| DOWNPOUR ENDS DERBY Saturday 30th December 2006 (3:00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX) (0) - STAINES TOWN (0) - By Steve Parsons. Abandoned after 47 minutes at 0-0 due to waterlogging This eagerly awaited local derby came to a premature end when a downpour of biblical proportions soaked the Short Lane playing surface after 2? minutes of the second half. Staines boss Steve Cordery was pleased with the way his patched up side was performing, as he had to do without skipper Matt Flitter (hamstring), and fellow defenders Dave Sargent and Jake Newton (both away), and Jon McDonald (toe), goalkeeper James Courtnage (dead leg). Of the less experienced replacements he tried to call up as defensive cover, Chris Robinson was serving a week’s suspension for a dismissal in a college game, Adrian Brown was not signed on in time, and Jermaine McGlashan and Tim Pitt were also injured. He was able to welcome back Shaun Allaway (back) and Peter Smith (tonsillitis), and signed the popular André De Lisser back from Boreham Wood just 24 hours earlier. Neil Lampton and Danny Gordon also started, having been sub in the last game. Adam Thompson captained the side for the first time. Mark Butler, the Ashford boss, named five former Swans in his line-up – Paul Burgess, Steve Battams, Paul Johnson, Steve Lake, and Darren Deegan, but Wells, Canderton and Passmore were not involved. Prior to kick off, everyone was pleased that the forecast rain seemed to be holding off, and a good crowd of 525 showed up on a windy afternoon. However, shortly before 3pm, the rain started. It remained at a moderate level throughout the first half, in which Staines attacked the oil depot end. Ashford started brightly, and Allaway was pleased that Battams’ header from a Scott Todd free-kick came straight at him in only the 2nd minute. Another Todd lay off saw Ricky Wellard fire across the goalmouth, just after Ali Chaaban had done the same for Staines at the other end, following a pass from De Lisser, who slotted in with such ease that it was as though he had never been away. On 23 minutes, Lampton had a powerful drive deflected for a corner, and with Staines now enjoying the best of things, Burgess did well to parry a Chaaban effort round his post following a quickly taken free kick by Gordon. Then it was Nwokeji’s turn to test the Ashford ‘keeper, but his dive was equal to the task. However, the tide turned again in the last 8 minutes of the half, with Ashford mounting increasing pressure. Lake went close with a header, and Chewins sent a volley into the side-netting after a defender had lost his footing in the worsening conditions. A string of corners from either flank saw Battams, Smith, and Lake all go close, the latter having a shot blocked just in front of goal. The only caution of the game (which will still count, despite the annulment of the fixture) went to De Lisser for protesting at what he saw as a foul against himself in the 43rd minute. During the interval, the rain became heavier, and as the teams kicked off for the second period, the stadium was deluged by curtains of rain sweeping across the pitch. It appeared that Reading referee Michael Rowley took the teams off initially because the intensity of the rain made visibility so poor. He stated that he would give it 5 minutes to see if conditions improved. By the time he re-emerged, the rain had ease off, but the balls kicked by subs who were ‘keeping warm’ on the pitch were sending up plumes of spray from what was evidently significant surface water in many areas meant that he deemed it dangerous to continue. There were players on both sides who protested the decision, and certainly Ashford’s management were more disappointed, feeling that with Staines’ injury woes, they had the better chance to gain victory. However, the likelihood was that any goal scored would have been the result of an error, and the ref’s concern for safety was justified, especially as Thompson had already slithered into an awkward tackle in the opening seconds. The match will now be rescheduled for a later date. Staines: Allaway, P Smith, De Lisser, Thompson ©, Gordon, Scarlett, K Warner, Risbridger, Lampton, Nwokeji, Chaaban; unused Isa, J Kiffin, Maskell, Thomas, Phillips (gk). Ashford: Burgess, O’Sullivan, Chewins ©, Cook, Battams, Wellard, Johnson, Lake, G Smith, Todd, Deegan; unused Palmer, Harris, N’goyi, Canning, Cox (gk). R: Michael Rowley (Woodley); ARs Shaun Scott (Guildford); Michael Webb (Knaphill); Official Att 525.
