near post with a stooping header. By now, it was already known that Wimbledon had beaten Hornchurch in the AFCs’ semi, and Staines responded well to earn their right to host the south London giants. Butler saw another angled drive touched for a corner after a good move, and was then involved in supplying Scarlett, who fired across the face of goal. The visting supporters roared their favourites on, but it was ‘The Massive’ who were cheering as the referee finally signalled the end of the 4 added minutes, sending Staines through to the Play-Off Final. Staines: Courtnage, Nugent (J Newton 37), Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Risbridger, Scarlett, Toppin, Butler, Nwokeji (Onochie 81), H Newton; unused Cook, Ifura, Thomas. Ramsgate:Wilkerson, Burton (Pettit 78), Hill, Davis, O Schulz, Laslett, Jones, W Schulz © (Dolton 71), Minshull, Vahid, Hadden (King 76); unused Tanner, Alliston (gk). Ref: C Berry (Cheam); ARs D Wyatt (Orpington), M Cook (Braintree); 4th Off G Jerden (Grays); off att 502.
Sunday 27th April 2008 (2pm) - London & SE Women’s Regional League Division One (London) – at Bedfont FC STAINES TOWN Women (1) 1 TOWER HAMLETS LFC (1) 2 Staines’ season came to a disappointing end with defeat in this match which was switched to Bedfont’s “The Orchard” ground owing to the forthcoming Play-Off match at Wheatsheaf Park, and was then moved from the back pitch to the much better main one at the last minute. Staines started in real style, taking a 6th minute lead when Louisa Richards found the net. They also went close when a Nina Welsman corner was met by a powerful Julie Newell header which flew just over, and when Sam Oliver received from Lucy McNeil but also shot over. However, Hamlets came back strongly, and Jenni Friar had to clear a Mills effort off the line after some neat skills, and Staines slowly lost their way. Hill then fired another shot just wide, before Lucy Mills drilled an equaliser into the bottom corner on 24 mins. Staines tried to regain the lead, but Jo Ginger shot into the side netting after more good approach work from Richards, and McNeil had a fine shot touched for a corner. Against the wind in the second half, Staines quickly fell behind, Karen Clarke scoring on 50 mins. A Richards shot drew a fine save from Sabrina Samuel in the Hamlets goal, Welsman peppered her goal with shots and a good free-kick, Lisa Samuel’s goalbound shot was well saved by her namesake in the top corner, and Richards also went close again. At the other end, Clarke fired a dangerous free kick just wide after Karrin French-Wollen had handled outside her area. Try as they might, Staines could not get a share of the points, but they still finish their first season in this league in 3rd place. Staines: 1 Karrin French-Wollen, 2 Angela Tunnicliffe, 3 Jenni Friar, 4 Nina Welsman, 5 Sharon Heaven © (12 Natalie Parsons HT), 6 Lynsey York, 7 Lou Richards, 8 Julie Newell [capt in 2nd half], 9 Jo Ginger, 10 Sam Oliver (14 Lisa Samuel HT), 11 Lucy McNeil; unused 15 Anne Hutchinson. Tower H: 1 Sabrina Samuel, 2 Claire Malloch ©, 3 Emma Oxley (14 Jasmine Cherguit HT), 4 Ruth McKenna, 6 Krystal Anderson, 7 Susie Hill, 8 Anchalde Lim-Cha, 15 Karen Clark, 9 Lucy Mills, 11 Shelly Fowler; unused 10 Rebecca Goode, 12 Amanda Evans. Ref Andrew Stephenson (Abbotts Langley, Herts); ARs Pete Friar (STFC / Camberley) & ? (THFC). Att 19 Jo Ginger, who has been a great servant of the club over the past couple of years, has decided to retire from regular football. It is hoped that she will stay on in some capacity, and probably register as a player, too, but she doesn’t intend to remain as a regular.
Saturday 26th April 2008 (3pm) – Ryman League Premier Division BILLERICAY TOWN (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (1) 1 By Steve Parsons. With AFC Wimbledon widely tipped to win at Hornchurch in a ‘dead’ game for The Urchins, Staines knew that only victory in this notoriously tricky fixture against Billericay would assure them of runners-up spot in the table, thereby enhancing their Play-Off draw. And the Swans did not let their manager or their travelling supporters down, playing some of their best football in several weeks, securing a narrow victory, and setting up several more records in the process – Staines have never before finished higher than 4th in the Premier Division (under George Talbot in 1981/2); Victory earned Staines their 7th ‘double’ of the season – only one short of their highest tally in 50 years; Their 85 League goals is the highest tally in the Premier Division, and smashes Staines’ previous record for this division (74 in 2005/6). Mark Nwokeji ends the season as the Division’s leading goalscorer (despite missing a last minute penalty!) Staines finished with 85 League goals – equalling their highest tally for the last 50 years. Steve Cordery was able to shuffle his pack one last time, and give a start to Adrian Toppin for the first time in a month, and brought back Leigh Mason, Dean Thomas, and Lewis Cook. André Scarlett, Gareth Risbridger, Jon McDonald and Richard Butler were rested (the former pair coming on as subs, and Jake Newton was absent through illness. Perhaps the most significant change, however, was the appearance of Mark Nwokeji as a 69th minute substitute, after 3 weeks on the sidelines. Billericay had only pride to play for, but they contributed to an entertaining afternoon in front of a crowd of 532, and did not make things easy for their visitors. On a bright afternoon, Staines commenced by attacking the far end, aided by a variable breeze, on a pitch that was well grassed and had clearly been watered, but the scorching sun still left it hardened, leading to one or two unpredictably high bounces. James Courtnage in the Staines goal was twice stretched early on, but Staines quickly eased themselves back into