| Saturday 30th August 2008 (3pm) – Ryman League Premier Division AFC HORNCHURCH (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (1) 2 By Steve Parsons. Staines continued their excellent start to the season, by winning at another of last season’s play-off teams, AFC Hornchurch. On a very warm, sultry day at the Bridge Stadium, Staines were without André Scarlett (hamstring twinge), Gareth Risbridger (his knee ligament problem is likely to keep him out for a month), and Louis Wells (at a wedding). With neither Shaun Allaway still sidelines, James Courtnage not quite ready, and even the senior Youth ‘keeper injured, Steve Cordery had moved quickly on Wednesday night to sign Ricky Perks, who had played for Hemel Hempstead against the Reserves that night. However, he suffered a back spasm on Friday, so had once again to sign a replacement, and was able to secure the signature of Corrin Brooks-Meade, who had been released by Fulham in the summer. There was also some squad rotation in evidence, as leading scorer Elliot Onochie was only on the bench: Davis Haule, Richard Butler, and Dean Thomas were the recalled players. Ex-Swan Dean Green came on as a sub for the Essex side, who also gave a first start for former QPR man Billy Coyne. Aided by a breeze, Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half, and started very well, with an audacious chip by Richard Butler being held by ’keeper Dale Brightly, and this was sandwiched between two Dean Thomas efforts. The first was across/shot saved in front of the post, and the second a header which just cleared the bar. The Urchins were not without threat, however, and Steffan Ball sent a shot across the face of Brooks-Meade’s goal when well placed from a Simon Parker pass. The same player almost set up an opener for the home side, skilfully worming into the box and squaring to Simon Parker, only for Jake Newton to get in a saving tackle. Butler was unlucky again on 25 minutes, looping a header fractionally wide following a good run and cross from the right by Howard Newton. The only booking of the first half went the way of Hornchurch’s Mark Goodfellow for a rash tackle, and the same player then felled H Newton 2 minutes later, setting up a free kick from which Dave Sargent drew a fine diving save from Brightly. Sargent also took the resulting corner, with Kersey powering his header just wide. Staines were getting a little frustrated that they had not turned their first half superiority into something more tangible, especially with the wind advantage about to be handed to the Urchins, but on the stroke of half time, the Newton brothers combined on the right and the cross was helped on by Butler, to be smashed in from the edge of the box by Dean Thomas, the ball striking the upright on the way in, and giving Brightly no chance. The second half did not live up to the first, as players became subdued by the sweltering heat. However, Staines secured a vital second goal in the 57th minute, when Sargent and Leroy Griffiths combined to feed Howard Newton, and he was tripped inside the box, giving referee Fitch no option but to award a penalty, from which Dave Sargent made no mistake. There followed a spate of cautions – all for fouls – for Thomas and Kersey of Staines, and Hornchurch sub Des Boateng, who scythed through H Newton within 7 minutes of coming on, and was then a little fortunate to escape further punishment following a series of niggles. The Kersey foul led to a Hornchurch free-kick, which was blocked, leading to claims that it was handled in the box. There was another moment of controversy in the 79th minute, when Brightly’s long free kick was chased down by Hornchurch striker Steffan Ball, who arrived a little later than Brooks-Meade, and with his knee raised dangerously. Mr Fitch decided to play the advantage, but had to change his mind when the Staines ’keeper reacted by thrusting the ball towards his opponent. The ref had no option but to caution the Staines man, whilst awarding him the free kick for the original offence. There were 3 additional minutes, but Staines’ lead – and their 4th place in the table – was never threatened. Leroy Griffiths was the NLP Man of the Match. Staines – Brooks-Meade, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Kersey, H Newton, Haule, R Butler (Charles-Smith 84), Thomas (McDonald 90), Brown, Griffiths; unused Cook, Onochie, Ifura. Hornchurch – Brightley, Coyne, Styles, Purdie ©, Goodfellow, Hodges, Barnard (Green 64), Curley, Ball, Parker (Boateng 64), Tomlinson (Wall 81); unused Janney, Stuart-Evans. Ref C Fitch; ARs D Foreman, M Griffiths; Official Att 274.
