Saturday 29th December 2007 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (2) 2   AFC WIMBLEDON (2) 5 

By Steve Parsons.

Staines Town lost a little more ground on the leaders after this high-tempo defeat by a resurgent AFC Wimbledon concluded the festive programme.  It was not the happiest of Christmases for Staines, who – despite leading in all three of the games – garnered only a single point, and have slipped from 3rd to 6th in a very tight league.  Steve Cordery made two changes from the side beaton on Boxing Day, with Lewis Cook and Dwain Clarke restored, at the expense of Gareth Risbridger and Howard Newton.  AFC Wimbledon’s squad had been hit by a ’flu’ virus, but they were still able to field a powerful and experienced team.  The pitch was good, but with a heavy area across the halfway line following rain the previous day, the weather cool, and alternately bright and overcast.  A very strong wind was blowing into the faces of the team attacking the St Pinnock Road houses end, which was Staines in the first half.  A large holiday crowd of 1407 was in attendance – AFC Wimbledon’s second largest away crowd since the opening day of the league season.

The opening exchanges found the visitors in inept form, as Staines hassled them into a string of errors.  They conceded a needless corner within 20 seconds, and then after 2 minutes they gave away a foul in the ‘D’.  Dwain Clarke curled the free-kick round the wall, ‘keeper Danny Knowles saved it in front of the post, but then clattered into Mark Nwokeji as he pounced on the loose ball. Aftter the protests had died down, Lewis Cook converted the penalty against his old club, with only 3 minutes completed.  There was a worrying moment when Michael Haswell’s late challenge on Clarke brought an ominous crack, but fortunately it was only the Swans’ man’s shin-pad, but the opponent was fortunate to avoid a card in the context of the match.  However, The Wombles hauled themselves back into the game, and Daniel Webb might have levelled on 23 minutes, when he got his head to a Beckford corner, and Staines were then grateful to Danny Gordon for clearing the rebound from under the nose of Jon Main.  However, the reprieve was short lived, as the equaliser came just 2 minutes later, when Staines failed to clear a long Ferguson throw-in much beyond the 18 yard box, from where Karl Beckford picked his spot with a fine shot into the bottom corner.  Shaun Allaway made a reflex save to deny Webb’s close range diving header, with Adam Thompson neatly tidying up, but with just 30 minutes played, Wimbledon went ahead, Mark Beard slamming a shot into the top corner after Staines were again hesitant at the back.  The visitors then threatened to run riot, but Allaway made an important save from Beckford’s low drive, and then flung himself at Webb’s feet as he closed in on the rebound.  And Staines made it 2-2 in the 39th minute, when Cook swung in a free kick after Haswell had handled, defender Luke Garrard’s intended clearance only put the ball into the path of Mark Nwokeji, who needed no second invitation to find the net, forcing in from close range.  They therefore ended the half all square, a satisfactory return considering the strong wind, but they almost let it slip right at the end, after they failed to close Ferguson down, and his stinging shot went inches wide.  There were two cautions for Staines in the first half, Toppin for a foul on Beckford, and Charles-Smith (rather harshly) for a mis-timed tackle on Goodliffe.  Wimbledon had Webb booked for wasting time just after they went ahead.

An ugly clash just two minutes into the second half threatened to spoil the game, with Scarlett retaliating after being caught late by Garrard.  The crowd were half expecting to see red cards, but in the end it was just one yellow, for the Staines man.  What proved to be the winning goal was one worthy of winning any game, Steve Ferguson collecting a loose ball on Wimbledon’s right wing, ghosting past two defenders on his way into the box, and then threading a low hard shot round Allaway and into the far corner.  As Staines tried to capitalise on the wind, Cook was unlucky to see a decent shot touched by Knowles onto the post and out for a corner.  But hopes of a comeback were cruelly dashed by a bizarre penalty decision against them in the 61st minute.  Staines had got themselves in a tangle after a weak back pass, Allaway keeping the ball in but presenting it to Webb, who in turn laid it into the path for Main.  However, Gordon got their first, but as the forward ran up behind him, there was contact.  The referee waved play-on, but his assistant signalled a penalty, and later said that he saw Gordon push an opponent in front of him: pointing out that the opponent was behind earned the Staines man a yellow card, and Jon Main converted the penalty for his third goal in consecutive games for his new club.  Dons brought off the injured Garrard, whilst Staines made a rare triple substitution, but to no avail, as Wimbledon extended their lead in the 78th minute, with another pearl by Ferguson.  Once again, he showed good control on the edge of the box and beat his man, and this time curled his shot into the far top corner.  Soon afterwards, André Scarlett saw a 25 yard shot touched over for a corner, and this led to a further corner, but it was too little too late for Staines, who will hope that this, their first ‘blip’ of the season, comes to an end with the turn of the year.