the game, and scored what proved to be the decisive goal after only 12 minutes. Ronnie Worster in the Billericay goal was stretched by a wayward bounce, and he had to help the ball over for a corner, which in turn was put behind again. Lewis Cook sent in the second flag-kick, Marc Charles-Smith met it, and skipper Matt Flitter bustled between two defenders to force it over the line from close range. After Courtnage had made another decent save, Staines enjoyed a very good spell, with Toppin whipping a ball into the box after receiving from Charles-Smith, leading to confident appeals that a defender had handled. Next, Cook broke away, but was halted by a long delayed whistle for a head injury, and then Charles-Smith seemed so surprised that the flag had stayed down when he was put clear 8 yards out, that he turned away from goal. On the stroke of half time, Mason broke through one-on-one against Worster, but the ’Ricay goalkeeper telescoped out his leg, which was enough to not only save Mason’s shot, but divert it away from his fellow forwards. The Staines goal came under some heavy pressure at the start of the second period, and the towering Rikki Burbridge flew at a cross from the right, but his header inched past the post. Staines countered with a good chance for Onochie, but again Worster beat the shot away, with Mason volleying the rebound over. Staines created a great chance on 62 minutes, the very impressive Cook whipping the ball in from the right, which was met by Onochie, only for defender Dave McSweeney to clear off the line. Cook then planted a shot into the side netting after robbing a defender, , before each set of supporters had a returning hero to applaud – Mark Nwokeji coming on for Swans, quickly followed by Billericay’s Matt Game. With news coming through that AFC Wimbledon had cancelled out AFC Hornchurch’s early lead, Cook was indefatigable in pursuit of another Staines goal, hitting the side-netting again, sending an angled ball right across the face of goal, and then had an effort deflected for a corner. The match was played in a good spirit throughout, but a messy challenge between Paul Shave and Gareth Risbridger both getting yellow cards, and this will bring a suspension for the Staines man at the start of 2008/9. Some lovely skills by Charles-Smith did not lead to a goal, and in the final minutes, play then switched to the other end, but Staines again held firm at the back. Right on 90 minutes, Onochie was tripped on the edge of the 6-yard box by Leon Hunter, but Nwokeji blasted the penalty over the bar. The final whistle soon rang out, victory rendering the result between the two AFCs irrelevant, and when the other results were collated, it emerged that Ramsgate had pipped Ashford, Hendon and Tonbridge for the fourth play-off spot, and so will visit Wheatsheaf Park on Tuesday. Staines: Courtnage, Nugent, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Thomas (Scarlett 84), Cook, Toppin (Nwokeji 69), Onochie, Charles-Smith, Mason (Risbridger 67); unused: H Newton, Ifura. Billericay: Worster, McSweeney, Kerrigan (Game 73), Alaile, Heffer, Shave, Wood-Garness (Marron HT), Hunter ©, Burbridge (Black 63), Bricknell, Hodges; unused Semanshia, West. Ref: Ashvin Degnarain (Southgate)); ARs Stephen Davidson (Watford), Mustafa Ergun (Hackney); off att 532.
Wednesday 23rd April 2008 (2pm) at Ashford Town (Middlesex) FC Surrey Schools’ FA Colleges’ Trophy Final – att 21. KINGSTON COLLEGE / STFC Academy (2) 3 GODALMING COLLEGE (1) 1 Andy North’s team lifted the county College’s Trophy for the fourth time in 6 years, after a well contested final with Godalming at Ashford’s Short Lane Stadium. Kingston dominated the opening minutes, with Blake somehow firing over an inviting goal, and also rattled the woodwork. However, at the other end, Chris Davies did well to push Ed Archer’s close range header over the bar, following a spell of Godalming pressure. However, Kingston immediately broke upfield, where Nick White opened the scoring for them on 20 minutes. Godalming were unlucky not to draw level soon afterwards when it was their turn to hit the post, before another good spell for their opponents, in which Ryan Jackson was twice unlucky – he rolled the ball into the net only for the goal to be disallowed for Ryan Ford’s earlier challenge on ’keeper Liam Poupart, and then his shot was deflected onto the post by a defender. The pressure finally paid off on 39 minutes, when a White corner was powered in by Elliot Blake for 2-0, but Godalming did not take this lying down, and pulled back to 2-1 with a tremendous strike by Ben Traviss a minute before the break. However, 5 minutes into the second half, Josh Brooks hit a crisp shot into the corner of the net to make it 3-1, and effectively seal victory. Kingston hit the woodwork for a third time when Ford raced through on 63 minutes, Poupart just doing enough to keep his drive out via the post, and 8 minutes later Jackson crashed a shot against the crossbar. After the officials and players had received their medals, Competition Secretary John Murphy presented the cup itself to Kingston skipper Quincy Rowe. Kingston: 1 Chris Davies, 2 Mitchell O’Connor-Toner, 3 Marvin Farrell, 4 Quincy Rowe ©, 5 Elliot Blake, 6 Nick White, 7 Ashley Lodge (12 Daniel Meggie 73), 8 Gareth Teuten (16 Aaron Gilbert 90), 9 Ryan Ford (15 Ricardo Kimfumu 82), 10 Josh Brooks (14 Elliott Thompson 80), 11 Ryan Jackson; unused - Emmanuel Adesanmi (gk). Godalming: 1 Liam Poupart, 2 Ed Archer, 3 Joe Edmed, 4 Michael Reed (7 Sam Hussain 64), 5 Jamie Green ©, 6 Rob Parrott, 8 Alex Downham (12 Luke Zatwardnicki 56), 9 Alex Harris, 10 Ben Traviss, 11 Chris Sturt (17 James Callum 82), 16 Alex Peck (15 Will Grove 82); unused 14 Chris Jackson. Booked – Parrott 60m. Ref Terry Kirk; ARs Ben Bennett, Peter Arnette (all Surrey).