WOMBLES HELD Boxing Day Tue 26 December 2006 (3:00pm) Ryman League, Premier Division – att 1984 STAINES TOWN (0) 1 Ali Chaaban 47m AFC WIMBLEDON (0) 1 By Steve Parsons. Antony Howard 54m A big holiday crowd saw Staines take on AFC Wimbledon on a bracing afternoon. Thomas (neck) and newcomer Morrison missed out. The first half was rather disappointing, but that was changed by two goals early in the second half, which featured end-to-end football and some moments of controversy. Match sponsors: John Blair’s Gooners Cleaning Service. There were some probing early raids, with Chaaban and Risbridger doing well for Staines, and D’Sane finding the side-netting at the other end, whilst Thompson did well to clear a Cook effort over his own bar. Little, the visiting ’keeper, dealt comfortably with a Nwokeji shot, and then almost helped a McDonald throw into his own net. At the other end, D’Sane sped clear of the offside trap, and squared to Watson, whose shot was saved by Courtnage. The last 11 minutes of the half saw a trio of cautions for fouls: Staines’ Risbridger and AFC’s Daly (on Chaaban) and Cook (on McDonald). Special half time entertainment was provided by Jake, Tony Slark’s Footballing Dog, which was perhaps more exciting than the first half! However, it burst into life just 90 sec after the restart when Staines broke down the left, Scarlett’s cross was only half cleared, and Chaaban picked up the loose ball and netted from 6 yards. The visitors strove to get level, and Cook tested Courtnage with a free kick, after being fouled by Warner, for which he was booked. They then forced a string of corners for Cook, and from one of them, Antony Howard rose powerfully at the far post to head home, with Staines appealing in vain that he had pushed Thompson. The game opened out, with Little saving well from Nwokeji’s shot on the turn, and a run by Chaaban leading to a trip by Watson, for which he was booked. Staines suffered the loss of Flitter with a hamstring strain, Scarlett taking the armband. Wimbledon looked the more likely to score, with Gell spanking a shot against the foot of the post, and D’Sane blazing the rebound over. Then Courtnage had to make a good diving save from Finnie’s shot, before Gordon was booked (dissent) just 11 mins after coming on. An intricate Swans move involving Scarlett, Chaaban and Nwokeji ended with Little just able to parry Chaaban’s drive under pressure from Warner. Swans introduced diminutive winger Hussein Isa, and within 2 mins he had tested Little. The game’s biggest flashpoint came on 83 mins, when a Wombles attack broke down, and in the mêlée, AFC’s Daly went to ground: Surrey ref Smith ruled this to be a dive, and dismissed him for a second yellow card. The finish was frenetic, as both sides pressed for the winner. Scarlett’s overhead kick just cleared the bar; D’Sane was thwarted by a fine Thompson tackle; and Dave Sargent had Little sprawling with a long shot. Staines appealed in vain for a penalty when Scarlett was challenged, but were left to rue a 91st min chance when Isa crossed but Nwokeji contrived to hit the bar from a couple of yards. However, it ended all square – a result which did not suit either team very much – while Staines have still only won 3 of their 16 Boxing Day games in the Isthmian League. Ex Swan Robin Shroot made a late sub appearance for The Dons. Staines: Courtnage, McDonald, Sargent, Thompson, Flitter © (Gordon 59), Scarlett , K Warner, Risbridger, H Newton (Isa 74), Nwokeji, Chaaban; unused – Lampton, J Newton, Allaway (gk). AFC Wimbledon: Little, Finnie, Watson ©, Gell, Howard, Lorraine, Cook (Shroot 89), Daly [SO 83], Fitzgerald, D’Sane, Darlington; unused: Maclaren, Kersey, Hutchings, Galbraith. Ref E Smith; ARs P Burton, J Scott.