At the end of the game, sponsor Bob Owen of CapioSol Ltd selected Mark Nwokeji as Man of the Match, while the NLP accolade went to former Spurs and Motherwall man Steve Ferguson of AFC.

Staines: Allaway; Thompson, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Cook, Toppin (Thomas 71), Charles-Smith (Asombang 71), Nwokeji, Clarke (H Newton 71); unused, Risbridger, McDonald.

AFC Wimbledon: Knowles, Garrard (Salmon 62), Haswell, Beard, Goodliffe ©, Quinn, Ferguson, Leberl, Webb, Main (Jolly 79), Beckford (De Bolla 86); unused Finn, Hatton.

Ref: A Degnarian; ARs S Scott, M Argile; Official attendance 1407.

Boxing Day Wednesday 26th December 2007 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX) (3) 4    STAINES TOWN (1) 2

By Steve Parsons.

In-form Ashford again claimed the local bragging rights with this win over their nearest neighbours on a bright but cold Boxing Day afternoon.  Steve Cordery made two tactical changes to the sie which drew with Tonbridge, leaving Lewis Cook and Dwain Clarke on the bench, and bringing back Adrian Toppin (after his one game suspension) and Howard Newton.  Mark Butler’s Ashford team included three players with Staines experience, Paul Burgess, Darren Deegan, and Paul Johnson.  The pitch was in good condition, with Staines attacking the far end in the first half, but the only disappointment was a reduced crowd from last year’s fixture, despite much better weather.

Ashford were quick out of the blocks, forcing the visitors to soak up some early pressure.   However, Staines quickly settled, and they should have been settled by a good early goal when Dave Sargent’s cross caused confusion in the Ashford box and Howard Newton hooked a shot into the top corner.  However, they were quickly knocked out of their rhythm by an Ashford side who did not give them a moment to settle, and there was a sense of inevitability that Paul Johnson would score, which he did with a cracking drive into the bottom corner on 21 minutes to make it 1-1.  Then followed a scrappy period of play, which saw cautions for Stuart Bamford (a foul when challenging Shaiun Allaway for a high ball) and Gareth Risbridger (persistent infringement).  The free kick from Risbridger’s foul was squared to Johnson in a good position, but his shot faded just wide.  But Staines were stung by two goals in 60 seconds, in the 38th and 39th minutes.  A Swans defensive header fell short, and captain Gavin Bamford netted with a fine volley on the turn.  Barely had the home supporters finished celebrating, than their side extended the lead, Scott Todd’s cross being met by Warren Harris who squeezed his shot past Allaway.  It might have been worse for Staines, had not Allaway been well placed to save Paul Timba’s free header two minutes before the interval.

The second half began with Clarke replacing Risbridger, in a bid to broaden Staines’ attack, but their task was made harder still when Ashford went 4-1 up after just two minutes’ play, Swans conceding possession in defence and Ricky Wellard punishing them with a well struck shot.  Each side had a player booked for persistent infringements, André Scarlett of Staines quickly followed by Stuart Bamford, and from the free kick resulting from the latter, Staines won a corner which Clarke sent in short, for the waiting Matt Flitter to stab in his first goal of the season, the Staines skipper not to be outdone by his opposite number.  Ashford quickly returned to the attack, Johnson forcing a good save from Allaway, before Staines responded with a Mark Nwokeji shot which was cleared off the line, and Marc Charles-Smith’s follow-up was also blocked.  Adrian Toppin was cautioned for a high foot, before being replaced by Dean Thomas, and Steve Cordery also introduced Victor Asombang.  However, try as they might, Staines could make no further inroads into Ashford’s lead, and – after Scott Todd’s late tackle on Thomas had evened up the cards total – the game ended in defeat.

Staines: Allaway; Thompson, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, H Newton, Toppin (Thomas 64), Charles-Smith (Asombang 72), Nwokeji, Risbridger (Clarke HT); unused Cook, McDonald.

