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Monday 29th August 2005 Bank Holiday Monday 29th August 2005 Ryman League, Premier Division AFC WIMBLEDON (1) 1 STAINES TOWN (1) 1 By Steve Parsons. Staines Town bounced back from thir defeat on Saturday, by coming from behind to deprive league leaders AFC Wimbledon of their 100% record in this, the first competitive meeting between the sides. AFC Wimbledon, formed is response to the franchising of Wimbledon FC (now MK Dons) continue to attract crowds larger than some Football League clubs to their home at Kingsmeadow, and the bank holiday attendance of 2754 was the largest to see a Staines league game since April 1997. The game was brought forward from Tuesday night because work continued on the roof and floodlights at the ground they purchased from Kingstonian a year ago. The pitch was in good condition, although the grass was unusually long, and the weather warm. In the first half, Staines attacked the right hand end (as viewed from the main stand), towards the unpopulated end where the Temple Stand is under construction. Steve Cordery made two changes, Jake Newton making only his fifth competitive start for the club – and the first since November ’03 – and Jermaine Hunter adding to the forward line, while Tariq Nabil and Michael Currie moved down to the bench. Staines had started in lively fashion, and Clement James even skidded a shot across the face of goal, before they were again caught out by a very early goal, this time after just 6 minutes. Staines were penalised for an unfortunate hand ball, and the free kick was driven over from the right, causing some confusion between the Staines goalkeeper and defence, and as the ball came off Shaun Allaway’s punch, New Zealand international Shane Smeltz moved in on it and hooked it in at the far post. Two minutes later, Richard Butler raced through again, but this time Allaway did enough to divert him, and Jake Newton showed that he was by no means overawed by making an efficient tidy up. This game was by no means a stroll for the referee Andrew Parker, who had to contend with a partisan crowd, but also some uncompromising tackles as the game went on. AFC’s Barry Moore picked up an early yellow card for a high tackle on André De Lisser, and Fiston Manuella followed moments later for contesting the decision. James was also clattered hard, and although he soldiered on for a while, he had to be withdrawn after only 22 minutes, with Michael Currie proving a lively replacement. But Staines’ star man on the day was perhaps Michael Murphy, who covered a huge amount of ground, one moment winning a corner after overlapping past Dwayne Plummer, the next chasing back to break up attacks by Moore and co. Butler planted a header just wide after a long Wayne Finnie throw, and Jeff Campbell thudded a volley straight into Allaway’s arms from a Moore corner. Staines increased the tempo in the closing stages of the half, with Newton setting up Murphy for a shot which hit the side netting, before the equaliser finally came on 44 minutes. Again Murphy started the move with a deep free kick on the left, which Plummer helped on, and De Lisser teed up for Jermaine Hunter, who marked his return to the side with a good finish beyond Andrew Little, which was greeted by a profound hush from the majority of the crowd! The second half was exciting rather than accomplished, as each side tried to outmanœuvre the other. Currie and Hunter combined well to release Plummer to send a tantalising ball across the 6 yard box, and in fact Andrew Little in the home goal was the slightly busier of the two custodians. Unfortunately, former Ashford man Richard Butler was stretchered off after 55 minutes, after landing awkwardly on his ankle when challenging for a high ball. There was along delay, and he was clearly in much pain, but signs were promising that his injury was not as bad as feared. Murphy was yellow carded, rather harshly, for a challenge on Campbell, and there were wayward shots from both number 10s – Smeltz and Plummer – before the former showed some clever control only to be pulled up for offside when handily placed. Then Plummer provided a great cross, from which the Hunter header was clocked just in front of the line. Murphy raided forward again, and rifled in a low shot through a crowded box, which took two deflections before spinning out wide to the equally impressive ?eljko Popoví?. A big incidence of ‘kicking the ball away’ brought Smeltz the games fourth and final card, and in the last minuite of normal time, Matt Fowler broke free for the home side but stambled over the ball. Although Staines were pegged back in the added minutes, they had shaded the exchanges during the 90 minutes, and can be pleased enough with the point from an intimidating away game. Staines: Allaway, Gordon, Murphy, Popoví?, Flitter ©, Newton, De Lisser, Manuella, Hunter, Plummer, James (Currie 22m); unused Nabil, Maskell, McDonald, Muldowney. AFC W: Little, Daly, Sargent, Finnie, S Butler ©, Howard (Wojciechowski 76), Moore, York, R Butler (Fowler 55), Smeltz, Campbell (Carley 85); unused – Hillier, Lennie (gk). Ref: A Parker; Assts: J Scott, M Foden; att 2754. Saturday 27th August 2005 STAINES TOWN (1) 1 BILLERICAY TOWN (2) 2 Ryman League Premier Division Staines Town’s winning start to the season was halted by a highly fancied Billericay outfit at Wheatsheaf Lane on this warm Saturday afternoon. A bruised ankle from the last game kept Ifura out of the starting team, but ?eljko Popoví? made a speedier-than-expected from his own injury. Billericay came into the game with an opening day win and a midweek abandonment, and so both sides were defending 100% records. The game exploded into life, with three top quality goals in the first 13 minutes. Staines had a meaningful attempt on goal within seconds of the kick-off as they pressed towards the St Pinnock houses end, but it was an unstoppable drive from Richard Thomas which opened the scoring for the visitors, after