RESERVES WIN AWAY

Wednesday 30 August 2006 (7:45pm)

Capital League (Western Division)

MAIDENHEAD UNITED RESERVES .......................  (0) 0

STAINES TOWN RESERVES .....................................  (0) 2 By Steve Parsons.

                Jordan Kiffin 62m, Howard Newton  81m

Up against old friends Gary Jenkins and Carl Taylor’s side, which actually included ex Swans junior Jake Jenkins, Trent Phillips again fielded a good mix, bolstered by Currie and James who were returning from injury. Sadly, Browne had to come off after just 12 minutes, after suffering a painful knock on the same knee that gave him so much trouble last term.  Kiffin looked menacing early on, Howard Newton saw a fine shot touched onto the bar, and Currie drew a good save from Howard after robbing the defender.  But it was not until the 62nd minute that Jordan Kiffin opened the scoring, and it was another ball from the left that enabled Howard Newton to double the lead 9 minutes from time.

Staines: James Courtnage, Tim Pitt, James Joyce, Adam Thompson (Vladimir Petkovi? HT), Adrian Browne (Chris Robinson 12), Dean Thomas, Josias Carbon, Howard Newton, Michael Currie © (Roger Muhire HT), Jordan Kiffin, Clement James; unused Mamadou Faly Basse, Mark Nwokeji.

Maidenhead: Perry Howard, Eric Kwayke, Ryan Newman, Ryan Johnson, Marcel Nugent (Lee Channell 25), Jake Jenkins (James Partridge 60), Joe Horlock, Danny Burnell (Chimo Eberendu 71), Craig O’Connor ©, Nathan Bailey, Simon Goodram; unused Stuart McKinlay, Kobina Anaman (gk).

Ref: Carl Henry (Desborough); Assts John Faithfull (Loughton), Robert Walter (Aylesbury). Att 41

SPELTHORNE DERBY ENDS ALL SQUARE

Bank Holiday Monday 28th August 2006 (3pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (1) 2   ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX) (0) 2 By Steve Parsons.

This local derby gave Spelthorne’s two Ryman Premier clubs the chance to put stuttering starts to the season behind them, both teams having lost two of their opening 3 games, and Staines still seeking a win.  Steve Cordery introduced Gareth Risbridger and Dean Green for Adam Thompson and Errol Telemaque.  Former Staines boss, Mark Butler, included no fewer than five ex-Swans in Ashford’s starting line-up – Tony Wells, Steve Battams, Lee Passmore, Jacob Mingle, and Darren Deegan, with a sixth – Russ Canderton – coming on as a sub.  A seventh, Paul Johnson, was out injured.  The pitch was perfect, the wet morning gave way to a mild but showery August Bank Holiday afternoon, the attendance was a slightly disappointing 429, and the home side attacked the Silver’s Farm end in the first half.

The game turned out to be a passionate, exciting, and controversial affair, but one which both sides struggled to find the time and space to display much in the way of quality football.  Sussex ref Irvine Woodward booked no fewer than eight players, five of them from Staines, the first coming very early for a foul by Pete Castle, and the next two arriving in the 8th minute.  A skirmish out wide initially involved home defender Jake Newton and the visitors’ lively striker Scott Todd, both being carded after a messy tangle on the ground, and they were then visited by a crowd of uninvolved players before the situation calmed.  Ashford felt that Newton might have received a sterner punishment after seeming to aim a kick, but then saw their own midfielder, Passmore, crudely halt Jon McDonald as he raked forward.  There were frequent free kicks, making it a very open game, with chances at each end – plenty of efforts but little composure.  Todd always looked a threat, and he sent a ball right across the goalmouth after cutting in from the left.  At the other end, Wells was tested by, and found equal to, the best that Mark Nwokeji and André Scarlett could throw at him, whilst McDonald’s throws again made a potent weapon.  Staines seemed to be getting on top late in the half, with Wells saving an Ali Chaaban free kick following a foul on Scarlett, before they moved ahead on 45 minutes.  However, it was a sloppy goal for Ashford to concede, as Battams and Wells were caught in tow minds as the ball was played between them, and the lightning quick Mark Nwokeji needed only a split second to dart in, steady himself, and guide the ball beyond Wells. However, Shaun Allaway also had to be alert in stoppage time, holding John Hamsher’s close range header after good work between Anthony Joseph and Vinnie O’Sullivan.