Ashford: Burgess, O’Sullivan, Deegan, Wellard, S Bamford, Logie, Johnson (Weight 72), Timba (Cooper 79), G Bamford ©, Todd, Harris; unused Hardy, Milletti, Ross (gk).

Ref: J Comley (Dedworth); ARs I Jempeji (Alperton), A Roberts (Epsom Downs); Att 310.

Saturday 22nd December 2007 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (1) 1   TONBRIDGE ANGELS (0) 1 

By Steve Parsons.

Tonbridge came into this came in a deceptive 20th place, but with a squad strengthened by a £10,000 acquisition from cup fighters, Horsham (Carl Rook), and with an excellent FA Trophy win over Oxford United in the last game.  Staines were without the suspended Adrian Toppin, so Gareth Risbridger came straight back into the starting side.  On the bench was Jon McDonald, hoping for his first action since his ankle injury in March.  The pitch was in good condition, the weather misty, and Staines attacked the houses end in the first half. 

Swans made a fine start, with Cook almost connecting with a Clarke pull-back, before they opened the scoring in the 6th minute.  Thompson advanced down the right and picked out Mark Nwokeji in space at the far post, and the league’s joint top scorer made no mistake.  He nearly added another when Risbridger’s cross whistled just past him, before Nwokeji and Cook combined to set up Charles-Smith, only for ‘keeper Reed to save with his legs.  More than half of the first period had elapsed before Angels got a worthwhile attack going – Watts beat the offside down the right and centred for Harris, before Thompson made a timely intervention.  Staines were almost caught waiting for the whistle, as Thompson and an opponent went down after bumping heads, but the referee allowed play to continue, and Tyne saw a tremendous shot turned onto the post by a wonderful Allaway save: Rook moved in on the rebound but was flagged offside.  The same cast then toured the other end, Tyne this time clearing Thompson’s tantalising centre following an excellent Staines build-up.

The start of the second half was much more open, with Donovan seeing a snap shot kept out by the well-placed Allaway, and Logan having a 61st minute headed effort chalked off after the referee had spotted him pushing a Staines player.  Tonbridge have just signed former Swan Luke Fontana, and introduced him just after the hour, the first of a cluster of substitutions.  Lovell of Tonbridge picked up a yellow card for kicking the ball at Nwokeji while he was on the ground, and he ws followed in the closing stages by team mate Rook (dissent), and – right at the end – by Powell and Staines’ Scarlett for a bad tackle by the Angel and retaliation by the Staines man.  However, there was still plenty more action before then, as a shot by Barr deflected off Rook’s heels and fell perfectly for Tyne to put into the net – but this 74th minute strike was ruled out for offside.  Swans sub Asombang made a neat turn after a swift move involving Sargent and Cook, before driving a good shot inches over the bar, and with 10 minutes left, Reed got down well to save Howard Newton’s low drive.  Tonbridge were now loading the penalty box with attackers, and the congestion led to more confusion as Flitter clashed heads with Powell when challenging for Westcott’s cross: the visitors appealed for a penalty, but the incident was settled with a drop ball.  However, Staines lead, which had lasted for 80 minutes, was finally erased when they momentarily switched off, allowing a long throw by Lovell to reach sub John Westcott on the bounce, and he turned and drilled his shot into the corner of the net.  Both sides now chased the winner, with Clarke’s good run perhaps deserving more than a corner, and Reed also dealing with two long shots.  At the other end, Gordon cleared off the line when Tyne got on the end of a Westcott shot, and Fontana got through with only the ‘keeper to beat, but was denied by a great double save by Allaway.

Former Woking player Martin Black, from match sponsors WF Electrical Ltd, selected Matt Flitter as the Man of the Match.

Staines: Allaway; Thompson, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Cook (H Newton 66), Risbridger, Charles-Smith (Asombang 66), Nwokeji, Clarke; unused McDonald, Thomas, Courtnage (gk).

Tonbridge: Reed, Kember Powell 78), Lovell, Tyne, Beales ©, Donovan, Watts (Westcott 70), Harris (Fontana 62), Barr, Rook, Logan; unused Kinch, Husnu.

Ref: C Williams; ARs C Breakspear, A Roberts; Official attendance 270.

