Friday 31st August 2007 (8pm) – Ryman League Premier Division – att 428

MAIDSTONE UNITED (0) 0  STAINES TOWN (1) 1

…  / Nwokeji 33m

By Steve Parsons.

Staines moved to the top of the table after they came through a difficult game in Kent on Friday night.  Having agreed to bring the fixture forward because Maidstone’s landlords (Sittingbourne FC) had an FA Cup tie on the Saturday, Staines then fell foul of bad traffic, and had to request a 15 minute delay, so that kick-off was not until 8pm.  However, even the long, difficult trip, the bumpy pitch, and opponents who included Owen and Shearer (that’s Rob Owen and Lee Shearer) could not prevent the hard working Swans from taking all three points.  With Dave Sargent still sidelined after his injury at Wimbledon, and André Scarlett away, Steve Cordery slotted Adam Thompson into the defence and gave midfielder Gareth Risbridger a first outing since his pre-season knee injury, and also made the tactical switch of Marc Charles-Smith for Victor Asombang up front.  Staines attacked ‘The Club House’ end in the first half of the evening, on a rather bumpy, uneven surface, in their first ever meeting with the former Football League club.

It was the home side who were first out of the blocks, penning Staines back for most of the first 25 minutes, with only a Mark Nwokeji run piercing their towering defence.  However, Staines also held firm at the back, and on the two occasions that Owen and Nick Hegley did manage to find a way through, James Courtnage came out to save.  Midway through the half, the visitors finally won their first corner of the game, thanks to the industry of Risbridger, Marcel Nugent, and Lewis Cook, and within a few moments, Nwokeji and Howard Newton had won two more. Cook’s high inswinging deliveries looked a little more threatening each time, and one of them led to a hard, low 20 yard drive by Newton which just went outside the post.  The only goal of the game came on 33 minutes, and it was a strange one, which was begun by Newton’s diagonal ball across the box, which goalkeeper Pat Mullin failed to hold under pressure from Nwokeji.  The Staines striker robbed him of the ball, but from a very tight angle, it was still no easy task to score.  Nwokeji sent the ball across the face of goal, and chased it down himself, to tap it in from very close range at the far post, thus contriving to get on the end of his own cross!  Just before half time, more hesitation between the ‘Stones defence and goalkeeper almost let Charles-Smith in. 

Staines kept up the pressure in the opening minutes of the second half.  Adrian Toppin was unlucky that his glancing header from a 48th minute Cook corner was deflected wide of the goal by defender Ray Freeman.  However, for much of the half, they had to fight a rearguard action, as Maidstone pressed hard for a share of the spoils.  Their substitute Alex Tiesse, who had replaced Lynden Rowland at half time, proved a real livewire, and he should have scored when he burst through on 52 minutes, only to hit a weak finish.  Courtnage had to deal with two Errison Ahwan shots, and an awkward back header, and Tiesse’s ball to Shearer required him to save on the ground.  Bizarrely, Charles-Smith almost staged a re-run of Nwokeji’s first half goal, when he got behind the ‘keeper 10 yards out from the left post along the goal line.  He managed to squeeze out a goalbound shot, but this time a defender got back to divert it into the side netting.  Play soon switched to the other end, where Hegley received from Tiesse but swung an air-shot, and Ahwan headed over from a deep free kick.  After Mario McNish was forced to scrabble a shot from Staines sub Dwain Clarke just past his own post, the last 10 minutes – plus a generous helping of stoppage time – were a nail-biting ordeal for the visitors, who nevertheless almost made sure of victory on three occasions.  A foul on Charles-Smith near the ‘D’ resulted in a Clarke free kick which deflected wide off the wall.  Nwokeji mounded a one man break after Staines had cleared a dangerous Maidstone free kick, and seemed certain to round Mullin, but the ‘keeper redeemed himself with an incredible save on the ground.  Then Risbridger got away on his own, but his shot was touched round the post by Mullin.  However, Maidstone bombed several high balls into the Staines box, and appealed for at least one penalty.  In the final moments, Charles-Smith got a knock and was withdrawn, but Staines held on for a hard earned 3 points.  The small contingent of Staines Massive supporters had a rare chance to chant “We are top of the league”, and the evening ended with players and supporters applauding each other.  Staines’ stint on top lasted only 19 hours,

Staines: Courtnage, Nugent, Thompson, Gordon, Flitter ©, H Newton (Mason 70), Cook (Clarke 81), Toppin, Charles-Smith (Asombang 90+3), Nwokeji, Risbridger; unused Robinson, Allaway (gk).

Maidstone: Mullin, Paul, Freeman, Lewis ©, McNish, Ahwan, Owen (Lacy 77), Shearer, Takalobighashi (Wilkins 70), Rowland (Tiesse HT), Hegley; unused Peacock, Czanner (gk).