Wed 27 Aug ’08 (7:30) – Ryman Youth League (North West Division) STAINES TOWN Academy (2) 2 HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH Youth (0) 1 Staines started their season with a good win over a side which has transferred to the RYL from the Conference Youth League. Blooding no less than nine players who were making their début at this level of football, and with several experienced players still to return, Martyn Spong was very pleased with this performance. Swans went ahead on 25 minutes with a well trained corner move, with Will Marlowe peeling away from the ‘keeper to loop a header into the top corner, following an Elliott Thompson corner. A second goal followed on 40 minutes, when Fabion Grosvenor advanced on the left, exchanged passes with Marlowe, and crossed into the box from where Florin Ramizi headed past Talbot. Hampton were a decent side, and pulled one back early in the 2nd half, Gilbert being caught square at the back, and Spencer Wakeman darted in between Arthur and Sonner to lift the ball into the net. However, Staines’ lead was never seriously threatened, and they were worthy winners. Staines: 1 Danny Sonner, 2 Jon Vickers, 3 Fabion Grosvenor, 4 Aaron Gilbert, 5 Alfie Arthur, 6 Frazer Douglas, 7 Jemelle Hudson (12 Nassir Ali 64), 8 Elliott Thompson ©, 9 Harvey Suika (15 Ashley Burton 59), 10 Will Marlowe, 11 Florin Ramizi (14 Rowan Kelly 70); unused 16 Nathan Beckett, 17 Ben Nicholson (not present). Hampton: 1 Joe Talbot, 2 Jack Whitby, 3 Abu Rayhan, 4 Charlie Matthius, 5 Dean Inman ©, 6 Robert Curtis, 7 Josh Hill, 8 Jordan Waller, 9 Liam Camis, 10 Spencer Wakeman, 11 James Wheeler; subs 12 Josh Guichard, 14 Sohiel Tehrani, 15 Jach Grinstead, 16 Buster Street. Ref: Jonathan Weeks (Sunbury-on-Thames); ARs: Paul Andrews (Feltham), Jonathan Was (West Drayton); Att 44.
Bank Holiday Monday 25th August 2008 (3pm) – Ryman League Premier Division STAINES TOWN (0) 1 HARROW BOROUGH (0) 0 By Steve Parsons. Staines are a point better off than at the same stage last term, after extracting a hard-earned point from an industrious Harrow side. On an overcast but warm afternoon, with Staines attacking the houses end of a perfect pitch, Steve Cordery made one enforced change from Saturday’s line-up, as Gareth Risbridger was on crutches following his knee injury, and made way for Dean Fenton. The team wore their new ‘squad numbers’ for the first time ever, and the ‘remaining minutes’ board was used for the first ever time in a League match at home, having had a stuttering introduction to the Ryman campaign so far this term. Hopes were high of a handsome victory, as Harrow had made a poor start to the season, but it was the visitors who set out a determined stall in the first half. Although Howard Newton flashed a shot across the face of goal, it was in fact Harrow who started the more positively, and Louis Wells in the Staines goal was called upon to make a couple of saves. He made light work of claiming a Darren Grieves shot, blocked a close range drive from Josiah Hunte, as well as dealing well with some floated crosses. Staines slowly began to assert themselves, though, and when Leroy Griffiths was fouled just outside the box on the half hour, André Scarlett drilled his free kick through the wall, only for former Grenadian international Andray Baptiste to save. Griffiths also thudded a shot into Baptiste’s arms, before Harrow completed a generally disappointing half with two fine shots - Grieves scorched a shot just over the bar, and Danny McGonigle also fired just over from the edge of the box. Staines were much improved in the second period – a contrast to previous games this season when all the goals had come during the opening 45 minutes. A 61st minute corner by Dave Sargent was punched out by Baptiste, but only as far as Dean Fenton, whose goalbound shot was blocked by a defender. Fenton was withdrawn just 3 minutes later, but in the 65th minute, Staines’ pressure finally told when they scored what proved to be the only goal of the game. Another pinpoint pass by Griffiths was arrowed towards the far post, and there it was met by Elliot Onochie, who did well to powerfully head home from a tight angle. Griffiths and Darti Brown combined well to set up a chance for Howard Newton, whose shot slithered underneath Baptiste but went just wide. Richard Butler replaced the tiring Onochie in the final quarter hour, and he came close to opening his account for the season with an 8 yard shot which was well saved, following tenacious work from fellow sub Marc Charles-Smith. There were two additional minutes indicated by Trent Phillips (the club’s designated board-holder, under instruction from the match officials), and skipper Danny Gordon used them to underline his masterful performance which earned him the Man of the Match award just ahead of Sargent and Lee Kersey. He broke up a promising Harrow attack by winning the ball on the edge of his own box, and then surged forward before laying the ball off to Butler, whose shot fizzed inches wide. The game ended with Gordon receiving his award from supporter Pat Stacey, but more importantly with Staines securing 3 important points. It was far from being a classic performance, but Staines can point to the exertions of Saturday’s good display at Tonbridge, and Harrow’s determination to shore up a defence which had shipped 9 goals in their opening three games. Staines – Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Kersey, Brown, H Newton (Butler 76), Onochie, Scarlett, Fenton (Charles-Smith 64), Brown, Griffiths; unused Haule, D Thomas, Ifura. Harrow – Baptiste, L Hall, Watts, Walters ©, Browne, Frempong, Lawrence, McGonigle (Highton 75), Grieves, Constant, Hunte (Burlacu 62); unused Williams, Dahl, Ross (gk). Ref L Collins; ARs P Hitt, B Murdock; Att 232.