Wednesday 19th December 2007 (7:30) – Ryman Youth League

STAINES TOWN KC Academy (2) 3 AFC WIMBLEDON Youths (2) 2

Having had three weeks to brood on their 7-1 reverse at Worthing, and 16 weeks on from the narrow opening day defeat by this opposition, Staines went into this game with league leaders AFC Wimbledon under the watchful eye of Mark Fabian, as Martyn Spong was laid low with the ’flu’.  Jon Vickers made his début for the team at right back.  A very lively opening was rounded off when a Wimbledon corner was met at close range by Daniel Fianyor.  Staines levelled on 23 mins, when Lyle Taylor took the ball across the box before unleashing a stunning drive to give former Swans Junior ‘keeper Jack Turner no chance.  Two minutes later, Will Marlowe thought he had headed Staines in front, but he was flagged offside.  But on 29 minutes, another good finish by Taylor into the bottom corner did give Swans the lead.   Taylor had two more good chances, but one was well saved by Turner, and the other went just wide.  King (28m) and Marren (31m) had already been booked for fouls, when Ali became the third name in the book, and from the 41st minute free kick, Fianyor’s header brought AFC back on terms going into the break.  Taylor completed his hat-trick when he scored the winning goal with a neat finish on 63 minutes.  AFC pressed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, including 6 added minutes, but Staines held firm, despite having Marren dismissed for a second booking after an innocuous looking foul 2 minutes from time, with Taylor taking over the captain’s armband.   

Staines: Kristos Straker, Jon Vickers, Daniel Dunning, Luke Elliott, Phillip Joseph, Michael Marren © [SO 88m], Nassir Ali (Elliott Thompson 55), James King, Lyle Taylor, William Marlowe (Enos Rodger 67), Adam Nelson (Sam Nicholson 75); unused Hyun Jin Lee, Emmanuel Adesanmi (gk).

AFC Wimbledon: Jack Turner, Stevie Gilbert, Femi Ilesanmi (Edward Bell), Godfrey Asare, Aaron Snelling, James Stenning (Abdul Kamara), Michael Kyere, Luke Pigden, Daniel Fianyor, Tommy Hutchings ©, Ollie Trencher (Charlie Dennis).

Ref Brian Fish; ARs Steve Nanson & Corin Readett (all Surrey); Att 56.

Saturday 15th December 2007 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

HARROW BOROUGH (1) 1  STAINES TOWN (3) 3 

By Steve Parsons.

Having narrowly beaten Harrow at home in the county cup in midweek, Staines Town travelled to Earlsmead, and won 3 valuable League points against the same opposition.  Both sides showed nine changes as they reverted to more familiar line-ups.  Staines attacked the far end in the first half of a very chilly afternoon.

Despite the cold weather, these two sides put on an exciting and entertaining display right from the opening minutes, and there were chances at both ends right at the start, the best of them resulting in a point-blank Shaun Allaway from ex-Swan Robin Shroot, with Albert Adomah miscuinmg the rebound.  Adomah let another chance go begging, while Dwain Clark was looking lively at the other end, twice troubling ‘keeper Gary Ross.  Staines started to get on top, and their lively approach play paid off when they took a 17th minute lead, André Scarlett playing a free kick to Mark Nwokeji, who turned and cracked a low shot past Ross from just inside the box, grazing the post on its way in.  It took just 4 minutes for Staines to double their lead, and Nwokeji was heavily involved again.  He received a pass from Cook, and then outsmarted both right-back Wayne Walters and the ‘keeper, before laying the ball back to Lewis Cook who stroked home number two.  Despite this double blow, Harrow kept going well, and had a decent Shroot shot turned round for a corner by Allaway, a Charlie Hill header flash just wide, and a Bobby Highton lob palmed over the bar by Allaway.  However, Staines scored what would prove to be an important third goal 9 minutes before the interval, when Marc Charles-Smith powered down the right and centred for Nwokeji to shoot his fifth goal in 8 days.   But if Staines thought their work was done for the day, Harrow showed them that this was not the case, pulling a goal back after 41 minutes.  Allaway came to the edge of his box to effect a punched clearance, but was off balance and could not get the ball beyond Jamie Lawrence.  He pumped the ball back in, Cook cleared it off the line, but Shroot picked up the rebound, and fired into the roof of the net from a difficult angle for 3-1. 