Staines had conceded possession in midfield after only 4 minutes of play. Billericay staked their claim on the three points with a second goal, superbly taken by skipper Jamie Dormer, on 9 minutes, after he was picked out on the left hand edge of the box following a good move. But Staines were in no mood to surrender, and when Zeljko Popovic found André De Lisser on the left, the Swans midfielder embarked on a weaving run and eventually fired past Mel Capleton from 18 yards. The game developed into an exciting and skilled encounter, with Clement James and Dwayne Plummer having shots blocked as Staines pressed for an equaliser, whilst Billericay’s Danny Hockton and Dormer forced an excellent double save from Shaun Allaway in the home goal. The big talking point came 7 minutes before half time, when Staines were awarded a free kick on the very boundary of the penalty area, even though Plummer appeared to be tripped just inside. The home side pressed strongly for a long period in the second half, but Billericay worked hard to limit the scoring chances. The best of them came after Jermaine Hunter was clean through, but perhaps expectation of an offside flag caused him to hesitate before passing to Michael Currie, whose shot was saved by Capleton. This came just 7 minutes after Hunter was brought on for his first competitive action of the season, in place of the hard working Dwayne Plummer. Dormer, Billericay’s tireless captain, was withdrawn after getting a knock with a quarter hour to go, but his side ended the game strongly. All three of their substitutes - Nathan Elder, Ross Wareham, and Gary Henty - had efforts on goal, and late on Allaway made a good save under the bar from Wareham. Craig Maskell came off the bench for the last few minutes, but even his guile could not contrive an equaliser for Staines in the remaining minutes. This means that they now share 6th spot with Heybridge and Worthing, while Billericay lead them by one goal. (Steve Parsons) Staines: Allaway, Gordon, Murphy, Popoví?, Flitter ©, Nabil, De Lisser, Manuella, Currie, Plummer (J Hunter 58), James (Maskell 84); unused Newton, Muldowney, McDonald. Billericay: Capleton, Game, Kerrigan, McSweeney, Sappleton, Dormer © (Wareham 77), Thomas, L Hunter, Cousins, Hockton (Elder 57), Lay (Henty 72); unused Elder, Brightley. Ref: B Knight; Assts: R Cox, M Treadwell; att 301. Dunstable in FA Cup Dunstable Tn won 2-1 v Felixstowe & Walton United yesterday to book their FA Cup passage again the Swans. It will recall memories of September 30th 1989, when Staines entertained the old Dunstable FC in an FA Cup (2Q) game at Wheatsheaf Lane, and it was abandoned when the visitors walked off the field after 38 minutes, having been reduced to 8 men by three early dismissals! Ladies in high profile friendly The Women's team lost 4-1 away to Tottenham Hotspur in a friendly on 28.8.2005. The new team plays its first ever competitive game next weekend. Tuesday 23rd August 2005 STAINES TOWN (0) 2 MARGATE (0) 1 Ryman League Premier Division Staines maintained their good start with this well deserved victory over Margate, who were relegated from the Conference (South) in May. Since then, they have endured a spell in administration and with a transfer embargo, but three days ago they made an emotional (and winning) return to their Hartsdown Park after 3 years as nomads at Dover and Ashford, and Staines will know better than most what a boost that can give to fortunes – not to mention the financial benefits of 1250 fans through the turnstiles. Not all of them made the trip round to a warm and perfectly manicured Wheatsheaf park, but they still contributed 2 coaches to a crowd in excess of 300. Steve Cordery made one enforced change, as big “Pop” Popoví? had not recovered from a knock he picked up on Saturday, and so Tariq Nabil stepped into midfield, with Danny Gordon reverting to centre back. Margate have just lost the services of ex-Swan Rocky Baptiste, but fielded Samuel Kola Okikiolu at the back, a player whose time at Wheatsheaf Lane last tern was plagued by injuries. They also had Bill Edwards, whose father, Billy, used to play for Staines. This was the first ever League meeting between these clubs, and Staines had lost the two previous cup ties (1987 & 1997) without even scoring a goal. Staines started in very positive fashion, pinning Margate into their own half for most of the first quarter hour. It was only directly in front of goal that Staines looked hesitant, although it was unfortunate that Dwayne Plummer was forced to hobble off for treatment within the first 20 seconds, and was niggled by a succession of injuries for the rest of the game. In contrast, ’Gate had two big strikers Leon Braithwaite and Darren Watson, whom Staines could not allow an inch of room in and around the box. Hasim Deen sent a powerful drive just wide of Shaun Allaway’s upright, but it was Staines who did most of the creative work, whilst Margate were content to break the play up when pressured. The referee assessor later revealed that there were 44 fouls in the game (roughly twice the average), the more-often-than-not ‘halting’ tactics (rather than malicious) by the visitors, who had clearly done their homework well. A foul on André De Lisser brought appeals for a Staines penalty, but there was nothing doing. The nearest either side came to scoring was in the 40th minute, when good work on the right by Plummer ended with him pulling the ball across for Michael Currie, who let fly from just inside the box, the ball then taking off a defender’s toe and striking the foot of the post. It came out to Nabil, but in a crowded box he could not keep his shot down. But the opening goal came just 9 minutes into the second moiety, Nabil began the move, and sent the ball across to Plummer, who in turn nodded it back across the goal, where Clement James arrived late from the right hand side, and firmly headed past ‘keeper Charlie Mitten. Big Watson was withdrawn for the visitors soon afterwards, and