Wednesday 23rd April 2008 (7:45pm) – Capital League (Western Division) STAINES TOWN Reserves (2) 5 MAIDENHEAD UNITED Reserves (0) 0 By Steve Parsons Despite not playing a League game between August 30th and January 8th, and reaching the league cup final, it was only the fact that Maidenhead asked for a 7:45 start that prevented them from being the first side to complete their games, Harrow pipping them to that honour by 15 minutes. And Harrow’s 7-0 win over a depleted Chesham side also spoiled Staines’ title chances, despite this excellent display against The Magpies. Even with the late start, two Maidenhead did not make kick off, so they had to hastily reorganise, but contributed to an end-to-end opening spell. Staines got the breakthrough on 11 mins when White cross from the left, and Daniel Meggie headed firmly into the Penton Hook Road end goal. Staines then began to take control, and were unlucky not to score again after rattling the bar in a hige scramble. However, number 2 did arrive on 40 mins, this time Aston Ventour heading home a White free kick from the left. If the visitors had hoped to regroup for the second half, they were disappointed, as Staines made it 3-0 just 2 mins after the restart. This time Nick White was on the receiving end of a cross, heading in off the bar following Michael Marren’s delivery. White was the provider once more for number 4, his free kick being rammed home by Elliot Blake. Staines had earlier defeated Maidenhead 5-0 in the league cup, and that scoreline was duplicated when Jamie Read smashed in a great strike from outside the box on 73 mins, to complete a night of excellent scoring. Young Chris Davies in goal did well to preserve his clean sheet with a late one-handed save from Ryan Hazell’s free kick. Unusually for a Capital League game, there were a couple of cautions, both to Maidenhead players – Tony Hazard for a wild challenge on White (35m), and R Hazard for a foul on 71 mins. Staines: 1 Chris Davies, 2 Elliot Blake, 3 Marvin Farrell, 4 Richard Orlu ©, 5 Quincy Rowe (16 Gareth Teuten 68), 6 Chris ‘Ted’ Day, 7 Michael Marren (12 James King 57), 8 Jamie Read, 9 Aston Ventour, 10 Daniel Meggie (14 Kerian Preddie 75), 11 Nick White; unused, 15 Dominc Dwyer, 17 Chris Wainwright. Maidenhead: 1 Nick Law, 2 James Williams, 3 Alex Costa, 6 Tony Hazard, 7 Nick Chrysanthou (5 Pierre St Hilair 64), 8 Ricky Hazard ©, 9 Leo Chabert (4 Steve Bado 41), 10 Ryan Hazell, 11 Alan Haine, 12 André Turner, 14 William Joseph; unused 15 Kash Siddiqi. Ref: Peter Georgiou (Summerstown); ARs Kevin Turnbull (Aylesbury), John Roffey (Willesborough, Kent); Att 16.
Tuesday 22nd April 2008 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division BOREHAM WOOD (1) 1 STAINES TOWN (2) 2 By Steve Parsons. This game was scheduled to have been played 3? weeks earlier, but the pitch had been waterlogged, so the sides met in the penultimate fixture of an incredibly close season. Staines went into their game in hand knowing that victory would lift them to 2nd and give them an edge over AFC Wimbledon on the final day. Boreham Wood needed a point to ensure they could not go down. However, all was not well in the Wood camp, as their controversial manager, George Borg, had been placed on ‘gardening leave’ preparatory to his departure as soon as the season ended, for a combination of personal and footballing reasons. Officially, Micky Engwell was the caretaker, but it appeared to be Ollie Adedeji who was giving the instructions. Some of those seemed to have got scrambled, though, as ex-Swan Fiston Manuella had to be hastily added to the starting line-up when intended centre back Craig Vargas failed to turn up, whilst another sub (Yemi Atta) didn’t rock up until 15 minutes into the game! There were a number of changes in the Staines line-up, too, with Marcel Nugent, Dave Sargent, Matt Flitter, and Elliot Onochie all starting, while Lewis Cook and Dean Thomas were on the bench, Jake Newton on a one-match ban, and Jon McDonald unavailable. The pitch was hard but well-grassed, the weather cool, and with a breeze which assisted Staines as they attacked the far end n the first half. The attendance was doubtless swelled by Wood’s offer of £1 admission to those who watched their game on Saturday. Staines made a blistering start, and their supporters could briefly entertain hopes of a 6 goal win which would further increase their edge at the top. Howard Newton slammed in the opening goal after only 7 minutes, after Richard Butler had cleverly and unselfishly rolled the ball across from the right of Noel Imber’s goalmouth. On 15 minutes, Elliot Onochie outsmarted Marvin Samuels as he advanced towards the box, and then pushed the ball through to André Scarlett, who fired Staines’ second goal just inside the post. However, the prolific Simon Thomas, who had already seen one effort deflect round for a corner, quickly pulled one back for Wood on 22 minutes, when a corner was cleared, only for the ball to be sent forward again, for Thomas to run onto and accurately lift the ball over James Courtnage. Thomas, Watters and Wales all went close for the home side, as they tried desperately to get back on terms. However, after Marc Charles-Smith had glanced a header just wide froim a Scarlett free-kick, Staines were left feeling aggrieved when Onochie raced through, and was pulled back by the last defender, Manuella. He wriggled free of the initial pull, but was halted by a second attempt, this time inside the box. However, having initially played advantage, Staines referee Dave Belbin gave the free kick outside the box on an assistant’s say-so, and Sargent’s dead-ball was saved low down by Imber. But Wood again went close, when a somewhat speculative shot by Ryan Maxwell crashed against the bar 6 minutes before the break. Worryingly, Butler did not appear for the second half, but this was later revealed to be more a precautionary measure, having taken a slight knock on his ankle: Mason was his replacement. Staines continued to live dangerously for much of the half, Manuella seeing a header cleared off the line following Chris Watters’ corner, this following a great run by Thomas, having intercepted a Staines corner at the other end. Another Thomas effort flew wide, there were fruitless appeals for a handball against Flitter in the box, and corner led to a prolonged session of ‘head tennis’ in the Staines area which eventually resulted only in a free kick. This was drilled in low by Danny Barber, but deflected wide. On 72 minutes, Staines broke away and a Risbridger header was held under the bar by Imber, under pressure from Onochie. The two players stared at each other in close proximity for a moment, and then the Wood ’keeper appeared to “flip”, making a comment to someone in the crowd, before throwing himself at Onochie and then onto the ground. Play resumed with a drop ball! The closing minutes saw the only cautions of the game, both for dissent after challenges out wide in almost identical positions – Maxwell for Wood and Onochie for Staines. In between, there was another long range effort wide from Boreham Wood sub Greg Morgan, followed by 5 nervy minutes of stoppage time, before Staines could celebrate their highest position since topping the table for the first few hours of September! They now know that a win at Billericay (never an easy task) will guarantee them the runners-up spot, but anything less is likely to see them return for 3rd, as AFC Hornchurch have the opportunity to rest a few players (as they are guaranteed 4th), and can minimise their chances of meeting the might of AFC Wimbledon by losing to them on Saturday! Staines: Courtnage, Nugent (Ifura 89), Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Risbridger, Charles-Smith, Scarlett (D Thomas 81), Butler (Mason HT), Onochie, H Newton; unused: Cook, Nwokeji. Boreham W: Imber, Burgess, Barber, Manuella, Samuel ©, Watters, Wales, Maxwell, S Thomas, Bangura, Burrell (Morgan 79); unused Atta, Reynolds, Horton (gk), Vargas. Ref: Dave Belbin (Staines); ARs Jon Panconi & John Wynne (both Dunstable); off att 297.