Entering the second half, it was Harrow who were the more adventurous side, and Shroot had seen another shot go just over before he was unfortunately caught late by an Adam Thompson tackle, for which the Staines defender was cautioned.  However, play was held up for 4 minutes while a stretcher was called for the man who is on a 3 month loan from AFC Wimbledon, but thankfully x-rays revealed no break to his ankle.  Staines showed that they were still in business, with Adrian Toppin masterful in the centre of midfield, and Charles-Smith and Nwokeji showing some delightful close skills in the box.  One particularly mazy run by the latter deserved to do more damage than merely dislodging a spectator’s cup of tea balanced on the perimeter fence – for which the gentlemanly Nwokeji came back and apologised!  At the other end, Adomah miscued when well placed, Jamie Lawrence also sent one just off target, and sub Jonathan Constant made a fine run and shot which also crept wide, amid claims that Allaway had touched it for a corner.  Steve Cordery demonstrated the squad strength when bringing on Howard Newton and Gareth Risbridger, to replace Cook and Clarke who had run non-stop.  Leech and Bent also tested Allaway, and skipper Wayne Walters might have done better with a late chance after receiving the ball from a free kick.  The bookings tally was evened up 3 minutes from time, when a petulant foul on Nwokeji earned a card for Gary Meakin, but during injury time, Constant tangled with Risbridger, and Staines’ Gordon was booked for kicking the ball away from the resulting free kick.  Deep into stoppage time, Howard Newton set up Nwokeji with his best chance of completing another hat-trick, but Danny Leech prevented it with a block in the 6 yard box.  It was a hard-earned victory which takes Staines up to third, and still with enough games in hand to trouble the leaders.

Staines: Allaway; Thompson, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Cook (Risbridger 72), Toppin, Charles-Smith, Nwokeji, Clarke (H Newton 72); unused Asombang, Thomas, Courtnage (gk).

Harrow: Ross, Walters ©, Meakin, Leech, Burton, Highton, Shroot (Bent 59), Lawrence, Hill (Constant 59), McGonigle, Adomah; unused Frempong, Nielsen, Harrison.

Ref: David K Rock (Hatfield); ARs Michael S Barnes (Stoke Newington, London), Mark A Tweed (South Tottenham, London); Official attendance 135.

The Reserves' home cup tie with Harrow was called off for a third time on Thursday night, this time due to a frozen pitch, and will not now be scheduled until January.  There is no Reserve fixture this week.  The Youth game at Burgess Hill Town was also off due to waterlogging.

Tuesday 11th December 2007 (7:45pm) – Middlesex Senior Cup, Round Two

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

By Steve Parsons.

On a very cold night at Wheatsheaf Lane, Staines progressed to the Quarter-Finals of the county cup, as a reshuffled side eventually got the better of in-form Harrow.  Steve Cordery made several changes, with Leigh Mason making his return to the side after 2 months out with foot and back injuries, and Chris Robinson, Dean Thomas and Leon Fisher starting their first competitive games of the season for the Club.  Allaway (hand), and Nugent (hamstring) were all nursing knocks, whilst Sargent, Flitter, Toppin, Charles-Smith and Clarke were all given well deserved rests.  Jake Newton was joined in the starting line-up by his brother Howard, a former Harrow top-scorer, as well as another former Red, Victor Asombang.  For their part, Harrow selected ex-Swan Nick Burton as their skipper, and included Robin Shroot and Charlie Hill on the bench.  Staines attacked the St Pinnock Road end in the first half, on a pitch that was heavy in places, whilst also showing the first signed of frost.

A crowd of less than 100 eschewed the tv games and braved the cold to watch this cup tie, and they saw Harrow have the better of the first half possession, whilst the home side created the to best chances.  Midway through the half, Asombang burst through and then laid the ball off to H Newton on the right, who dragged his low shot across the face of the goal.  Five minutes later, James Courtnage made a reflex save with his feet, after Kwasi Frempong met a Harrow corner and set up a great shooting chance for Bryan Harrison.  Back on the attack, Mason saw a low drive kept out by the feet of Josh Lennie, with Leon Fisher following in but he too shot across the goalmouth. 