Ref – Rob Smith; ARs Wilkins & Wilks;

Monday 27th August 2007 (3.00pm) Ryman League Premier Division

AFC WIMBLEDON (1) 1  STAINES TOWN (0) 1   

By Steve Parsons.                    att 2723

Ferguson 28m / Charles-Smith 69m

Staines maintained their unbeaten start to the new league season with this battling draw at fancied AFC Wimbledon on a warm Bank Holiday afternoon.  Steve Cordery’s side showed a couple of changes from the weekend, as Marcel Nugent, Leigh Mason, Victor Asombang, an Lewis Cook were re-introduced for Adam Thompson, Dwain Clarke, Marc Charles-Smith, and Howard Newton.  Cook was playing against his old club, as was Dave Sargent, whilst Terry Brown’s AFC subs bench included three former Swans – Robin Shroot, Kevin Warner, and Paul Seuke, the latter being a goalkeeper who was unused.  Staines attacked the far end in the first half.

The home side were strident in the opening period, eager to put their shock weekend defeat behind them.  Daniel Webb burst through on goal, but could not beat James Courtnage, whilst Karl Beckford was unable to keep his rebound shot on target.  Staines quickly countered with a long range effort by Lewis Cook which Andy Little seemed to help over the bar with his fingertips (although no corner was given), before Sam Hatton’s free kick for the home side found its way to Richard Jolly, who could not find any power in his shot.  The best chance for Staines fell to Asombang, but he just allowed Little to grasp the ball at his toes, as Mark Nwokeji waited in the middle.  There was no let up in the succession of chances, but at this stage it was AFC who were getting on top: a free kick just outside the box was helped into Jolly by Beckford, but he failed to control, and a ball across goal from Beckford required a super interception from Staines’ Danny Gordon to send it for a 28th minute corner.  However, this was swung in by Hatton, and met at the far post with a powerful header from Steve Ferguson to give The Wombles a lead.  Nwokeji came close to an instant reply, outpacing his marker to received a Mason through ball but seeing his first shot blocked, and his second fly over.  Wimbledon tried hard to press home their advantage, and twice Beckford’s rasping drives came close to doubling their lead.  Then, after Cook had impeded Jolly, Hatton’s free kick was met by a glancing header from Webb which drew another good save from Courtnage.  Staines responded with a neat Nwokeji / Asombang move which required a vital interception from Michael Haswell to send it for a corner, and an untidy save by Little after Nwokeji had been put away by Mason.  But Wimbledon ended the half on top, with Matt Flitter pressured into conceding a corner which led to Rob Quinn’s shot being blocked on the line by Gordon, who then collected a yellow card for dissent.  Another blow came for Staines as Dave Sargent, who had taken a blow to the back of the leg, was unable to resume after the interval, to be replaced by Adam Thompson, Marcel Nugent assuming the left back’s duties.  Sporting a large swelling, Sargent was sent to hospital for a precautionary x-ray, which thankfully showed no break to the fibula.  Their opponents also made a half time change, Warner coming on for Haswell. 

The mightily impressive Adrian Toppin set Nwokeji away right at the start of the second period, but although he outsprinted his marker, he was crowded out in the box.  But seconds later, Wimbledon nearly made it 2-0, Luke Garrard’s viciously curling shot striking the underside of the bar and coming back out, amid various claims for handball, or that it had crossed the line: however, referee Lee Venamore was unmoved.  Mason’s mistimed tackle earned him a caution, and he was withdrawn soon afterwards to make way for Howard Newton, and he wasted no time in running at the home defence and setting up a half chance for Nwokeji.  The same player went close again after Cook had provided Thompson with a pass from which he hit a telling cross.  With 25 minutes to go, Staines swapped one forward for another, Charles-Smith for Asombang, but AFC surprised the crowd with a more defensive move, Antony Howard coming on for Beckford.  Just 4 minutes later, their advantage was wiped out, as André Scarlett won and took a corner, sending it short to Cook, who picked out Marc Charles-Smith at the far post, and he powerfully headed home to silence the 2723 crowd.  If Wimbledon had held the edge up to that point, it was Staines who finished the game more confidently.  The ref did well to play advantage (and caution the offender later) after Jake Leberl made a late challenge on Cook, who nonetheless worked the ball through to Charles-Smith, who hit a curling shot that needed a desperate header to send it for a corner.  Shroot came on for Jolly, but the initiative was now with the visitors, who twice went close with H Newton long shots, following good approaches by Cook.  With 4 minutes left, Cook himself got a shot on target from a free kick for a foul by Howard, but Little got down well to claim it in front of the post.  Nwokeji then set up Cook, but he could not quite keep his shot down.  The last 2 minutes – plus 4 of stoppage time – were frantic at both ends.  Great work by Nwokeji again ended in Cook shooting just too high, before Webb headed wide of Courtnage’s goal.  Toppin had a shot blocked after Newton’s cross, only for Courtnage to pluck a cheeky Warner effort out of the air.  Staines disputed a free kick against Cook, but AFC wasted no time in picking out Ferguson, who crashed a shot against the bar, and then saw Shroot’s effort touched away for a corner.  Scarlett was yellow-carded for dissent in the final seconds, and then Staines mounted one last chance, with Cook finding Newton, whose shot won only a corner.  It was exciting stuff, and probably a fair result. Although AFC Wimbledon might be kicking themselves for not killing the game off when they had the chance, it was Staines who finished the stronger, and were looking the likelier winners at the end.  Nevertheless, it was an excellent point gained at the home of one of the title favourites, and puts Staines in 6th spot. Photos here.