Croydon referee Steve Briffitt showed six yellow cards un a niggly rather than ill-disciplined closing 25 minutes, the first being to Michael Currie, whose challenge with Mitten for a loose ball was adjudged dangerous, and to Margate’s Sierra Leone international John Keister for a foul. With 6 minutes left, Plummer played an accurate pass up the line, only for Edwards to complain by impersonating a man with binoculars: he was very quickly a man with a yellow card. Eventually a corner transpired, taken by James, and to which Plummer connected powerfully with the volley, but just got underneath it. Mitten did well to grab the ball in a melee in the box, following some confusion in the box, but it was not until the 87th minute that Staines gained the comfort of a second goal. Manuella played a curving oass for Plummer to run on to, and he made up a lot of ground to reach the ball just inside the corner of the box. The keeper came hurtling out to meet him, but succeeded in tripping the forward over. Mitten was booked, and up stepped Craig Maskell, just 2 minutes after coming on for Currie, to place the penalty kick into the net with his first touch of the evening. Plummer could not continue after this, and was replaced by the returning Luke Muldowney, who had had summer spells with both Reading and Aldershot. Staines should have been coasting to a comfortable win in the closing minutes, but the game was made tense again after a questionable 89th minute free kick was given against Maskell after he appeared to have had his legs taken from under him. The ref saw it differently, deciding that the Staines assistant manager’s arms were raised before the tackle. The kick was taken quickly and cleverly to sub Jermaine Brown, who showed some skills in the box before letting go with a good shot to which Allaway got a touch but could not keep out. There was an injury time injury to a linesman (in an accidental collision with De Lisser), needing treatment, and this led to Staines having to hold on for a nervy 4 extra minutes. But they survived a couple of dangerous free kick, and by the end of the game were expertly keeping the ball way upfield, where unfortunately Danny Gordon got cautioned for a foul. Having gone =5th after last night’s events, Staines were thus restored to =4th. (Steve Parsons) Staines: Allaway, Ifura, Murphy, Gordon, Flitter ©, Nabil, De Lisser, Manuella, Currie (Maskell 85), Plummer (Muldowney 88), Clement; unused Newton, McDonald, Hunter. Margate: Mitten, Oates, Green, Edwards, Okikiolu, Deen, Kreister, Gradley, Braithwiate, Watson (Brown 63), Standen (Sesay 76); unused Egan (gk), Burke [only 4 named]. Ref: S Briffitt; Assts: C Wicks, S Naymard; est att 314. Saturday 20th August 2005 Swans kick off with a win LEYTON (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (2) 2 Ryman League Premier Division Except perhaps for a few less roadworks, Staines could not have asked for a better start to the season as they visited the fancied East London side – last season’s play-off finalists – and came home with an excellent performance and 3 well-earned points. Steve Cordery was able to re-introduce one of the quality players thought to have moved on at the end of last season, in Zeljko Popovic: the Montenegrin defender is still involved at Barnet, but free to play for Staines for the time being. This necessitated pushing Danny Gordon into midfield, but he thrived in this role and was deservedly the NLP’s “Star Man”. Michael Murphy was over his niggle, so made his competitive début at left back, with the returning Jon McDonald on the bench, and the other players who had not previously played League games for the club were Shaun Allaway (goalkeeper) and Dwayne Plummer (striker). Tariq Nabil was unlucky to play only the last few minutes after a very good pre-season, while Jermaine Hunter was not quite over a chest infection. On a warm day, a good contingent of the ‘Staines Massive’ turned up to see their side sporting their new Nike shirts, sponsored by Gilmour Quinn Mortgage Services; the pitch was also in good condition. Leyton were led out by their new Manager Tony Choules, and his assistant – former Staines and Hampton man Carl Taylor. Staines attacked the right hand end in the first half. The first few minutes were perhaps a little nervous for the visitors, with Fiston Manuella picking up a yellow card for a mistimed tackle as early as the 3rd minute, and Leli Bajada looked dangerous for Leyton, but could not quite connect with a dangerous lofted centre from Spencer Knight. Allaway was quickly off his line to deal with a situation following a short back pass. But soon Staines had settled into a good rhythm: their passing was accurate and their attacks always likely to bear fruit. They had already had one penalty appeal turned down – for a push on Manuella which was on the blind-side of the late-appointed ref Gary Young – but when Michael Currie was put through and seemed to be tackled from behind in the box by Simon Peddie, hopes were again high of a spot kick. Currie picked himself up most disappointed to see Mr Young indicating that he felt the last defender had played the ball. But the mood turned to joy in the next attack after 20 minutes, as Clement James (who had already gone close himself) deceived a defender with an accurate pass into the path of Dwayne Plummer, and he steadied himself and stroked it past ‘keeper James Hasell from the edge of the box. Knight might have levelled matters on 27 minutes, but Allaway did well to hold on to his low drive. An error at the back by Leyton let in Plummer again, but his snapshot flew inches over the bar. Staines again felt aggrieved when Plummer was toppled over by a mistimed tackle in the box on 33 minutes, but again the ref indicated the ball way played: Murphy had his name taken for arguing the point, but Matt Flitter proved himself a true captain once again by concentrating his players’ minds on the job in hand. And again the disappointment was shortlived, for