Monday 31st July 2006

CHAIRBOYS HELD

Saturday 29th July (3pm) - attendance 276

STAINES TOWN (1) 2 Ali Chaaban 15m, Pete Castle 84m

WYCOMBE WANDERERS (1) 2 Tom Cadmore 22m & 54m

By Steve Parsons.

The crowd at Wheatsheaf Lane was treated to another highly enjoyable contest between Staines and Coca-Cola League opposition, this time former Isthmian adversaries Wycombe.  The game was moved from Tuesday to enable Wycombe to send a first eleven, but in fact they split their squad between Staines and a ‘closed doors’ game at Nottingham Forest.  Steve Cordery continues to assemble a promising Staines squad, and he gave debuts to defender Pete Castle (recently released by Reading), and - later on - goalkeeper Reece Kirk, ex of Watford and Aylesbury.

Staines survived an early Torres shot against the bar, and Courtnage was forced to turn Dixon’s rebound round for a corner.  But they grabbed the lead on 15 minutes, Carbon picking out Ali Chaaban, who turned neatly just outside the box and shot under the diving Young and in via the foot of the post.  Cadmore soon levelled for the Chairboys , after an incisive cross by the evergreen left-winger Guppy.  Wycombe pressed hard, as Courtnage made good saves from both Faulkner and Gregory, Dixon had one ruled out for offside, and Faulkner appealed for a penalty after going down in the box.  However, Staines also came close, a hairline offside denying Telemaque, and the same player launched a header that went inches over after a great run and cross by Currie.  Nine minutes after the restart, the Guppy / Cadmore partnership worked again for Wycombe, the former Watford and Heybridge man flicking in his second headed goal of the game.  Staines strove to get back on terms, but when Scarlett wove through the defence only to see his shot well saved by Young, it seemed that their chance had gone.  However, with just 6 minutes left, Dave Warner played a free kick from wide on the right, and Pete Castle marked his début with a powerfully headed equaliser.

Staines: James Courtnage (Reece Kirk 70), Jake Newton, Kevin Warner (Dean Green 48), Pete Castle, Matt Flitter ©, Gareth Risbridger (Howard Newton 59), Michael Currie (Stuart Goodall 69), André Scarlett (San Lee 73), Errol Telemaque (Mark Nwokeji HT), Ali Chaaban, Josias Carbon (David Warner 59); unused Jon McDonald - injured in the warm up.

Wycombe: Jamie Young, Robert Rice, Russell Martin (captain), Steve Gregory (Sam Tucknott 48), Lewis Christon, Tom Cadmore, Sergio Torres, Stefan Oakes, James Faulkner, Johnny Dixon, Steve Guppy; unused Shane Paul, Dean Thornton (gk), Lloyd Boateng, Alan Massey.  Ref J Singh (Cranford); ARs S Crease, D Belbin.

GAME OF TWO HALVES!

Tuesday 25th July 2006 (7:45pm) – Friendly

CHERTSEY TOWN (2) 2  STAINES TOWN (0) 3 By Steve Parsons

Staines played their third friendly of the season, against neighbours, Chertsey, who were moved from Ryman Division 2 to the Combined Counties in the summer restructure.  The match was played on a hot, bright evening, on a hard pitch.  Both sides had their full squads involved, together with plenty of subs, with Staines giving a début to San Lee, a 20 year old former S Korean Youth international striker, who arrives from Sheffield United.  Chertsey also had a debutant with international experience – Antiguan triallist Harrigan St Clair looking good when coming on in the second half.  Staines, unusually, had two pairs of brothers in the starting line-up (David & Kevin Warner and Jake & Howard Newton), but they were matched by Chertsey, who started with ex Swans Luke & Jamie Muldowney, and John & Billy Jones.

The visitors began very brightly, with Stuart Goodall breaking away and shooting, forcing Curfew’s keeper Michael Piwonski to save well, at the expense of a corner, within 30 seconds of the start.  But after 10 minutes or so, it was Chertsey who dictated the play, John Pomroy having a chance thwarted by a tight offside decision, and Matt Grave going close.  It was no real surprise when they took a 24th minute lead, Anthony Oaks crossing from the right, and Matt Grave arriving at the back post to score past Shaun Allaway with a close range stooping header.  The home side doubled their lead 3 minutes before half time with a tremendously struck 35 yard effort by John Pomroy which flew into the roof of the net.

