News July 07

			Saturday 28/7/07 Maidenhead United 3 Staines Town 0 By Stuart R. Moore Firm friends and adversaries Steve Cordery and Johnson Hippolyte pitched their teams against each other on an excellent surface at York Road, home of the Magpies who are looking forward to their debut campaign in the Blue Square south, following promotion via the play-offs from the BGB Southern League last term. In the days prior, Swans boss Cordery had managed to broker the opportunity to trial no less than three former United players and all, Ryan Parsons, Lewis Cook and Dwain Clarke took their places in a first half line-up against their former team-mates. A very competitive opening period settled within ten minutes or so with corners won at either end, but the visitors who were looking ever more lively, were unfortunate not to have an early chance to take the lead when Mark Nwokeji was harshly flagged offside with only the keeper to beat following the first of many delightful touches from debutant Clarke. Further chances followed for the Swans as triallist Eberendu just failed to get a final and decisive touch to a good move and Clarke had a fizzing shot blocked as the uniquely coiffured Lewis Cook was providing excellent supply from the right flank. Young midfielder McClurg saw a pile-driver from the edge of the box parried by Ramos in the Magpies goal and then Adrian Toppin (who was impressive again) fired low across the box at the culmination of an excellent move weaved by Clarke and Nwokeji. The first half finished with the Swans quite well on top and looking good for their share of the spoils in the very least. However, at half-time, Cordery took the opportunity to throw in some more triallists (for a long, last look in some cases) and this seemed to set the Swans back, whilst with the slope and the breeze at their backs, the home side turned the tables and quickly took a grip on the game which was to ultimately result in them running away with the scoreline. The experienced Darti Brown, one of numerous ex-Yeading favourites who followed manager Hippolyte from the Middlesex club midway through last term, was dictating play from the middle of the park, whilst up-front the fresh duo of Yashwa Romeo and Manny Williams quickly looked dangerous. Indeed, it was the latter who opened the scoring just shy of the hour mark slotting the ball neatly under Allaway, having broken through and foxed Adam Thompson after a poor defensive clearance from the keeper. Further substitutions by both managers served only to disjoint the play, but the Swans were still gamely trying to get back on level terms with the unfamiliar striker partnership of Victor Asombang and Petrit Elbi trying unsuccessfully to beat Wells in the home goal. Allaway and the Swans defence were being tested more frequently as the final fifteen minutes ensued, Yashwa Romeo being denied twice, before the result was put beyond the visitors on 83 minutes when Brown reacted to head home after his initial effort was blocked by the Swans keeper. The final goal was rather unfortunate and very much undeserving on the Swans though as Newman's drilled cross deflected in off Swans skipper Thompson who'd have done well to get out of the way. Staines Town FC First Team Match Details Season 2007/2008 Match Number 005, Day & Date Saturday, 28th July 2007, Kick-Off 3:00pm Home/Away Away, Venue York Road, Maidenhead, Attendance 141 Competition Friendly, Referee Mr Michael Rowley from Woodley, nr Reading, Berkshire Assistant Refs Messrs Ernie Moore from High Wycombe, Bucks and Paul O?Hare from Downley, High Wycombe, Bucks. STAINES TOWN 1 Shaun Allaway 2 Simon Herbert 3 Ryan Parsons 4 Adam Thompson © 5 Danny Gordon 6 Jamie McClurg 7 Lewis Cook 8 Adrian Toppin 9 Chima Eberendu 10 Mark Nwokeji 11 Dwain Clarke Substitutes: 12 Leigh Mason HT McClurg 14 Victor Asombang HT Eberendu 15 Petrit Elbi 65 Nwokeji 16 Tom McGowan HT Parsons 17 AndrÈ Scarlett HT Toppin 18 Jordan Kiffin Charlie Hill 70 Clarke 19 James Younghusband 70 Cook Weather Conditions Fine and dry, warm but breezy Pitch Condition: Excellent pitch naturally slopes end to end End attacked 1st half: Far end (away from entrance/Clubhouse) Tuesday 24/7/07 Staines Town 2 Tottenham Hotspur X1 4 By Stuart R. Moore The Swans entertained a strong ‘Spurs reserve XI under the management of former White Hart Lane hero Clive Allen and a crowd of almost 700 enjoyed a match of high