Saturday 23rd August 2008 (3pm) – Ryman League Premier Division TONBRIDGE ANGELS (0) 1 STAINES TOWN (2) 2 Staines more than made up for their midweek disappointment by sealing victory at the club tipped for the title recently by Steve Cordery. They were boosted by the inclusion of Friday night’s signing from Eastleigh, Leroy Griffiths, a strong and talented football with Football League experience for QPR and last season at Gillingham. Also back in the side were two players who missed out in midweek – André Scarlett (who was working) and Darti Brown (who had failed a pre-match fitness test). Staines’ strength in depth was underlined by a glance at the players who were not involved – Richard Butler, Marien Ifura, Davis Haule and Dean Fenton sat the game out as unused subs, while James Courtnage, Marc Charles-Smith, Lewis Cook, and Jon McDonald were among the decent sized crowd. On a warm afternoon, Staines began by defending the stand named after Tonbridge’s Youth team player who sadly died last season, the John Madams (North Mezzanine) Stand. Yet again, Staines got off to a very promising start, with Gareth Risbridger getting away a good shot, before Jamie Cade responded with one for the visitos which Wells saved. There were yellow cards for each side, with Lee Kersey cautioned on 12 mins for a foul on the flying Ade Olurunda, and 60 seconds later A Olurunda was yellow carded for an elbom on Dave Sargent, which left the Staines man off the field for 4 mins while he was fitted with a Terry Butcher style head bandage, and a new shirt. Staines suffered another injury barely halfway through the half, as Risbridger was caught late and had to make way for Dean Thomas with a painful right knee. Within seconds, Thomas had won the ball in midfield, and fed Sargent, who played a glorious ball through to Elliot Onochie, who in turn showed some excellent close control, holding off a challenge from Leon Legge, before lifting his shot over the advancing Lee Worgan. Legge was however more effective at the other end, bombing in several huge throw-ins, and also posing the constant threat that his tall frame would get on the end of any of one of their deep free-kicks. However, it was Staines who eased into a 2-0 lead, in the 37th minute. A great pass by Griffiths to Onochie led to a volley which Worgan touched over for a corner. Howard Newton took it, and it was powerfully headed home at the near post by Dean Thomas, his first for the club since October. Angels tried to strike straight back, winning a corner which forced Louis Wells into a brave double save at the feet of Carl Rook, and Staines were also forced to defend doggedly during the 5 added minutes. Just before this, however, they had the chance to put the game beyond reach, as H Newton robbed Legge and picked out Griffiths whose shot spun agonisingly wide of the virtually unguarded goal. The second half proved to be something of a nailbiter for the Staines Massive, as the home team piled forwards and Wells was soon in action to save efforts from James Donovan and John Westcott. Scarlett mounted a breakaway for the Swans, but Legge managed to divert his shot over his own crossbar, but it was short lived relief as both Rook and Legge put efforts across the face of goal. Tonbridge pulled one back on 63 mins, when Ade Olurunda seized possession 40 yards out, raced forward and netted with a good finish. Scarlett had his name taken for dissent after conceding a free-kick, and Tonbridge threw on a sub in a bid to get at least a draw. Staines managed to mount two excellent attacks, H Newton’s shot going just too high following excellent close control from Griffiths, Brown, and Scarlett; and then Griffiths played another fine ball to Onochie whose shot was palmed round for a corner. However, the pressure started to mount again, and Staines had Scarlett to thank for a super tackle in his own 18 yard box to deny Tonbridge a chance to equalise. This win means that Staines have taken 6 points from three difficult opening fixtures, and they occupy 7th spot in the early league table. Staines – Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Kersey, Brown, H Newton, Risbridger (Thomas 24), Griffiths, Onochie, Scarlett; unused Butler, Fenton, Ifura, Haule. Tonbridge – Worgan, Starkey, Glover, Tyne, Legge ©, Donovan, Westcott, Cade, A Olurunda, Rook (Storey 74), Logan; unused Watts, Lewis Hamilton, Olurunda, Piscina. Ref I Woodward; ARs B Erguven & J Flynn; Att 411.