Staines Town: Courtnage, Nugent, Sargent (Thompson HT), Gordon, Flitter ©, Sargent, Cook, Toppin, Asombang (Charles-Smith 65), Nwokeji, Mason (H Newton 57); unused Clarke, Robinson.

AFC Wimbledon: Little; Garrard, Haswell (Warner HT), Quinn, Goodliffe ©, Leberl, Ferguson, Hatton, Webb, Jolly (Shroot 77), Beckford (Howard 65); unused Seuke (gk), Butler.

Ref – L Venamore; ARs M Ford, P Burton.

Saturday 25th August 2007 (3.00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division: att 187

STAINES TOWN (1) 2   HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS (0) 0

By Steve Parsons.

Dwain Clarke 2m, Mark Nwokeji 86m / -

Staines continued their unbeaten start to the season with a home victory over a hard-working Heybridge side on a hot afternoon.  Both sides showed team changes from their last outing, with Steve Cordery forced to leave out Marcel Nugent (groin strain) for Adam Thompson, and making tactical switches to introduce the three layers who made such effective substitutes on Tuesday – Howard Newton, Marc Charles-Smith, and Howard Newton.  Taking their places on the bench were Lewis Cook, Leigh Mason, and Victor Asombang.  It is a mark of the revitalised squad this season that these players were all able to come on in the second half, and the side was every bit as strong.  Heybridge’s team included Robbie King, who was very effective as a loan player at Wheatsheaf Lane a couple of seasons ago.  The pitch was excellent, the weather hot, and Staines attacked the ‘houses’  end in the first half, watched by mascot Joseph Willoughby.

The changed Staines team took only a minute and fifty seconds to settle, as that was how long it took Dwain Clarke to mark his first competitive start for the club with a goal.  The home side were awarded a free kick 5 yards outside the penalty box, and Clarke curled it into the top corner, stinging the hand of ‘keeper Ollie Morris-Sanders on the way.  The game was never a dirty one, but there was a cluster of cautions, some for technical offences.  First was Swifts’ Daniel Barber (a late tackle on Thompson, having already been warned), but the free kick was cleared and Heybridge broke upfield, Craig Hughes’ snap header forcing James Courtnage to save.  Next in was Clarke for kicking the ball away, but the visiting ‘keeper avoided a card when he came out of his box to claim a long Courtnage clearance, and used his hands under pressure from both Charles-Smith and Nwokeji.  The free kick was actually given for a foul, but was struck wide by André Scarlett.  More good work from Nwokeji set up Clarke who arrowed a shot just wide, before Stafford Browne (Swifts) and Charles-Smith (Swans) were booked for fouls.  Howard Newton provided a super through-ball for Nwokeji to draw another save from Morris-Sanders, and by half-time, Staines were disappointed to only be one goal up. 

The second half continued in similar vein – Nwokeji firing across the goalmouth, Clarke curling a free kick just beyond the upright following a trip by Kennedy, who was then booked for another foul on Clarke.  This time, Clarke’s free kick was fumbled by Morris-Sanders, and the ball dropped to Nwokeji, but the defence managed to divert his volley wide for a corner.  Thompson was warmly applauded off when replaced by Mason, but in the middle of the half, the visitors started to work their way back into the game.  Adrian Toppin was masterful in the Staines midfield, and at the back, Danny Gordon and Matt Flitter began to be tested – and proved equal to whatever Heybridge could throw at them.  Courtnage did well to hold a dipping free kick by Ian Wiles, and was relieved that the Adam Gillespie could not do better with a golden chance 6 yards out when receiving a pass from a free kick.  However, before nerves could fray too much, Staines made the game safe with a glorious goal on 86 minutes.  Leigh Mason started the move, which was continued by Howard Newton and Lewis Cook who pulled the ball back from the by-line, and it was finished off with a shot on the turn by Mark Nwokeji.  Charles-Smith netted again moments later but was offside, and in the final minute, Courtnage again denied Gillespie, this after a testing free kick by skipper Michael Shinn.  There was a stoppage time caution for Danny Gabriel for dissent.

