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Saturday 24th February 2007 (3·00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division LEYTON (2) 4 STAINES TOWN (1) 2 By Steve Parsons. Staines returned from East London disappointed to have conceded 4 goals for the second time in a week, this time against the side just above them in the table. The old Hare & Hounds ground – now known as the Leyton Stadium – is undergoing something of a facelift, with an impressive new covered terrace almost ready to open at the dressing room end attacked by Staines in the first half, and a pitch in very good condition considering more wet weather had struck. Sadly, given all the hard work, the attendances do not match, but there were probably 30 more people in the ground than the official figure of 49! Steve Cordery preferred Jake Newton to Jon McDonald in defence, and Dean Thomas came back in for Clement James, who sustained a knee injury in midweek. The home side started well, sending two shots into the side netting, Dean Palmer sending a looped volley just wide, and Curtis Allen firing a fraction too high from 20 yards out. Staines slowly woke up, and both Mark Nwokeji and Ali Chaaban tested ’keeper Jamie Lunan – who passed the examination with flying colours. On the half hour, Nwokeji again almost beat Lunan, whilst André Scarlett and Chaaban delivered some tantalising crosses which just needed a touch. The pressure paid off in the 38th minute, when Nwokeji headed the ball into the box, and Kevin Warner deftly stretched to the ball and scored with the outside of his foot. However, the lead lasted just 3 minutes, and Staines were then further stunned to concede a second goal a further 3 minutes after that. The equaliser came when Staines were undone down the left, and Manny Williams thumped a shot into the corner of the net. A foul some 20 yards out, on Allen, led to Mark Sophocleous driving in a free kick, which Shaun Allaway did well to touch over the bar. However, the resulting corner was never properly cleared, Williams played the ball back in, and it was powerfully headed home at the far post by Ben Gracey. Staines set about their task with gusto at the start of the second half, Newton went close with a header and Scarlett was unlucky to see his curling shot go just too high. When Nwokeji crossed from the right, and Chaaban lifted an accurate shot into the top corner for 2-2, it seemed that Swans would press on and take the 3 points. Leyton had Billy Hawes cautioned for a foul on the flying Chaaban, but they turned the tide with a crisp Curtis Allen strike on 61 minutes, after a throw-in was crossed in by Williams. Staines felt they should have had a penalty when Nwokeji was impeded twice in quichk succession in the box, and there were cautions for Leyton’s Bajada (kicking the ball away) and Staines’ Risbridger (persistent infringement). Hussein Isa came off the bench for Staines, following a knee injury, and Leyton lost skipper Roy Parkyn to an injury, the armband being handed to Vas Soteriou. However, they bounced back from that disruption by snatching a fourth and decisive goal on 77 minutes, when Gracey’s hopeful 25 yarder took an awkward bounce over the diving Allaway. Staines: Allaway; Gordon, Sargent, Thompson ©, J Newton, Dean Thomas (Isa 68),K Warner (Campbell 83m), Scarlett, Risbridger, Nwokeji, Chaaban; unused Kiffin, McDonald, Flitter. Leyton: Lunan; Hawes, Soteriou, Parkyn © (Des Thomas 76), Gracey, Alderton, Palmer, Bajada (Bubb 83), M Williams (Lee 90), Sophocleous, Allen; unused Roberts (gk), Sifonios. R: D Bushell (Tottenham); ARs J Taverner (Waltham Cross), E Forlemu (Golders Green); Official Att 49. Monday 19th Feb 2007 Middlesex CFA Senior Youth u18 (Jeff Ritson) Cup, Semi-Final NORTHWOOD Youths ................................................. (2) 3 STAINES TOWN Youths / KC Academy ...................... (1) 4 after extra time (90 minutes score: 2-2) Staines qualified for the senior county Youth Cup for the second year running – and the third time in 4 years – following a match of quite epic proportions at Chestnut Avenue on a rainy Monday night. Northwood had an early chance cleared off the line, but Staines were ahead on 12 mins, when Draper’s pass was swept in by Lyle Taylor. However, they were unable to maintain their advantage through to half time, as a Mickele Thomas header following an 18th min