Staines reduced the arrears 8 minutes after the restart, when Kevin Cleary tripped David Warner on the edge of the box, and it was he who stepped up to place his penalty past Danny Cooper.  On the hour mark, Staines made eight changes (of the players who had travelled, only Craig Maskell and James Courtnage were not involved).  Allaway made a tremendous save with his legs when Cleary volleyed from close range after a Jamie Muldowney cross.  However, Staines were now turning the screw, and after Errol Telemaque had drawn a great save from Cooper, it was Mark Nwokeji who sidefooted home the 67th minute equaliser, following a low centre by Ali Chaaban.  Four minutes later, Nwokeji completed Staines’ comeback with a powerful low shot after some twinkling individual skills.  Cooper made another fine save from Telemaque, but with 8 minutes to go, Staines had young keeper Rob Hamling to thank for the save from Rhawanski which preserved their 3-2 win.

Staines: Shaun Allaway (Robert Hamling 77), Chris Cahill (Dean Green 60), Ricky Alexander (Matt Flitter 60), Jake Newton, Jon McDonald, Kevin Warner (Mark Williams 60), Stuart Goodall (Josias Carbon 60), André Scarlett ©, (Errol Telemaque 60), Dave Warner (Mark Nwokeji 60), San Lee (Ali Chaaban 60), Howard Newton (Michael Currie 60).

Chertsey: Michael Piwonski (Danny Cooper HT), Anthony Oaks, Jamie Muldowney © (Liam Hill 65), Kevin Cleary, Simon Karrie (Tony Green 72), James Woods, Luke Muldowney, John Jones (George Helsdown HT), John Pomroy (Harrigan St Clair 65), Matt Grave (Freddie Rhawanski HT, Michael James 83), Billy Jones (Scott Wadge HT); unused Alex Sardo, Reg Hollis, Bertie Morse, Paul Watson.

Ref Declan Ford (Arborfield); ARs Tony Kemley & Brian Murdoch (both Army). Est att 119.

WOMEN NOW RECRUITING

Staines Town's Women's team achieved an incredible "treble" in their very first season - when they secured the Greater London League (Division 2) title, and lifted the Russell Cup and the prestigious Middlesex Cup.

The girls are now back in training as they prepare for a new challenge in Division One, and would be delighted to hear from any prospective new players.  The team plays on Sundays - usually in the afternoons - and anyone who would like to come along for a trial is welcome to contact the team Captain, Kate Davies, on 07739 460899 or kate1davies@hotmail.com. Should Kate Davies not be available then team manager Kate Cook can be contacted alternatively on 07792 663338

Training takes place on a Wednesday evening (7-9pm) at Feltham Community School.

Thursday 20th July 2006

GOALKEEPER NEEDED FOR ACADEMY

Staines Town and Kingston College Academy have been holding trials recently for the new intake of players for the 2006/7 season. The standard has been very pleasing, and the squad list is now being finalised. However, there does remain a place available should a good quality goalkeeper be available. If you are male, born 1st September 1987 or later, and think you might have what it takes to challenge for a place in a competitive Southern Youth League team (and perhaps beyond), please call Academy Manager Martyn Spong on 07773 754506."

Tuesday 11th July 2006 (7:15pm) – Friendly

GAME OF TWO STAINES

STAINES LAMMAS (0) 0  STAINES TOWN (2) 4 By Steve Parsons.

The two Staines teams in the non-League pyramid met at senior level for the first time in at least 40 years at the Combined Counties League Division 1 side’s pleasant Lucan Pavilion Laleham Village Recreation Ground on a warm evening.  Lammas were going into their first game under new manager Nathan Wharf (ex Ashford) and coach Steve Collins (ex Staines), and their starting side included a smattering of ex Swans youths and reserves, including Lawrence Munns, Darren Varney, and Jay Coombes, plus Ashford legend Anthony Eggington.  Steve Cordery introduced six new trialists including two in the starting XI: ‘keeper Alan Mansfield (ex Three Bridges) and defender Chris Cahill (ex Windsor).  The pitch was in good condition, if a little bumpy in patches, and the host club had laid on a barbecue to help give the evening a party atmosphere.