on 36 minutes Staines made it 2-0. Marien Ifura won the ball at the back, picked out André De Lisser, who in turn released Plummer. His fierce drive forced Hasell to make a diving save, but he could do no more than to push the ball into the path of Michael Currie, who swept it in from 10 yards. Although Ryan Ashe had a shot blocked just before the break, Staines were good value for their two goal lead. Gordon unleashed a 30 yarder which nearly caught Leyton cold in the first 5 minutes of the half, and – sensing that they were in for more of the same – the home management gambled on a triple substitution just 11 minutes in. Although Leyton were able to contain Staines for a while, they could not test Allaway more than with a well struck drive from Manny Williams, and a booming free kick into the wall by Mark Sophocleous, son of Leyton’s ebullient chairman and prime backer. James nearly forced in an awkwardly bouncing De Lisser cross after he had done well to keep it in play, before Allaway saved well from Chris Stone’s close range volley, and Danny Shipp went close with a free kick. Craig Maskell came on as a steadying influence in the final few minutes for De Lisser, who had run himself into the ground, and within 2 minutes he saw his side almost go three up – Currie stretched for a Gordon cross but could not keep his shot down from just a couple of yards out. There was a little confusion at the end when Manuella got caught by a flailing arm, but he quickly realised it was accidental before tempers could boil over. So Staines concluded a very welcome 2-0 win. Nabil came on in the closing moments and impressed, but Jake Newton’s afternoon on the bench means that no Staines player will be ever present this season! For what it is worth, they are joint 4th with Hampton in the embryonic league table, but they will be up against another opening day victor on Tuesday, in the shape of Margate who were in the Conference South last term. (Steve Parsons) Staines: Allaway; Ifura, Murphy, Z Popovíc, Flitter ©, Gordon, De Lisser (Maskell 83), Manuella, Currie (Nabil 89), Plummer, James; unused Newton, McDonald, Courtnage (gk). Leyton: Hasell, Peddie, Parkyn, Cook (Stone 56), Thomas, Ashe (Sophocleous 56), Williams, Bajada, Shipp, Glynn © (Badu 56), Knight; unused Elsegood, Hawes. Ref: G Young (Dunstable); Assts: K Stone, M Staveley; official att 112. Sunday 14/8/05 100,000 Up for Staines Massive! A historic landmark for your favourite Non-league website, sees us gain over 100,000 hits since being launched in December of 2002! Spookily enough, 'Staines Massive' first went online as an 'unofficial' site on Friday 13th of that month but the counter was not added until Xmas eve on the 24th. Since then however, it has undergone big changes from a very basic publication, to the new 'official' site launched on the 14th of last month you see today. Heres to the next 100,000! Swans round up pre-season campaign Wessex League champions and new Ryman League 1st Division members Lymington & New Milton entertained Staines for the ninth and last pre-season game of the season, at their Fawcett’s Field ground, New Milton, Hampshire. The New Forset holiday traffic, coupled with a sudden onset of very wet weather, and the obligatory roadworks, played havoc with Staines’ travel plans, and many players were on the road for over 4 hours, forcing the visitors to request that the kick-off be put pack. Isle of Wight referee Steve Thorne reluctantly agreed, and the action did not begin until 40 minutes late. Even so, Steve Cordery was forced to start with the first eleven players who were present, leaving the stragglers to form the subs’ bench; this meant that Dean Pitcher, not fully fit, started. Palmer continued to be sidelined with a calf ligament problem. Staines supports could be forgiven for thinking they had a new player on show, but it was in fact Fiston Manuella minus his trademark dreadlocks – Shaved Fish, in fact. Lymington included among their subs Lee Chudy, a new signing from AFC Newbury who used to play for Staines, and he – almost inevitably – was their scorer. The pitch was in fine condition, despite the heavy rain it had suffered before kick off and during the game, and the small crowd in the stand saw Staines attack the left-hand goal in the first half. It proved to be a fast and open game, with a hint of ‘bite’ about it too, just what both teams needed just a week before the start of the Ryman League, oddly a week after most senior leagues this season. Craig Maskell (something of a local hero in these parts, with Southampton on his CV), and the nimble Dwayne Plummer flashing shots just off target, before the home side settled down and forced a number of corners. On the quarter hour, Lymington ’keeper Mike Hookway got down well to block a Plummer shot from the edge of the box, and then recovered to deny Tariq Nabil on the rebound. At the other end, John Mulhern twice went close, firstly shooting just wide from a corner won when Ben Thomson’s effort was deflected; and then racing away only for a well-timed intervention from Jon McDonald to concede only a corner. Staines skipper Matt Flitter started to get forward more than anyone could remember, and he collected the ball on the overlap from a Nabil surge, before latying it off to Pitcher, who had the ball taken off his toes by Hookway. Staines seemed to have well-founded claims for a back-pass offence waved down, and Lymington were quickly winning a free kick at the other end, from which Paul Towler glanced a header just wide. Another Linnets free kick (after Flitter was harshly deemed to have pushed Mulhern on the edge of the box) looked dangerous but Thomson sent his kick high and wide. Staines had a penalty appeal turned down when Plummer first went down in the slippery box, jumped to his feet and was then seemingly tripped, but only a corner resulted. It was perhaps a carry over from the resulting altercation which saw Peter ‘Peewee’ Smith go down under a challenge from Manuella, which