Swans hold England's highest player-to-goal tally

Saturday 25th February 2006 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

WORTHING (2) 2  STAINES TOWN (1) 2 By Steve Parsons.

This match paired Staines and Worthing, who are 5th and 6th in the League table, but 20th and 21st in the ‘last 6 games form guide’, so both were looking to get back on track in pursuit of a play-off place. Steve Cordery made just one change to last week’s starting eleven, as Dean Green was not fully fit and so was named on the bench, with Benson Kpaka getting the nod to start. There was no place in The Rebels squad for their former Swans junior, Liam Collins, but their ‘keeper, Chuck Martini, once played for Staines.  The pitch was nice and flat, but somewhat threadbare in the shadow of the large main stand, and it was crossed diagonally by an icy north east wind, which worked against Staines in the first half when they attacked the entrance end.

It took quite a while for the sides to settle, as the wind made things scrappy for most of the first 21 minutes, until the opening goal.  Kpaka did see a shot blocked by Worthing’s home debutant, Jamie Lawrence in only 5 minutes, and then the home side created chances for Stafford Browne (who shot a Danny Davis free kick over the bar) and Andy Alexander, who headed just wide.  Th breakthrough came when Mark Knee’s powerful left footed shot gave Shaun Allaway no chance.  Six minutes later, a free kick on the right side of the box was curled in by the left boot of Sam Rents, and eluded everyone in the crowded box to sneak in under Allaway’s dive, to give Worthing a 2-0 lead.  But Staines kept themselves in the match with a goal against the wind, when Michael Murphy crossed deep from the left side, Ali Chaaban headed it back across the goal, Martini could only help it against the post, and Mark Nwokeji forced it over the line at the second attempt.  This makes ‘Nokkers’ the twentieth different League scorer for Staines (whose tally also includes an own goal), which is the highest number of scorers in the country.  Although Davis sent a free kick just wide in the closing minutes of the half, both sides could go in reasonably satisfied at the break.

Staines came out much more progressively after the break, with Ali Chaaban going close, while the home side were forced into an early substitution, and then saw Alexander cautioned for a foul on Chaaban.  It was no real surprise when Staines drew level on 62 minutes, a stunning 25 yard free kick from Michael Murphy nestling into the top right hand corner of Martini’s net.  Green then came on for the tiring André De Lisser, and helped set up a good chance for Chaaban, which unfortunately went too close to the ‘keeper.  Then followed two quick yellow cards for Staines, although it was felt that Worthing’s Andy Lutwyche had sparked it, by a high challenge on André Scarlett, quickly followed by a shove which sent Chaaban into the fence, only for Chaaban to be carded for his reaction, and Manuella following moments later for kicking the ball away from a free kick.  Both sides had chances to win it in the last 18 minutes, with Allaway punching out a Knee cross, and then watching as Ben Andrews headed too high from a Rent ball, while Martini fumbled Green’s effort and was grateful to Stewart Holmes for clearing off the line.  Staines thus remain just inside the play-off zone at 5th.

Staines: Allaway, Newton, Murphy, Winfield, Flitter ©, Scarlett, De Lisser (Green 63), Manuella, Nwokeji, Kpaka, Chaaban; unused Maskell, McDonald, Ifura, Sippetts.

Worthing: Martini, Holmes, Rents, Alexander, Cable ©, Lutwyche, Davis, Lawrence, Marney, Browne (Andrews 58), Knee; unused Grice, Leaver, Hemsley, Fraser. Ref W Bull; ARs Wood, Wallace. Official Att 423.

Young reserves in final

Monday 20th February 2006 (7:45pm) – Middlesex Premier Cup semi-Final

WEMBLEY Reserves (0) 0   STAINES TOWN Reserves (2) 3

A remarkable achievement was secured by a young side representing Staines Town, when they reached the Final of the Middlesex Premier Cup for the first time in the 26 year history of the competition.  Staines had competed in the very first Premier Cup, but had just one Semi-Final (2000/1) to show for their endeavours, since when they had only competed once.  With no proper Reserve team in existence this year, they only entered a team at the suggestion of the County FA, having agreed to stage the Final at Wheatsheaf Lane on March 15th.  Fielding a side comprising mainly players from the Academy, plus a scattering of older ‘fringe’ players, they came through a tricky away semi-final against Suburban League opposition in Monday night’s delayed semi-final.  It was the first ever game played under the impressive new floodlights at Wembley FC’s Vale Farm ground. 