corner, and a powerful drive from Stuart Onslow (31 min) made it 2-1. Northwood skipper David Sexton was yellow-carded for a handball in the box, but, more importantly, Harry Draper converted the 55th min penalty to make it 2-2. Staines then pressed hard for a winner, Nick White shooting just wide, and Dominic Dwyer forcing a fine save from Fishenden (76 mins). As the ball came out from the latter chance, Blake was tripped, and Staines were awarded a second penalty. White took this one, hit the post, and put away the rebound, without realising that this was not permitted. Marvin Brown’s immense throw-ins were always a danger, and twice Vinnie Gilbert came close to turning them into goals, but it was not to be, and as the drizzle intensified, extra time was entered. Having made their last substitution at the end of normal time, Staines suffered the serious blow of losing Brown to a dislocated shoulder just 20 seconds after the restart. He was cared for by the Northwood staff, and eventually taken to Watford hospital, while Staines battled on a man short. Rowe was booked for a foul, but 3 mins into stoppage time at the end of the first period, an inswinging shot from the left by Nick White went in off the underside of the bar. On 110 mins, Onslow levelled again when his long drive took an awkward bounce and deceived Davies, but 2 mins later, Staines were back in front when White forced in from a Draper cross. In a frantic last 8 minutes, Davies was booked for time-wasting, then his opposite number came up for a corner, and was almost caught out when Gilbert broke away hit the post with the net unguarded. There was at least one huge scramble in the goalmouth, but Swans survived to qualify for the final against North Greenford United. Their fitness and technique were inspirational, but one also had to feel sorry for a Northwood side who had battled so hard for 2 hours. Staines: Chris Davies; Gareth Teuten, Marvin Farrell (James McShane 50), Elliot Blake ©, Marvin Brown [missed last 29?m], Bryan Harrison (Quincy Rowe NT), Nick White, Harry Draper, Lyle Taylor (Vinnie Gilbert 68), Dominic Dwyer, Daniel Gurney; unused Daniel Meggie, Josh Brooks. Northwood: William Fishenden, Nicholas Pearce, Luke Lynam, Terry Hogan, David Sexton ©, Shane O’Neill (Ryan Duffy 80), Daniel Brown, Stuart Onslow, Mickele Thomas (Chris White 41), Ben Trout, Jack Bennett (Feiye Obileye 70); unused Anthony Ladyman (gk). R: Peter Jago (Haringey); ARs Stephen Levy (Edgware), Matthew Young (Pinner); MCFA Rep Mike Heavey. Tue 20th Feb 2007 (7:45) Ryman League Premier Division STAINES TOWN (1) 1 BROMLEY (1) 4 By Steve Parsons. Staines slipped to their heaviest home defeat of the season at Wheatsheaf Lane last night, when a side showing just one change from Saturday were undone by the new league leaders. Steve Cordery reintroduced André Scarlett to the midfield, with Dean Thomas moved to sub. Staines were stunned to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Staines ‘keeper Shaun Allaway’s clearance fell short, and Bromley hotshot Tony Boot lobbed him from fully 40 yards. However, Staines then came back to dominate the first half, equalising in the 23rd minute, and having two other efforts cleared off the line. The leveller came as a result of Ali Chaaban taking a long free kick quickly, catching Bromley ‘keeper Andy Walker unawares. He was able to scramble across his goal and push the ball away, but only as far as Mark Nwokeji, who snapped up the chance, slamming home from close range, via the underside of the crossbar. This followed an effort by Nwokeji that he placed between the ‘keeper’s feet, only for Bromley skipper Francis Duku to chase back and clear off the line. Scarlett and Chaaban also went close in the first period, but Staines could not turn their superiority into goals. They would regret that in a second half which saw Bromley firmly in control, with Boot sidefooting home his second after a neat move on 50 mins. The same player went on to complete his hat trick 20 minutes later when Staines were again found wanting at the back. Former Hereford man Gareth Williams completed the rout with a clinical finish from a tight angle on 81 minutes. Staines – Allaway; Godon, Sargent, Thompson ©, McDonald (J Newton 85), James (Campbell 77), K Warner, Risbridger (Thomas 85), Scarlett, Nwokeji, Chaaban; unused De Lisser, Flitter. Saturday 17th February 2007 (3:00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division STAINES TOWN (1) 2 BOREHAM WOOD (0) 1 By Steve Parsons. The Wheatsheaf Lane pitch was in surprisingly good condition following it’s hammering on Tuesday, but showed some scars from that night. Steve Cordery fielded an identical line up to Tuesday, even down to the five on the bench, whilst Boreham Wood had three former Swans in their starting XI, Tommy Williams, Dwayne Plummer, and Paul Armstrong. On a mild, dry day, with watery sunshine, Staines attacked the houses end in the first half. Staines’ former Boreham Wood man, André De Lisser, was an unused sub, just as he was for Wood when the sides met at Meadow Park in December. Before kick-off, Staines Chairman, Alan Boon, who is also on the Isthmian League Board, presented the league Premier Division’s Pro-Secure Golden Gloves Award to goalkeeper Shaun Allaway, for his outstanding record in the month of January 2007. By the end of this game, Staines were grateful for Allaway’s heroics for protecting their lead in a nervous last 10 minutes. The game had an electric start, with both teams hitting the bar in the first 6 minutes – firstly Armstrong rattled Shaun Allaway’s bar in 75 seconds, and then Mark Nwokeji returned the compliment at the other end. The home side moved ahead after only 12 minutes, when the Wood defence not only played Mark Nwokeji onside from a Clement James through ball, and left him unmarked as he steadied himself then slotted the ball beyond Noel Imber. Wood came back at them firmly, with Allaway flying across his goal to turn away Rodney Hicks’ great shot. Staines responded with a couple of Ali Chaaban chances, and a snap volley from Nwokeji which flew wide. The closing minutes of the first half saw Allaway in action again, picking up a couple of knocks, too, as he made a brave save from Chris Bangura, and a reflex stop from Plummer, whilst he had to rely on his skipper Adam Thompson for heading another goalbound Bangura effort out from the 6 yard box. However, they had battled hard, and took their single goal lead in at the break Despite a succession of offsides at each end, Wood also started the second half well, and Luke Gregson was unlucky to hit the post following a flick on by Plummer, then Williams saw a drive deflected round for a corner. Bangura headed a Paul Burrows free kick just over, as Staines became somewhat nervous with just a 1-0 lead. However, André Scarlett came on for James, and he played a wall pass with Adam Thompson as the Staines skipper advanced skilfully, and shot just wide. However, a fine move on 64 minutes, begun at the back by Dave Sargent, and channelled through Kevin Warner and Chaaban on the left, ended with the latter centring for Nwokeji to fire his second past Imber. Soon afterwards, Scarlett again set up Nwokeji, but with hopes of a rare home league hat trick rising, his shot was touched round for a corner, and he came off with a slight knock soon afterwards. Somewhat against the run of play, Wood pulled a goal back on 81 minutes, when an attempted clearance by Dean Thomas looped up off his boot and dipped under the bar of his own goal, ironically just 4 days after his first Ryman League goal. Staines then had to endure a torrid last few minutes – Danny Hart saw a shot fingertipped into the side netting by Allaway, Bangura had one cleared off the line, Thompson cleared another over his own bar. In the 89th minute, some hesitancy in the centre of defence left two visiting forwards bearing down on goal, but Allaway made a heroic save from Simon Thomas, and then recovered to block Hart’s follow-up, with Warner stretching to head Hart’s second attempt off the line. It was enough to earn the 3 points. Staines: Allaway, Gordon, Sargent, Thompson ©, McDonald, James (Scarlett 59), K Warner, Risbridger, D Thomas (J Newton 82), Nwokeji (Campbell 75), Chaaban; unused De Lisser, Flitter. Boreham W: Imber, Cox, Moran, Williams (S Thomas 75), Smith ©, Gregson, Burrows, Plummer, Bangura, Armstrong, Hicks (Hart 68); unused Samuel, Reynolds. R: D Rock (Hatfield); ARs Jempeji (Middx) & Keen (Beds); Official Att 261. Tuesday 13th February 2007 (7:45pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division (att 162) STAINES TOWN (0) 2 HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS (1) 1 By Steve Parsons. Thomas 48m, K Warner 90+3m Chandler 6m In a match played in