Wednesday 20th August 2008 (7:45pm at Worthing FC) – Ryman League Premier Division HORSHAM (1) 2 STAINES TOWN (1) 1 By Steve Parsons. Having lost their ground at the end of last season, Horsham have arranged to share at Worthing’s Woodside Road and, apart from one pre-season friendly, this was the first match of that arrangement. Staines attacked the entrance end in the 1st half assisted by a stiff breeze; the pitch was in excellent condition, but it rained throughout, making it slippery. Unusually, all three line-ups were hit by late changes – firstly Assistant Referee Lyons was forced to return home for personal reasons, then both teams lost a sub through injury in the warm up, Darti Brown (hamstring) of Staines, and Lee Farrell of Horsham, this latter giving a shirt to Jacob Mingle, another ex-Swan alongside ’keeper Paul Seuke. Just as on Saturday, Staines made a very lively start, with Howard Newton forcing a good save from Seuke, and Elliot Onochie underhitting a shot from an excellent position. But at the other end, Louis Wells pulled off a good save in a one-on-one. Somewhat against the run of play, Horsham snatched a 28th minute lead, when a good ball was played in from the left to Alex Haddow, and he netted with a crisp shot. Another Horsham effort was saved within a minute, but it took Staines only 7 minutes to draw level, with Gareth Risbridger playing a through-ball to Elliot Onochie, who escaped his marker with a delightful trick, and then kept his cool to lift the ball over Seuke and into the net. Richard Butler had a close range effort saved, but was cautioned just before half time for an angry reaction to Russell Eldridge, who had just cynically fouled him. Another crunching Eldridge foul, this time on H Newton, led to a Staines free-kick which was swung in by Lewis Cook, but well held by Seuke. The second half was only 8 minutes old, and Onochie was well placed, when Horsham’s Eddie French lost his footing and went down with what appeared to be a very serious ankle injury. Play was halted for 5 minutes while he was stretchered off. To their credit, Staines continued to create chances, with Butler’s low angled shot being cleared off the line by Jack Page, and a Staines free-kick thudding into the wall after a trip on H Newton just outside the box. Risbridger sent a ball across the face of goal and just beyond Onochie’s reach, and Butler received from Cook in a dangerous position but was penalised. Horsham however continued to look dangerous, and a snapshot from Lee Carney was touched onto the upright by Wells. Butler was released and his first touch took him beyond Seuke, but he could not keep his balance to squeeze home his angled chance, and Seuke also did well to claim a ball off Onochie’s toes, and to save Onochie’s drive from a good Jake Newton pass. With the game seemingly heading for a well-contested draw, the home side snatched a fortuitous 82nd minute winner, when a long-range free-kick by Russell Eldridge struck Davis Haule on the side of the head whilst Sam Page pressurised the Staines wall, and this was enough to divert the ball beyond Wells for an own goal. Staines pressed frantically in the remaining 13 minutes (including stoppage time) but Marc Charles-Smith’s shot was crowded out, and Butler got just too thick a contact on his injury time header. Staines are now joint 9th, while Horsham rise to 2nd. Staines – Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Kersey, Haule (Thomas 86), H Newton, Risbridger, Butler, Onochie, Cook (Charles-Smith 79); unused Fenton, Ifura, McDonald. Horsham – Seuke, J Page, Eldridge, French (Howard 58), S Page ©, Carney, Carey, Charman, Archibald, Baitup (Knee 67), Haddow; unused Mingle, Graham, Payne. Ref McCoy; ARs Griffiths, Thompson; att 239.