Sun 20 Apr 2008 STAINES TOWN VETS lost 3-0 away to Molesey Vets in a friendly at Molesey's Walton Road ground. The Women were without a fixture.
Saturday 19th April 2008 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division STAINES TOWN (0) 0 HENDON (1) 2 By Steve Parsons. Staines’ 8 game undefeated run came to a halt at a blustery Wheatsheaf Park on Saturday, as a hard-working Hendon became the only side this season to do a ‘double’ over them (or even a ‘triple’, if the County Cup tie is included!) Steve Cordery rotated his squad somewhat, bringing in Danny Gordon (fit again after his rib injury) for Matt Flitter, André Scarlett (back from a foot injury) for Leigh Mason, Lewis Cook for Elliot Onochie, and Jon McDonald for Marcel Nugent. More good news was that Adrian Toppin reported fit from his calf strain, although he was not used in this game. Of the other injuries, Mark Nwokeji and Sean Allaway were both receiving treatment, the striker being almost ready to return, but the ‘keeper now admitting he is unlikely to figure before the new season. An international match for Guyana in Guatemala which had been set to rob Staines of the services of Howard and Jake Newton for 10 days has been postponed, so both remain available until the end of the season, and were included today. The weather was bright at first, but became drizzly, and there was a stiff cross wind. Staines attacked the houses end of a good surface in the first half. Staines made a tremendous start, and should have notched a goal or three in the opening quarter hour. A header and a shot from Cook were both just off target, Scarlett, Richard Butler, Dean Thomas, and both Newtons putting the visiting defence under extreme pressure. Jake put Howard away, but ‘keeper Richard Wilmot came out smartly; Butler received a long clearance and tried an audacious lob which just drifted wide on the wind. Butler also received a neat pass from Scarlett, but was forced wide, only to go close with a curling effort, before H Newton volleyed just wide. However, on 18 minutes, Hendon scored with their first serious attack, Lee O’Leary winning the ball and slipping in Davis Haule, who advanced strongly before hitting a low drive just inside bottom corner of the net, for his 6th goal in 4 games. Charles-Smith soon had an effort saved, but thereafter, the north London side took control of the game, while Staines, unusually, started to show the strains of a long week. Belal Aiteouakrim stretched the home defence. On 44 minutes, Danny Dyer’s deep cross was met at the far post by Davis Haule, and although the ball went wide, there was a sickening moment when the striker’s head met the goalpost at speed. Thankfully, he was treated and quickly resumed. The half ended as it began – with Cook firing just wide for Swans, this after good work in midfield by Scarlett. Hendon wasted no time in getting back into attacking mode upon the resumption, with Courtnage having to come off his line smartly to deny Dyer in the 48th minute. Lubomir Guentchev twisted and turned in the box, but eventually went down rather too easily for referee Chris Williams’ liking, his caution for simulation being the only card of an otherwise very sporting encounter. After Dyer had shot just too high, Staines decided to ring the changes, with Nugent and Mason introduced together, followed soon y Onochie. But it was to no avail – the home side’s shots were generally from distance and were comfortably dealt with by Wilmott, while Courtnage was more severely tested by a rasping shot from L Guentchev, and an awkwardly skimming drive from Aiteouakrim. Once Onochie arrived, there were signs of a Staines recovery – J Newton forced Wilmott into a hasty save – but the chance of saving a point disappeared with a second Hendon goal on 80 minutes. Dyer set up Jack Page, and his low, 25 yard drive was likely to have been saved by Courtnage, but took a big deflection off Gordon before nestling into the net. Brian Haule came on, followed by Hudell without a resumption, and Courtnage was called upon to prevent a heavier defeat, thwarting James Everitt after some neat skills, and then saved B Haule’s angled drive. In stoppage time, Butler had a shot parried by Wilmott, with Onochie claiming the loose ball and laying it back for Mason, whose shot deflected wide for a corner. Steve Cordery was relieved to see that the other results had been generally favourable, minimising the damage caused by this result: Hendon were the day’s big winners, though, with the league’s early pace-setters hauling themselves back into the play-off zone. Mick Wells of sponsors Gemini Cars awarded the Staines Man of the Match award to Jake Newton; the NLP overlooked the excellent contribution of Hendon’s Dyer to give their accolade to scorer of the important early goal, D Haule. Another special guest was Tony Murray, visiting from France to see his first game at Wheatsheaf Lane since the early 1960s, when he played for the club, and captained the Reserves to the Spartan League Reserve title. Staines: Courtnage, J Newton, McDonald (Nugent 68), Gordon ©, Ifura, Scarlett (Mason 68), Cook (Onochie 72), Thomas, Butler, Charles-Smith, H Newton. unused: Flitter, Risbridger. Hendon: Wilmott, Parker ©, Burgess, Leach, S Page, Dyer (Hudell 86), L Guentchev, O’Leary, D Haule, Aiteouakrim (B Haule 86), J Page; unused Hudson, I Guentchev, Blackmore (gk). Ref: CJ Williams (Aylesbury); ARs A Moisey & S Francis (both Berks); off att 353.