Staines dominated the first half, and led from the 5th minute, when a Robin Shroot shot deceived ‘keeper James Beavers, who could only help it into the net.  Wembley looked for an equaliser, hitting the post, but were almost hit on the break when Eric Johnson got through one-on-one, but Beavers atoned for his earlier error with a good save.  Staines were playing some neat, passing football, and were rewarded by a second goal on 312 minutes, as James Joyce and Lee Hanson combined to set up Dean Thomas, who hit a powerful drive past Beavers.  Craig Masham saw a shot go into the side netting, but Wembley gave a foretaste of the second half when striker Aaron Stacy-McLeish rounded the keeper but missed the target.

Wembley had much the better of the second half, but big Robert Hamling in the Staines goal pulled off save after save, and his heroics deservedly brought him a clean sheet.  They had nine clear cut chances, and Hamling’s best save was when Stacy-McLeish was clean through.  But Staines held their nerve, and finally made sure of victory when, in one of their dangerous breakaways, Jordan Kiffin scored from a narrow angle after excellent approach work by Joyce and Shroot. 

Staines will now meet Ruislip Manor at Wheatsheaf Park in the Final on Wednesday 15th March.

Staines: Hamling; Pitt, Joyce, Fisher, Browne ©, Thomas (Robinson 76), Hanson (Coleman 74), Masham, Johnson (Kiffin 64), Draper; unused Ricketts, Chiweshe (gk).

Errors cost Swans

Saturday 18th February 2006 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

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

A pair of catastrophic defensive errors cost Staines dear in this game, and a ninth home League defeat of the season means they can afford very few further slips if they are to maintain a play-off push.  For the second weekend running, they were worthy leaders at the break, but it started to go wrong immediately after the restart.  The pitch was in good condition, the weather bright but chilly, and Staines attacked the houses end in the first half.  Steve Cordery, on his 1002nd day as Staines manager, made just one change to last week’s side, with André De Lisser returning from injury to displace Benson Kpaka.  McDonald was still nursing ankle ligament injury.  On a bright day with a chill wind, the pitch was in good condition, as Staines attacked the houses end in the first half.

There were some similarities to last week’s game, in that Staines raced to an early lead which they held going into half time, only to be pegged back at the start of the second half.  With only 10 minutes played, a Michael Murphy was forced over the line by Dean Green, to put Swans ahead.  Shaun Allaway was soon tested by a huge shot from Ellis Remy, but he was alert enough to tip it over the bar, and he also did well to save on the ground from Adrian Stone’s close range header.  At the other end, Fiston Manuella might have added to Staines’ lead, but his shot was blocked on the line.  Bromley’s Sam Wood came close to equalising, but Jake Newton was able to funnel back behind his ‘keeper to clear off the line.  On the stroke of half time, big defender Dave Winfield pushed up for a Murphy free kick and flashed a header just wide of the upright. 

The second half was however a different story, as Staines succumbed to some uncharacteristic defensive frailties, the first of which gifted a 46th minute goal to Gary Drewett, who was able to walk the ball into the net after an intended pass back to Allaway fell short.  Winfield with a header and André Scarlett with a lob threatened to restore Staines’ lead in the next few minutes, but Bromley were gaining in confidence, with Tutu Henriques wasting a golden opportunity, and Des Boateng actually netting before the referee noticed a long-since raised offside flag.  But in the 62nd minute, Staines failed to cut out a Wood through ball, and Ellis Remy ran on to score the visitors’ second, his shout of ‘leave it’ going unnoticed by the officials.  As Green tired, he was replaced by Craig Watkins, who was playing the last game of his loan spell from Exeter.  Bromley continued to press, with the impressive Boateng fired one just over, and Wood was just off target following a Drewett through ball.  At the other end, Ali Chaaban put de Lisser through but his low drive was kept out by the outstretched leg of ‘keeper Andy Walker, and De Lisser was withdrawn soon afterwards to make way for Kpaka.  Another Chaaban through ball fed Kpaka, whose shot skimmed across the goalmouth.  In a game which had been played in a good spirit throughout, and had just one booking (Bromley’s Remy, for delaying a free kick), unfortunately Mr Searle then handed Staines two harsh looking cards in the last 3 minutes.  Firstly Manuella was booked for a strong challenge, and then Newton was red-carded for a misjudged sliding tackle in midfield after the ball had taken a deceiving bounce.  In injury time, Winfield made another saving tackle after Stone was let in.  Staines clung on to 4th place thanks to other results, but their play-off place is now looking increasingly vulnerable.