Staines: Courtnage; Thompson (Mason 61), Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Clarke (Cook 69), Toppin, Charles-Smith, Nwokeji (Asombang 87), H Newton; unused subs – Robinson, Maskell.

Heybridge: Morris-Sanders, Townrow, Barber, Shinn ©, Wiles, Jinadu, King, Gillespie, Browne, Hughes (Kennedy HT), Gabriel (Tenkorang 80); unused Passfield, Wignall, Northwood (gk).

Ref – L Collins; ARs M Argile & M Taylor; Att 187.

Tuesday 25th August 2007 (7.30pm) – Ryman League Premier Division: att 209

STAINES TOWN (2) 5   HARROW BOROUGH (0) 1

By Steve Parsons.

Lewis Cook 16m, Adrian Toppin 35m, André Scarlett 76m,  Mark Nwokeji 81 & 90m  /  Neville Roach 47m

It is 32 years since Staines opened a home League campaign with a more emphatic result than Tuesday night’s trouncing of a hard-working Harrow side.  Played on an excellent Wheatsheaf Park surface on a cool Tuesday night, Staines at time stuttered to recreate Saturday’s superb form, but when they did get into gear, they looked a very slick outfit.  Steve Cordery named an identical squad and subs’ bench, while Harrow brought a side containing two ex-Swans, Nick Burton at the back, and Elliot Onochie up front.  Before kick-off, Staines skipper made a presentation of a signed football to a delighted James Winslade, 16, who was chosen as the club’s Young Supporter Of The Year.  Eighty-first birthday greetings were also announced to the oldest season-ticket holder, Mr Clifford Stephens.

After a lively, open first half, in which James Courtnage made a point blank save from Onochie after a good pass by Albert Adomah, Staines moved ahead on 16 minutes.  Mark Nwokeji flicked on a Leigh Mason ball, and Lewis Cook scored his second of the season by clipping the ball beyond the advancing ‘keeper and into the far corner of the net.  Harrow looked dangerous from long throws, and Adomah was unlucky to be crowded out in the box after receiving one.  The game was never dirty, but referee Mr Woolford handed out first half yellow cards to Nugent, Cook and Gordon, for dissent and (in the latter case) delaying the restart.  However, Adrian Toppin made it 2-0 ten minutes before the break, with a spectacular thirty-five yard strike whose bounce deceived ‘keeper Josh Lennie as it flew beyondhim and into the net.  Lennie made amends with a very smart save from Cook’s low shot, at the expense of only a corner.

Just as on Saturday, Staines were caught cold 2 minutes into the second period, when Harrow hit the bar (as they did twice on Saturday), this time from a crashing shot by Onochie, but they were able to convert it into a goal when Neville Roach reacted the quickest in the box to slam it home.  Staines then looked nervous for a quarter hour or so, and might have been pegged back if a striker, rather than defender Wayne Walters, had been waiting at the far post to put away sub Rashid Kamara’s set piece from the corner of the box, following a controversial free kick award.  However, Staines turned the game back in their favour with a trio of three quick substitutions.  First, Marc Charles-Smith made his competitive début, as Victor Asombang was withdrawn.  Then in a 73rd minute double swap, Dwain Clarke and Howard Newton replaced Mason and Cook, and this led to a goal just 3 minutes later.  Matt Flitter superbly broke up a Boro attack inside his own half, and picked out Charles-Smith with a great pass.  He in turn switched it to Newton, who played a good ball to the corner of the box, whereupon André Scarlett arrived at pace, and slammed the ball into the far corner of the net.  Clarke was showing some great touches down the left, but it was Toppin’s ball from the right which led to number four.  He found Mark Nwokeji, who coolly beat a defender and the ‘keeper, before threading his shot between two defenders on the goal line.  Scarlett’s clever free kick might have been put away by Clarke, but then Harrow forced Courtnage into good saves from Jamie Lawrence’s bobbling free kick and Bobby Highton’s low drive.  But it was Staines who had the final word, Nwokeji clipping in Clarke’s driven cross in the 90th minute, for a thoroughly pleasing evening’s work which sees the Swans up to fourth place in the fledgling league table. 

Staines: Courtnage; Nugent, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Cook (H Newton73), Toppin, Asombang (Charles-Smith 66), Nwokeji, Mason (Clarke 73); unused subs – Thompson, Robinson.