Right at the start of the second half, it was Staines’ turn to be caught napping, but Todd was unable to keep his shot on target after raiding Castle’s keep.  Seconds later, Kevin Warner hit  fine shot which grazed the woodwork, but Ashford drew level in the 52nd minute.  Todd kept the ball in play and picked out Deegan, and his cross was met by a powerful volley from close range by Jacob Mingle.  Mr Woodward then went back and cautioned McDonald for a foul on Joseph earlier in the move.  Five minutes later, McDonald was involved in another controversial moment, hastening to take a throw, only for Ashford boss Mark Butler to kick the ball away – and he was dismissed from the bench for his interference.  Wells denied Nwokeji after the latter had worked a good opening, and persistent niggles brought yellow cards for Scarlett (Staines) and Gavin Smith (Ashford).  Staines tried to secure a winning advantage by introducing the fresh forwards, Michael Currie and Errol Telemaque, and Wells again had to be on his toes to save a deflected Scarlett shot from McDonald’s throw.  But their next attack was broken up, and Ashford showed their counter-attacking threat, before Joseph squandered the chance with a weak shot into Allaway’s body.  Ashford, too, made changes, but with just 7 minutes left on the clock, it seemed that Staines would claim all three points, Warner finding Nwokeji, whose flicked header opened up space for André Scarlett to keep his composure and fire home -  a fitting reward for his tireless performance.  Ashford’s third caution was handed out to O’Sullivan for a foul on Telemaque, and Staines very nearly added a third when Currie received a quick free kick from Risbridger, and guided the ball across goal, lacking only a touch to take it inside the far post.  However, there was a final sting in the tail as, for the second time in 3 days, Staines were undone by a winner in the 2nd minute of injury time.  Jon Palmer bore down on goal but was clattered by Staines keeper Allaway after he had shot.  Although Staines claimed that the ball had already gone out of play before the collision occurred, Mr Irvine pointed straight to the penalty spot, and Scott Todd duly obliged, having waited for the Staines ‘keeper to receive his treatment and his yellow card.

Staines: Allaway, J Newton, McDonald, Castle, Flitter ©, Risbridger, K Warner, Scarlett, Green (Currie 65), Nwokeji, Chaaban (Telemaque 76); unused Maskell, H Newton, Mashali.

Ashford: Wells, O’Sullivan, Chewins, Hamsher, Battams ©, Passmore (Canderton 86), Joseph (Palmer 80), Mingle, Smith (Harris 80), Todd, Deegan; unused Cooper, Lauder-Dyke (gk).

Ref IJ Woodward (E Sussex); ARs DA Martin (Hants), K Ruth (IoW);  Official Att 429.

RESSIES PLAY FIRST GAME IN 2 YEARS

Wed 23rd - SWANS RESERVES beat Dulwich Hamlet Res 2-0 at Wheatsheaf Lane in their first Capital League fixture for over 2 years.  Howard Newton scored after 12 minutes, and Simieon Howell made sure with a goal 8 minutes from time.

SWANS STUNNED

Saturday 26th August 2006 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

BILLERICAY TOWN (0) 1   STAINES TOWN (0) 0 By Steve Parsons.

Staines were left fuming at a controversial refereeing decision which cost them at least a share of the points from a difficult but well contested game on Saturday.  Steve Cordery selected the same starting eleven as in midweek, and was surprised to see San Lee, who turned out for Staines Reserves on Wednesday, in the Billericay squad, although he did not make the team or bench.  The pitch was in good condition, the afternoon was overcast and drizzly (especially in the first half), with a gusting breeze across the pitch.  Staines attacked the clubhouse end in the first half.

There were early testers for both ‘keepers, and Staines centre back had to wear a blood shirt (17) for most of the first half, after bleeding from a bump on the nose.  Staines’ best efforts came from the twinkling toes of Ali Chaaban, and a driven Kevin Warner free kick.  However, it was the home side that came to dominate the first half, Nathan Elder testing Shaun Allaway with a good shot, and Leon Hunter going close with a header from a Lee Hodges corner.  After Darren Blewitt picked up a yellow card for a foul on Jake Newton, Billericay continued to go forward.  Jamie Dormer squeezed a pass through to Elder, but he shot just wide, and then Allaway made a tremendous double save from the same player.  But there were good signs for the visitors right at the end of the half, with Errol Telemaque and Mark Nwokeji combining well for Chaaban, whose shot was deflected for a corner, which Kevin Warner swung in, and Nwokeji nodded just too high

It was Staines who proceeded to gain the upper hand after the break, with Nwokeji serving early warning by blistering down the right and crossing for Chaaban, only for Billy McMahon to make the first of a string of impressive saves.  Danny Morgan worked a chance for Billericay but shot across the face of goal, before being withdrawn in an early substitution.  McMahon was in action again, denying Warner who hit a fine shot after good work by Telemaque, Matt Flitter, and Castle.  Nwokeji went close after Jake Newton’s cross, and then he made another save from Chaaban, with defender Danny Kerrigan getting back to clear Warner’s follow-up off the line.  Billericay seemed to have weathered the storm, as Allaway was called into action to keep out Hunter’s header after good work on the right by Matt Game, and Telemaque’s foul (for which he was booked) giving rise to a free-kick move between Joe Flack and Hunter, from which Elder’s point blank header was well saved.  Chaaban’s solo run drew another save from McMahon, and with 13 minutes left, Staines introduced attacking subs Dean Green and Howard Newton.  Just 3 minutes later, Howard Newton was put clean through on goal, only to be tripped on the 6 yard line by the keeper.  He was propelled forward, and somehow managed to bundle the ball over the line from a prone position, albeit with the ball striking his elbow, but not before Essex referee Neil West had blown for a penalty.  A red card for the ‘keeper seemed a formality, especially after the earful he and his team-mates gave the referee, but he escaped without punishment, and compounded Staines’ sense of injustice by saving Chaaban’s spot kick.  Only then was McMahon cautioned for continuing with his protests.  The issue was subsequently clouded even more, when the referee later explained that the penalty was not given for the trip, but against a Billericay defender who had prevented the ball crossing the line with his hand, but who could not be identified because he was on the ground.  Notwithstanding that the ball did go in, the only defender (Dave McSweeney) arrived just too late, for his kicked clearance to prevent this, and at no point did he deviate fro the vertical!  In the 90th minute, Howard Newton rolled a pass to Green, who audaciously attempted a shot from outside the box, only from it to slam against the post and bounce clear.  As the game ticked round towards its second minute of injury time, and the crowd agreeing that a draw was probably a fair result over the 90 minutes, a linesman’s flag was belatedly acknowledged for a push by Castle, and – with the Staines defence in disarray – the free kick was quickly taken to Flack, and although his shot was saved, Leon Hunter was on hand to stab in the rebound.  Now it was Staines’ turn to feel aggrieved, but with only seconds remaining, the final whistle brought an end to the game.