Staines: Allaway, Newton, Murphy, Winfield, Flitter ©, Scarlett, De Lisser (Kpaka 78), Manuella, Nwokeji, Green (Watkins 67), Chaaban; unused Maskell, Devera, Ifura.

Bromley: Walker, McLeod (Greenway 31), Luckett, Henriques, Willy ©, Gardner, Drewett, Boateng, Remy, Stone, Wood; unused: Vines, Oritis..  Ref I Searle; ARs Georgiou, O’Brien. Att 251.

Women to face Watford or QPR

Sun 19 Feb 2006 (12 noon) - Middlesex Women's Cup Quarter-Final

COLNE VALLEY LADIES RESERVES (1) 1  STAINES TOWN WOMEN (3) 4

A closely contested game in cold conditions at Sunbury saw Staines eventually win through.  They suffered an early shock when CHARMAINE BENHAM's inswinging corner curled straight into the net to give Valley a 4th minute lead.  However, just 6 minutes later, the power of RACHEL FELL's shot was enough to take it beyond 'keeper Natasha Hawkins for a Staines equaliser.  Amy Baker's long ball was not cut out by Hawkins, and LUCY McNEIL followed up to put Staines ahead on 22 minutes.  And McNEIL was again on target a minute before half time, when she embarked on a mazy solo run and topped it off with a powerful drive into the bottom corner.  She nearly completed a hat trick but her 53rd minute header to a Georgie Giddings corner was cleared off the line, and Staines also failed to capitalise on a rare free kick awarded against Valley's 'keeper for handling a back pass.  However, in the 86th minute, a Hawkins clearance fell to SIDONÉ BRYAN (just back in the side after a six-week injury lay-off), and she expertly lobbed the ball back over the 'keeper from 30 yards, for her first goal for the club.  Staines will now be away to Watford or QPR in the Semi-Final in a month's time.

Georgie Giddings for England

The youngest member of Staines Town FC's women's team, Georgie Giddings, has been selected to attend a 5-day squad session for the England U17s.  The midfielder or defender, who has been ever-present for Staines this season, leaves for the training camp immediately after Staines’ game on Sunday, and is one of 30 girls from whom a final squad of around 18 will be picked for a forthcoming international tournament in the Republic of Ireland.  Other entrants are expected to include the USA and Northern Ireland.  Georgie, who is still just 15, said, “Being selected to train is an achievement in itself but also with the chance to play for England u17s is amazing. I’m just going to keep playing my football and enjoying every minute of it and hopefully play in the senior squad one day.”

Women win double header

11 Feb 2006 - Greater London Women's Lg Div 2

Staines Town's Women's team faced a difficult test when the travelled to Edgware to take on Belmont United in a 'double header' - two consecutive matches played one after the other - to try to alleviate their fixture backlog.  To maintain their pre-eminence over Luton Town at the top, they knew they could not settle for anything less than 6 points.

The first game was deemed to be Belmont's home fixture.

In dreadful conditions, the home side took a shock early lead through Wendy Challoner, but they dug deep and equalised shortly before half time through Amy Baker following good work by Rachel Fell and Shona McKay.  However, soon after the break, they found themselves behind again, this time through Kirsty Francis, only for Shona McKay  to fire an equaliser, following a Georgie Giddings corner.  With time running out, Amy Baker secured all 3 points after Lucy McNeil had flicked on a Hannah Murphy corner.  Final score - Belmont 2 Staines Town 3

 After just 20 minutes break, the drenched players took to the muddy field again, and Staines again fell behind early on when Laura Spooner's attempted clearance unfortunately spun into her own goal.  Amy Baker made it one each just before the interval, and Georgie Giddings scored direct from a corner in the first minute of the second half, to give Staines a very hard earned win.  Final score - Staines 2 Belmont 1.