Staines Town got on top in the early stages, with Luke Allen sidefooting across the face of goal from an Telemaque cross, and then Nick Burton thudded a shot into the chest of ‘keeper Steve Potts.  At the other end, Eggington flashed a header just wide of Mansfield’s goal, before Stuart Goodall – playing further upfield than he did on Saturday – first set up a chance for Gareth Risbridger to head just wide, and then saw a shot of his own loop up off a defender’s toe to stretch Potts under the bar.  The opening goal came after 29 minutes, when a cross by debutant Dave Warner was converged upon by both Goodall and Errol Telemaque, with the latter forcing the ball home.  Then Warner went close after a pass from Warner, but on 39 minutes Town doubled their lead, Dean Green receiving the ball and powering through the middle before firing into the corner.

Town brought on 8 subs at the break, and two more during the second half, with débuts being given to Jack McLellan (centre back from Waltham Forest), Dave Powis (right back from Three Bridges), Spiro Susa (Croatian midfielder from Redbridge FC and Crystal Palace youths), Meddie Nsubuga (ex Hampton midfielder), Roger Muhire (right back/winger from Clapham South), as well as a return from Jake’s brother Howard Newton, who has been at Harrow.  Several players were also utilised having been training down the road just beforehand.  Lammas used a total of 11 subs during the second half.  The second half belonged to Michael Currie, who scored twice in quick succession on 52 & 59 minutes.  The first was a great shot into the top corner after a run from some 40 yards out had taken him past three tackles.  The second was another good run which ended with him rounding Potts and rolling the ball into the net.  Potts unfortunately caught his studs in the turf as Currie went round him, and was withdrawn.  With Rob Hamling about to come on for the visitors, Mansfield had the rare distinction of switching sides at that point!  Staines pressed for further scores, with Dave Warner seeing one shot deflected over for a corner after good work by Jake Newton, Nsubuga seeing an effort blocked for a corner in a scramble, and Susa feeding Currie, who was denied a hat-trick by a combination of Mansfield’s fingertips and the upright.  The game ended 4-0, and the evening was a useful exercise for both teams, and a rare chance for Staines Town supporters to visit their closest neighbours, just a mile away.

Town: Alan Mansfield (Rob Hamling 60); Dean Green (Dave Powis HT), Chris Cahill (Kevin Warner HT), Nick Burton © (Jake Newton 64), Adam Thompson (Jack McLellan HT), Josias Carbon (Roger Muhire HT), Gareth Risbridger (Spiro Susa HT), Luke Allen (Meddie Nsubuga HT), Errol Telemaque (Michael Currie HT), Dave Warner, Stuart Goodall (Howard Newton HT).

Lammas: Steve Potts (Alan Mansfield 60), Andy Sherwood, Derek Harris (Sean Ryan HT; Ridley 77), Adam Ridley (Mark Brown 58), Lawrence Munns © (Michael Edghill 64), Darren Varney (Warren Collins 56), Chris Bullen (David Leadham 58), Michael Fisher (Steve Carter 47), Jay Coombes (Richard Chisholm 64), Anthony Eggington (Adam Corbett 50), Adam Williams (Dale Webb HT).

Ref Derek Hookway (Shepperton); ARs Kieron Taylor (Staines), Clive Robinson (W Drayton). Att 166.

Monday 8th July 2006

ALI 'C' SHOOTS DOWN BEES

Saturday 8th July 2006 (3:00pm) – Friendly

STAINES TOWN (1) 3  BRENTFORD (1) 1 By Steve Parsons.

The new season, or at least the pre-season, began before the World Cup Final had even been contested, yet the occasion proved a big success for The Swans.  A crowd of 1249 turned out on a sunny afternoon, and witnessed a terrific game, in which Steve Cordery successfully introduced several new faces, and new Brentford boss Leroy Rosenior brought along a full squad to play on Graham Gould’s superbly prepared playing surface, the whole thing aided by top class ref Jarnail Singh.  Staines’ starting eleven included debutants Adam Thompson (ex Walton), Kevin Warner (Hayes), Errol Telemaque (Yeading), but it was two returnees who garnered just as much attention: goalkeeper James Courtnage was back from a year backpacking in Brazil, and Gareth Risbridger returned after a 2? year injury, which could have seen him lose his leg.  Gareth has never been far away from the club in all that time, and it was amazing to consider that this was only his 8th game for The Swans, and although Matt Flitter wore the captain’s armband, it was Risbridger who stepped forward for the toss-up.  This was the first game for both teams, and the Staines part-timers had only been back in training for a week, and Brentford had also only started this week too.