produced a yellow card for the Staines midfielder. In the dying seconds of the half, Stuart Hussey burst forward for the home side, only to send his shot against the foot of Shaun Allaway’s post. Staines brought on four of their substitutes at the interval, and made a fifth change in goal soon afterwards. On 55 minutes, they were awarded a penalty when Darren Powell brought down Plummer, but Nabil failed for the first time in three pre-season attempts when his spot-kick was turned against the upright by Hookway, who was then able to gather the loose ball under pressure from Jermaine Hunter. Hunter was then in action at the other end, when his long back pass was intercepted by Hussey, but he dragged the ball wide. In the 66th minute, Hunter was shoved as he rose to meet a cross from the right, and once again Mr Thorne was pointing to the spot. This time, Jermaine Hunter took responsibility, and he confidently found the corner of the net. Nabil then suffered a slight ankle problem and was subbed. Lymington pressed forward, and might have scored if Hussey had connected with his volley to a Thompson cross. However, they did equalise when Staines conceded possession cheaply in the 71st minute, Hussey running through, and although James Courtnage did well to save his shot, he could do nothing about the tap in which Lee Chudy provided on the rebound. From then until stoppage time, Staines camped out in the opposition half, Maskell going close after Plummer’s free kick by the sideline, then a flowing move ending with Clement James crossing for Hunter to shoot just wide. Michael Murphy thudded a free kick into Hookway after Maskell had been almost clean through before Towler brought him down 10 yards outside the box. André De Lisser was fouled 20 yards out, and Plummer hammered the free kick against the foot of the post. Action finally moved to the other end in the few seconds of stoppage time added on, when a push on Thomson gave Powell the chance to test Courtnage with a powerful free kick. (Steve Parsons) Staines: Allaway (Courtnage 47); Ifura (Gordon HT), McDonald (Murphy HT), Newton, Flitter ©, Plummer, De Lisser, Manuella, Pitcher (C James HT), Nabil [Maskell 67], Maskell (Hunter HT). Lymington: Hookway, Reacord (K James 59), P Smith, Towler ©, Powell, Marwood, Mulhern, Thomson, Gregory (Chudy 59), Hussey, T Smith (Egerton 59). Ref: S Thorne (IoW); Assts: Michael Barnett (Locks Heath)), Dennis Fothergill (IoW); est att 89. Thursday 11th August 2005 Triallists impress in friendly Staines made the short journey to Queen Mary Close, Surbiton, to take on welcoming hosts from the Ryman League Division One. Steve Cordery fielded an experimental side in the first half, including four new young trialists who had been recommended to the club, namely Vinnie Durrant (left back), Adrian Tuitt (centre forward), and attacking midfielders Darryl Wilson and Marc Williams. With Jamie Palmer sitting the game out (alongside the injured Manuella), Jake Newton emerged as the only ‘ever present’ at the club in the pre-season games to date, and he captained the team, at least until Matt Flitter came on with some more of the more established players in the second half. Also absemt was Saulsbury, following a trial game with Hayes on Tuesday. Staines used a total of 22 players, with only one player – Nicky Beasant – playing the full 90 minutes. The son of Dave Beasant (who was among the small crowd), he had a very assured game in the centre of defence, where he was partnered from the start by Jon McDonald, more usually a full back. Casuals had a good season last term, but unfortunately their strictly amateur status meant that manager Micky Stephens found it hard to retain some of his top players, so this will be a rebuilding season for the historic club. However, they could still call upon the services of their outstanding ‘keeper, Gareth Williams, even though he now has an association with Crystal Palace. The pitch was in very good condition, the sky was overcast and produced sharp showers in each half, and Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half of a game that was 5 minutes late in getting underway. The home side started very well, with both Jamie Byatt and Simon Moore firing chances at James Courtnage in the Staines goal. Staines slowly assumed the upper hand, however, although in a first half of few chances, the nimble footed run by Gabriel Fanibuyan, topped off by a snapshot with almost no backlift, was a highlight, but Williams was equal to it. All of the trialists looked comfortable, and Marc Williams in particular seemed a useful prospect. The half ended scoreless. Dean Pitcher, who had replaced Jermaine Hunter in the first half, broke the deadlock in Staines’ favour with a goal of real quality on 54 minutes: even Williams was powerless to do anything about his top corner volley from 15 yards, following an accurate pass in from the left by Tuitt. Staines came close to doubling their lead 4 minutes later, when Wilson curled a free kick just wide, after he had been tripped just outside the box by Alex Rodrigues, the Casuals skipper. Staines then made a mass substitution of eight players, followed by one more a minute later, and Casuals responded with six of their own. Each team then changed their goalkeeper, before Staines produced a second goal on 79 minutes, Michael Currie firmly heading a Craig Maskell corner beyond the reach of Arjuna ‘Fish’ Adlam. Despite being a little low-key in outlook, this match proved to be a most useful work out for Staines, as Steve Cordery has just one more chance to shuffle his pack before the season begins in earnest on 20th August. Staines: Courtnage (Allaway 79-), Newton © (Ifura 63), Durrant (Murphy 63), McDonald (Flitter 63), Beasant, Hillary (Gordon 63), Fanibuyan (James 63), Hunter (Pitcher 28, Maskell 64), Tuitt (Currie 63), Wilson (De Lisser 63), Williams (Nabil 63). Cor-Cas: Williams (Adlam 77), Holloway, Horwood, Rodrigues ©, Brown (Ward 70), Hales (Blunt 70), Gibbons (Bullen 