Staines: Allaway, J Newton, McDonald, Castle, Flitter ©, Scarlett, K Warner,  Thompson (Green 77), Telemaque, Nwokeji (H Newton 77), Chaaban; unused Risbridger, Mashali, Courtnage (gk).

Billericay: McMahon, McSweeney, Kerrigan, Blewitt, Heffer, Dormer, Game, Hunter, Elder, Morgan (Flack 55), Hodges (Ryan 60); unused Swaine, D Collins, Worster.

Ref N West; ARs K Theobald (Suffolk), S Gillman (Essex); Official Att 397

30 YARDER KILLS OFF SWANS

Tuesday 22nd August 2006 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

BROMLEY (1) 2   STAINES TOWN (0) 1 By Steve Parsons.

Staines visited a strong Bromley side on Tuesday, to find the old Hayes Lane ground transformed by the completion of an impressive building project behind the main stand, and a fine playing surface.  Steve Cordery selected Adam Thompson in midfield, in place of Ayman Mashali, and on a mild night, Staines attacked the board room end in the first half.  (Although there is a plush new boardroom, it is at the same end as the old one).

With echoes of Saturday, it again looked as though set-pieces were likely to be the key in the opening 15 minutes.  Kevin Warner swung over several good free kicks for the visitors, as did Barry Moore and Junior Kadi for Bromley, all from the stand side.  A late challenge on Moore brought Staines a caution for Thompson, but it was the Swans who almost opened the scoring, Errol Telemaque going close with a header after André Scarlett had fed Ali Chaaban for a telling cross.  However, it was Bromley who scored the first League goal in a Staines game this term, Nic McDonnell twisting to volley in off the post, after Gary Drewett had crossed from the right.  A minute later, Mark Nwokeji was put through one against one, but ’keeper Andy Walker saved with his legs.  And in contracts to McDonnell’s shot, when Ali Chaaban hammered a 30 yard free kick towards goal on 23 minutes, it went right through the defensive ranks, hit the post, and bounced out to be safely claimed by a Bromley player.  Scarlett nearly got beyond Walker, and Chaaban unselfishly squared for Thompson, but each time Walker was able to make the save.  Shaun Allaway made a good save right at the end of the half, seeing Moore’s speculative shot very late but still being able to scoop it away for a corner.  In first half stoppage time, Bromley got a dangerous free kick after a foul by Jake Newton on Tony Boot, but Kadi blasted it way over the bar … and was subbed during the interval.

Staines picked up a needless booking 4 minutes after the restart, Chaaban continuing his protects after he had been awarded a free kick for a foul by a Bromley midfielder.  But Staines did get back on terms in the 50th minute, after Telemaque and Chaaban had worked a neat move from a corner kick, and it was left to Errol Telemaque to drill a powerful shot through the crowded box, taking a slight deflection off a defender, before flying past Walker.  Seconds later, Tony Boot could have restored the Lillywhites’ lead, but blazed over from a good position, but the home side had a gilt-edged chance to regain the initiative when Allaway was adjudged to have fouled McDonnell as he dived at his feet in a crowded box, following a neat turn by Peter Adeniyi.  He was shown a yellow card, but McDonnell blasted the resulting penalty high over the bar.  Having survived this scare, Staines perhaps thought that their luck was in, and Steve Cordery urged his men forward to try to win the game.  But the home side also had all 3 points in their sights, bringing on two subs with attacking intentions.  One of them, Alex Tiesse, went close with a header following Gary Drewett’s cross, but it was the other – Adrian Stone – who won the game for Bromley with a stunning 30+ yard shot which flew just inside the post, with 11 minutes to go.  His ecstatic celebrations with the supporters behind the goal brought him a yellow card.  Mashali and Dean Green were introduced late on, but Staines could not turn claw their way back into the game in the little time which remained, and ended with no points, but another broadly encouraging performance against strong opponents.

Staines: Allaway, J Newton, McDonald, Castle, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Thompson (Mashali 85), K Warner,  Telemaque (Green 85), Chaaban, Nwokeji; unused Risbridger, Carbon, Courtnage (gk).

Bromley: Walker, Drewett, Wood, Henriques ©, O’Sullivan, Fieldwick, Kadi (Corneille HT), Moore, Adeniyi, McDonnell (Tiesse 69), Boot (Stone 69); unused Power, Simpson.

Ref L Venamore (Kent); ARs R Baker (Kent), J Garratt (London); Official Att 411.

Monday 21st August 2006

GOALKEEPERS STEAL THE SHOW

Saturday 19th August 2006 (3pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (0) 0   HORSHAM (0) 0 By Steve Parsons.