SWANS BUTTED OUT BY BOISTEROUS RAMS Saturday 23rd December 2006 (3:00pm) Ryman League, Premier Divn: official att 282 RAMSGATE (1) 1 Michael Yianni 37m STAINES TOWN (0) 0 By Steve Parsons. Staines Town’s first ever meeting with Ramsgate was not an occasion to remember with satisfaction, as they returned from Kent with no points, but a hearty sense of injustice at the manner of Ramsgate’s bruising victory. Steve Cordery made four changes to the side which had lost at Edgware, with Flitter returning from injury, Chaaban and Thomas back after being rested, and a new forward – Chris Morrison – introduced following his signature from Banstead, having previously played at Molesey, Walton & Hersham, and Walton Casuals. Those omitted included Smith (tonsillitis) and Nwokeji (foot). The home side introduced the impressive Akwasi Edusei, just signed from Gillingham. The Southwood Stadium pitch was in a treacherous condition, very bumpy and heavily sanded, the afternoon was chilly, and Staines played up the slope towards the Prices Avenue (entrance) end in the first half. Although Chaaban sent a shot skimming towards ‘keeper Wilkerson, and Scarlett fired one just wide, it was the home side who started more forcefully, with Edusei sending in dangerous corners from which Ollie Schulz and Michael Yianni went close with a shot and a header respectively. An incisive pass by Minshull gave Takalobighashi a good chance, but Courtnage pulled off a fine diving save. Meanwhile, Welford’s long throws were posing problems for the visitors. Staines’ throwing specialist, McDonald, had his name taken for a clumsy challenge on 28 mins – the first Swan to be carded in almost 7? hours of football – and worryingly there followed a number of incidents in which opponents seemed to be trying to get him a red. The only goal of the game came on 37 mins, and it was a frustrating one for Staines. A Swans attack broke up, and the ball was pumped hopefully upfield by a defender. Courtnage came out of his area but the ball took a bad bounce resulting in the intended clearance shinning off for a throw-in deep in his own half. Welford’s throw reached Michael Yianni on the far side of the box, he slammed in an unstoppable shot. The Rams nearly doubled their lead 3 mins later, when Welford beat the offside trap, and supplied Takalobighashi, but Courtnage saved well. Welford was then lucky that the three Kent officials missed him kicking out at Thompson. Staines were much more positive in the 2nd half, with Wilkerson having to save from Chaaban and Sargent. Warner had to come off ill, and H Newton had only just come on before he was crudely challenged by Burton, who was booked. As the game opened out, McDonald’s throw set up a goalmouth scramble in which Wilkerson saved at Chaaban’s feet; Ramsgate countered, with Graham forcing a decent save from Courtnage, and Edusei blazing the rebound over. A flashpoint came on the hour, McDonald being struck by O Schulz, which sparked a mass mêlée, strangely resulting in cautions for dissent only for Schluz and Scarlett. With McDonald suffering increasing intimidation, he was withdrawn soon afterwards. Thompson’s was the next name in the book, for a foul on Welford, but an identical offence 6 mins later, by O Schulz on Chaaban, did not bring the expected second yellow. Chaaban was again targeted 2 mins later, Hill becoming the last booking. Staines came close to equalising in the 86th, but H Newton’s powerful header from a great ball by Risbridger drew the best save of the game from Wilkerson. There were still 11 mins to play final, sub Nwokeji going close while Courtnage was in action at both ends. He pulled off a good save from W Schulz, before joining in the attack just after Wilkerson’s comedy tumble. Staines remained 13th, but ended a run of 6 League victories in Kent, stretching back over 2 years. Staines: Courtnage, McDonald (J Newton 67), Sargent, Thompson, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Risbridger, Thomas, Morrison (Nwokeji 67), Chaaban, K Warner (H Newton 53); unused Gordon, Lampton. Ramsgate: Wilkerson, Burton, Hill, Minshull (Morris 74), O Schulz, Graham, Yianni, W Schulz ©, Welford, Takalobighashi (Gregory 72), Edusei (Pettit 67); unused Munday, S Vahid. Ref I Fissenden (Gravesend); ARs Ions (Maidstone), Kelly (Gillingham).