Whirlwind five minutes undoes Swans

Saturday 11th February 2006 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

BRAINTREE TOWN (0) 3  STAINES TOWN (1) 1 By Steve Parsons.

Staines travelled to Cressing Road to take on the side which is slowly but surely staking a firm claim on the one automatic promotion spot this season.  Good news for Steve Cordery was the return from injury of his skipper, Matt Flitter, who came back into the defence for the unavailable Paine.  With McDonald failing a fitness test on his ankle ligament problem, Michael Murphy came in at left back.  Benson Kpaka and new-signing Mark Nwokeji were the other two changes, with Craig Maskell moved to sub and the injured Currie missing out.  “Nokkers”, just 24, is currently Walton & Hersham’s top scorer, although in fact he had moved on to St Albans just a couple of weeks ago: he is the 108th player selected in a competitive game under Mr Cordery.  Braintree could only find a bench seat for former Staines man Jermaine Hunter.  The afternoon was chilly with a glaring low sun, the pitch in very good condition, and Staines attacked the far end in the first half.

From the opening seconds, Nwokeji demonstrated why Mr Cordery was so eager to sign him, with a delightful close control and plenty of pace which had made him a former national 200 schoolboy champion!  And with just under 4? minutes played, Staines moved into a spectacular lead, when a Murphy corner was only half cleared, and André Scarlett latched onto it, beating ‘keeper Danny Gay with a 25 yard swerving shot.  This was the curtain raiser for perhaps Staines best 45 minutes of football all season, as they tore into the league leaders at every opportunity.  Ali Chaaban saw a volley blocked after another corner, Nwokeji stretched to toe a ball over the ‘keeper but he was undone by the camber as it bounced agonisingly 18” wide, while Shaun Allaway played his part at the other end with a flying save from Louis Riddle after a quick free kick.  Braintree made a very early tactical substitution, withdrawing Steve Parmenter for the livewire Robbie Martin – a diminutive front runner who is the unlikely-looking suspect in last week’s ugly brawl which led to a Braintree game being abandoned.  A wonderful Swans move involving Manuella, Kpaka and Nwokeji ended with Chaaban firing just wide, but Allaway was again called upon to save from Riddle.  A minute before the interval, Dean Green picked up a yellow card for a needless foul, but the game’s big moment of controversy came in the final seconds of the half.  Scarlett collided with Eugene Ofori, and conceded a free kick near the half way line.  However, as the Staines player trotted away, his opponent kicked out at him, catching him across the calf – but incredibly this indiscretion was missed by all three match officials.

George Borg sent his Braintree side out early for the second half, and the ploy certainly worked to great effect, as Staines were caught napping, and were totally deflated as early as the 51st minute, while the home side scored three goals in just four minutes.  On 47 minutes, an unmarked Carl Griffiths stabbed the ball in from close range after a powerful Robbie martin run won a corner which he took himself.  Just a minute later, skipper Alex Revell wriggled free in the box and shot his side into the lead.  And then Eugene Ofori headed home after Staines were deceived by Riddle’s dep corner kick.  Staines knew that there was no coming back from there, and the remainder of the game was strangely flat.  Scarlett was booked for a foul on Martin, Griffiths netted again but was called offside, and at the other end Dave Winfield headed just over from a Scarlett corner.  Staines tried to change things around by introducing Craig Watkins and Garry Sippetts, and the latter came close when he sent an acrobatic kick just over the bar from a long Murphy throw-in.  But the half ended as it began – with Braintree attacking, Martin crossing for Quinton to volley just over, and then – after a Staines free kick was closed down – Martin raced upfield and drew a good save from Allaway.  Fortunately for Staines, they remained in 4th spot, as other teams in the top six also lost ground.

Staines: Allaway, Newton, Murphy, Winfield, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Kpaka (Watkins 65), Manuella, Nwokeji, Green (Sippetts 73), Chaaban; unused Maskell, Devera, Ifura.