70), Broad (Corbett 70), Watney (Giorgio 70), Byatt (Crouch 70), Moore. Ref: Darren Sheldrake (Molesey); Assts: Dave Sheldrake (Molesey), Joe O’Neill (Wallingford); est att 61 'Arresting' performance by police Tuesday 9th August 2005 Staines met some stiff opposition in the form of Ryman League Division One club Met Police on their excellent Imber Court surface on Tuesday evening. Steve Cordery recalled most of those who were excused on Saturday, as well as including Jon McDonald among his squad for the first time this season. Met Police included two former Swans, in striker Kevin Cooper (ex AFC Wimbledon, Hertford, etc), and Paul Sears, who is on the Mets coaching staff. In front of a small crowd, Staines attacked the far end in the first half of a mild evening. Staines were much the better side for most of the first half, with Jermaine Hunter stretching for a through ball only to see his shot go a little over the bar after only 2 minutes, and Michael Murphy’s stunning 25 yarder hitting the crossbar just 3 minutes later. In the second half, however, Staines did not have matters all their own way, and the home side also struck the bar through Ian Batten, as Mets shaded the exchanges in a game which proved to be very competitive, but somewhat shot on goalmouth action. Mets made a mass substitution on 62 minutes, no fewer than six subs being introduced at once. One of the newcomers, Richard Thompson, marked his arrival by shooting just over Shaun Allaway’s goal 6 minutes later. As each side sought a winner in the last 11 minutes, Staines won a frwee kick just outside the box when Danny Gordon was clattered, but Craig Maskell’s stinging low drive was covered by ‘keeper Robin Ruston. Moments later, Staines almost gifted their opponents a winner to Scott Bennetts, and then Rob Tarrant saw a flicked header pushed over for a corner by Allaway. Staines’ last chance to win the game came from a drive by the combative Michael Murphy, which was deflected wide for a corner. (Steve Parsons). Staines: Allaway, Ifura, Murphy, Gordon, Flitter ©, Palmer (McDonald HT), De Lisser (Newton 71), Manuella (Fanibuyan 58), Hunter (Maskell 69), Nabil (Currie 62), James; unused sub - Sentence.. Met Police: Rushton, Hampshire (Sears 62), B Brown, C Brown (Bennetts 62), Newman ©, Curnow (Davis HT), Barrowcliffe (Parma 62), Batten (Nicholson 62), Haworth (Thompson 62), Cooper (Tarrant 62), Johnson. Ref: S Cook (Woking); Assts: M Webb (Woking), M Perrin (Horley); est att 71. Saturday 6th August 2005 'Ding's' reserves prove worthy opposition What should have been a vital part of Staines’ pre-season preparations – their only real opportunity to test themselves against higher semi-professional opposition – was undone by events 300 miles away on Wednesday evening! That night, Newcastle United were eliminated from the Inter-Toto Cup, leaving them without a game a week later, and so – in a hasty decision to schedule a fixture for this weekend – they called Yeading and invited them to St James’s Park. With the prospect of earning Ł50,000 and a memorable trip, the newly promoted Conference South club snapped up the chance of renewing acquaintances with their FA Cup conquerors of last season, and initially cancelled the game with Staines. However, Steve Cordery asked if they could still play, and so Yeading agreed to field an ‘XI’ (as they also did against Molesey 2 days earlier), rather than the otherwise engaged First Team. Cords therefore gave a few of his senior players the day off, including Flitter, De Lisser, James, Murphy and Currie. Meanwhile, Courtnage once again travelled but is still getting over a slight Achilles problem, Gell continues to have work difficulties, and of course Barnsby and Risbridger remain on the longer-term injury lists. With Yeading packing their dressing room with 20 players, and the ref refusing to sanction subbed players coming back on, Cordery was forced to add Dean Pitcher (still a month or two from fitness) and veteran ‘keeper Trent Phillips to his four-man subs bench, which also included James Saulsbury (partially rested with a wrist injury), Ryan Hillary, and two new trialists. These were Nicky Beasant (the 19 year old son of Dave, just released by Brentford, a centre back), and Gabriel Fanibuyan (former Hendon and Harlow striker). In the absence of the usual captain, Danny Gordon took the armband. However, it was something of an unreal atmosphere, as just 47 spectators strolled in, and the planned matchday programme was not published, as Staines took on the reigning Isthmian League champion club. The visitors attacked the gas-holder end in the first half, on a good pitch spoiled by grass that was rather too long, and in weather that was alternately warm overcast and sunny bright. Staines looked the likelier side to score from the off, and they thought they had done so on 15 minutes, when Jermaine Hunter rifled a shot just inside the post with such power that it snapped the net fastenings. However, his joy was cut short by a late offside flag. Dwayne Plummer then forced a diving save from Andy Stevens in the Yeading goal, before the opening goal arrived on 37 minutes. Hunter’s pressure had forced a misunderstanding between Yeading skipper Jamie Mann and his ‘keeper, and although the ball was cleared out to their left, Jake Newton crossed it back in again, Stevens failed to cut it out, and Dwayne Plummer swivelled to send a volley into the unguarded net from 10 yards out. In the second period of what was a sapping afternoon in the conditions, Yeading were able by judicious use of their substitutes to keep their side almost as animated as their assistant manager! Staines had a couple of chances to increase their lead, but Fanibuyan’s goalbound shot was diverted for a corner by a defender, and then Tariq Nabil hit the foot of the post following a quick free kick by Gordon. Hillary came off the bench for Staines, not long after having undergone surgery to reshape a previously broken nose, and inevitably was struck on