Harrow: Lennie, Dell, Simpson, Walters ©, Burton, Highton, Roach (Constant 87), Lawrence, Onochie, Toms (Kamara HT), Adomah (Leech 79); unused Meakin, Jimmy (gk).

Ref – DM Woolford (Amesbury); ARs RJ Dunn (Maidenhead) & CJ Evans (Ealing). Att 209.

Saturday 11th August 2007, 3:00pm – Friendly

UXBRIDGE (0) 1  STAINES TOWN (0) 0

By Steve Parsons.

Charlie Hill 47m 

These two Middlesex rivals completed their pre-season campaigns on a hot day afternoon at Honeycroft, where the pitch was in good condition, and Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half.  After selecting a series of “mixed” sides for the most recent three friendlies, Steve Cordery fielded a squad expected to closely resemble that for the League opener in 7 days time.  However, both Shaun Allaway and James Courtnage were out with arm problems, Danny Gordon was at a wedding, and Gareth Risbridger remains out with a medial knee ligament problem; Dwain Clarke and Jake Newton were also sidelined with injury.  Delroy Preddie continued in goal, and forward Marc Charles-Smith was formally introduced following his acquisition from Leatherhead.  Uxbridge adopted a similar approach, and they also welcomed back Charlie Hill (as sub), who had previously played in 5 of Staines’ pre-season games. 

Both teams struggled to cope with the intense heat, especially during the first quarter of the match, but it was the home side who started the better, with Lee Tunnell creating several chances for The Reds.  But Staines then came into the game, with Charles-Smith, Adam Thompson, and Lewis Cook all troubling Robert Bullivant.  However, as if temperatures were not high enough, the players contrived to add more heat to the situation, with a flashpoint in the 42nd minute of what was already a niggly affair.  Mark Nwokeji outpaced defender Mark Dennison, but fired his shot just wide.  As he wheeled back, he tangled with the Uxbridge man, who then inexplicably bit Nwokeji on the upper arm.  There was an angry exchange, the Staines player removed his shirt to let the ref fee the tooth marks, and Mr Forrester Jnr responded by yellow carding both players. 

At the start of the second half, Uxbridge displayed their hunger more appropriately, taking a 47th minute lead through a fine individual goal by Charlie Hill, dancing between two defenders before letting fly with a powerful shot.  Staines might have levelled 2 minutes later, when Adam Thompson showed good control and then shot against the post following an André Scarlett corner.  Then the impressive Leigh Mason chipped a ball forward to Howard Newton, whose shot was blocked by Bullivant, the ‘keeper also recovering smartly to deny Mason on the rebound.  Both sides introduced half a dozen subs during the second half, including the towering James Shipperley (Neil’s brother) for the home side.  A 77th minute foul on Nwokeji gave Mason a free kick, which was initially blocked by the Uxbridge wall, before he slammed the rebound into the side netting – the power of the shot breaking the support rope in the process!  Staines tried hard to save face in the last 5 minutes, but Victor Asombang shot just wide after Mason’s through ball was nicely knocked down by Hussein Isa, and both Clement James and Isa put late efforts over the bar.  The game ended with the BGB League Division 1 SW side running out narrow winners, while Staines will at least be free of the complacency that sometimes comes after a run of pre-season wins.

Staines: Preddie; Mason, Sargent, Thompson, Flitter ©, Scarlett (Robinson 80), H Newton (Isa 56), Toppin (James 68), Charles-Smith (Asombang 56), Nwokeji (Dean Thomas 80), Cook (McClurg 68).

Uxbridge: Bullivant; Oldham (Stamp 64), Dave Thomas, Dennison, Mann (Shipperley 64), Weedon, Dickens, Yeoman (Pritchard HT), Tunnell (Tanfield 75), Nicholls (Flanagan 75), Peltohaka (Hill HT).

Ref: L Forrester (Luton); ARs M Sage (Luton) & S Podsadny (Hanwell); Att 126.

Thursday 9th August 2007, 7:30pm – Friendly

CORINTHIAN-CASUALS (1) 2  STAINES TOWN (1) 1

By Steve Parsons.

Simon Mitchell 22m, Dale Hennessey 75m  /  Chima Eberendu 20m

A third friendly of this midweek period once again saw a mix of senior and developing players take the field against Casuals of Ryman 1 South.  The more experienced players were led by Jamie McClurg, Howard Newton, Hussein Isa, Clement James, and Dean Thomas; Danny Fisher retained the ‘keeper’s gloves, and St. Clair Harrigan (the Antiguan international who tried out last season) was back for another go, with Trent Phillips taking charge for the night.  The pitch was in decent condition, with Staines attacking the far end in the first half, and the evening was warm.  Appointed ref Steve Carter was nursing a knock, so he swapped roles with Peter Georgiou who was originally to have run a line, and brought along his son in case he was unable to complete the game.  Meanwhile, the other line featured Ron Clarkson, who was embarking on his 49th season in refereeing!