DEPLETED SWANS CRASH Tuesday 12th December 2006 (7:45pm) – Middlesex Senior Cup Round Two EDGWARE TOWN (1) 2 STAINES TOWN (0) 0 By Steve Parsons. Staines bowed out of their County Cup against the club they beat in the Final last time they won it, and in doing so, slipped to their first defeat by Edgware in over 20 years. The Wares are currently in the Spartan South Midlands League, two rungs below Swans in the pyramid, but that does not tell the whole story. They have lost only twice all season in any competitions (and one of those was when a shadow side played in a Charity Cup tie), top the table with games in hand, and on Saturday progressed to the last 32 of the FA Vase. On a cold night, the pitch was in decent condition despite yesterday’s rain, and Staines attacked down the slope towards the new hotel in the first half. Steve Cordery had to do without his two top marksmen, as Nwokeji’s injury had not healed, and Chaaban was serving a one match ban for 5 bookings. In form Howard Newton was not fully fit either, and so remained on the bench, leaving the unfamiliar pairing of Neil Lampton and Jordan Kiffin up front. Allaway and Flitter (each with back injuries) also remained sidelined. Edgware, whose cup successes has left them with quite a fixture pile-up, fielded an XI containing only five who started Saturday’s big game at Halstead, and had even their own supporters confused with an unfamiliar sky blue kit! Staines almost drew first blood, with Kevin Warner’s low shot deceiving the ‘keeper but going just wide. But it did not take the home side long to settle, and they carved out a good chance which Adam Wallace stabbed wide of an inviting target. Gareth Risbridger sustained a cut mouth, and had to change into a “blood shirt” and bandage after only 9 minutes. Adam Thompson at the back made a vital clearance for Staines, getting his boot to a Wallace effort after he had stolen in between defenders. At the other end, Jordan Kiffin was denied a maiden goal for The Swans when his 25th minute strike was ruled out for offside. Staines were still shading the evening when another huge Jon McDonald throw found André Scarlett, but his shot was gathered by goalkeeper Rob Blackburne. But Edgware took the lead 7 minutes before half time, when Wallace made a good run down their right and centred for Ben Hayden to sidefoot home his first goal for the club. Both teams made chances at the end of the period, with Staines going closest when McDonald’s long free kick grazed the angle of post and bar, whilst Kevin Warner and Hayden also went close. Edgware started the second half in fine form, forcing Staines onto the defensive. They tried to change things around by introducing Dean Thomas and Craig Maskell, but to no avail, as Edgware soon doubled their lead. Again Wallace burned down the right and this time he crossed to Ben Cain, who fired home at the far post. A succession of substitutions followed, as each side jockeyed for position, including the introduction of Staines Academy product Chris Robinson for his competitive début. However, although the visitors did create some half chances, time gradually ran out, and the nearest either side came to scoring was when Courtnage pulled off a low save to deny Wallace after some super interplay with Cain. Edgware will now entertain Hayes in the Quarter-Finals, whilst Staines slipped a place to 13th in the League table. Staines: Courtnage, P Smith, Sargent, Thompson, McDonald (Thomas 62), Scarlett ©, K Warner, Gordon (Robinson 73), Lampton, J Kiffin, Risbridger (Maskell 62); unused: H Newton, Phillips (gk). Edgware: R Blackburne, Brady, Christie, R Smith ©, Ferneé, Gardner, Hayden (Butler 67), Morton, Cain, Wallace (Kane 87), Hart (Castagnette 84); unused Buchanan, Newing. Ref M Mackey (Edmonton); ARs G Kent (Greenford), D Fuller (Kenton). Est Att 83.
ANOTHER WIN FOR LADIES Sunday 10th December 2006 – Greater London Women’s League Division 1 THURROCK & TILBURY LFC ................................. (2) 2 STAINES TOWN Women ............................................. (1) 3 After a long journey to Tilbury FC’s ground, Staines contested an exciting, controversial, and ultimately successful match against a side with only one previous League reverse this season. On a heavy pitch, it was hard to play much neat football down the middle, but Staines still worked early chances for Fell and Friar. However, T&T were dangerous going forward, and they took a 16th min lead when Leah McGregor forced home following a corner. In an end-to-end game, Staines levelled 9 mins later, when Friar’s shot was deflected for a corner, which Fell swung in and Sharon Heaven forced over the line from close range. There were good chances for Tilbury’s Edwards, and Koff of Staines, but it remained all square until the 38th min, when Michaela Iley tapped in from close range after Rose’s cross to put Leyton back in front. Staines almost levelled on the stroke of half time, when Davies set Friar