quality, despite three heavy showers which came and went during the course of the game. The match exploded into action with a goal for the home side within just 17 seconds as Mark Nwokeji pounced on a short back-pass and, despite being initially foiled by ‘keeper Tommy Forecast, he eventually won the battle and milked the moment before he netted. At the other end, the youthful Spurs set about reducing the arrears quickly with the impressive Andrew Barcham leading the line and helping himself to an early effort on Shaun Allaway’s goal – the ‘Swans’ ‘keeper being an early replacement from the bench for the injured Courtnage. Back up the other end, the home side were making a very good impression with new signing Adrian Toppin surging from midfield and Leigh Mason buzzing around on the right-hand side, however it was man-of-the-match Gareth Risbridger who was pulling the strings throughout. Upfront, Albanian triallist Petric Elbi was trying hard to impress, but again (as last week) lucked out and only one presentable chance fell his way, the ‘Spurs keeper spurning his attempt. An equaliser came in the 16th minute, a well struck shot from the right-hand edge of the box from Jon Obika neatly found the far corner, low down.However with Swans skipper Matt Flitter dominant at the back in the first period, it was the Ryman Premier side who snatched a lead on the break. A slick, passing move n the right ended with Elbi’s testing low cross flying in off defender Chris Riley, who could do little to contain the fizzing ball into the box. With Flitter retiring at half-time, the ‘Swans’ rear-guard was caught out twice in the space of three minutes early in the second period and the visiting ‘Spurs grabbed a 3-2 lead as first Jake Livermore shot home from 16 yards before big defender Leigh Mills headed home unchallenged from a corner. Another torrential downpour rather dulled the senses, but credit to both sides who continued to pass and play with verve, young ‘Spurs full-back Cian Hughton (son of Martin Jol’s assistant Chris,) tested Allaway with two fizzing shots and Barcham was unlucky not to score before he was substituted. The final goal of the game came on 87 minutes as sub Kyle Fraser-Allen found a little space in the box, turned and shot to complete the scoring in what was an attractive and enjoyable warm-up game. Photos here. Staines Town FC First Team Match Details – Season 2007/2008 Match Number 004. Day & Date Saturday, 21st July 2007 Kick-Off 3:25 pm Home/Away Home Venue Wheatsheaf Park, Staines, Attendance 661 Competition Friendly Referee Mr Dave Belbin of Staines, Middlesex Assistant Refs Messrs Vincent D.Penfold of Rowtown, Surrey and Mr Simeon Potter from Sutton, Surrey. STAINES TOWN 1 James Courtnage 2 Simon Herbert 3 Dave Sargent 4 Danny Gordon 5 Matt Flitter © 6 Leigh Mason 7 Gareth Risbridger 8 Adrian Toppin 9 Petric Elbi 10 Mark Nwokeji 11 Hussein Isa Substitutes: 12 Jake Newton HT Herbert 14 Jamie McClurg 51m Isa 15 Jordan Kiffin 68m Nwokeji 16 Adam Thompson HT Flitter 17 Dean Thomas 54m J.Newton 18 Charlie Hill 71m Toppin 19 Tom McGowan 68m Sargent 1 Shaun Allaway 14m Courtnage Goals: Mark Nwokeji – 17 seconds Own Goal (Chris Riley) – 45m Mascot: Luca Gayle (see programme profile) Sponsor: Aurora Lighting and Edmundsen Electrical Weather Conditions Sunny intervals with recurring, heavy showers. Milder. Pitch Condition: Excellent having been partially flooded 24hrs earlier. Became wet End attacked 1st half: Penton Hook Lane (Houses) end Notes: Late kick-off at 15:25 due to late arrival of opposition (caught in traffic.) Thursday 19/7/07 Epsom & Ewell 1 Staines Town 5 By Stuart R. Moore An unfamiliar and largely inexperienced Swans XI accepted the invitation from Combined Counties League side Epsom & Ewell, who’re managed by Steve Cordery’s former Hampton team-mate Lyndon Buckwell on a warm, dry evening. Playing on the unclassified side pitch at Banstead Athletic’s Merland Rise Ground, Cordery took the opportunity to look at several triallists and a clutch of Academy products, as well as being able to offer games to senior first-teamers such as Adam Thompson (just back from holidays abroad,) Dean Thomas, Jake Newton and Shaun Allaway. The game also gave us the annual chance to view the progress of young Ryan Hillary, a regular triallist in the past (and family friend of Cordery,) but this time he turned out for the home side as he seeks to establish