The RESERVES played again on Thursday night at Croydon Athletic, and their League aspirations virtually disappeared after a narrow defeat. Reece Alsan's questionable penalty put the home side ahead on 28 minutes, but Quincy Rowe powered an equaliser 7 minutes later, only for Terry Edmead to restore Athletic's lead before the break. With Staines pressing hard for an equaliser, the game came to an unfortunate end. With a minute (plus stoppage time) to go, 19-year old sub Ariosto "Diddy" Severino went down a yard outside the penalty box in a challenge with a defender, and it was immediately obvious that he had sustained a very painful injury, and would not be able to be moved until an ambulance crew arrived. Referee Roy Pardoe had no alternative but to abandon the game, and Diddy was made as comfortable as possible by players and staff, and especially Mr Elliott (Luke's father). He was taken by ambulance to nearby Mayday Hospital in Croydon, accompanied by the team's management and several players, and was met there by his aunt and uncle. He was quickly x-rayed, and found to have dislocated his ankle, and possibly to have suffered a break and ligament damage. He was kept in, and will be operated upon today (Friday 18th April). "Diddy" has become an important member of the Reserve team squad, having stepped up from the Kingston College U19 side, and it speaks volumes for the lad's attitude that the main thing he was worried about as he lay in pain on the pitch was whether he'd get back in the side once he was fit again! We would like to acknowledge the best wishes expressed by the referee on behalf of the three match officials, and - as I was writing this - from Croydon Athletic FC, and also the help & concern shown by our hosts on the night. A collection was taken for this player at the First Team game v Hendon, where almost £450 was raised, thanks to the generosity of supporters of both clubs and of match sponsors Gemini Cars
Wednesday 16th April 2008 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division FOLKESTONE INVICTA (1) 1 STAINES TOWN (0) 3 Staines reaped the reward for never giving up, when they turned defeat into victory in a remarkable end to this game. Having trailed to an 16th minute Leigh Bremner strike, and seeing a stonewall penalty turned down, it was not until the 88th minute that The Swans drew level, this from a Lewis Cook penalty after Kevin Watson had inexplicably handled Jon McDonald’s throw-in. In the first minute of injury time, Elliot Onochie let fly with a wonderful 25 yard strike into the top corner, and there was even time 3 minutes later for Leigh Mason to add a third. Just 2 days after the fourth attempt to play this game was washed out, Staines were back in Kent and this time the game did take place. Steve Cordery rang the changes, with Danny Gordon nursing a rib injury, and Dave Sargent, Gareth Risbridger and Lewis Cook rested – in came Marcel Nugent, Marien Ifura, Leigh Mason, and Marc Charles-Smith. In contrast to Monday, the pitch was dry and bumpy, and there was a stiff breeze which blew in the Staines faces as they attacked the ‘Buzzlines’ covered terrace end in the first half. Invicta’s ex-Swan Okikiolu was out injured. After making a lively start, Staines somewhat lost their way, and after Glyde had shot just over, Staines were punished in the 16th minute when the home side took a lead they would hold for most of the rest of the evening, Leigh Bremner rifling in after Lloyd Blackman helped on a Michael Everitt through ball. Staines responded with a good ball from Nugent to Butler requiring an important block by Friend, before referee Martin Yerby (who will be on the line at next month’s FA Cup Final) failed to spot Liam Friend handling Charles-Smith’s cross, awarding Swans only a corner instead of the hoped-for penalty. Jimmy Corbett forced Ifura into a saving tackle, and was also involved in a move which might have stretched Folkestone’s lead from an Edge through-ball in the 37th minute, James Courtnage diving to save from Bremner, and then somehow keeping out Corbett’s shot on the rebound. The Swans keeper also kept out a Watson free-kick. Late in the half, Butler hit a good shot on the turn, but it deflected into the side-netting for a corner. Staines failed to make the best of the wind at their backs for much of the second period. Corbett put a shot just over and Glyde headed wide, but the home side were forced onto the defensive for long periods, as Staines tried to construct an equaliser. But the task seemed to be beyond them, as they struggled to unlock the hard working rearguard, and the best efforts by Howard Newton and Leigh Mason were blocked. However, Jon McDonald – who had replaced Dean Thomas – essayed a trademark long thow on 88 minutes, and defender Kevin Watson inexplicable rose and punched the ball away with his raised hand. This time, Mr Yerby made no mistake in awarding the penalty, and nor did Lewis Cook in converting it. Another sub, Onochie, saw a header saved on the ground by Luke Stonebridge, but hcould only get his fingertips to the ball in the first minute of stoppage time when Elliot Onochie struck a glorious winner – bending the ball into the top corner from outside the box, McDonald having advanced some 50 yards with the ball. And in the 94th minute, after good work by Onochie and Charles-Smith, Howard Newton played a ball in towards Leigh Mason, who showed neat control and a deadly finish in front of goal to make it 3-1. Staines celebrated at the end, but there was a degree of sympathy for the hard-working opponents who, having been pegged back after so long on the defensive, should perhaps have tried to preserved their point rather than leave gaps in an attempt to regain the lead. Staines remain 3rd. Staines: Courtnage, J Newton, Nugent, Ifura, Flitter, Mason, Charles-Smith, Thomas (McDonald 78), Butler (Cook 72), Onochie, H Newton. unused: Sargent, Risbridger, Phillips (gk). Folkestone: Stonebridge, Watson, Edge, Chappell, Friend, Glyde, Corbett, M Everitt, J Everitt, Blackman, Bremner (Sly 72). unused: Byrne, Ovard, Dickson, Conyers (gk). Ref: MS Yerby; ARs NR Baker & A Mead (all Kent); off att 229.
The College side travelled all the way to Swansea to meet the Swansea City Academy / Swansea College side on Wednesday, but went down 2-1 after Josh Brooks had given them the lead in this last ECFA Southern Premier league fixture. The team have one game left - Wednesday afternoon's Surrey Cup Final v Godalming at Ashford Town (Mx)'s ground
STAINES TOWN ACADEMY kept up their Ryman Youth League challenge with a crushing 7-0 home win over Horsham at Wheatsheaf Park on Wednesday. James McShane led the line with a hat-trick, Dominic Dwyer added two, Nassir Ali bagged his first goal for the club, and Marvin Farrell netted one. This victory was achieved without a recognised goalkeeper, Babak Honarfar (a right-back who had only just got into the side) deputising during a spate of 'keeping injuries. Also absent were both the team managers, so the side was under after by Chris Wainwright (who had looked after the Reserve side in the narrow defeat by Hemel Hempstead two days earlier - a 2-1 loss with Aston Ventour scoring.
Monday 14th April - Capital League (West) STAINES TOWN RESERVES suffered a shock home defeat by HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN at Wheatsheaf Lane, going down 2-1. Aston Ventour scored the Swans' goal.