Harrow made a pair of interval substitutions, but it was Staines who lifted the pace of the game, another Mason drive being saved at a stretch by Lennie.  No-one present really wanted extra time (or even penalties), but the tie seemed to be headed that way until, just 12 minutes from time, Fisher threaded a pass through to Victor Asombang, who advanced to the edge of the box and drilled a shot under the body of the advancing Lennie to give Swans a lead.  Although Courtnage had to deal with a potentially awkward dipping shot by James Bent, Staines’ lead was not seriously threatened, and they will now be at home in Round 3 on 22nd January, against Hendon, who defeated Harefield 6-0 tonight.  Another plus point was that referee Matt Downey, sometimes no stranger to controversy, officiated well and gained the respect of the players, allowing him to leave the field with a clean notebook.

Staines: Courtnage; Thompson, J Newton, Gordon ©, Robinson, Risbridger, H Newton, Thomas, Mason, Asombang, L Fisher (Cook 83); unused Scarlett, Nwokeji, Joyce.

Harrow: Lennie, Nielsen, McCoy, Knox, Burton ©, Frempong, Bent, McGonigle, Harrison (Adomah HT), Constant (Shroot HT), Henry (Hill HT); unused Leech, Ross.

Ref: M Downey; ARs J Weeks, P Savva; Att 77.

Sun 9 Dec 2007 - London & South East Women's Regional League, Div 1 (London)

COLNE VALLEY 1  STAINES TOWN Women 6

Staines returned to winning ways with this emphatic derby victory over Colne Valley in Sunbury.  Lisa Samuel led the attack with a hat-trick, emulating Mark Nwokeji's feat from the day before, with the other goals coming from Jo Ginger, Sam Oliver, and Hannah Fitzpatrick.  Colne Valley pulled a goal back from the penalty spot.

Saturday 8th December 2007 (3pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (3) 4  BOREHAM WOOD (1) 2

By Steve Parsons.

The bling of the FA Cup may have faded, but Staines showed that they were still prepared to do an honest afternoon’s toil, in coming from behind to beat a strong Boreham Wood side who began the day two places and 2 points ahead of them.  Steve Cordery was forced into three team changes, as Allaway (wrist) was carrying an injury, while Risbridger and Nugent were serving one match bans, the latter also ruled out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring problem.  However, he was able to call on excellent replacements, in James Courtnage, André Scarlett and Adam Thompson.  The surface had absorbed a lot of rain, although this had reduced to a steady drizzle throughout the blustery afternoon, as Staines attacked the Penton Hook houses end in the first half.

Staines were rampant in the early stages, with Mark Nwokeji making a powerful run down the right before seeing his shot well saved by Noel Imber, who also saved from Lewis Cook who got away down the middle, and from Marc Charles-Smith’s right-wing raid.  Dwain Clarke saw a drive blocked, and then a defender did well to get his head to Nwokeji’s top-corner bound header, to divert it over.  A curling corner from Clarke was almost headed in at the far post by Matt Flitter.  But Swans were caught out when a foul by Toppin led to Paull Abbott striking a 30 yard free kick, which took a big deflection to deceive James Courtnage and put the visitors ahead.  Abbott had only completed his transfer from Billericay a few hours beforehand.  Staines’ response was swift and emphatic, netting three times in a 10 minute burst later in the half.  On 28 minutes, Adrian Toppin levelled with a stooping header from Lewis Cook’s flighted free-kick, Cook having been fouled by Ryan Moran, who was cautioned.  Just 2 minutes later, Charles-Smith beat the offside when running onto a Nwokeji ball, and then caused confusion in the Wood box when he played it into the danger area, and Nwokeji reacted quickest to stab the ball beyond Imber.  Clarke provided a perfect pass for Nwokeji to chase down, control first time, and slam into the corner of the net to make it 3-1 on 38 minutes.  However, the visitors showed that they were still in with a shout, as Bangura’s low drive clipped the upright seconds later. 

Just 15 seconds after the restart, Cook was unlucky to see a fine shot saved by Imber.  But the goal of the game came 11 minutes into the second half, and again Clarke was involved, winning the ball in midfield and picking out the pacy Nwokeji, who crashed a great shot into the top corner to effectively seal it for Staines.  Toppin picked up the game’s second yellow card, for a late challenge, and he was followed later by Wood’s Marvin Samuel for dissent.  Dave Sargent had to be alert to clear off the line, after a swirling cross-shot by former Staines man Elliot Onochie deceived Courtnage to reach the back post.  The Wood had a couple of optimistic penalty appeals waved away in the latter stages, and Courtnage made a brave save from a close range effort by Bangura.  It was Chris Bangura who bagged their consolation deep into stoppage time, sidefooting home after a neat pull back from the former Wheatsheaf Lane favourite, Tommy Williams.  Only seconds remained, before Mr Webb blew the final whistle, and Roy Roberts handed the Bullseye Trophy Sponsor’s Man of the Match to Mark Nwokeji, who was celebrating his first senior hat-trick.