Braintree: Gay; Good, Parmenter (Martin 26), Adedeji, Lorraine, Ofori, Joseph, Porter, Griffiths (Quinton 80), Revell ©, Riddle; unused Hawes, Baker, Hunter.  Ref R Smith; ARs B Morss, S Good. Att 517.

Important victory for Swans

Tuesday 7th February 2006 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (2) 2  WALTON & HERSHAM (1) 1 By Steve Parsons.

After a poor showing on Saturday, Staines bounced back to take maximum points from a game that was so much more than a local derby, with Walton having closed to within 3 points of Staines in the race for a play-off place.  Steve Cordery introduced a new signing in Matt Paine, a big 18-year old defender on work experience from Colchester, who was one of four changes to the side which lost to Wealdstone.  Also coming back into the side were Jon McDonald, Dean Green, and Craig Maskell, while Michael Murphy, Garry Sippetts, Ifura and Devera missed out, the first two named as subs.  Unusually, there were no players from these two close neighbours with experience of playing for the ‘other’ Swans, although Staines coach Trent Phillips has appeared for both.  The pitch was in good condition, the night cold, and Staines attacked the houses end, against a stiff breeze, in the first half.

There was goalmouth action from the very start, with the lively Will Jenkins rattling Staines’ crossbar after only 2 minutes, and then seeing his rebound expertly tipped over by ‘keeper Shaun Allaway.  But with only 5? minutes played, captain André Scarlett picked out big Dean Green who fired home the second goal since his return, making it 2 goals in just 17 minutes of football!  Play continued to ebb and flow, with Ben Thorne seeing a powerful shot deflect round for a corner, before Stainers increased their lead on 16 minutes, Ali Chaaban robbing Reive and showing excellent close control before dispatching a shot from just outside the box.  Staines picked up a caution for a foul on Traynor by Newton, as the visitors tried to get back into the match, and – after Maskell had fouled Thorne – Jenkins got on the end of a free kick to draw another fine save from Allaway, who was relieved to see Edgar send the rebound wide.  But Staines continued to look dangerous too, with Scarlett forcing Ricky Perks in the Walton goal into an untidy save from a free kick, but he spilled the ball to Green, who saw two close range efforts well saved.  Another scramble included shots by Green, Fiston Manuella, and Michael Currie, but each was blocked.  Staines seemed to be heading into the break with a comfortable two-goal lead until a controversial penalty decision on 41 minutes.  Thorne got sandwiched between Paine and McDonald and went down right on the edge of the box: Mr Mackrell pointed to the spot, and although Allaway pulled off a wonderful save – his second in two games – he then ordered the kick to be retaken.  Skipper Neil Lampton took it again, but this time hammered it into the roof of the net to make it 2-1.  There was still a chance for Staines to regain their cushion, but Currie’s drive was tipped over the bar by Perks. 

The second half did not live up to the first, with almost no scoring chances except for a few long range drives.  The main talking point was the performance of Walton’s young ‘keeper, who fumbled a long range Scarlett shot into the side netting, and struggled with a number of other fairly innocuous efforts, whilst sending a succession of goal kicks over the sidelines as he failed to allow for the wind.  However, no harm was done as the score remained 2-1.  In injury time, there was a yellow card for time-wasting by Murphy – who had replaced McDonald after he picked up a painful ankle ligament injury early in the half.  It was a hard-earned win for Staines, who maintained their 4th spot in the table ahead of Saturday’s very difficult trip to leaders Braintree.  Outstanding for the Swans were the two new central defenders, Paine and Winfield, Scarlett in midfield, and Maskell who provided a pivot for all the best moves, and of course Allaway in goal.

Staines: Allaway, Newton, McDonald (Murphy 56), Winfield, Paine, Scarlett ©, Currie, Manuella, Green, Maskell, Chaaban; unused Kpaka, Browne, Watkins, Sippetts.

Walton: Perks, Jenkins, Allum, Reive, Cartwright, Goggin, Lampton ©, Traynor, Edgar, Huckle, Thorne; unused Francis, Lavender, Blake (gk), Keevill, Haylock.  Ref Mackrell; ARs Moore, Hyne. Att 412

Swans over-run by Stones

Saturday 4th February 2006 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (0) 1  WEALDSTONE (1) 3 By Steve Parsons.