Saturday 16th August 2008 (3pm) – Ryman League Premier Division STAINES TOWN (1) 1 BILLERICAY TOWN (0) 0 By Steve Parsons. After 9 pre-season games, the new League season got underway at Wheatsheaf Park on a sunny Saturday afternoon, with last term’s runners-up Staines facing another of the fancied sides, Billericay. With neither James Courtnage nor Shaun Allaway available, goalkeeper Louis Wells made his competitive début, as did Darti Brown in midfield. Two other new signings were on the bench, Davis Haule coming on as sub, while Dean Fenton remained unused. Matt Flitter is currently awaiting a knee op, so Danny Gordon assumed the captain’s armband. The pitch was in excellent condition, the weather warm, with a breeze blowing into Swans’ faces as they attacked the St Pinnock end in the first half. The opponents had a scare when – under the new guidelines – referee Andy Davies refused to let their centre back Tim Cole take the field unless he could remove his wedding ring, which he eventually did after a long struggle! Before kick-off, the teams and officials conducted the ‘fair play handshake’ which has been introduced at this level for the first time. Staines tore into their opponents for the first 35 minutes, and the only surprise was that they did not score more than a single goal, expertly stroked home from the penalty spot by Dave Sargent in the 18th minute. In a storming opening 5 minutes, the visiting defence was severely stretched by Howard Newton, Richard Butler, and Elliot Onochie, with Butler forcing ‘keeper Ronnie Worster into touching his drive over the bar. Leon Hunter responded for the visitors by winning possession in midfield and drawing the first major save from Wells in the Swans goal. However, Staines were quickly back in the ascendancy, Onochie firing just too high following an incisive André Scarlett pass, and Sargent curling in a free kick which was headed out for a corner. Another Staines corner, taken by Sargent, found Gareth Risbridger, who drove a shot towards goal. A defender blocked it, and it came back to him for another shot, and this time the defender blocked it with his arm, giving Sargent the chance to net the penalty. Joe Flack had a half chance for Billericay, but just failed to get on the end of Steve Ferguson’s good diagonal ball. Moments later, Staines created a very similar move, H Newton playing a glorious pass to the far post, where Sargent volleyed just wide. Staines had claims for a second penalty waved away in the 28th, when Brown went down under a challenge following a GOOD Jake Newton pass. But in the closing minutes of the half, Wareham set up a close range header for The Blues’ Flack, to which Wells made a reflex save, but was still relived that Gordon was covering to hook the ball off the line. Then Cole powered a header goalwards following a corner, but Wells appeared to touch it over, and the visitors were further upset that the referee assumed it had struck the bar, and so awarded a goal kick. Cole had avoided censure for his protests at that stage, but Butler was not so fortunate when he disputed a decision early in the second half. The visitors made a much better fist of it after the break, with skipper Hunter planting a header just wide, but for their possession, they were rarely able to directly trouble Wells. A couple of scything challenges on Butler and Risbridger brought yellow cards for Heffer and Ferguson respectively, but going into the final 10 minutes it was still 1-0. Billericay created one last chance, but Wells dealt well with Ferguson’s hanging cross, following up with an important claim from a low drive by Bradley Woods-Garness. Wells had had an excellent game, but was pipped to the Man of the Match accolade by the skilful Howard Newton. Staines – Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Kersey, Brown, H Newton (Thomas 88), Risbridger, Butler (Haule 73), Onochie, Scarlett; unused Fenton, Ifura, Charles-Smith. Billericay – Worster, McSweeney, Dumas, Heffer, Cole, Shave (Burbridge 71), Woods-Garness, Hunter ©, Flack (Semanshia 71), Ferguson, Wareham (Bricknell 80); unused Clarey, Buckfield (g). Ref A Davies; ARs A Morley, G Matthews; Att 277.