Staines: Courtnage; Thompson (J Newton 74), Sargent (D Thomas 81), Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Cook, Toppin, Charles-Smith, Nwokeji, Clarke (H Newton 66); unused Asombang, L Fisher. Mascot Reece Lewis (10).

Boreham W: Imber, O Williams, Moran, Samuel, Cox (T Williams 69), Reynolds, Abbott, Onochie, Bangura ©, S Thomas (Gregson 71), Watters; unused Atta, Clements, Lewis.

Ref: M Webb; ARs I Kitchen, C Hicks; Att 252.

Saturday 1st December 2007 (3pm) – FA Cup sponsored by E.On: Second Round Proper

STAINES TOWN (0) 0  PETERBOROUGH UNITED (3) 5

By Steve Parsons.

Staines Town’s longest ever FA Cup run came to an abrupt halt in front of a capacity 2460 fans at a chilly Wheatsheaf Park on Saturday.  Fears were raised that the game, featured on BBC TV’s “Match of the Day” programme, could be washed out just like the Stockport game, after heavy rain on Friday afternoon and overnight.  However, it eased up to a blustery drizzle, leaving the pitch perfectly playable, if a little heavy along the centre.  Despite doubts over several key players, Steve Cordery’s side all passed fitness tests, and he named the same side and subs as in the previous round.  Peterborough, with Barry Fry in attendance, and managed by Darren Ferguson, were also cheered on by his father, Sir Alex Ferguson (and family), whilst the Club were also proud to welcome Sir Trevor Brooking to the game.  They both graciously signed autographs for anyone who asked, and Chris Wainwright commented how far Sir Trevor had come since playing against him for Rainham Town nearly 20 years ago!  Staines were led out by 11 year old mascot Harry Loader, and in the first half played against the wind, attacking the Penton Hook Road houses end, which was closed to spectators under the same safety instruction which reduced the capacity from the previous licensed maximum of 3000.

Staines were on the back foot from the very start, having to defend three Posh corners, and seeing Mackail-Smith send a snapshot just over the bar.  After Gareth Risbridger had seen a shot fly off target, the home side had their one good early chance after just 5 minutes, Marc Charles-Smith flicking on a high ball into the path of Mark Nwokeji, who spun away from his marker but put his first time volley too high.  Exactly 10 minutes had elapsed when the visitors took the lead, and it was a controversial goal which both inflamed Staines’ sense of fair play, whilst shredding their confidence.  Marcel Nugent had chased back, but had pulled up with what was clearly a hamstring problem.  Play continued, but when the referee blew for a Peterborough free kick, they were entitled to expect some treatment for their stricken right back.  However, the visitors took it quickly, and although Matt Flitter cleared Chris Whelpdale’s shot, the ball came back nicely for Craig Mackail-Smith to fire past the helpless Shaun Allaway, attacking the space that Nugent might have been covering.  Nugent was unfit to continue, and was replaced by Adam Thompson before play resumed.  Just 4 minutes later, Peterborough skipper Micah Hyde arrowed a free kick towards the top corner, but Allaway superbly tipped it over the bar.  However, the respite was short lived, as Boro made it 2-0 on 18 minutes, Mackail-Smith finding Aaron McLean with a long pass, and although Allaway saved his first attempt, once again he was unlucky with the rebound and this time McLean made no mistake.  Mackail-Smith stabbed another good chance wide from a George Boyd cross, but Staines were buried as early as the 23rd minute, when Hyde and Boyd combined after a corner, to allow Mackail-Smith to rifle in from close range.  To their credit, Staines never gave up, but they did not get the rub of the green, and found Peterborough to be much the most accomplished side they have come up against.  Charles-Smith shot across the face of goal, Risbridger worked space but was unable to get his shot away, and Charles-Smith went close after a good ball from Danny Gordon.  In the final minutes of the half, the hard-working Lewis Cook sent in a dipping shot from an angle which faded a fraction wide, and Staines came under pressure again during the 2 added minutes, when Allaway tipped over Charlie Lee’s looping shot, and then reacted well when Boyd got on the end of the resulting corner. 