away, but ‘keeper Dimambro saved bravely. Three mins into the second half, Iley chased another long ball accompanied by Staines defender Laura Spooner, and the visitors were stunned when Essex ref Brian Townsend stopped play and dismissed the Staines player, who had appeared to do nothing more than shake her sleeve free of the grasp which Iley had on her cuff. In any case, the ball had outpaced them both and been claimed by ‘keeper Clutterbuck, and so it did not appear to be a scoring opportunity. But Staines responded magnificently to the challenge, coming back to put the ball in the net four more times, although two of them were disallowed after flags by the home side’s linesman. Fell almost levelled when put through by Koff, but Dimambro saved well with her feet, and the rebound went just wide. However, when Fell’s 63rd minute corner was batted off the line by a defender using both hands, Lucy McNeil made no mistake with the penalty kick, but it was strange that no card was issued to the defender. Just two minutes later, Heaven got in ahead of Koff to force home another Fell set piece, and Tilbury had already kicked off before the ref consulted with the linesman and disallowed the goal because he told him that two Staines players had jumped with the goalkeeper. When Friar had another shot blocked, it seemed that it might not be Staines’ day, but in the 67th min, Eddy Koff bravely headed home a Fell corner, and they moved ahead 3-2. Fell was denied by a good save, as Staines sought to protect their lead and their tiring legs in the heavy conditions. On 82 mins, Oliver forced home a McNeil free kick, but once again the home linesman was on the pitch flagging, and the strike was chalked off. Clearly, Dimambro had this time been injured, as she was unable to continue, and defender Edwards had to take over in goal. With just 2 mins of the 90 left, McNeil ran the length of the field and hit a fine shot, but Edwards proved that she was more than just a stand-in, making a good save under the bar. The darkness deepened during the extended stoppage time, and Ginger distinguished herself by heading off the line in the 97th. Incredibly, there were a further 5 minutes played, but as the floodlights finally came on, the final whistle resounded and Staines could celebrate the hardest 3 points they have earned this season. The red card left a sour taste, however, and there were two yellow cards, too: Fell for Staines (disputed an offside decision, 37 mins) and Dimambro (T&T, dissent 65 mins). Staines: 1 Sarah Clutterbuck, 2 Kate Davies ©, 3 Jo Ginger, 4 Lynsey York, 5 Sharon Heaven, 6 Laura Spooner [SO 48], 7 Hannah Murphy (16 Sam Oliver 51), 8 Eddy Koff, 9 Jenni Friar, 10 Lucy McNeil, 11 Rachel Fell; unused 12 Charlie Lourenco, 14 Kate Cook, 15 Sam Spong, 17 Anne Hutchinson. T&T: 1 Hollie Dimambro (17 Zoey McGregor 82), 3 Rebecca Edwards (went in goal 82m), 4 Katie Harris, 6 Danielle Rose, 7 Sarah Moore, 8 Dion Henry, 9 Kerry Henry ©, 10 Leah McGregor (16 Lulu Dowman 80), 11 Michaela Iley, 15 Chanelle Farrell, 18 Stacey Smith (14 Toni Collins HT). Ref – Brian Townsend (Stifford Clays, Grays, Essex); ARs Pete Friar (STFC / Camberley, Surrey), Peter Davis (T&TFC / Stanford-le-Hope, Essex). Att 22.
FAIR RESULT ON THE DAY Saturday 9th December 2006 (3:00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division STAINES TOWN (1) 1 LEYTON (0) 1 By Steve Parsons. Staines and Leyton met at Wheatsheaf Lane in a straight battle for 12th and 13th place in the table, on a damp and breezy afternoon. The overnight rain left the pitch soft underfoot, though flat and well-grassed as ever, and Staines attacked the houses end in the first half. Steve Cordery was forced to make several changes to the side which beat Sudbury in midweek, with James Courtnage coming in for the unavailable Shaun Allaway, and Kevin Warner and Peter Smith returning to fitness to replace Dean Thomas (who was in Lilleshall with the England Colleges team) and Jake Newton. Matt Flitter and Mark Nwokeji continued to receive treatment on their injured back and foot respectively. Perhaps it was the grey day, or the lure of Christmas shopping, but the crowd numbered only 171, and the quiet atmosphere seemed to convey itself to the teams, as the game started off very quietly. It was a 21st minute foul on Smith, and a yellow card for Manny Williams, that seemed to lift the game out of its slumbers, with Staines pushing forward to win a corner, from which Ali Chaaban fired a low, hard shot, bringing a good save from Charlie Hasler. Maintaining the pressure, Staines were rewarded when Ali Chaaban shot them ahead on 27 minutes. The move developed down the left from a Jon McDonald throw and a pass from Dave Sargent, finding Chaaban who turned the last defender before supplying a super finish. Staines were unlucky when another goalbound shot was unfortunately blocked when Gareth Risbridger could not duck out of the way quickly enough! Then a defender was forced to