Saturday 12th April 2008 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division HARLOW TOWN (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (0) 1 By Steve Parsons. This game was never a classic – in fact for long periods it was quite poor – but it made a piece of history as Staines booked their place in the play-offs for the first time, after grinding out 3 points from another difficult trip to Essex. Harlow, like Heybridge, needed the points to help secure their Premier Division future. Steve Cordery was able to welcome back his captain, Matt Flitter, and Richard Butler from injuries, with Marien Ifura and Marc Charles-Smith dropping to sub after some excellent performances. Lewis Cook came in for Leigh Mason, and the injured Mark Nwokeji’s place went to Elliot Onochie. Although the rain in the area fell only as a light drizzle over the 2-year old Barrows Farm ground, the conditions were made treacherous by a stiff crosswind and a bumpy pitch. The game got off to a very slow start, with very few incidents of note in the first half. Lewis Cook had an effort blocked in a scramble by Danny Chapman and Jordan Fowler, and Howard Newton capitalised on a poor clearance by Chapman but saw his low 16th minute drive almost sneak under the body of the diving James Hasell, but it clipped the ’keeper’s armpit and went just wide. Staines forced plenty of corners, but could not make any of them count, while James Courtnage made his first real save on 25 minutes, getting down well to block Rhys Henry’s low drive, following good work by Taylor and Gliddon. On 39 minutes, Howard Newton flashed a free kick into the side netting. Little changed at the start of the second period, except that Harlow had clearly settled for the point they started with, slowing the game down, and content to concede a string of free kicks in the middle of the park, with Kenny Davis the principle offender. One David foul gave Cook a free kick which he sent to the far post, where Gareth Risbridger headed over, and another – from just outside the box – was thumped into the defensive wall by H Newton. Risbridger had another shot diverted wide, Charles-Smith (who had replaced Cook) curled one just wide, and in between Harlow skipper James Bunn – their most dangerous forward – fired just over after good work by Beckett Hollenbach. Dave Sargent then went close with a curling 80th minute free kick after a foul on Charles-Smith, but Hollenbach headed out for a corner. This was played to Butler, who cut the ball into the box, and Elliot Onochie was there to force the ball over the line from close range, holding off two defenders in the process. A minute later, Butler had the ball in the net himself, but the referee spotted that he had used his arm as he turned away from his marker. Butler was denied again by Hasell, after Charles-Smith had helped on Gordon’s long free kick, and Onochie was crowded out after another darting run, started by a long Courtnage goal kick. Then came a worry for Staines as Gordon was accidentally caught in the chest by a stray boot, needing several minutes of treatment and completing the game only in some discomfort. There were 4 added minutes, and Harlow spent most of this time on the attack, with all eleven men. Bunn was inches away from meeting a driven Davis cross, and Bunn also got his head to a Green corner, leading to a scramble, and a Harlow free kick, from which Taylor went close. However, Staines hung on for their valuable point, and can now finish no lower than 5th. The match was well refereed by Colin Reeve, and there were no cards shown. Staines: Courtnage, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Risbridger, Cook (Charles-Smith 72), Thomas, Butler, Onochie, H Newton; unused Mason, Nugent, Ifura, McDonald. Harlow: Hasell, Davis, Taylor, Hollenbach, Kirby, Chapman, Akers, Gliddon (Green 82), Bunn, Fowler, Henry; unused Baker, Warren, Roget, Dumoulin (gk). Ref: C Reeve (Godmanchester); ARs Flanagan & Aylott (both Beds); off att 249.
Wednesday 9th April 2008 (7:30pm) – Capital League Western Division: att 25 BOREHAM WOOD Reserves (1) 2 STAINES TOWN Reserves (1) 2 Earlier in the season, struggling Boreham Wood were intending to pull out of the Capital League, with a shortage of players for the Reserves. However, with the 1st XI adding 6 new signings on deadline 10 days earlier, they were able to field a much stronger side for this game (including Fiston Manuella). However, Staines started well, and when a 15th min long ball over the top was headed clear by the Wood ’keeper, Kerian Preddie scored a remarkable goal, smashing the ball back beyond him from 45 yards! Wood levelled on 40 mins, when a speculative shot by the experienced Chris Watters found its way into the corner. Staines were tired from Monday’s cup final, and the fact that several players had turned out for the College team in the afternoon, and Wood dominated the second half. But with 4 minutes left, Jamie Read opened his account, volleying in after superb close control. But straight from the restart, Staines conceded a corner, failed to clear, and Wood scored to snatch a share of the points. Staines – Tom Sherwood, Chris Robinson ©, Marvin Farrell (Luke Elliott 66), Quincy Rowe, Richard Orlu, Chris ‘Ted’ Day, Kerian Preddie, Jamie Read, Daniel Meggie, Ariosto ‘Diddy’ Severino, Nick White; unused Elliot Blake, Danny Fisher (gk). Ref: Steve Symonds (Bar Hill, Cambs); ARs Peter Dace (Cuffley, Herts), Tony Hemmings (Cheshunt, Herts).
Thursday 10th April 2008 (7:45pm) - London & SE Women’s Regional League Division One (London) STAINES TOWN Women (1) 1 DENHAM UNITED LFC (3) 6 More than a month after the last game, the Women’s team returned to action for this re-arranged meeting with champions elect Denham, played in front of a decent crowd under the Wheatsheaf Park lights. Staines ’keeper Karrin French-Wollen turned a powerful shot onto the post on 6 minutes, and Staines then took a shock lead just a minute later, when Jo Ginger put Lou Richards in the clear to fire home from the edge of the box. However, Denham then turned on the style, levelling with an enormous shot by Rachel Blackburn on 13 mins. Maton’s pass put Alissa Down away for her to shoot their second into the corner (33 mins), and Zoë Timberlake hit a long shot just inside the post to make it 3-1 four mins before the interval. Kaprowski in the visitors’ goal picked up a knock, but recovered to make a fine save from Richards on 65 mins, and Denham made sure just a min later when Charlotte Stead ran onto a long ball and stroked home number 4. Down set up the fifth for Jenny Chimmento to sidefoot in (72 mins) and Blackburn completed the scoring with a fine individual goal a minute from time. Staines were unlucky when Lisa Samuel’s raking drive flew inches wide in stoppage time. Denham secured the title 3 days later, when defeat for Manford Way also ensured that Staines will finish a very creditable third in their first season at this level. Staines: 1 Karrin French-Wollen, 2 Angela Tunnicliffe, 3 Jenni Friar, 4 Julie Newell, 5 Sharon Heaven ©, 6 Nat Parsons, 7 Lucy McNeil, 8 Lou Richards, 9 Jo Ginger (12 Tash Lodder 63), 10 sam Oliver, 11 Lisa Samuel. Denham: 1 Emily Kaprowski, 2 Emma Spencer, 3 Jackie Spencer, 4 Rachel Blackburn, 6 Zoë Timberlake (10 Vanessa Leadbitter 70), 14 Lauren Cox (16 Jenny Chimmento 49), 12 Danielle Maton, 7 Alissa Down, 11 Charlotte Stead, 8 Kelly Spencer, 13 Katie Aherne (5 Siân McCrindle 67). Ref: Steve Woodison; ARs Pete Friar (Camberley / STFC), Steve Leadbitter (DULFC); Att 59.