Wed 13 Aug ’08 – 6:30 at Short Lane stadium training pitch – Friendly ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX) YOUTH (1) 3 STAINES TOWN Academy (0) 0 A more solid performance from Staines than in last week’s opening friendly, was still not enough to defeat Ashford, who were playing their seventh. After a quiet opening on a windy evening, Adeniyi saved a good shot from Jennings, but Ashford took the lead on 23 mins, Stanford’s shot being beaten out, Jennings turned the rebound against the bar, before George Baldock netted. Ramizi hit the post for Staines early in the second half, their best period of the game, but Stanford twice went close for the home side. James Stanford, who was previously in our Juniors, then scored with two long range shots, netting from 30 yards in the 68th, and 40 yards in the 82nd! In between, Wombwell had a shot cleared off the Staines line, with Gough sending the rebound over, whilst Stanford hit the side netting late on. Staines – Ade Adeniyi; Ben Nicholson, Fabion Grosvenor, Alfie Arthur, Aaron Gilbert; Ashley Burton, Jemelle Hudson, James King ©; Nassir Ali, Shadrack Williams, Florin Ramizi. Rolling subs – Daniel Dunning, Babak Honarfar, Rowan Kelly, Emmanuel Adesanmi (gk), Haydn Thomas. Ashford inc – Oscar Jennings, Jimmy Stanford, George Baldock (Lewis Wombwell 36), Taylor Gough. Att 31
Wednesday 6th August 2008 (7.45pm) – Friendly FLEET TOWN (0) 2 STAINES TOWN (3) 4 By Steve Parsons. This was Staines’ third pre-season game in as many nights, with no fewer than 11 players appearing in two consecutive games, and one – Gareth Risbridger – turning out in all three! Swans’ resources were stretched somewhat by this game, meaning that Leigh Mason was called in to help out, having made the switch from Wheatsheaf Park to Flackwell Heath FC for business reasons over the summer, and Risbridger himself agreed to leave his partner’s side for the evening while she awaits the arrival of her overdue baby. Marien Ifura was able to make an appearance after his day’s work as a doctor, but Swans’ other medical man, Dr Elliot Onochie, was unable to leave an emergency case, and so was not present despite being named as a sub. Three of the side were making their last appearance before departing: former Chelsea man Ben Hudell, Gibraltar international Charlie Sardeña, and Lynvall Duncan (ex Leatherhead). There was also a guest appearance in goal for Cameron Riley, son of Vets’ player Mark Riley, who is studying in California and training with Brentford. The Fleet side, who enjoyed a good season in 2007/8, included two ex Swans in Damien Smith and Jamie McClurg, while a third – Darren Campbell – was named as a sub but was nursing an injury, and so was not used by manager Andy Sinton. In the first half, Staines kicked down the slope towards the dressing room end. Staines raced into the lead after only 3 minutes, when Howard Newton burst away down the right, beat his marker for pace, and then fired in an angled shot which deceived ‘keeper Paul Smith. And H Newton added another tremendous goal in the 11th minute, collecting a long pass out of defence, and then executing a neat turn to wrongfoot the defender, before smashing the ball home. Only then did Staines have the chance to bring on their two latecomers, Mason and Ifura. Fleet tried to get back in the game with a twisting volley from McClurg which flew across goal, but Staines were now rampant. Kerian Preddie, who got a start owing to Mason’s delay, made the most of it when he forced the ball beyond Smith for number three, after reacting quickly when a super Clement James shot came back off the left hand post. The game got a little niggly for a while, but soon calmed down, and Riley distinguished himself with an excellent save from a Ben White shot, which was made all the more difficult because it had now begun to drizzle. Fleet brought on the impressive Tom Bird at the break, and it took only 1 minute for him to reduce the arrears, shooting home from 10 yards after Staines had failed to cut out a cross. Fleet seized the initiative, and almost bagged another on 48 minutes, when a James Field free kick from outside the box thudded against the post. They hit the post again on 74 minutes, but this time Staines gathered the rebound and surged upfield in a swift move, which ended with Clement James hitting a great shot into the bottom corner to make it 4-1. With 10 minutes to go, Fleet pulled back to 4-2, when a diagonal ball from the right was met by a powerful low drive by Damien Smith which gave Riley no chance. Three minutes later, Fleet’s Eddie Smith was left in space but sent his shot wide, and in the last minute a McClurg shot hit the bar. All in all, however, this was a useful work out for a hard working Staines outfit. Staines: Riley, Sardeña, Sargent (Mason 12), Duncan, J Newton © (Ifura 17), Preddie, Hudell, D Thomas, Butler (Risbridger 62), H Newton [J Newton 62], James; unused Onochie. Fleet: P Smith, D Smith, Milletti (Bird HT), White (Hardy 73), Noakes ©, Hemmings, Field, McClurg, Anderson, E Smith, Smart; unused Wallace, Campbell, Smalley (gk). Ref: D Treleaven (Whiteley, near Fareham); ARs Dave Bott (Hants), Paul Inchcombe (Fleet). Att 102.