himself with the E’s. The ‘Swans’ eventually rolled-over their hosts with four goals in the last twenty minutes, but could claim without doubt to have enjoyed the majority of play and pressure throughout the evening. Indeed the die was cast early as chances for triallist Deji Ojuroye (a Dagenham & Redbridge reserve teamer of the last season or two) and home-grown talents Jermaine McGlashan and Aston Ventour turned the screw early before little McGlashan opened the scoring just shy of the quarter/hour mark. Playing wide on the right, he outpacd the full-back to claim and control a long through ball from Simon Herbert, before cutting in (managing to ‘nuts’ his opponent) and then finding the net from a tight angle. This opening goal came moments after the first enforced substitution as the E’s Jordan Ellis had to receive treatment for a nasty head wound following a clash with Ojuroye, who himself picked up a nasty cut above the eye, but managed to continue and play well for the full ninety minutes. To be honest, the ‘Swans’ squandered a number of chances to double the lead before the break with the likes of Dean Thomas and Ojuroye squandering presentable chances with a raking drive and a close-range header respectively. Whilst at the other end Allaway only really had a single scare as he rushed out to block Dan Jackson and smother a chance. The usual raft of changes at half-time brought a patchy, unsettled opening to the second period, but the Swans began again to gain the ascendancy with David Ocquaye forcing three corners but Ojuroye, Thomas and Newton all put the resulting chances high or wide. At the other end, Allaway made a good diving parry from Thompson’s good shot and then the match referee Mr Ingram of New Malden demoted himself to flag-waving duty, citing tiredness for a crop of games recently – Mr Gordon stepping into the whistle-blowing role. From here on the ‘Swans’ began to break-free with young Tim Pitt probing with some excellent supply from the right wing-back position. Ojuroye, a 20 year-old of Nigerian extraction, deservedly got his goal on 72 minutes, spinning and shooting from just inside the edge of the box, the ball taking a thick deflection before nestling in the near post and then hard-working Charlie Hill picked his spot from 25 yards with a well-drilled effort over the ‘keeper, six minutes later. The home side salvaged some pride with a (surely shanked?) effort by Jamie White which flew in at the far post beating a disgruntled Allaway on 81 minutes, but within 60 seconds the three goal margin was restored as Ojuroye converted smartly inside the box from another excellent Pitt cross from the right. The fifth and final goal did well to register before the final whistle was blown, Walton Casuals player David Ocquaye completing the ‘nap-hand’ tidying up in a goalmouth melee. All in all a good run-out for the side and Steve Cordery would have learned a little about some of the players seeking to earn a place in his squad for the coming season. Match Number 003, Day & Date Wednesday 18th July 2007, Kick-Off 7:30pm Home/Away Away, Venue @ Banstead Athletic FC, Attendance 22 Competition Friendly, RefereeMr Wayne Ingram from New Malden, Surrey Assistant Refs Messrs Lewis Gordon from Wallington, Surrey and Phil Paice from Woking, Surrey. STAINES TOWN: 1 Shaun Allaway 2 Simon Herbert 3 James Joyce 4 Adam Thompson © 5 Billy Matthews 6 Jake Newton 7 Jermaine McGlashan 8 Dean Thomas 9 Deji Ojuroye 10 Charlie Hill 11Aston Ventour Substitutes: 12 Tim Pitt HT Thompson 14 Justin Fevrier HT Joyce 15 Adrian Browne 54 Herbert 16 Denis Zad HT Ventour 17 David Ocquaye HT McGlashan 11 Aston Ventour 63 Newton 7 Jermaine McGlashan 63 Thomas 2 Simon Herbert 68 Matthews 3 James Joyce 87 McGlashan Goals: Jermaine McGlashan 14m Charlie Hill 78m Jamie White 81m Deji Ojuroye 72m, 82m David Ocquaye 88m Weather Conditions: Fine, warm evening Pitch Condition: Used unclassified training pitch – well grassed, but undulating and lumpy End attacked 1st half: Far end (towards hedgerow – away from entrance/Clubhouse end) Notes: Mr Gordon swapped roles with Mr Ingram 66m due to tiredness/minor injury Monday 16/7/07 Admission prices for 2007/08 In Committee the Club has decided (after much deliberation and discussion) to raise just the Adult entry fee on match-days to £9 - this being in line with just about half of our Premier Division rivals now (and less than a couple.) The