Tuesday 8th April 2008 (7:30pm) – Ryman League Premier Division HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS (1) 2 STAINES TOWN (1) 2 By Steve Parsons. Staines inched another step closer to securing a play-off spot with this battling performance against relegation-haunted Heybridge. This rearranged match was played on a cool, bright evening in Essex, with the pitch somewhat bumpy. Steve Cordery named the same starting XI which had contested the previous two games, while the home side included a couple of new loan players, but their former Swans favourite, Robbie King, was confined to the bench by an injury worry. Swans attacked the far end in the first half. The half got off to a lively start, with Staines on the attack, but Heybridge quickly fought back, Sean Marks heading an Adam Gillespie throw-in against the bar before they opened the scoring on 6 minutes. Gillespie sent over a long throw from the left, and Ronnie Jones emerged from the cluster of players to firmly head home from the edge of the 6-yard box. Staines did their best to get back on terms, and went close on 18 minutes when Marc Charles-Smith put Mark Nwokeji away for a powerful shot, which was deflected over the bar off the shoulder of the rooted Ollie Morris-Sanders in the Swifts goal. Then Dean Thomas saw a shot headed off the line, but there was controversy over the next Staines attack, which ended with Charles-Smith and a defender decked after a clash of heads. However, referee Lee Betts allowed Adam Passfield to race upfield with the ball for Swifts, and feed David Wareham who thankfully shot over. Marks had a header for the home, side, following a George Lay cross, which James Courtnage stretched to divert onto the post. However, Staines levelled the scores on 36 minutes, after Ryan Hull’s free kick had been diverted for a Heybridge corner. The flag kick was intercepted by Howard Newton, and Staines worked the ball upfield via Nwokeji and Charles-Smith, the latter having an effort blocked, but Howard Newton had continued his run and forced the ball in at the far post. Further inconsistency from Mr Betts allowed a Heybridge’s Passfield to escape with a lecture after kicking the ball away to prevent a quick Staines free kick, but then issued a yellow card to James Courtnage for a similar offence. There was a bigger problem for the visitors in first half stoppage time, when Nwokeji fired a shot just wide but pulled up short with a hamstring strain. Nwokeji did not emerge for the second half, but Richard Butler took his place, so Heybridge could not afford to relax. Just 3 minutes after the restart, Morris-Sanders making a superb save to touch a Charles-Smith effort onto the post, following Jake Newton’s cross. Although Courtnage had to dive to save George’s shot, Staines were now very much in the driving seat, while Swifts had three players booked in a 6 minute spell – Wareham and Passfield for fouls, and Jones for kicking the ball away (although Collins was the worst offender in this area). From the free kick by Mason on the hour, Marien Ifura smacked a header against the crossbar. Onochie replaced Charles-Smith 4 minutes later, and then it was Staines turn to pick up a couple of yellow cards – Jake Newton for a foul (after which Lay kicked the ball over the stand without punishment), and Gordon, also for a foul. However, Swifts showed that they were not content with a point, as Lay forced Ifura into a vital clearance, and then – with just 10 minutes left – they took the lead. Stafford Browne won a corner from a Hull free kick, and this led to a scramble from which Sean Marks forced the ball in. Just a minute later, it seemed that this would not be Staines’ day, as a second J Newton foul brought another yellow card, and the inevitable red, which will cost him a place in the Boreham Wood fixture. However, Staines were fired up by this setback, but it seemed that time would run out on them, until they were awarded a free kick in the 90th minute. A scramble developed, with Mason hitting the bar and Butler seeing a shot cleared off the line, but finally it was Leigh Mason who lashed the ball over the line for his first competitive goal of the season. Staines stormed forward in search of a dramatic equaliser, but was halted by a crude Hull foul. So Staines’ 5 Premier Division game winning streak (their best under Steve Cordery) came to an end, but they can be reasonably happy with the point. Staines: Courtnage, J Newton [SO 80], Sargent, Gordon ©, Ifura, Risbridger, Mason, Thomas (Cook 75), Charles-Smith (Onochie 64), Nwokeji (Butler HT), H Newton; unused Nugent, Flitter. Folkestone: Saunders, Hull, Collins, Browne, Jones, Clarke, Wareham, Gillespie, Marks, Passfield (Reddaway), Lay; unused Savage, King, Rushen, Bowyer (gk). Ref: Lee Betts (Norfolk); ARs J White & N Cooper (both Suffolk); off att 111.
Monday 7th April 2008 (7:30pm) – President’s Challenge Cup Final: att 96 STAINES TOWN Reserves (3) 4 AFC HORNCHURCH Reserves (1) 4 By Steve Parsons. AFC Hornchurch won 4-2 on penalties For the second successive season, Staines were left holding runners-up medals in this, the Capital League’s cup competition, but this time it was after a scintillating match which was a great advert for Reserve team football. They fielded a team of average age 19?, and with just two competitive 1st XI outings to their name this term, yet matched their Essex visitors stride for stride. Hornchurch, who went into the game after winning 1ll 16 of their Reserve games this term, called upon 7 players with 1st XI experience this year, totalling 114 games. After falling behind to a great Des Boateng stroke early on, Staines stormed into a 3-1 lead thanks to goals by Nick White (2) and Aston Ventour. Both White and Marvin Farrell also hit the woodwork, as the Staines side looked to put the game beyond reach. However, The Urchins refused to be shaken off, and gained a lifeline when young Ross Wall pulled it back to 3-2 on the stroke of half time. Hornchurch equalised through Wall on the hour, but immediately fell behind again, this time to a clever goal by youth teamer Dominic Dwyer. Wall completed his hat trick on 77 minutes to make it 4-4, and in a tense final period, both teams had chances to snatch victory. There is no extra time in this competition, so the tie went straight to penalties, and it was the visitors who emerged to lift the cup. Chris Robinson's strike hit the post, and White's was saved, while Chris Day and Kerian Preddie were successful for Swans. Richards, Goddard, Judd and Glozier were all successful for Hornchurch. Goddard, in fact, should not have been on the field, his name having been omitted from the team sheet, but Staines have decided not to lodge a formal protest.