Wed 6 Aug ’08 – 1:15 at Brentford FC Training Ground – Friendly BRENTFORD Youth (2) 4 STAINES TOWN Academy (0) 1 Mark Fabian took a new-look side to Jersey Road, Osterley, for their opening friendly, to take on a good Bees side containing a number of 1st year pros. Brentford scored twice in each half, before James McShane completed the scoring for Staines with a good shot into the top corner. Staines: Danny Sonner, Mitchell O’Connor Toner, Daniel Dunning, Ben Nicholson, Aaron Gilbert, James King ©, Rowan Kelly, Haydn Thomas, Will Marlowe, James McShane, Nassir Ali; subs (all used) Ade Adeniyi (gk), Alfie Arthur, Jemelle Hudson, Luke Elliott, Fabion Grosvenor, Levi Smith, James Catterall. Att 49.
Tuesday 5th August 2008 (7pm) – Friendly STAINES TOWN (0) 0 WYCOMBE WANDERERS (0) 0 By Steve Parsons. Staines held a young Wycombe side to a scoreless draw in an extra match which was squeezed into their pre-season schedule by an offer to travel by the Football League outfit, who had been dissatisfied by performances in their recent work-outs. It was they who requested the early start, also. The Staines side was now starting to take its final shape. Wycombe included 5 players with League experience, totalling almost 300 games between them – mostly by Leon Knight. The side was under the control of their Coach, Peter Taylor, the former England player and manager. Attacking the houses end in the first half, Staines made a lively start, with Elliot Onochie seeing one effort blocked, and Howard Newton sending another just wide. However, Wycombe also looked dangerous too, and Louis Wells was forced into making a hasty clearance when Knight bore down on goal. But Staines then came straight back at them, and although H Newton was forced wide, he still managed to get his cross over, from which Richard Butler’s shot was blocked, and André Scarlett’s opportunist follow-up was saved in front of the post. Butler sent a header just over from a Scarlett cross, but as the game began to settle, the chances became rarer. Knight created two more for the visitors, however, the first halted by a well-timed Jake Newton tackle, and the second ending in a challenge for which the Chairboys striker vigorously claimed – but was denied – a penalty. H Newton drove just over the bar for Staines, and the home side also won a dangerous free-kick when Onochie was tripped on the edge of the box, but it came to nought. Knight was still in argumentative mood in the second half, and had his name taken for dissent at the midpoint, whereupon he was promptly and sensibly substituted. James Reading in the Wycombe goal made decent saves to turn away a deep Dave Sargent free kick and a Marc Charles-Smith from a Dean Fenton cross, and Lewis Cook also went close with a speculative shot. With 10 minutes to go, Cook sent over a good corner, to which Marc Cumberbatch sent a header flashing across goal, with J Newton a fraction away from turning it in at the far post. Then Wanderers carved out their best chance of the evening, Derek Duncan and George Daly working a clever free kick which eventually led to Duncan forcing Wells into a full length diving save. And then in the final minute it was Staines’ turn to go close, Reading finding Gareth Risbridger’s shot just too hot to handle, but doing enough to push it wide of his post. Staines: Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Cumberbatch, Kersey (Gordon 70), Scarlett © (Fenton 65), Brown (Haule HT), H Newton (Cook 65), Butler (Charles-Smith 70), Onochie, Thomas (Risbridger HT). Wycombe: Reading, Turley, O’Regan, Lewis, Christon (Ogbuagu 70), Rice, Duncan, Shulton, Knight (Lumsden 70), Hyde (Daly 65), Botham; unused Read, Fritchett. Ref: D Belbin; ARs I Skull & M Mortazavi (all Middx). Att 183.