head against his own crossbar, before Chaaban went close twice more in the closing 5 minutes of the half. The first effort was well saved by Hasler with his feet, following a cut back pass from Warner, and the second flashed just wide after André Scarlett had put him through. But there was an ominous warning for Staines in the final minutes of the half, as James Courtnage made a good save from a Dean Palmer header. Staines were caught cold at the start of the second half, as Leyton equalised just two minutes after the restart. A long ball through the middle found the prolific Leli Bajada in too much space, and he gave Courtnage little chance with a powerfully struck finish into the bottom corner. Leyton enjoyed their best spell of the game at this point, and a well hit free kick from Loui Fazakerley required a clearance from in front of the post. The visitors had introduced the lively Daniel Tenkorang, who set up another chance for Bajada, but it was halted by a narrow offside decision. The same thing happened at the other end a minute later, when Howard Newton was threatening to restore Swans’ advantage. Jordan Kiffin came off the bench for his home début, but at this stage it was Leyton who looked the more dangerous, with Williams only denied by a superb tackle from Danny Gordon, and Fazakerley sending a shot just wide. At the back, Adam Thompson had a fine game for Staines, and earned the Man of the Match nomination. However, when Neil Lampton came on for a late appearance for Staines, the tide turned back their way, as he made several good linking moves with Kiffin which saw each of them come close to snatching all 3 points for their side. First Kiffin supplied Lampton for a shot which fizzed across the goalmouth, and then he tested Hasler with a close range effort. Then came a penalty appeal after Scarlett’s chipped pass struck Bob Thanda on the arm, and then, in stoppage time, Kiffin received the ball from a corner and also fired a shot across the crowded goalmouth. But the game finished 1-1, probably a fair result on the day, which keeps Staines and Leyton in 12th and 13th places respectively. Fazakerley (a cynical foul on Smith) and Palmer (persistent infringement) were booked for Leyton in the space of two second half minutes, whilst pleasingly for Staines, it was their third successive game without a card. Staines: Courtnage, Smith, Sargent, Thompson, Risbridger, Scarlett ©, K Warner, Gordon, H Newton (J Kiffin 65), McDonald (Lampton 81), Chaaban; unused: Maskell, Robinson, Phillips (gk). Leyton: Hasler, Thanda, Soteriou, Thomas, Parkyn ©, Alderton, Brady (Tenkorang HT), Bajada, Williams, Palmer, Fazakerley; unused .Honeyball, Morgan (gk), Duporte, Cox. Ref N Field; ARs G Viccars, S Millar. Official Att 171
RESERVES HOLD 'DING' Wednesday 6th December 2006 (7:30pm) Capital League (Western Division) – att 10 YEADING Reserves ...................................................... (0) 0 STAINES TOWN Reserves ........................................... (0) 0 On a very cold night, Trent Phillips was delighted with a point from his makeshift team away at 3rd placed Yeading. Senior injuries and the Academy game at Havant severely hampered selection, with 5 trialists starting, and a bench consisting of two ‘veterans’ and two more trialists – one of whom did not arrive. Fisher kept goal again, and came under some heavy Yeading pressure early in the game. He made a great save with his feet from Goulding, and then saw H Abdallah hit the bar. However, Staines held firm, and as the half wore on, they created chances of their own. Kiffin worked the best of them, but was denied by a fine save from Stevens. Yeading’s Goulding was booked for a 40th minute foul on Robinson, the only card of the game, and was subbed at the interval. Staines grew in confidence after the break, with Fisher handling well, Houghton’s experience valuable at left back, Browne powerful in the air alongside the promising McLellan, and Akubuo showing up well in midfield. McGlashan and Kiffin both had chances to snatch a winner, but a draw was probably the fairest result from this entertaining game. Six minutes from time, Houghton came off with a thigh strain, Fisher took up his left-back role, and Phillips came off the bench to don the ‘keeper’s gloves. Staines: Danny Fisher, Chris Robinson, Tony Houghton © (Trent Phillips 84), Adrian Browne, Jack McLellan, Obi Akubuo, Odi Oboh (Moustafa Mosa 58), Luke Edwards, Jordan Kiffin, Adam Gerding, Jermaine McGlashan; unused Ibrahim Kwegyir (not present), Chris Wainwright. Yeading: Andrew Stevens, Andrew Charles, Liam Wright, Jamie O’Donoghue, John Mighty, Stuart Reeks, Hesham Abdallah (Matthew Piper 74), Wesley Cain (Paul Kelly 24), Dean Scarlett, Jeff Goulding (Zak Abdallah HT), Michael Barima ©; unused Ben Hudell. Ref: Roy Pardoe (Windsor, Berkshire); ARs John Roffey (Willesborough, Ashford, Kent), James Bird (Downley, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire). Att: 10.