The last two high-profile friendlies between these sides have both ended scoreless, but that was rectified when the visitors swept into a 10th minute lead when Alex Rhodes, who had already gone close, powerfully headed home a right sided cross from Chris Moore, following Paul Smith’s pass.  But Staines responded within 4 minutes, Telemaque feeding Mark Nwokeji, who advanced and hit a delightful curling shot past Stuart Nelson from the edge of the box.  Nwokeji went close with a header soon afterwards, whilst Brentford carved out several chances at the other end, with Courtnage saving well from Paul Brooker following Mousinho’s long pass, and Rhodes grazed the bar after some good interplay between Kevin O’Connor and Jo Kuffour.  Staines maintained their eagerness to attack, and André Scarlett was unlucky to see a shot deflected into Nelson’s arms, following Warner’s free kick for a tug on Scarlett’s shirt. 

There were a raft of changes at half time, with Brentford changing their whole team, and Staines using 6 of their 8 subs.  These included three more new faces: Josias Carbon from Slough, Stuart Goodall, and Ricky Alexander.  Risbridger was withdrawn after a very encouraging 45 minutes, in which he seemed to have lost none of his old flair, and was not afraid to get in the thick of the action.  The home side moved into the lead on 50 minutes, when Michael Currie received a ball down the right, cut inside, and flicked towards Ali Chaaban, who showed the sort of finishing which made him top scorer in just 4 months of last season.  He might have added another moments later, but just failed to capitalise on a collision between ‘keeper Nathan Abbey and his centre back.  Young Charlie Ide looked quite a prospect for the League One club, forcing a tremendous one-handed save from Courtnage, and forging good attacking combinations with Ryan Peters and Ólafur Skúlason.  Just as Brentford seemed to be getting back into the game, Chaaban killed off their revival with another confident finish, this time after a Brentford corner had been cleared up to Carbon, who in turn played a great pass for ‘Ali C’.  Steve Cordery’s plan to bring back Telemaque for his double scorer were not permitted, and so he was replaced by the evergreen Maskell, but not before Warner had fizzed a shot just wide.  Late on, young Robert Hamling was given an appearance in goal, and the game ended with Carbon and Warner peppering in shots at Abbey’s goal.  The ruling about substitutes players hit Brentford even harder, as an injury to Ide 10 minutes from time meant that they had to end the game with 10 men, despite travelling with a squad of 23. 

Staines: James Courtnage (Rob Hamling 82); Jake Newton Josias Carbon HT), Jon McDonald (Stuart Goodall HT), Adam Thompson, Matt Flitter © (Nick Burton HT), Gareth Risbridger (Dean Green HT), André Scarlett, Kevin Warner, Errol Telemaque (Michael Currie HT), Ali Chaaban (Craig Maskell 70), Mark Nwokeji (Ricky Alexander HT).

Brentford: Stuart Nelson (Nathan Abbey HT), Kevin O’Connor © (Dave Lawrence HT), Andrew Frampton (Ryan Watts HT), Adam Griffiths (Karleigh Osborne HT), Sam Tillen (Darius Charles HT), Paul Brooker (Callum Willock HT), John Mousinho (Scott Fitzgerald HT, Sergio 71), Paul Smith (Thomas Pinault HT), Alex Rhodes (Ólafur Ingi Skúlason HT), Jo Kuffour (Charlie Ide HT), Chris Moore (Ryan Peters HT).

Ref J Singh (Cranford); ARs K Howick (Hayes), I Jempeji (Alperton); 4th Off D Belbin (Staines).  Official Att 1249.  BFC Mascot  Luke Towersey

Tuesday 4th July 2006

SHIRT CHANGE FORCED - SUPPORTERS UPDATE.

Having sought to replace a couple of torn first team-shirts (to the same design as last season,) Staines Town FC quickly understood from several 'Nike' suppliers that the 'Questra' design (as used last season) was now out of stock and could not be purchased for love nor money. Therefore a decision has been forced upon us to go with a new shirt design for the coming season 2006/07 - the Nike 'Park' shirt, as pictured below.

This new design is secured by 'Nike' for “at least two seasons” and so will be used this season and again next season at least.

STFC officials would like to apologise to any supporters who purchased a 'home' shirt last season and has not seen good use from it and, by way of some recourse, would like to offer a reduced price on the new 2006/07 replica shirt if desired. Linked to that offer, we would appreciate return of any adult/large shirts from last season so that they may be numbered up and used as replacement,s where required, for our new Capital League side this season.

Final pricing schedule to be confirmed, please watch this space!!