awful weather conditions, with a chill wind and pouring rain for 90 minutes, both teams deserve great credit for serving up a hugely entertaining evening for the hardy spectators. And, just as they did three months earlier in the Westview Cup, Staines claimed a 2-1 victory courtesy of a Dean Thomas goal and a stoppage time winner. Steve Cordery was able to welcome back the now fully-fit Jon McDonald, Clement James, and Dean Thomas, whilst leaving Matt Flitter, André Scarlett, and André De Lisser on the bench. Heybridge included ex Swan Robbie King, but not his colleague Russell Pond. The rain was not expected until midnight, but in fact it began an hour before kick off, and it was a credit to Graham Gould’s pitch that it survived and permitted a fairly true bounce, even if the players sometimes found it hard to maintain their balance. Staines attacked the houses end in the first half of a game watched not only by groundhoppers from as far afield as Hartlepool and Manchester, but by one of the club’s most successful sons, Scott Taylor, now at MK Dons. The players showed no hesitation in getting stuck into the game from the first whistle, with Gareth Risbridger having an effort cleared off the line by a Swifts defender after 1 minute, and Heybridge’s Danny Barber picking up a yellow card for a foul on McDonald. Ali Chaaban also went close for Staines, but then Heybridge moved into a 6th minute lead following a deep free kick by skipper Ian Cousins. The ball was flighted towards the penalty spot, from where Dean Chandler rose to the ball ahead of ‘keeper Shaun Allaway and guided it into the net. Staines continued to work hard, and James was unlucky to see a shot only half saved by ’keeper Danny Gay, and as the ball rolled towards the line and he tried to force it over, a defender was able to complete the block. Kevin Warner’s drive stretched Gay, and Chaaban was flagged offside as he closed in on the rebound, and Mark Nwokeji’s angled drive was pushed round by Gay. Chaaban was put through after a good move, but slipped in the box, before Adam Thompson got booked for Staines after fouling Sean Marks. Swans continued to mount chance after chance – Thomas had a point-blank header saved, Chaaban had a powerful shot tipped over for a corner, and on 32 minutes, James’ free kick from outside the box crashed down off the underside of the bar and was cleared. Incredibly, just 60 seconds later, James smashed another shot – this time from a tight angle – against Gay’s crossbar. If Staines were wondering how they could be behind at the break, they did not dwell on it, but forged an equaliser just 3 minutes after the restart. Nwokeji bustled through and shot, and although Gay parried the ball upwards, Dean Thomas arrived to head only his second senior goal for the club – both of them against Swifts. It took a splendid save by Allaway to divert Jolly’s goalbound shot, to maintain parity, but Staines were soon pouring forward once more, with Nwokeji forcing a good save, and Chaaban having a shot bravely blocked by a defender. Heybridge’s Sean Marks was yellow carded for a foul on Warner, and from the resultant free-kick, James was again denied by a fine save from Gay. At the other end, Marks’ cross was met by Jolly, but again Allaway was equal to it; the same player was denied by a desperate goal line clearance by Danny Gordon 2 minutes later. Darren Campbell completed his return to Staines, after spells with Farnborough and Fleet, by coming on in the 61st minute. As he jinked his way down the right wing, he was scythed down by a lunging challenge from Warren Ryan, which drew angry reactions from the players, and a straight red card from referee Lee Collins. After James had another dipping shot fingertipped over, Heybridge boss Brian Statham was dismissed from the bench for abusive language to the referee. James’ excellent contribution came to a premative end, when he limped off with a calf strain. Although Chaaban again went close, the visitors made a spirited rally in the last 10 minutes, assisted by two pairs of fresh legs. Staines seemed to have settled to holding on for a draw, when – three minutes into stoppage time – they grabbed a rare late winner, reversing the season’s trend. Campbell darted down the right and fed Nwokeji, and his shot squirmed beyond Gay’s dive, where Kevin Warner arrived to help the ball over the line from close