The game was a slow starter, with Staines edging the early exchanges but not really threatening Colin Harris’ goal.  However, the deadlock was broken on 20 minutes when Tim Pitt showed some deft approach work before squaring for Chima Eberendu to stroke his shot right into the bottom corner of the net.  But Staines’ lead was to last only 2 minutes, for Simon Mitchell bundled in an equaliser after an initial header from Daniel Green was cleared off the line.  Casuals had further chances to score again later in the half, James Goodwin drawing a super save from Fisher, and Mitchell wasting a good position by firing wide.

Casuals made a strange pair of substitutions early in the second half, withdrawing Minton for Harmison, and then reversing the change 2 minutes later!  Staines’ best chances to regain the lead came on 67 minutes when Howard Newton was put through, his shot beating Harris but being cleared off the line by a covering defender, and 4 minutes later when a Dean Thomas drive was deflected onto the post by a defender.  However, Casuals scored the winner with 15 minutes to go, Dale Hennessey blasting in a stunning volley from the edge of the box.  Aston Ventour came on and made an impressive contribution down the left flank, Richard Orlu headed just wide from a Bryan Harrison corner, and Harrigan’s low shot brought a good save.  In injury time, Richard Mooney almost netted a third for the home team, but he shot across the face of goal.

Staines: Fisher; Pitt, James (Orlu 71), Edmunds, Robinson, McClurg ©, H Newton, Thomas (Harrison 82), Kiffin (Harrigan 61), Eberendu (Ventour 76), Isa.

Cor-Cas: Harris (Harvey 77), Smith, Hennessey, Lisbie, Horwood © [Harmison 63], Davison, Myton (Harmison 48) [Myton 50] (Lloyd 66), Griffiths (Vine 53), Goodwin, Mitchell (Mooney 72), Green (Ward 88).

Ref: Georgiou (Tooting); ARs Carter (Reigate) & Clarkson (Chessington); 4th Off Carter jr; Att 57.

Tuesday 7th August 2007, 7:30pm – Friendly

NORTH GREENFORD UNITED (0) 1  STAINES TOWN (3) 4

By Steve Parsons.

Liam Bird 38m  /  Leigh Mason (pen) 3m, Mark Nwokeji 16 & 23 m, André Scarlett 64m

Staines played their second friendly in 24 hours – a first visit to Berkeley Fields and a first senior meeting with North Greenford United – and underlined the depth of their squad by selecting 17 players, none of whom had been on duty the night before.  These included débuts for Bradley Edmunds (a solid performance at right-back for this triallist from Hayes FC) and Justin Fevrier (a strong midfielder from the Academy).  Danny Fisher, another Academy player who is equally at home playing left-back, played in goal, and distinguished himself with several brave saves, especially in the first half in the worst of the conditions.  The pitch was in good condition, and sported a noticeable transverse slope; Staines kicked towards the clubhouse / entrance end in the first half, which began warm and bright, but quickly turned to heavy rain, settling into persistent drizzle with lightning flashes throughout the second half. 

Staines made the perfect start, putting Mick Harvey’s Combined Counties League side under pressure from the off, and being rewarded with a 3rd minute penalty, when Nick Booth tripped Mark Nwokeji as he prepared to ‘pull the trigger’ from just 6 yards out.  Leigh Mason stepped up to drive home the penalty.  Mason might have made a second but instead elected to shoot, and found the side netting.  However, North Greenford went further behind on 16 minutes when Mark Nwokeji received a good pass from the right and cheekily flicked the ball beyond the diving James Harry.  Nwokeji made it 3-0 on 23 minutes, with a screamer of a finish from 30 yards, which gave Harry no chance as it flashed into the top corner.  Nwokeji might have been celebrating a hat trick by this stage, had his earlier volley not been very well saved by Harry, following some slick approach work by Mason and Dean Fenton.  However, North Greenford did not give up, and Gary Senior set up Jason McKenon but he hooked his shot just wide; unfortunately McKenon limped off with an injury soon afterwards.  However, a home corner on 38 minutes led to them pulling a goal back, Sean Hellier whipping the ball in from the right, and sub Liam Bird netting with a brave stooping header. 

Staines were forced into a half time change, when James Joyce could not shake off the pain of a painful fall on his hand during the pre-match, and he was sent off for an x-ray to check for a suspected break.  North Greenford continued to work hard, but, with Staines having tonight loaded their senior players into more attacking roles, most of the flair and creativity came from the visitors.  There was only one more goal, however, as André Scarlett hit a superb 25 yard shot beyond and across the diving Harry.  Lewis Cook impressed when coming on, and he became the latest player to sign Ryman forms for The Swans. 