the nose by the ball the first time he went in for a tackle! Somewhat against the run of play, Nathaniel Griffiths got a glancing header to a whipped cross from the right, to send the ball beyond the diving Shaun Allaway and into the corner of the net for a 66th minute Ding equaliser. But just 4 minutes later Staines were back in front, as Maskell centred for Nabil, whose legs were taken from under him by Jaz Rose just inside the 18 yard box, and Tariq Nabil stepped up to confidently despatch the penalty kick. However, Yeading almost snatched a draw in the 86th minute, when Troy Robinson raced through on goal, but Allaway got down well to save, and Beasant followed back to complete the clearance. (Steve Parsons) Staines: Allaway, Newton, Sentence (Beasant HT), Palmer (Fanibuyan 56), Gordon ©, Ifura, Plummer (Pitcher 83), Manuella, Hunter (Hillary 62), Nabil, Maskell (Saulsbury 83; unused – Phillips. Yeading: Stevens (Valadares 56), Rose, Grant, Mann ©, Dannie (Williams 65), Pestle (Robinson 56), Townsend (J Gumbs 65), Thomas (Reed 56), Pinto (Griffiths 56), Hughes (Hunt 65), Johnson (Fox 65); unused sub Grant. Ref: D Belbin (Staines); Assts: K Howick (Hayes), J McGann (Feltham); est att 47. Late show good enough for Swans A warm evening and a good quality pitch at Short lane welcomed Staines when they made the short journey to take on their Southern League neighbours, Ashford. Steve Cordery was able to welcome back Danny Gordon (who had suffered some whiplash after his car was struck last week) and Dwayne Plummer (who commuted all the way from Bristol), and also introduced former Hayes centre back Adrian Brown. Mark Butler, the Ashford boss, fielded a team containing no fewer than five former Swans (Tony Wells, Russell Canderton, skipper Steve Battams, Jacob Mingle, and Darren Deegan) whilst two others (Paul Johnson, injured, and Paul Burgess) were unavailable. Staines attacked the gas-holders end in the first half, although in truth they did precious little attacking, as Ashford dominated proceedings. Staines did engineer a couple of early chances for Jermaine Hunter, the first after some determined work by André De Lisser, but both times the final strike was just wide of Wells’ goal. However, Ashford kept Staines penned in for a while, and were rewarded with a fine solo goal on 22 minutes, when Anthony Joseph picked the ball up close to the halfway line, and darted through the Swans defence before sending a low hard shot into the far bottom corner of Shaun Allaway’s net. Friendlies typically fade out in the second half, but this one – at least from the visitors’ perspective – bucked the trend, as Staines stormed back into the match after the interval. Even before the usual raft of substitutions had been launched, Staines levelled the scores, just 4 minutes after the restart. Fiston Manuella won the ball and played a pass which was dummied by Michael Currie, to give Jermaine Hunter unhindered possession, and he moved in on goal and guided his shot into the corner of the net. Ashford then had a chance to restore their lead, but although the ball was pinged across the goalmouth several times, no-one could provide the finishing touch. The same thing then happened at the other end, Craig Maskell laying the ball back to the very impressive Michael Murphy, who had pushed up from left back once again, and sent the ball across goal, but similarly there was no final touch. There were only 6 minutes left when Staines moved ahead, Craig Maskell rising at the far post to head in a pinpoint Clement James cross from the left, once again in a move begun by Murphy. A few moments later, Plummer came off, probably just tired after his long journey, and as Gordon was still kitted up, he was pitched back on and told to play the last few minutes up front. What a surprise, then, when, after 89 minutes, Danny Gordon bagged his first ever goal for Staines, forcing the ball in from close range after Brown had nodded down a James cross, this time from the right. And there was still time for Staines to add a fortunate fourth, James drilling the ball in from the left, and – in trying to cut out the danger - Ashford defender Russell Canderton’s outstretched boot was able only to turn the ball into his own goal: it was also his first Staines goal too! As ever, Alan Constable and Bob Parker made their visitors most welcome. (Steve Parsons.) Staines: Allaway, Gordon (Newton 72), Murphy, Saulsbury (Ifura 72), Flitter © (Brown 65), Plummer [Gordon 85], De Lisser (Hillary 72), Manuella (Palmer 61), Hunter (Sentence 81), Currie (Maskell 65), James. Ashford: Wells, Canderton, Lake (Willoughby 82), Canning (Ellis 68), Battams © (Simpson 76), Wellard, Joseph, Mingle (Salaghishvili 78), Harris (Eggington 59), Frost (Graham 76), Deegan (Ashanti 59); unused – Holley. Ref: M Thompson (Northolt); Assts: K Howick & M Sennett (both Hayes); est att 143 Monday 1st August 2005 Controversial goal denies Swans victory Staines took on a young Leyton Orient side on an excellent Wheatsheaf Lane surface on Saturday, and did enough to beat their illustrious opponents. However, The O’s stuck to their guns and forced a late equaliser. The match started in some controversy, as the Londoners arrived in a black kit, and did not have alternatives for the match officials, but Mr Trivett and his colleagues obtained some blue shirts from the Swans. The pitch was excellent, the weather warm but close, with a constant threat of showers that did not materialise until after the final whistle, and Staines attacked the Silver’s Farm end in the first half. Steve Cordery unveiled his latest signing, experienced 6’ central defender james Saulsbury, from Slough Town, and he made his club début alongside another former Rebel, goalkeeper Shaun Allaway. With Allaway having not played since his recent minor knee op, Trent Phillips was added to the subs’ bench as a precaution, but was not called upon. The team also welcomed back Marien Ifura and Fiston Manuella, who had not previously figured