in. Staines thus held onto the 13th spot they have held ever since 12th December. Staines: Allaway, Gordon, Sargent, Thompson ©, McDonald, James (Scarlett 78), K Warner, Thomas (Campbell 61), Risbridger, Nwokeji, Chaaban; unused J Newton, De Lisser, Flitter. Heybridge: Gay, Ertun, Cousins ©, King, Chandler, Barber, Ryan [SO 63], Gillespie, Marks, Jolly (Bloomfield 85), Burrell (White 88); unused Hummerstone, Bowyer (gk). R: L Collins (Ash Vale); ARs S Crease (Berks) & W Christie (Bucks); Official Att 162. Entertainment 5/5 MoM Clement James (Staines) Saturday 10th Feb 2007 After the recent snow and rain, two Staines fixtures fell victim to the weather today. The first team's away fixture at Hendon called off after the snow had left the Claremont Road pitch completely waterlogged. See Pics. Whilst the Supporter's team's first ever fixture unfortunately being cancelled with the Imber Court pitches also underwater. The Hendon fixture was the second match between the two clubs to have been called off this season as the home fixture also fell victim to the weather. The Swans next fixture will be played this Tuesday when we entertain Heybridge Swifts in a first team fixture. Saturday 3rd February 2007 (3:00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division STAINES TOWN (0) 2 EAST THURROCK UNITED (2) 3 By Steve Parsons. Having been heavily beaten at a bumpy Rookery Hill in November, Staines Town confidently predicted that the return, on a Wheatsheaf Park surface (which this week hosted a Rotherham United training session), would produce a more favourable result. Those hopes proved unfounded on an afternoon of shifting fortunes. The Essex side dominated the first half, and Staines reversed the trend after the break, only to lose to a sucker punch while they were still seeking to complete their comeback. Injury ruled out Jon McDonald (hamstring) and Dean Thomas (calf strain), but Matt Flitter returned for his first full game since December, and André De Lisser was brought back into the starting team. East Thurrock, now shorn of the two ex Swans who figured in the earlier game, introduced Shaun Batt on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge, in a bid to halt a run which had seen them slip into the relegation area, with only 1 point room their last 7 games. On a mild afternoon, there was a sun in the face of Shaun Allaway as he defended the Silver’s Farm end in the first half. The Rocks largely dominated the first half, playing with something of a swagger after they scored two well-taken early goals on 12 and 17 minutes. They made the most of a harshly awarded free kick way out on the left, when Lee Burns arrowed it hard and low into the box, Batt helped it on, and Gary Ansell arrived to flick it past Allaway. The second came soon afterwards as Batt whipped in a cross from the right and Lee Burns powered it home from close range. Ansell again went close, and Danny Gabriel, another newcomer, also tested Allaway and sent another chance across goal late in the half. However, Staines slowly settled, and some neat close control by Ali Chaaban preceded his turn and shot across the face of goal. He and Gareth Risbridger combined well to set up André Scarlett, but his shot flew just off target. Following a 41st minute free-kick, Staines were desperately unlucky not to pull one back, as both Chaaban and Risbridger saw efforts blocked on the goal line. However, Staines might have been out of it completely, but for Allaway’s vital save from a Scott Curley free kick seconds before the break. The second half was a different story, with the home side taking their turn to dominate. The Rocks were not helped by injuries to Curley, Gabriel and Burns, but Staines took full advantage and were unlucky not to score more than the two. On 57 minutes, Risbridger’s pass led to a superb turn by Mark Nwokeji, taking him between two defenders before unleashing a shot which crashed against the underside of the bar. Chaaban closed in to try to head home the rebound, but the ball was cleared – rather dangerously, some felt – from in front of his face. Allaway started a move which progressed via Kevin Warner and Chaaban’s cross, to André Scarlett who shot inches over. Then, on 64 minutes, Risbridger charged down a clearance by ’keeper Jamie Riley, and the ball fell to Warner 40 yards out. Seeing Riley still back-pedalling, he lofted a huge shot