Staines: Fisher; Edmunds, Joyce (Pitt HT), Thompson ©, Robinson (Fevrier 69), Scarlett, Fenton (Cook 50), Toppin, Mason, Nwokeji (Eberendu 70), Clarke [Fenton 69]; unused Maskell, Phillips (gk).

NGU: Harry (Malczewski 69); Jones, Raper, Booth (Hammond 69), Peacock, Ahir (Kempton 63), Murphy ©, Hillier (Richards 75), Senior (Middleton 59), Hughes, McKenon (Bird 25, Pither 71);

Ref: M Sennett (Hayes); ARs T Pusey (Hanwell) & P McCrossan (Northolt); Att 58.

Friday 3rd August 2007, 8:05pm – Friendly

BOGNOR REGIS TOWN (2) 2  STAINES TOWN (1) 1

By Steve Parsons.

Dave Ray 38m, Luke Nightingale 42m  /  Dean Thomas 4m

This game at Blue Square Conference South side Bognor proved to be a very good work out for Staines, as it was their last pre-season game against a higher-ranked club, and for Bognor it was a final run-out before their League starts on 11th.  The fixture was originally set for the Saturday, but was brought forward by one day owing to a function at Nyewood Lane; however, kick-off (variously billed as 7:30 or 7:45) was delayed to 8:05 owing to traffic delays caused by an accident just outside the seaside town.  Steve Cordery was without both his regular ‘keepers, Allaway unavailable and Courtnage injured, and so utilised a former Bognor goalie, Dave Lever, who has most recently been at Sussex Leaguers Wick FC. Another new face was that of right back Jack Smith, from Eastleigh, while young Chris Robinson made a return from injury.  The game was played on a warm, bright evening on a very good surface.

Once again Staines went into an early lead, this time after only 4 minutes, when Bognor goalkeeper Craig Stoner was forced into a weak clearance following Mark Nwokeji’s good work, and Dean Thomas accurately floated a shot back beyond him from several yards outside the penalty box.  Bognor tried to hit back, with Ben Johnson slamming a shot against the foot of the post, but Staines continued to look dangerous as André Scarlett and Victor Asombang both tested Stoner, and Thomas tried another shot from distance which went just too high.  Bognor were unlucky to loose Beck to an early ankle injury, but the home side enjoyed the better of the latter stages of the half, and overhauled Staines’ lead to go in 2-1 up at the break.  On 38 minutes, David Ray slotted the ball past Lever following a good low cross by sub Dave Town, and 4 minutes later, top marksman Luke Nightingale netted from close range after a low cross from the right by the classy Michael Birmingham.  Staines almost snatched an equaliser in the final seconds of the half, a corner falling to Adam Thompson, who spun to volley just over the bar.

The second half saw a procession of substitutes introduced, one of whom – Staines’ Clement ‘CJ’ James, was unlucky enough to pick up an injury and have to come back off again.  Lever distinguished himself in goal, making fine saves to touch Darren Budd’s shot over the bar, and then to deny Nightingale when he was clean through.

Staines: Lever; Smith (Robinson 58), Sargent, Thompson, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Mason, Thomas (James 56 [Cook 72]), Asombang (Isa 56), Nwokeji, Cook (Kiffin 63).

Bognor: Stoner; Fogden (Rowland 56), Knee, Greatwich (Budd 47), Breach (Marshall 66), Pearson, Ray (Balfe 71), Birmingham (Rowlands 66), Beck (Town 21), Nightingale © (Lawley 76), Johnson (Harris 56).

Ref: D Austin (Bognor); ARs T Robinson (Bracklesham Bay) & R Bell (Bognor); Att 292.

Wednesday 1st August 2007, 7:35pm – Friendly

STAINES TOWN (1) 1  FULHAM XI (1) 2

By Steve Parsons.

OG Watts 16m / Michael Timlin 34m, Lino Goncalves 77m

Staines played their sixth pre-season game on an immaculate Wheatsheaf Lane surface on a warm Wednesday evening, and met a strong Fulham reserve side.  Steve Cordery continued to shape his squad, although several players – Isa, Younghusband, J Newton and Thomas – were missing through injury, but he introduced defender Marcelle Nugent (ex Maidenhead, Fisher, Ashford (Mx), St Albans and latterly Chelmsford), forward Marc Charles-Smith (recently at Leatherhead), and Dean Fenton (ex Erith, Farnborough, Aveley, Stevenage, Enfield, Leyton, Redbridge, Cheshunt, and Maidenhead).  Nugent had an impressive performance at right back, as well as a cameo in the centre of defence, while Charles-Smith looked very lively up front, although Lewis Cook was again the most dangerous forward, and picked up the Man of the Match award from sponsors Staines Town FC Juniors, presented by Phil George (Junior Congress Chairman).  At the back, skipper Matt Flitter continued his excellent pre-season form, and was an inspiration to the rest of the team.