After a 6 week build up, the Ryman League campaign got underway at Wheatsheaf Lane on Saturday.  The game marked the competitive débuts of Pete Castle, Ayman Mashali, and Errol Telemaque, and Horsham’s first ever game in the Premier Division, having been promoted last term.  The visitors were skippered by ex-Swan Andy Walker, and included goalkeeper Alan Mansfield as a sub, after trialling at Staines in pre-season.  The afternoon was mild, and the pitch in good condition despite the morning rain.  There was a further shower during the first half, blown into Staines’ faces by a stiff breeze as they attacked the houses end from the start.

The home side began at a pace, with Mashali’s distribution and Ali Chaaban’s shooting always causing problems for the visitors.  The Hornets slowly settled into their game and forced a couple of quick corners which stretched Staines’ defence.  Eddie French was not quite able to turn the ball in from close range, and then Gary Charman flashed a header just wide.  Both sides deployed their throw-in specialists to good effect, and Castle was unlucky to see a header from one of Jon McDonald’s fly inches past the angle.  There were chances a-plenty at both ends, as the two sides played exciting football, and the only downside of a thoroughly entertaining game was the lack of goals.  Kevin Warner went close with a header after superb approach work by Castle, Jake Newton and Mashali, and the Egyptian sent a free kick just over the bar, whilst Horsham came close through a couple of Walker shots, and an angled Lewis Taylor drive that Shaun Allaway saved with his legs.

Controversy reigned within half a minute of the start of the second half: a long ball had beaten defender Tom Graves, and caught the otherwise outstanding ‘keeper Gareth Williams hesitating, and Ali Chaaban stole in and lifted the ball over him and into the net.  However, as he wheeled away in celebration, the linesman indicated to referee Chris Williams that he felt the foot was too high, and the goal was harshly disallowed.  Each side created at least a dozen  decent chances in the second half, but the plaudits must go to the two goalkeepers for keeping the match scoreless.  After Jamie Taylor had sidefooted the ball just wide, Allaway set the tone with a great one-handed save from Charman.  Mashali and Telemaque each went close for the home side, before the former was withdrawn to make way for Gareth Risbridger to mark his competitive return after 31 months injured.  Mark Nwokeji, Matt Flitter, and Kevin Warner set up two great chances for André Scarlett, each of which squeezed past the upright by a matter of inches.  Allaway saved again from Carney, and then Chaaban was denied at the other end by Williams, who was every bit as effective as when he played for Corinthian-Casuals and was so often Swans’ nemesis.  Charman sent a glorious volley just wide fro a Carney cross, but Staines immediately countered with McDonald throwing to Castle, and after his header was pawed away, Flitter then saw his follow-up touched onto the bar by Williams.  After reacting smartly to deny Carl Rook, Allaway launched a chance for Chaaban, but Williams came off his line to save – the first of two one-on-ones between this pair in which the Horsham goalie came off best.  Warner tried to break the deadlock, seeing one shot go just over and another deflected wide, while Mr Williams was unimpressed with Rook’s tumble in the opposite penalty area.  There was no let up as the game entered its final minutes: Allaway claimed a swerving shot from Eddie French, before a crashing volley by Scarlett (once again set up by McDonald) was spectacularly saved by Williams.  Staines will be disappointed to collect three late yellow cards: Castle for a foul on the left, Chaaban for reacting angrily to a foul by Carney, and Howard Newton for a late challenge deep into stoppage time.  The visitors might have stolen all three points at the end – Lewis Taylor shot just wide, Carney was denied by a superb Castle tackle, and there was a nervous free kick to defend in injury time, but in the end the points were shared out fairly.

Staines: Allaway, J Newton, McDonald, Castle, Flitter ©, Mashali (Risbridger 54), K Warner, Scarlett, Telemaque (H Newton 77), Nwokeji, Chaaban; unused Green, Thompson, Courtnage (gk).

Horsham: Williams, Payne, Geard, French, Graves, Walker © (Howard 66), Carney, L Taylor, J Taylor, Rook, Charman; unused Brake, Cant, Johnson, Mansfield (gk).

Ref C Williams (Bucks); ARs Ivor Smith, C Miles (both Hants);  Official Att 258.

LAST FRIENDLY ENDS WITH A WIN

Saturday 12th August 2006 (2:00pm) – Friendly

CORINTHIAN-CASUALS (0) 1  STAINES TOWN (1) 2 By Steve Parsons.

Staines concluded their pre-season matches with a double header visit to Tolworth, to take on the historic Corinthian-Casuals FC, of Ryman League Division 1 South.  On a blustery afternoon and reasonable pitch, Staines attacked the entrance end with a starting XI which will resemble the opening League side, having watched their Reserve counterparts run up a 4-0 win in the earlier game.  Craig Maskell and Adrian Browne actually had the distinction of playing a part in both games.  Among the Corinthian-Casuals subs was Ryan Hillary, who remains connected to the Wheatsheaf Lane club.

This was something of a disappointing game, but Staines took the lead on 22 minutes, when Alex Rodriguez tripped Mark Nwokeji, and Errol Telemaque’s penalty kick went in via the hand of goalkeeper Colin Harris, and the woodwork.  Matt Smith wriggled through and might have equalised for Casuals, but Gareth Risbridger made a despairing clearance off the line.