Ryman Youth League - 7 Apr 08 HORSHAM YMCA Youth 0 STAINES TOWN Academy (3) 5 Meanwhile, despite contributing two key players to the Reserves, Staines Town's Academy still proved too strong for Horsham YMCA on the same night. Enos Rodger bagged a hat-trick, and James McShane scored the other two - one of them a late penalty - as Staines continue to challenge for Ryman Youth League honours. This was despite losing goalkeeper Yoon Tae to a leg injury early in the second half, right back Babak Honarfar keeping a clean sheet as his replacement.
Monday 7th April In the two days following Staines Town's victory at East Thurrock, which enhanced their play-off credentials, the club underlined its present strength at all levels with two excellent victories at Wheatsheaf Park. Firstly, on a drizzly Wednesday night, the Reserves completed a swift double over Chesham United, winning 3-1 to leap to the top of the Capital League (West) for the first time this season. All the damage was done in a rampant first 25 minutes, in which Staines scored all their three goals. Dominic Dwyer headed home the first from a Lewis Cook corner, and Kerian Preddie made it two with a tremendous free kick into the top corner. Number three came after a Chris Robinson free kick released Dwyer, who made a snaking run before beating 'keeper Mark Whittamore as he came off his line. United pulled one back in the second half through Troy Bantleman. This victory means that Monday's Capital League President's Cup Final will be between the leaders of the two regional divisions, as AFC Hornchurch are currently unbeaten in the Eastern section. On Thursday night, it was the turn of the Academy, and they pulled off a terrific 1-0 win over second placed Kingstonian. Once again, Staines were in blistering form early on, but were unable to capitalise, until the 36th minute when James McShane squeezed a pass into Dominic Dwyer, and his shot eluded the 'keeper to sneak in at the near post and complete a memorable 24 hours. Staines had a golden opportunity to make it two on the stroke of half time, when a foul by 'keeper George Ellis resulted in a penalty, but Michael Marren sent his spot kick over the bar. Staines were forced to defend for much of the second half, but they held firm, and this victory ensures that they still have a strong interest in the top of the table.
Tue 1 Apr ’08 (7:45) – Ryman League Premier Div EAST THURROCK UNITED (1) 1 STAINES TOWN (1) 3 By Steve Parsons. Staines garnered 3 valuable points from a difficult engagement at relegation-battling United, and – theoretically – maintained their status as the only mathematical title contenders to Chelmsford, albeit at 1000/1 at the bookies! With Toppin (Achilles), Butler (thigh), Flitter (knee), and Scarlett all sidelined, there were places for newly re-signed Marien Ifura and Elliot Onochie. This match had originally been kindly deferred by E Thurrock, to assist Staines’ preparation for their Stockport replay. Swans pressed hard at the start, on a bumpy surface, with H Newton and Sargent sending in a stream of crosses from each flank, but the closest they came to scoring was when Nwokeji came off second best in a challenge with ‘keeper Gore. An amusing moment occurred on 26 mins when a little dog ran onto the pitch and wouldn’t budge, until Shane Gore picked him up and carried him to the tunnel – and even then no-one volunteered to take him so he could return to his goalkeeping duties. “Just like any Saturday night”, quipped Mr Toppin! Staines were stunned to go behind on 40 mins in what was United’s first real attack (barring one which Courtnage saved before he realised the forward was offside): a neat move ended with Max Cornhill drilling home a low shot from the edge of the box. But Staines took only 1? minutes to draw level, Nwokeji getting the ball across goal, and a weak clearance only reaching the edge of the box, from where Gareth Risbridger fired past Gore. More hilarity followed 3 mins before the break, when 70 year old Roy Roberts toppled over the fence when attempting to retrieve the ball, but was thankfully unhurt. There was still time in the closing minutes of the half for H Newton to have decent claims for a penalty for a trip waved away, and for Nwokeji to chip a shot against the crossbar. Staines began the second very positively, Mason sending over a couple of decent corners, one headed just over by a defender, the other meeting the same fate from the head of Charles-Smith. The crucial goal came on 56 mins, when Nwokeji showed great skills cutting into the box, then centring for Marc Charles-Smith to crash home his header via the underside of the bar. Staines were then forced on the defensive for a long spell, and had Courtnage to thank for keeping out a good Lee free kick, and a West header from the resulting corner. Immediately after Onochie was brought on, Staines made it 3-1 on 76 mins, when no defender could deal with Gordon’s searching free-kick, and Howard Newton ghosted in to shoot into the corner of the net. Thereafter Staines were rampant, and both Nwokeji and Onochie were unlucky not to score, Gore narrowing the angle in each case before the fired fractionally wide. Staines: Courtnage; J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Ifura, Risbridger, Mason, Thomas, Charles-Smith (Onochie 75), Nwokeji, H Newton; unused Cook, McDonald, Nugent, Phillips (gk). ETU: Gore, Pashley, Harrison, Lee (Martin 77), Stevens, Wood, Boyce Wareham 77), Cornhill ©, West, Boot (Martin 53), Dumas; unused Kris Newby, Alderton. Ref: Steve Rubery (Ilford); ARs Roguez, Yahaioui (both London); Att 143.
Sun 30 March ’08 - friendly: STAINES TOWN Vets 1 MEADHURST Vets 1 Making his début against the BP social club, was John Poole, a local lad snapped up in the Winter transfer window [January sales], squad no 1385. Having fallen behind, Alan Gane hit a magnificent equaliser, the like of which has never been seen before, and comparisons with Ronaldo got mentioned. Maradona, Pelé, Cruyff, Gane … they just roll off the tongue. [Report: A Gane]. Staines: Ryan Harris, Gane, Kevin McDonagh, Nathan Wharf, Cliff Williamson, Steve Lewis, Chris Wainwright, Vinnie Reid, Poole, Jim Williams, Simon Crabb; subs Arnie Venturini, Peter Oram, Kevin Fidler.
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