The match was a very lively one, with chances at both ends before Staines took a 16th minute lead.  Cook blazed down the left and his low, hard shot was good enough to beat ’keeper Corrin Brooks-Meade.  With Charles-Smith arriving at the back post and ready to apply the finish, visiting captain Adam Watts, who had chased back, had no option but to try to intervene, but could only turn the ball into his own goal. Six minutes later, great work by Mark Nwokeji, André Scarlett, and Charles-Smith put Leigh Mason through, but the pro’ club’s defence were able to crowd him out.  One of those defenders, Joe Anderson, also proved a threat going forward, sending in a great cross from which Bradley Hudson-Odoi glanced a header inches wide on 25 minutes.  The same player went close again soon afterwards, receiving from Timlin before Flitter bore down upon him, and Shaun Allaway completed the save, going on to deal comfortably with the corner.  However, Fulham’s mounting pressure paid off on 34 minutes, when Michael Timlin got free of his markers and sweetly volleyed in a corner from the left side to equalise.  Mason went close for Staines once again, before Fulham were forced into a substitution, when Hudson-Odoi pulled up with what looked like a hamstring problem.  This was to be the only change made by the visitors, but Staines brought on five subs at the interval, and four more during the second half. 

The number of changes naturally took a little away from the second period, although Dwain Clarke’s shot came close to re-establishing their lead.  However, Fulham began to exert their dominance at times, and the home side were grateful to Ryan Parsons for denying Goncalves, after he had intercepted a clearance by Allaway.  Just one minute later, though, on 77 minutes, it was Lino Goncalves whose low drive into the bottom corner ensured that Fulham would run out 2-1 winners.  Staines might have snatched a draw in the final minutes, but a neat move ended with Dean Fenton’s powerful drive being well saved by Corrin Brooks-Meade.

Staines: Allaway; Nugent (James 73), Sargent (Parsons HT), Gordon (Adam Thompson HT), Flitter © (Herbert 66), Scarlett (McClurg 59), Cook (Clarke HT), Toppin, Charles-Smith (Kiffin 66), Nwokeji (Asombang HT), Mason (Fenton HT); unused Thomas.

Fulham: Brooks-Meade, Cumber, Anderson, Moncur, Watts ©, Milsom, Goncalves, Brown, Ehui, Hudson-Odoi (Smith 38), Timlin; unused Etheridge, Saunders, Ashley Thompson, Wilson.

Ref: P Forrester; ARs I Jempeji & C Breakspear; Att 385.

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE APPOINTS REPRESENTATIVE TO THE FA…. STEP FORWARD OUR OWN CHAIRMAN, ALAN BOON !!

We are indeed proud and delighted here at Staines Town FC to announce that our very own Chairman Alan Boon was recently voted by the Ryman League as their new representative to the prestigious F.A. Council.

The official press release from Bruce Badcock (Administration Secretary at the Ryman League stated: The Isthmian League Board of Directors has asked Alan Boon to be the League’s representative on the Council of The Football Association.

The appointment follows the restructuring of The FA, allowing the League to have a representative on their Council for the first time. Alan, who has been a member of the League’s Board of Directors since 1992, is Chairman of Premier Division Staines Town Football Club.

Alan Turvey, Ryman Football League Chairman and a current member of The Football Association, said, “I am very pleased that the Board have supported Alan Boon’s nomination. Alan has a vast experience of our level of football, both with his Club and the League, and I know he will prove to be an excellent representative of the League at Soho Square.”

Alan Boon added, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to represent the League, and after 35 years at grass roots football, and coming from a football club background, I hope I can contribute something at The FA. I want to be a spokesman for both the Ryman Football League and non-league football.”

Fantastic news indeed, for the Ryman League and of course us here at Staines Town Football Club. Congratulations and well done, Alan.

WHEATSHEAF PARK TO HOSTS INTERNATIONALS

In more proud news for us here at Staines Town FC, the Club was delighted to recently receive the confirmation that our own Wheatsheaf Park Stadium will host two F.A. under-19 internationals in the coming months.

The dates/fixtures to keep in mind and in your diaries are:

Wednesday, 29th August: Italy vs Turkey Kick-off: 3:00pm

Sunday, 2nd September: Italy vs Northern Ireland Kick-off: 3:00pm

Entrance to the games here will be completely free for all and so we’d welcome you to come on down, view what should be some excellent football and enjoy the matches. As per last time, the F.A. will be selling souvenir tournament programmes/brochures, so grab your little piece of Staines Town FC history and be there to support us!!