Shaun Allaway was twice tested by Danny Green, and then made a fine double save from Terry Fennessy, before Casuals’ pressure paid off with a 72nd minute equaliser.  A moment’s hesitation between captain and goalkeeper allowed Craig Dunn the split second he required to dart in and score from close range. Staines might have thought that their chance of winning the game had gone when Kevin Warner’s super 75th minute strike pinged up off the crossbar, with Nwokeji forcing the rebound too high, but their blushes were saved when Ayman Mashali hit a tremendous winner 4 minutes from time, beating Harris with a free kick from outside the box, sent into the corner of the net with the outside of his foot, having himself been fouled. 

Including the two ‘squad matches’, Staines’ record pre-season reads: Played 12, won 9, drew 2, lost 1; goals for 28, against 10.  But that all counts for nothing when newly-promoted Horsham come to Wheatsheaf Lane on Saturday, for the opening game of the Ryman League Premier Division season.

Staines: Allaway, J Newton, K Warner, Castle, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Risbridger (Browne 73), Mashali, Telemaque, Maskell (Frontin HT), Nwokeji.

Cor-Cas: Harris, Broad, Morris, Rodriguez (Ward 53), Horwood ©, Moran (Corbett HT), Sargent, Dunn, Green, Fennessy, Smith (Hillary 56).

Ref Carl Berry (Tadworth); ARs John Kasey (Ewell), Ian Hart (Farnham).  Est att 151.

CORINTHIAN-CASUALS Reserves 0 STAINES TOWN Reserves (2) 4 - Friendly, 12 noon, att 59

Corinthian-Casuals hosted this double header, allowing both managers the opportunity to examine 28 players each for a reasonable time period.  The noontime match, nominally at Reserve team level, resulted in a comfortable 4-0 win for the visitors with goals by Dean Green, Simieon Howell, David Warner, and a Craig Maskell pile driver which literally broke the net!

Friday 11th August 2006

YOUNG SWANS WIN

Wednesday 9th August 2006 (6·45pm) – Friendly

TRING CORINTHIANS (0) 0  STAINES TOWN XI (0) 1 By Steve Parsons

Staines took a young side to Icknield Way for this friendly against a progressive side who last season finished 4th in their début year Spartan South Midlands League Division 2, and are now celebrating their 50th anniversary.  The pitch was firm and narrow, and Staines attacked the end featuring the clubhouse and brand new dressing rooms, which meant that they started out with the advantage of the stiffening breeze and slight slope.  The squad featured 10 of last season’s hughly successful Academy side, plus U19 Player of the Year James Joyce (a towering left back), young Rob Hamling in goal who has a handful of senior games to his credit, plus San Lee (ex Sheffield U), Josias Carbon from Slough, local hero Gareth Risbridger, and trialists Roger Muhire (ex Middlesex University) and Spiro Susa (ex Crystal Palace).  The fixture came about through Steve Cordery’s contacts from his Aylesbury United days, and Tring included at least one player, Ben Tew, from The Ducks.  Traffic problems meant that the game kicked off 15 minutes later than the scheduled 6:30, and that Mr Cordery was unable to complete the journey, so Trent Phillips took charge.

The game started slowly, with both teams keeping possession well, but not creating too many direct chances.  Staines’ best two fell to San Lee, but he drilled one across the face of the goal, and then both he and Craig Masham fired efforts just wide of the upright.  At the other end, Hamling had to make a fine save from Tony Castielli’s powerful drive, and Staines also had to survive a controversial close range free kick for a back pass being handled.

Staines began the second half very well, with Tristan Frontin heading a Tim Pitt cross just too high, and Aston Ventour twice going close.  Pitt also set up a chance for Susa, and then Dean Thomas thumped a super shot against the cross bar as Staines pressed for the winner.  This came on 76 minutes, after Pitt’s free kick was only partially blocked, and Spiro Susa arrived to send it beyond Paul Keiley with a stooping header.  Late in the game, Fisher came off with a foot injury, Pitt picked up a needless caution for dissent, and Jermaine McGlashan netted again for the visitors but was ruled to have fouled a defender and it was disallowed.  The game had been a useful one for both managers, and Staines were made to feel very welcome by this friendly club.

Staines: Rob Hamling, Tim Pitt [Masham 88], James Joyce, Danny Fisher [Risbridger 78], Chris Robinson, Gareth Risbridger © (Tristan Frontin HT), Josias Carbon (Aston Ventour HT), Dean Thomas, Craig Masham (Jermaine McGlashan HT), San Lee (Roger Muhire HT), Tom Windsor (Spiro Susa HT).

Tring C: James Smith (Paul Keiley 60), Stuart Alsford (Dave Salmon HT), Carl Adams (Livi Matram HT, Alsford 77], Kevin Blake (Will Hatton 33), Richard Shirley (Ross Gregory 72), Gareth Lee, Stephen Smith ©, Frankie Ross (Joy Houque 62), Marius Matram (Michael Stockton 57), Tony Castielli (Stuart Proctor 72), Ben Tew.

Ref: Ian Lowe (Aylesbury); ARs Neil Hance (Aylesbury), Alex Bosch (Tring); Att 38.

Meanwhile, at Wheatsheaf Lane, a new look Staines Town Academy side played well in defeating a young Brentford side 3-0.  Harry Draper led the way with two goals, and Michael Marron added the other from the penalty spot.