The surface was made greasy by a half time downpour, and Staines almost turned this to their advantage just 2 minutes after the restart.  Dwain Clarke’s cross was handled by Claude Gnakpa, and the free kick was played to Nwokeji, whose stinging effort took a deflection before being  well saved by Mark Tyler.  Chances continued to come at the other end, with Allaway saving from Boyd, and Toppin blocking a Lee strike. On 54 minutes, a neat Hyde / Boyd move ended in a Peterborough corner, which was played to Mackail-Smith to make it 4-0.  And just 8 minutes later, Mackail-Smith (who had scored a hat-trick in the last round) took his afternoon’s tally to four, pouncing on a rebound after Allaway had saved from Maclean.  In between, the striker missed perhaps his easiest chance of the day, shooting wide of a virtually open goal after an underhit clearance.  There were no further goals, although Allaway again underlined his class by making good saves at the feet of Lee and Low, and then clinging to a fine drive by Lee.  Staines ended the game going forward, with Toppin bouncing up after a bout of cramp to join the attack, seeing a shot  deflected over for a corner, which was passed to Nwokeji, whose shot on the turn went just wide. 

Staines: Allaway; Nugent (Thompson 12), Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Risbridger, Cook (H Newton 65), Toppin, Charles-Smith (Asombang 79), Nwokeji, Clarke; unused Scarlett, Courtnage ((gk).

Peterborough: Tyler; Gnapka, Morgan, Westwood, Day, Boyd (Hughes 64), Hyde (Keates 64), Lee, Whelpdale (Low 69), McLean, Mackail-Smith; unused McKeown, Howe.

Ref: M Russell (St Albans); ARs M Stewart (Harwich), I Bentley (W Wickham); 4th Off W Bull (Hursley); Assessor B Firmin (Luton); Att 2460; tie 9.

Sun 2 Dec 2007 (2pm) – London & SE WRL Div 1 (London): att 11

STAINES TOWN Women (2) 2

BATTERSEA LFC (2) 4

Staines failed to shake off their mid-season wobble, when they went down 4-2 to a hard-working and experienced Battersea side at a somewhat soggy Englefield Green Rovers FC ground on Sunday. The game was moved away from Wheatsheaf Lane the previous night, following rain before and during Saturday’s FA Cup tie.   Battersea went ahead in only 775 seconds, Darcy Hare sidefooting home from a corner. But Staines responded quickly, and when Lucy McNeil crossed from the right, Jo Ginger was on hand to loop a shot over Foster for a 5th minute equaliser.  Lisa Samuel went close following a good move on 13 mins, but it was Ginger who put Swans ahead on 40 mins, once again flicking in a McNeil cross.  However, the sides went in all square, as Nicola Binder’s angled shot found the net 2 minutes into stoppage time.  And the visitors added two more in the opening 2 minutes of the second period, Darcy putting them ahead after just 30 sec, before Alice Taylor-Lee found the corner of the net for 4-2.  Try as they might, Swans could not get back into the game: Foster touched a McNeil shot onto the post, sub Tasha Lodder broke away only for Foster to fingertip her effort over the bar.  Lodder picked out Lou Richards whose shot found the net but she was a fraction offside, McNeil sent a shot into the side netting, and when Ginger snapped up a rebound after Richards had challenged the ‘keeper, a free kick was awarded to the visitors.

Staines: Karrin French-Wollen; Lynsey York, Jenni Friar, Lou Richards, Sharon Heaven ©, Angela Tunnicliffe, Lucy McNeil, Hannah Fitzpatrick, Jo Ginger, Sam Oliver (Julie Newell 71),  Lisa Samuel (Tash Lodder 61).

Battersea: 1 Jane Foster, 9 Marie Loughran, 3 Sylvia Baron, 5 Robyn Sloman, 4 Stella Nunn (7 Veena Joory 90+4), 2 Sinead McBrearty, 10 Stephanie Cannon, 16 Nadine Schmidt, 6 Alice Taylor-Lee, 11 Darcy Hare, 17 Nicola Binder.

Ref: Pete Friar (Camberley/STFC); ARs Phil Oliver (STFC), Veena Joory (BFC).