Monday 4/8/08 Beaconsfield 1 Staines Town 3 By Stuart Moore With three games in as many days, Manager Steve Cordery was keen to keep his on-going triallists close for just one more show, but in his own mind he does know who won’t be staying at WP after the game at Fleet Town on Wednesday evening. Beaconsfield SYCOB, under the managership of the ebullient Jamie Jarvis won a treble last year, including the Spartan League title and are thus looking forward to a season back up at level four, when they’ll take their place in Division One South-West of the BGB Southern League alongside their tenants Slough Town as well as the likes of Uxbridge, Burnham and ….Truro City !! Having warned his players that the task would be a stiff one against a side who weren’t used to getting beat, the home side certainly started well, testing triallist Will Viner in the visitors goal and with the pace of Bradley Bubb (Byron’s younger brother,) causing all sorts of problems in the Swans unfamiliar looking back four. Indeed, the home side should have taken an early lead when a good move down the left was played across the box and the Swans defence was opened up with two good, short passes – ultimately though, SYCOB triallist Troy did the chance no justice as he blasted over from eight yards with the goal at his mercy. Following that early scare, the Swans began to get a grip and, despite the overly long grass making a short, passing game difficult, they looked to use pace to get in behind the home sides defence. On the right-hand side, particularly Dean Fenton was looking impressive with his pace and strong-running not to mention an excellent ability to find penetrating crosses from the flank – Fenton would finish a successful evening by completing Ryman forms for the Swans and we look forward to seeing more of the 25 year-old former Cheshunt player as the season continues. Indeed it was Fenton who used his pace to great effect, beating the off-side trap and getting on the end of Danny Gordon’s lofted through ball to expertly lift the ball over the advancing ‘keeper to open the score, the home side raised the possibility of offside, but Fenton had time his run well, according to the assistant referee who was perfectly placed. This opening goal really turned the tide and the previously bullish home side seemingly disappeared into their shells somewhat for the remainder of the half as the Swans attacked at will in search for more goals. Only one came, however, and that courtesy of a 31st minute penalty, coolly slotted home by Byron Bubb, who’d taken just a step and a half in run-up. The decision to award was a bit of a no-brainer as Referee Chris O’Donnell blew for hand-ball as Clement James’ run into the box was thwarted by the outstretched arm of the experienced Steve Dell who protested long after the penalty was converted successfully. Further chances for the Swans came and went with Marc Charles-Smith’s header flashing just wide and Gareth Risbridger having a poke on two occasions from twenty yards and more. Fenton also went close to grabbing his second goal, his shot through a crowded box was blocked on its way towards the net. During the break, the Rams manager Jamie Jarvis dished out the hair-dryer treatment to his side, much to the enjoyment of Steve Cordery as he decided to keep his subs warming-up until the hour mark, or thereabouts. Following the first couple of subs, with the experienced Risbridger and Gordon making way for Cook and Orlu, the Swans netted a third goal as Fenton again impressed with pace and strength down the right flank before arrowing a cross into the six yard box which was turned home by the flailing Ian Duncan, the SYCOB defender seemingly unable to do anything else than ‘score’! Three further changes were made by Cordery as the pace droped a little and only then did the home side enjoy their best spell, scoring a consolation and threatening another in the last quarter of an hour. The Rams scorer was Bradley Bubb (the younger sibling of Swans triallist Byron,) the nippy and diminutive front-runner tucking the ball home from close-range after Viner had initially made a good save to deny Fuller’s initial shot – the latter then squaring to the unmarked Bubb to turn the ball home. Another decent work-out for the squad, particularly Fenton who impressed before the Swans entertain a Wycombe Wanderers XI just 24 hours later. Staines: Viner, Duncan, Hudell, Gordon (Orlu 61), Ifura, James, Fenton (Sardena 67), Haule (White 67), Charles-Smith (Preddie 67), Risbridger (Cook 61), Bubb Ref: Chris O'Donnell, Ass: Peter Saggars, Tim Donnellon | |