ANOTHER ONE-NIL WIN

Thursday 10th August 2006 (7:30pm) – Friendly

UXBRIDGE (0) 0  STAINES TOWN (0) 1 By Steve Parsons.

Staines notched up a second 1-0 away win in successive nights, with only two players who had appeared the previous night – Gareth Risbridger and Josias Carbon – among Steve Cordery’s 21-strong squad for this game.  Uxbridge, who play in the British Gas Business Football League (aka Southern League) South & West Division, fielded two players who have briefly appeared for Staines, goalie Jon Ashwood and skipper Ryan Spencer, but they were a predominantly new side following the dismissal of long serving manager George Talbot in the summer.  In the first half of a mild evening, Staines attacked the clubhouse end of the well grass but somewhat undulating ground. 

It proved to be a lively game with plenty of good play, in which Staines looked the better side for most of the evening, but Uxbridge did create a number of dangerous chances which could have cancelled out the slender difference between the teams.  Two superb crosses, from Carbon and Michael Currie ended with a Jon McDonald header and a Mark Nwokeji shot blazing just off target, and Ashwood then made a fine save from Nwokeji after he had capitalised on a defensive error.  At the other end, Dean Peltohaka burst through but shot into the side netting, and Charlie Hill was only denied by a terrific tackle by Pete Castle.

Staines made 9 changes at half time, but Castle stayed on, and was unlucky to see a 50th minute ‘goal’ chalked off after the linesman flagged for an infringement.  However, 5 minutes later, Staines were in front, when Ayman Mashali showed some delightful skills after receiving an André Scarlett corner kick, sending the ball across only for defender Greg Kirkpatrick to nod into his own goal.  The Reds then brought on their own raft of subs, and within minutes, Shaun Allaway had to make a brave save at the feet of Peltohaka, with Castle then heading Spencer’s follow-up over the bar.  Both teams then lost a player injured in separate incidents, and hopefully both Peltohaka and Jon McDonald will be fit for the weekend games.  In the closing minutes, Allaway made another good save from Matt Stamp, and was beaten by Matt Whittock only for this to be disallowed.  Staines therefore garnered another win, the performance somewhat better than the bare facts of a single own goal victory might suggest.  Steve Cordery now has just the double-header against Corinthian-Casuals at the weeknd to finalise his squad for the League opener against Horsham – no easy task with so many good players at his disposal.

Staines: James Courtnage (Shaun Allaway HT), Dean Green (Simeon Howell HT), Jon McDonald [Currie 75], Pete Castle (Howard Newton 71), Matt Flitter © (Jake Newton HT), Vladimir Petkovi? (André Scarlett HT), Josias Carbon (Kevin Warner HT), Gareth Risbridger (Ayman Mashali HT), Michael Currie (Errol Telemaque HT), Mark Nwokeji (St. Clair Harrigan HT), David Warner (Craig Maskell HT).

Uxbridge: Jon Ashwood, Ian Dickens, Neville Stamp (Billy Matthews 56), Luke Evans (Harry Howell 56), Liam Parrington, Greg Kirkpatrick (Mark Weedon 56), John Swift (Daryl King 56), Ryan Spencer © (Richard McDonagh 66), Charlie Hill (Darren Whittock 56), Dean Peltohaka (Tristan Lewis 66), Danny Yeoman (Matt Stamp 56); unused Jon Peacock (gk).

Ref K Haines (Old Windsor); ARs C Evans (Ealing), J McGann (Feltham).  Est att 76.

BLADES ONLY JUST TOO SHARP FOR SWANS

Monday 7th August 2006 (7·45pm) – Friendly

STAINES TOWN (0) 0  SHEFFIELD UNITED Reserves ‘A’ (1) 2 By Steve Parsons.

Staines Town’s eighth pre-season game brought their first defeat, against an accomplished Sheffield United second string that included five players with senior experience, with a total of 1149 appearances between them, mostly credited to Neil Shipperley, Alan Wright, and Nick Montgomery.  Both sides revelled in the excellent playing surface on a warm evening, with kick-off delayed to 7·45 – somewhat to the consternation of the visitors who were on a very tight taco schedule.  Staines attacked the houses end in the first half.

Once again, Ayman Mashali’s passing illuminated the Staines midfield, twice picking out Mark Nwokeji for chances which Blades defenders struggled to avert.  But the Premiership club showed their class, and Jake Newton did well to unload Nicky Law after he danced through into a scoring position.  A hasty United clearance gave André Scarlett a corner, from which Nwokeji’s powerfully struck first effort was blocked, and his rather rushed rebound went wide.  Meanwhile, the Yorkshire side were also in creative mood, Montgomery and Law stretching the home defence, and Shipperley getting in a fine header which drew an even better save from Shaun Allaway, but as he touched the ball onto the bar he was unaware that referee Williamson was about to blow for a push by the striker anyway.  Nwokeji sent a curling shot round the Sheffield post after a great ball from Errol Telemaque, but the deadlock was broken by the visitors with a penalty on the half hour, awarded against Pete Castle for a high foot on Shipperley, after Starosta’s cross.  The spot kick was driven in by Neil Shipperley, at the same end where he scored a fateful penalty almost 16 years ago, which set him on the road to stardom.  Staines came close to equalising 10 minutes before the interval, when André Scarlett was fouled by Lloyd Kerry, and Mashali hit a tremendous 30 yard free kick arrowing towards the top corner, only to be denied by an equally good save by James Annerson.  Mashali had another pile-driver blocked just before the break, after Jake Newton had robbed a dithering defender.