Staines suffered perhaps their most disappointing day since the FA Cup exit, when they were

outplayed by Wealdstone just when they needed to kick on in pursuit of a play-off place or better.  Furthermore, they had Michael Currie dismissed, and – but for the heroics of goalkeeper Shaun Allaway – the prolific Jermaine Beckford (top scorer in the country) would have been celebrating another hat-trick in Stones colours.  Among the few bright spots of the day were the showings of Steve Cordery’s latest two additions to the squad.  Dave Winfield, just 17 but well over 6’, did well in the heart of the defence, and the returning Dean Green came on late in the game sparking the Swans midfield into life, and rewarded with his first goal for the club since his loan spell in Autumn 2003.  There were no suspensions, and some of the lesser injuries and illnesses had cleared up, with Michael Murphy, Jake Newton, Currie, and Ali Chaaban all returning to a side which showed five changes from Tuesday night.  Gordon Bartlett’s Wealdstone, currently languishing in 16th spot and with several players missing themselves, included Jamie Palmer at full back following his recent signing from Staines.  Steve Cordery quite understandably delayed the transfer of Richard Burton to Wealdstone until after the game. 

Staines did not start too badly, with efforts from Marien Ifura (header) and Currie (shot), and ‘keeper Glenn Jackson beating away a Joe Devera shot.  However, Wealdstone grew in stature as Beckford and Richard Jolly started to create chances.  The visitors went ahead on 26 minutes when Jolly won the ball on the right and advanced before feeding Jermaine Beckford, who rode a tackle before stroking in his 23rd League goal of the season.  Allaway was in superb form, and he needed to be when the visitors were awarded a 32nd minute Beckford penalty for a foul on Jolly by Ifura.  He also excelled when saving Jolly’s far post header after an excellent move from the visitors, whilst Beckford at one end and Garry Sippetts at the other fired just wide of the target.  Currie saw a shot saved by Jackson, but another good move by Wealdstone again ended with Allaway saving from Beckford.  In the final minute of the half, Josh Cooper sent a free kick just past the upright following a clumsy challenge on Beckford for which Fiston Manuella was booked.

Staines tried to change the emphasis in the second half, with Craig Maskell coming on for Devera, and then Sippetts making way for Craig Watkins.  However, despite some neat moves, the final pass was all too often over- or under-hit and Wealdstone were never seriously stretched.  A flash of dissent by Currie earned him a yellow card on minutes, but he continued to fume at the linesman about that card, which brought him a second just two minutes later, forcing Staines to battle on with 10 men for the last 25 minutes.  Wealdstone capitalised almost immediately, when Jolly was again the provider for Beckford to score at the back post, with Staines again guilty of not clearing their lines.  Jolly then found the side netting, Beckford beat the offside but shot wide, and Allaway was again in action, as Staines struggled to restrict the damage.  However, the introduction of Green with 12 minutes left did However, the introduction of Green with 12 minutes left did improve matters.  He was quickly involved in an excellent move which set Maskell away, only for him to shoot wide.  With 5 minutes left, it was Dean Green who was put away, and he showed composure in advancing and beating Jackson with an angled shot.  Staines now piled forward in search of an equaliser which would have been hard on Wealdstone.  Green was on the end of another good move involving Newton, Watkins, and Maskell, but this time his drive took a deflection and went wide.  However, the defence was left short-handed, and after Allaway had again denied Beckford, the visitors carved out a third goal, stroked in by the hard-working Philip Turner in the second minute of injury time. 

Staines: Allaway, Devera (Maskell 59), Murphy (Green 78), Winfield, Ifura, Scarlett ©, Newton, Manuella, Sippetts (Watkins 62), Currie [SO 65], Chaaban; unused McDonald, Browne.

Wealdstone: Jackson, Keepence (Ryan HT), Palmer, Ashton (Chappell 83), Smith, Zoricich, Turner, Cooper (Holland 89), Beckford, Jolly, Burrell, Subs not used: Montomery, Evans.  Ref G Smith (Bromley); ARs J Garratt (Blackheath), M Morris (Bayford). Att 315.