SWANS REACH SEMIS Tuesday 5thDecember 2006 (7:45pm) – Westview Cup, Quarter-Final STAINES TOWN (2) 3 A.F.C. SUDBURY (0) 1 By Steve Parsons. Staines reached the Semi-Finals of the Isthmian League Cup for the fourth time in their history – but the first time since 1989 – and will be hoping to progress to their first ever final. The competition is running a little behind schedule, and Staines are the first side through to the last four, so the draw is not expected for a couple of weeks yet. This was their first ever meeting with League new boys AFC Sudbury from Division 1 North, themselves cup fighters of great renown. Both teams fielded their strongest available sides, but with squads weakened through injury and – in Sudbury’s case – suspension. Steve Cordery restored André Scarlett (after suspension), Jake Newton, Jon McDonald and Gareth Risbridger, as Kevin Warner, Mark Nwokeji, Peter Smith and Matt Flitter were left nursing niggling injuries. Nwokeji’s was perhaps the most serious, badly bruising an ankle at Boreham Wood, whilst Flitter’s hamstring proved to be tight in his pre-match fitness test. The night was cool and with a stiff breeze blowing towards the ‘houses end’, thus favouring the home side in the first half. Ryman League Admin Secretary Bruce Badcock was attending his first game at Wheatsheaf Lane, and – before kick-off – he presented the GX Soccer Team Performance Awards for November. Steve Cordery collected the Premier Division version on Staines Town’s behalf, to mark the 4-2 win at league leaders Margate. Mark Morsley, boss of the Suffolk side, received a similar glass trophy for his side’s great win at Conference club Cambridge City in the FA Trophy. Much of the first half was rather cagey. Staines looked the better side, and they pressed whenever possible, but AFC Sudbury contained them well. However, Staines broke the deadlock with a well worked goal on 21 minutes, when Jake Newton fed the ball down the line to Ali Chaaban, and he cut inside and forced a good save from Nathan Munson, only for André Scarlett to pounce on the rebound and supply a fine finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Sudbury had barely had a chance to catch their breath when Ali Chaaban added a second – a great strike from 25 yards that cannoned down and in off the underside of Munson’s crossbar. Staines were now enjoying themselves, and Dean Thomas stretched Munson, before Danny Gordon fizzed an attempt across the face of goal, following good work by Dave Sargent and Chaaban. With 4 minutes to go till the break, Chaaban seemed certain to score, after dancing round the ‘keeper, but somehow defender Chris Howlett got back to clear off the line. From the corner, Sargent’s drive drew a good save, as did Scarlett after he received a long throw from McDonald. At the break, the visitors withdrew their young midfielder, Chris Cowan, to replace him with another debutant, Ashley Skeggs. Having finished the half comfortably on top, Staines contrived to make things hard for themselves, when a trip by Danny Gordon on Andy Claydon brought a penalty which was dispatched with consummate power by skipper David Head. This gave Staines a few nerves, as a game that had seemed to be in their control was suddenly only a lapse away fro extra time (and perhaps even penalties). H Newton and Risbridger tried their luck with distance shots, and Chaaban also tested Munson from afar after Scarlett was tripped and then rolled him the resulting free-kick. AFC’s best chances came when Terry Rayner almost stole in following a mix-up between Gordon and Shaun Allaway, the ball momentarily being passed beyond the Swans ‘keeper, and when Allaway had to punch clear a Skeggs drive following Nicky Smith’s good pass. With 4 minutes left, Chaaban showed some delightful skills before feeding Risbridger, whose shot was saved by Munson, who in turn also denied Scarlett on the rebound. However, Munson was finally deceived in the 88th minute, when a free kick for handball was rolled sideways by Sargent to Chaaban, whose low drive crept under the body of Munson as he seemed to have it covered at the left hand post. It was a game of no cards (referee Forrester doing well to diffuse the one early bit of pushing without them, and gaining the players’ respect in doing so), no Staines substitutions, and just one change by Sudbury, from the two subs they have with them. Staines: Allaway, J Newton, Sargent, Thompson, McDonald, Scarlett ©, Risbridger, Gordon, H Newton, Thomas, Chaaban; unused: K Warner, Maskell, J Kiffin, Lampton, Courtnage. Sudbury: Munson, Girling, Boyland, N Smith, Howlett, George, Rayner, Pollard, Claydon, Cowan (Skeggs HT), Head; unused Irvine. Ref – P Forrester; ARs Kitchen & Penfold (both Surrey). Official Att 121.