this pre-season due to being away. Danny Gordon was unfortunately unavailable, having suffered ‘whiplash’ in a car accident earlier in the week. Meanwhile, Kezie Ibe continues his trial with Southend (having also turned out for Aldershot recently), whilst Dwayne Plummer was unavailable due to personal commitments. Staines started well, with Michael Currie shooting just over, and Clement James wide, whilst visiting ‘keeper Daniel Smith had his hands stung by a Tariq Nabil drive, and was also stretched by a sliced clearance from one of his own defenders. Nabil also put a header just off target after a good move by the home side. Raphael Sylvester, but most of the half belonged to the home side. The goal which they deserved finally came on the stroke of half time, when Michael Murphy sent over a free kick from close to the corner flag, and it was met by a far post header by Marien Ifura, who thus notched his first goal for the club. The second half was broken up by substitutions, and as is often the case, the game lost some of its pattern. One of those coming on for Staines was Craig Maskell, who finished his League career at Brisbane Road. However, Staines seemed to be coasting towards a first win of the season, until Orient levelled on 79 minutes. Nuno Gourgel curled a shot from the edge of the box, which hit the junction of post and bar. Allaway had dived for the ball, and consequently turned to gather the ball as it rebounded behind him, and there were claims that Manuella was pushed as he made to clear the ball, but Mr Trivett allowed play to continue, as Tom Ziepe forced the ball over the line from close range. Ziepe might have snatched a second for the visitors, but Allaway saved well. At the other end, the impressive Manuella went close with a powerful headed effort, and then ‘CJ’ James let fly with a super drive which cleared the bar by inches. This concludes a difficult string of four attractive friendlies against Football League clubs, which have provided some stern opposition, and plenty of interest for the spectators. Special credit must go to Steve Cordery and Craig Maskell for bringing their contacts to bear in instigating these games, and to Graham Gould for preparing a pitch which was a credit to the club with such clubs coming to visit. (Steve Parsons) Staines: Allaway; Ifura, Murphy [Nabil 70], Saulsbury (Newton 51), Flitter © [Saulsbury 74], Nabil (Maskell 58), De Lisser, Manuella, Hunter (Palmer 51), Currie [Hunter 74], James; unused Phillips (gk). Leyton Orient: Smith, Matthews (Grange 74), Fyfield (Shields HT), Ziepe, O’Ceaurill, Glover ©, Wallis, Amena (Frankie Webb 74), Sylvester (Nene 66), Gourgel, Denny Webb; unused Jennings (gk).. Ref: A Trivett; Assts:I Smith, C Miles (all from Hants). Att: 146. * The match is available to buy on DVD (Ł5) from Julian Fox and Lee Carpenter. E-mail julianfox@lineone.net or lee@lemarsh.co.uk
Staines Town Juniors under 12s have been left without a goalkeeper following the departure of Jorden Dawson to Halliford Colts. The team play in the Surrey Primary League (Premier or Division 1, to be decided), and manager Paul Williams would be keen to hear from anyone interested in a trial. Please call 07841 223 650.
Staines Town’s new Women’s team lifted silverware on the very day it saw its first action. They were competing in the Action International Friendship Tournament at Fulmer Grange, a triangular competition in which each side played two full-sized but shortened (40 minute) games. In cold, wet and windy conditions, Staines kicked off the tournament with a match against American side Texas Vipers, from Rowlett, near Dallas. Rachel Fell hit the side netting early on for Staines, but they had to wait until the 15th minute before Leanne Elliott broke the deadlock in style: a shot from not much beyond the halfway line took a high bounce which carried it over the head of ‘keeper Ashley Cooper. Fell forced a good save from Cooper, but after the break Staines proceeded to dominate the match, and they extended their lead 4 minutes after the restart. Hannah Murphy won a corner when her shot was palmed round the post, and she took it herself, sending it long to Elliott, and she forced the ball over the line from close range. On the half hour, Staines made sure of victory with a third goal, Hannah Murphy sending in an inswinging corner from the left, and the keeper could only help it over the line. This match represented the realisation of a lifelong dream for one of Staines’ players: Gemma Moss, who has always wanted to play for Staines since starting her footballing career in the club’s Mini Soccer programme at the age of 5. She has subsequently played for Colne Valley Girls and Fulham, and will shortly be off to university. Staines had little chance to rest, as they were in action again almost immediately, against the fresh-legged Luton Town Belles. They were furthere stretched, as they fielded only the bare eleven players, allowing no respite through substitutions in the sapping conditions. However, it took just 2 minutes for Rachel Fell to score with a powerful shot from the left flank, following a strong run down the middle by Lucy McNeil. Rebecca Cain threatened to equalise for Luton, but was thwarted by a perfectly timed tackle from Sidoné Bryan. However, on 17 minutes, a Luton corner from the left was headed home from close range by Tanya Blaxley (taking a deflection off a Staines defender) to make it 1-1. In worseneing weather, there was no further score in the second half. Staines then had to sit out the final game, and hope that Luton did not beat Texas by more than three goals. However, the Americans gave a great account of themselves, to pull off a 2-0 win, and hand the trophy to Staines. Tournament Details:
Staines : 1 Sarah Clutterbuck, 2 Charlotte Philips, 3 Georgie Giddings, 4 Katie Bond, 5 Sidoné Bryan, 6 Gemma Moss, 7 Hannah Murphy, 8 Eddie Koff, 9 Leanne Elliott, 11 Rachel Fell, 12 Lucy McNeil. | ||||
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