Staines also began the second half encouragingly, with Jon McDonald providing a good ball from which Kevin Warner’s header drew a fine intervention by the strong defender Ryan Cresswell.  Law and Kerry continued to test Allaway but he touched over the latter’s best effort, and then dealt well with Cresswell’s flashing header from the resulting corner.  Kevin Warner set up St. Clair Harrigan for a shot which was blocked at the other end, and then the Antiguan international wriggled through deftly, only to plant his shot over the bar having seemingly done the hard part.  Staines pressed forward in their attempts for an equaliser, with McDonald’s throw setting up a chance for Gareth Risbridger, and there were shots by David Warner and Pete Castle, but on each occasion the Blades’ defence held firm.  On 83 minutes, Jamie Ashmore swung in a corner for the visitors from the left, and with the defence seemingly distracted by an accidental collision which left Castle unmoving on the ground, the ball flew in past sub ‘keeper James Courtnage.  Castle was treated at length and eventually able to resume, but the game had moved out of Staines reach.  However, the 400 or so spectators went home happy, regardless of their affiliation, having seen another hugely entertaining game.

Staines: Allaway (Courtnage 62); J Newton (Kyriacou HT), McDonald, Castle, Flitter ©, Scarlett (Carbon 69), Green (Risbridger HT), Mashali (H Newton 62), Telemaque (Harrigan 62), K Warner (D Warner 69), Nwokeji (Goodall 69).

Sheff U: Annerson, Starosa (Travis HT), Wright ©, Ashmore (Donnelly 86), Cresswell, Roma, Montgomery (Naughton 82), Law (Mark Okoku 72), Shipperley (Oliver 72), Marrison (J Robertson 72), Kerry (K Quinn 86); unused C Robertson, McFadzean.

Ref: I G Williamson (Thatcham); ARs S Crease (Colnbrook), M Thompson (Northolt); Att 396.

RAMPANT PERFORMANCE BY SWANS

Saturday 5th August 2006 (3:00pm) – Friendly

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN (0) 0  STAINES TOWN (2) 4 By Steve Parsons

Staines’ seventh pre-season game took them to Vauxhall Road, home of Hemel Hempstead Town, who (by way of the play offs) were promoted along with Ashford from the Southern League (West) last term, but have been placed in the Southern League Premier.  Their assistant manager is former Swans legend Mark Dawber, and their team included Garry Sippetts, who came on as a second half sub.  Following clearance from the FA, Steve Cordery was at last able to give a début to the highly rated Egyptian midfielder, Ayman Mashali, who exhibited outstanding vision and passing.  In the first half of a very hot afternoon, Staines attacked the clubhouse and new stand end, with the marginal benefits of the slope and the breeze.  The pitch was in reasonable condition, but the grass was a little long.

John Lawford, up front for the home side, looked very lively in the opening phase, sending one effort just wide after good work by Paul Edgeworth, and testing James Courtnage with a well struck shot shortly afterwards.  However, Staines were soon turning the screw, and Hemel ‘keeper Steve Smith did well to touch a superb 20 yard Kevin Warner shot onto the bar and over for a 14th minute corner.  This was taken by André Scarlett and it was met by a deft glancing header from Jake Newton, which took it over the line just ahead of the despairing attempted clearance by a defender.  Within minutes, Josias Carbon had also seen a header tipped over the bar, and Scarlett had provided two more telling crosses from which Matt Flitter was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.  Howard Newton, too, was unlucky to see a great shot cannon back off the foot of the post and into the arms of the prostrate Smith, this from a Mark Nwokeji flick. At the other end, Anthony Thomas made two good chances with some skilful approach work, but the first went a little too high, and the second was admirably dealt with by Courtnage.  Staines bagged a second on the half hour, set up by a dreadful defensive header by Rob Gould, and finished with a superb volley into the corner by Errol Telemaque. 

There were 16 substitutions in all, many of them tricky for the reporters to keep up with, as only half of the Hemel squad were wearing numbered shirts!  André Scarlett was feeling unwell, and so played only the first half, and Ali Chaaban appeared for only 20 minutes after sustaining a slight knock on the ankle, but it was long enough for him to play a big part in both of his side’s second half goals.  Chaaban scored number 3 himself on 50 minutes, receiving a long pass from Jon McDonald, and holding off two challenges before rounding Smith and rolling the ball into the net.  Eleven minutes later, he burned down the right and pulled the ball back for Telemaque to score his second with another excellent finish.  Gareth Risbridger was then unlucky when the woodwork again saved Hemel.  With 8 minutes to go, a push by Flitter on Sippetts brought a penalty for the home side, but Shaun Allaway dived to save Edgeworth’s spot kick.  Staines can be very pleased with their afternoon’s work!

Staines: Courtnage (Allaway 67); Kyriacou, K Warner (Goodall 67), J Newton, Flitter ©, Mashali (Green 56), Carbon (Maskell 67), Scarlett (McDonald HT), Telemaque, Nwokeji (Chaaban HT, D Warner 65), H Newton (Risbridger 56).