SWANS COME BACK DOWN TO EARTH Saturday 2nd December 2006 (3:00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division BOREHAM WOOD (2) 2 STAINES TOWN (1) 1 By Steve Parsons. Staines were unable to build upon their superb midweek result – which earned the Premier Division’s GX Soccer Team Performance Of The Month award for November – when they made their first visit to Broughinge Road for six seasons. Steve Cordery made one enforced change to the side, Dean Thomas coming into the midfield, replacing André Scarlett whose recent 5th caution meant that he served a one match suspension. Boreham Wood have two ex-Swans in their squad, but André De Lisser was an unused sub, while Tommy Williams was confined to the sidelines through injury. However, after 5 winless League games in November, they reacted by signing the highly rated Darren Lynch from Cambridge City, who made his début in this game. The afternoon was bright but chilly, the pitch in reasonable condition despite some wet weather on the Friday, and Staines attacked the dressing room end in the first half, playing up the slight slope. Staines made a blistering start, forcing two corners which troubled home ‘keeper Noel Imber, and then – with only 3 minutes played – Mark Nwokeji was crudely scythed down in the box: no-one is sure just how a penalty was not awarded. Staines sense of frustration was increased when Boreham Wood opened the scoring on 6 minutes, without even making a proper attack! A long ball forward seemed to pose no threat, but as he tried to guide the ball back to Shaun Allaway, Swans defender Peter Smith succeeded only in lofting the ball into his own goal. After another scare, Staines then worked their way back into the match, and deservedly levelled the scores on 17 minutes. Following a neat and snappy move, Howard Newton cut into the box and played the ball into Mark Nwokeji, who drove his angled shot into the bottom corner. An entertaining contest ensued, with both teams looking good going forward. Leon Archer had the ball in the net for the home side, but the strike was ruled out as Lynch had handled. At the other end, a good run by Kevin Warner ended in a shot well saved by Imber. Swans seemed to be gaining the upper hand, but their good work was undone when Wood snatched the lead in the 44th minute. Chris Watters swung in a deep free kick, Staines were caught out at the back, and new boy Darren Lynch rose well to power in his header. The hard working Nwokeji was battered and bruised during the game, but he kept going well, and was just denied by a brave save from Imber at the near post early in the second half. His strike partner, Ali Chaaban, also flashed a shot just past the post a minute later, as Staines strove to get back into the game. However, they lacked the composure of Tuesday night, and with individual errors creeping in, the home side gradually got on top. Paul Burrows hit a stunning shot against the cross bar after a Watters throw was helped on by Chris Bangura. Staines introduced all three subs in a 7 minute spell, but they could not contain Watters (Wood’s NLP man of the match), who also fired across goal from another Bangura pass. Two of the Swans replacements combined for their best chance of the later stages, Jon McDonald feeding Jordan Kiffin, who threaded the ball through to Nwokeji, but under a stiff challenge he was forced into the side netting. With 4 minutes left, Kiffin received a McDonald throw, and this time fed Neil Lampton, but Imber got safely behind his shot. Wood introduced one sub 2 minutes into stoppage time, and were signalling to bring on De Lisser for Lynch when the final whistle blew a minute later, having efficiently retained their lead, meaning that Staines dropped a place to 12th. Staines: Allaway, P Smith (Lampton 70), Sargent, Thompson, Flitter ©, Thomas, K Warner (McDonald 77), Gordon, H Newton (J Kiffin 77), Nwokeji, Chaaban; unused: J Newton, Courtnage. Boreham W: Imber, M Cox, Moran, Burrows, M Smith ©, Gregson (Balic 90+2), Morgan, Lynch, Bangura, Archer, Watters; unused De Lisser, Allinson, Hart, Reynolds. Ref – S Fay; ARs S Anscomb & T Donnellan (all Beds). Official Att 181.
RESSIES LOSE THURSDAY 30 Nov - Staines Town Reserves were beaten at home by Northwood in the Capital League by Northwood. Although Jordan Kiffin had equalised just before half time, Northwood repeated the scoreline from a fortnight earlier to win 4-1.
WOMEN POSTPONED SUN 3 DEC - Staines Town Women v Camden Town (Gtr Lon Wom Lg D1) at Staines Lammas - postponed: waterlogged pitch. | |