junior (under 16) and OAP rate will remain unchanged at £4. Furthermore, we have agreed to apply a new 'Student' entry fee of £5 (but only upon production of appropriate NUS or other credible identification linked to a College.. The programme will remain at £2 but will grow to 40 pages (from 32) in order to accommodate all the new advertising, whilst not reducing the level of content at all. Saturday 14/7/07 Staines Town 0 Aldershot Town 0 A much changed line up for Staines in this friendly, this time Gary Waddock's Aldershot Town were the opposition at Wheatsheaf Park. The game however did not live up to the excitement of Thursday evening in a more low key friendly. The Swans re-introduced a mean, lean Dean Green for his fourth spell at the club as the two sides used the game as more of a fitness and tactical exercise in front of a laid back crowd. It was the Shots who had the better chances forcing James Courtnage into a couple of good saves but Staines rarely threatened in front of goal as they strive to find a suitable strike partner for the impressive Mark Nwokeji. Some plus points can be taken from the game though as a clean sheet was kept and the players had a good run out on a hot day to improve fitness levels. Photos here. Thursday 12/7/07 Staines Town 2 Brentford 2 By Stuart R. Moore For what has become a traditional curtain-raiser over the last couple of seasons, Brentford came to Wheatsheaf Park and, as last year, it was a first chance for the ‘Bees’ fans to watch their team under a new manager, although the appointment of former England ‘legend’ Terry Butcher filled the visiting support with altogether more confidence, one feels than the welcome that was received by Leroy Rosenior twelve months earlier. The Wheatsheaf Park Stadium was in tip-top condition and the excellent surface was at its best as a very healthy attendance of over 1200 filed in on a muggy night which often threatened a storm….thankfully which never arrived. Both managers were selecting from senior, full-strength squads and with recently published signings lining-up for Club debuts, with Steve Cordery giving Adrian Toppin and Leigh Mason a start, holding back young Jamie McClurg on the bench along with four additional triallists. Following their 3-1 humbling at the hands of the ‘Swans’ last pre-season, the visiting ‘Bees’ set about their business from the off and some quick, neat passing quickly brought pressure to bear on the ‘Swans’ defence – an opening goal as early as the 4th minute seemed no surprise then. It was an adeptly drilled move down the left-hand side, involving short, snappy passes before Kneissel squared in the box to Lee Thorpe and the 31 year-old, just in from Torquay United slotted confidently home past Allaway. Initially, as further pressure was squeezed, it looked as though the home side might quickly lose a grip on this game, however just after the ten minute mark, ‘Bees’ ‘keeper Masters was called upon to collect a high-ball under pressure from Toppin, following a throw in by Mason. From this the ‘Swans’ gained a toe-hold and the dye was cast for an even and well contested game from there on in. Indeed the ‘Swans’ equalised on 18 minutes as debutant Toppin (signed from Carshalton Athletic) stooped to then loop a header over Brown and into the net after a flick was applied to Clement James’ free-kick taken from the right flank. The non-leaguers continued to give as good as they got and good chances were at a premium at either end, however on the half-hour mark young Kiffin did well to react and release himself wide on the left, cutting into the box though the chance was smothered by the on-rushing ‘keeper as Kiff’ looked for support in the middle. A couple of half-chances followed at the other end as first Smith and then new signing Shakes did well on the right before their efforts went wide of the far post and away from danger. The last action of the first half was a speculative effort from André Scarlett from 25 yards on the Brentford goal, the effort was high ultimately but the build-up work of the hard-working Sargent and Kiffin had deserved better. Five minutes before the break, Steve Cordery was forced to withdraw Clement James and replaced him with young Hussein Isa, the former feeling a knock. The lion’s share of the changes came, as expected, at half-time, Terry Butcher choosing to make all nine of his changes en-bloc, whilst Cordery also