which sailed over the goalie’s head, but also hit the bar. Batt forced a save from the feet of Allaway, but Staines continued in the ascendancy, and this was turned into goals after the introduction of Clement James on 68 minutes. CJ has not played for the first team since requesting some time off in October, but showed up well in the Reserves recently. On 76 minutes, he received the ball out on the right, following passes from Allaway, Dave Sargent and Scarlett, and then crossed low towards the near post, where Nwokeji’s persistence was rewarded with a poacher’s goal. Just 4 minutes later, The same players, plus Chaaban, combined again, moving the ball from left back to right wing, and this time Warner’s superb drive gained the reward it deserved. Two each, and now Staines had the bit between their teeth with 10 minutes to go. Risbridger was a little over enthusiastic in the tackle, and picked up the game’s only yellow card for persistent infringement. However, it looked as though honours would be shared when, in the third minute of stoppage time, the outstanding Batt was involved once again, capitalising on a couple of slips in the home defence, and rolling the ball across for Lee Williams to tap in an easy winner. Staines threw everyone forwards, and there was still time for a Flitter shot to clear the bar, but they could not redeem the points. Staines: Allaway, Flitter, Sargent, Thompson ©, Gordon, Scarlett, K Warner, De Lisser (James 68), Risbridger, Nwokeji, Chaaban; unused Maskell, J Newton, Morrison, Courtnage (gk). E Thurrock: Riley, S Williams, Lunan ©, Stevens, Mully, Burns (Hayzelden 71), L Williams, Curley (Holding HT), Ansell, Gabriel (Bunn 62), Batt; unused Bennett, Faulkner. R: G Evetts (Herts); ARs S Scott & A Mawby (Surrey); Official Att 178. Wed 31 Jan: Sussex Downs College 2 STFC / Kingston College 2 (English Colleges Lg SE Region) Jermaine McGlashan and Ricardo Kimfumu scored the goals, but it was a frustrating day, as Danny Fisher was dismissed for bad language after only 20 minutes, and McGlashan had a goal disallowed after he netted a penalty, only for encroachment to be spotted. Wed 31 Jan: STAINES TOWN Reserves 0 CHESHAM UNITED Reserves 0 (Capital Lg West) Returning to action after 8 weeks, Swans reserves looked a little rusty, despite the inclusion of several senior players - James Courtnage, Matt Flitter, André De Lisser, and Clement James. There were also débuts for José Goncalves (from Horsham, age 29, right winger) and Francis Luke (19 year old forward / midfielder from Dagenham & Redbridge). However, neither side could find the net, Staines 'keeper James Courtnage thus keeping a clean sheet against his brother Rob. After the game, a loan deal was agreed which will take Academy product to Hendon for senior experience. Thur 1 Feb: Leatherhead Youths 2 Staines Town Academy 4 (Southern Youth League East Div) Early setbacks of a knee ligament injury to skipper Elliot Blake and ten a defensive error giving The Tanners a 13th minute lead were cancelled out when man-of-the-match Nick White scored a great volley from a Marvin Farrell cross (15 mins), and Lyle Taylor then put Staines ahead (20m). However, 10 minutes later, Leatherhead scored again, and it remained 2-2 at the interval. Ten minutes into the second period, a good passing movement resulted in Daniel Gurney heading Staines ahead, and Dominic Dwyer made sure with a solo effort on 70 mins. Sun 4 Feb: Hadley LFC 1 Staines Town Women 3 (Greater London Women's Lg Div 1) Staines made it 9 straight league wins when overcoming a combatative Hertfordshire side on Sunday. After a shaky start, Sam Oliver put the visitors ahead, and Jo Ginger's header doubled the lead early in the second period. However, Fiona Butterfield quickly pulled one back, and Staines could not be sure of victory until a beautifully struck Lucy McNeil made it 3-1 with 10 minutes left. With Karrrin French-Wollen débuting in goal, regular stopper Sarah 'Chunk' Clutterbuck made a cameo appearance as a forward, and was unlucky not to score when denied by a brave Cann save. Sun 4 Feb: British Airways v Staines Town Vets (friendly) - CANCELLED - BA unable to raise a team. Congrats to first team goalkeeper Shuan Allaway for winning the Ryman League Golden Gloves award for January 2007. He conceded just one league goal in that month. | ||||
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