Hemel: Smith, Byrne (Schillachi 60), Mead (Valenti 72), Hibbert (Kearns HT), Gould, Norman (Buss 40), Yoki (Rose 64), Herron (Skinner HT), Lawford (Sippetts 60), Thomas (Chakaodza 72), Edgeworth ©.

Ref M McLaughlin (Luton); ARs A Stevens & M Mellor (Hemel Hempstead).  Est att 109.

EXPERIMENTAL SIDE WINS

Thursday 3rd August 2006 (7:45pm) – Friendly

MOLESEY (1) 1  STAINES TOWN (2) 3 By Steve Parsons.

Staines returned to the scene of their last game of 2006/7, to continue their friendly campaign against Ryman League Division 1 South opposition, Molesey.  Steve Cordery and Trent Phillips selected a side which mixed experience with new faces in roughly equal proportions, with a dash of last year’s Academy, which provided four players.  There were débuts for ex Walton & Hersham midfielder Tristan Frontin, who started, and three others who came on as subs – Ibrahim Fuseini (left midfield, ex Wycombe), Ahmet Akdag (centre midfield / right back, ex Carshalton A, Croydon), and Abass Conteh (centre forward, ex Grays).  Steve Beeks’ Molesey side was also a mix of 1st and 2nd XI players, and included three with a Swans past: Wayne Noad, Steve Brown, and Aaron Nowacki.  The game was played on a decent surface, on a mild evening, with Staines defending the Walton Road end in the first half.

The game was only 37 seconds old, when the visitors were ahead courtesy of a John Murphy own goal, who beat Clark Gooding when attempting a close range clearance from a Mark Nwokeji cross.  Staines pressed forward in waves in the early stages, with a Nwokeji shot seeming to hit both the woodwork and a defender’s hand, and the same player linking up with Dean Green to provide a cross from which St. Clair Harrigan fired over.  It was no real surprise when Tristan Frontin doubled the lead on 22 minutes, holding the ball up well in the box, and powerfully beating Gooding on the turn from 8 yards.  Harrigan was then unlucky with a shot which skidded past the ‘keeper but was cleared just in front of the line by Murphy.  Molesey were then stung into making three early changes, and these proved effective in balancing up the play.  Robert Hamling did well to cling onto a Phil Ruggles shot, before a trip by Josias Carbon on Chris Wales allowed Phil Ruggles to confidently convert from the resulting penalty.  It was the first goal that Hamling had conceded this pre-season.  Molesey looked to try to come back from two down, just as they did in May, but the lively Warren Burton twice found Hamling equal to his dangerous shots.

There were a dozen more substitutions at or after the break, and the game lost a little of its rhythm as a result.  Nwokeji was unlucky to see a shot deflected across goal for a corner, before Staines put the result beyond doubt on 67 minutes.  A quickly taken free kick by Dean Green in the ‘D’ was saved by Gooding, but Abass Conteh was following in to net from a tight angle.  In the final minute, Lee Richardson hit a great shot for the home side, but Hamling fingertipped it onto the post.  Both managers can be pleased with the work out, and Mr Cordery was impressed enough with two of the Academy players to immediately sign Craig Masham and Tim Pitt on Ryman forms.

Staines: Hamling; Green, McDonald, Robinson (Pitt HT), Fisher, Risbridger © (Petkovi? HT), Frontin (Akdag 61), Carbon (Fuseini 61), Harrigan (Masham 52), H Newton (S Lee 52), Nwokeji (Conteh 52).

Molesey: Gooding; Nowacki © (Ruggles 28, Elroy 57), Wales, Brown, Murphy (Cross 74), Metwaly, Noad (Antoine 61), J Richardson (Donald 74), W Burton [J Lee 57], J Lee (Lampard 28), Ramsey (L Richardson 28).

Ref J Evamy (Liphook); ARs I Jempeji (Alperton), J Weeks (Sunbury-o-T).  Est att 81.

ACADEMY DEFEAT LOCAL RIVALS

Staines Town's Academy side started their season with a convincing away win over Ashford Town (Middx).  Josh Brooks and newcomer Ricardo Kimfumu scored the goals, both in the second half.

DING TEST

Wednesday 2nd Aug 2006

1st August (7·45pm) -. attendance 130

STAINES TOWN ............................. (1) 1

Kevin Warner 39m

YEADING .........................................  (0) 1

Jeff Goulding 69m

By Steve Parsons.

Another high quality and keenly contested match saw Swans gain a draw with their Conference (South) neighbours.  Bouton had just hit the bar for the visitors, when Swans responded, Kevin Warner sidefooting home after good work by Nwokeji.  A superb Flitter tackle denied Yeading a 69th minute goal, but seconds later, Jeff Goulding raced away on the left and struck the equaliser.  Flitter twice went close with attacking headers, and Howard Newton had one disallowed for hands, but the draw was a fair result.  Midfielder St. Clair Harrigan and John Kyriacou (ex Spurs right back) made their débuts.

Staines: Courtnage (Hamling 71), Kyriacou, J Newton, Castle (Carbon 57), Flitter ©, K Warner, Green (D Warner 57), Scarlett (Risbridger 57), Telemaque (Currie 57), Chaaban (Harrigan 57), Nwokeji (H Newton 57); unused Maskell.