made eight, holding back a couple of triallists. Amongst the crop, Cordery introduced burly front-runner Charlie Hill from Uxbridge and stylish left-back Tom McGowan, who appeared in the past for Dagenham & Redbridge as well as recent signing Jamie McClurg and the returning Paul Ellis. However, it was the familiar faces of Gareth Risbridger and Mark Nwokeji who were, perhaps to have the most profound impact. Indeed it was Risbridger who had the first effort of the second period with a stinging shot which ‘keeper Masters parried. Slightly against the run of play, the visitors stole the lead on58 minutes with a goal worthy of the game as young Charlie Ide found space and placed an effort from 25 yards beyond Courtnage and into the far corner which served to awaken the large contingent of travelling fans, but far from restating the objective this only urged the home side on and a second equaliser duly arrived within three minutes – the ever-sharp Nwokeji (last season’s top-scorer,) controlling and sweeping his effort into the far corner from fifteen yards, following build-up work by McGowan and the impressive Risbridger who, seconds earlier had seen another rasping effort parried away. After this flurry of activity, the game settled again Hussein Isa making an impression for the ‘Swans’ and a further Nwokeji effort on goal, whilst James Courtnage’s ever laid-back approach bringing a scare as his loose control allowed a deflected effort to loop over him before he scuttled back to prevent the ball crossing his line. The last real action was a double clearance in front of goal to deny Ide and then Montague before a the latter’s final effort skimmed the outside of the post, this just after Cordery had removed his central defensive partnership, replacing with triallists Herbert (from Marlow) and Matthews (from Uxbridge.) Furthermore front-runner Bamoh Sesay (a friend of Nwokeji’s) earned a late ten minute run around to some little effect. Match Number 001 Day & Date Thursday, 12th July 2007 Kick-Off 7:30 pm Home/Away Home Venue Wheatsheaf Park, Staines Attendance 1227 Competition Friendly Referee Mr Jarnail ‘John’ Singh of Cranford, Middlesex Assistant Refs Mr Dave Belbin of Staines, Middlesex and Mr Jessie Richards of Staines, Middx. STAINES TOWN: 1 Shaun Allaway 2 Jake Newton 3 Dave Sargent 4 Danny Gordon 5 Matt Flitter © 6 André Scarlett 7 Howard Newton 8 Adrian Toppin 9 Jordan Kiffin 10 Leigh Mason 11 Clement James Substitutes: 12 Gareth Risbridger HT Scarlett 12 14 Paul Ellis HT J.Newton 14 15 Tom McGowan HT Sargent 15 16 Jamie McClurg HT H.Newton 16 17 Hussein Isa 39 James 17 18 Charlie Hill HT Mason 18 9 Mark Nwokeji HT Kiffin 19 8 James Younghusband HT Toppin 20 1 James Courtnage HT Allaway 21 3 Billy Matthews 69 Flitter 11 Simon Herbert 69 Gordon Goals: Adrian Toppin 18m Mark Nwokeji 61m Sponsor: AT&T (GB) Limited (Awarded Man of the Match to Mark Nwokeji) Weather Conditions Dry with threatening clouds, humid and overcast throughout. Pitch Condition: Excellent End attacked 1st half: Penton Hook Lane Notes: A pre-match cavalcade of Juniors/Women champions/trophies was well received. Photos here. Wednesday 4/7/07 TRIO OF SIGNINGS Swans manager Steve Cordery made it a trio of signings in preparation for the new season with the capture of 23 year old attacking midfielder Leigh Mason. A player who’s been on the scene a little while and in Cordery’s sights, he’d previously trialled with the Wheatsheaf Park club in the pre-season of 2004, but has now signed having spent a couple of years growing both his experience and, more importantly, his physique and strength. “When we looked at Leigh before, he clearly had talent, but was a little lightweight and so I didn’t think he was then ready, however he’s since proved he can perform at this level and you can certainly see he’s grown in the couple of years since. He’s got good ability, plenty of skill and strength and an eye for goal from midfield.” Leigh made just a couple of fleeting appearances for the ‘Swans’ in July 2004, having appeared for Slough Town and Flackwell Heath and since he again served both Clubs over the last two seasons, before appearing also for Brackley Town last term, the Northants side went on to lift the BGB Southern League Div’n One south/west title at a canter – ironically, the ‘Swans’ will meet the ‘Saints’ for the first time ever as the Clubs have been paired in the F.A. Cup in September.