Tuesday 29/7/08 Burnham 1 Staines Town 5 By Stuart Moore Prior to the start of this, the ‘Swans’ 5th pre-season warm-up game, Manager Steve Cordery demanded his squad now begin to assert themselves and put away such sides. The time for recalling recent summer breaks was long gone and the serious business must begin. Those words must’ve echoed in the minds of a strong starting XI which took the game by the scruff of the neck against a side who’d enjoyed a decent campaign in the BGB Southern League Div’n One (south/west) last term, as the visitors ran-up an unassailable 4-0 lead by the break following a really terrific performance of pace, strength and superior ability. A familiar starting line-up found no room for new signings Davis Haule and Darti Brown in midfield neither Danny Gordon or injured Matt Flitter at the back and with goalkeeping options severely restricted, Cords called upon the son of an old friend to fill the void between the posts – the imposing figure of the former Aldershot Town and Maidenhead United ‘keeper Louis Wells admirably stepping-in. The Swans were visibly stronger in all areas, with Scarlett and Risbridger commanding in the middle of the park, Howard Newton unstoppable as he raided down either flank and chances came a plenty for Butler and Onochie up-front. The untried central defensive partnership of Kersey and Cumberbatch were dominant when rarely asked a question, particularly in the air. The early pressure was all on the Buckinghamshire side, however in a rare foray upfield, Jarvis tested Wells from a free-kick, the effort being pushed over for a corner kick. Soon after though and with only 17 minutes on the clock, the Swans were 2-0 up with the strike-duo staking their claims. Firstly Onochie arrived at the back post to bundle home a deep Howard Newton cross and then Butler expertly rounded the ‘keeper to finish coolly when set free by the aforementioned Onochie. In between times, Onochie could have double his personal tally, but his deftly lobbed finish just beat the crossbar. However, the striker was not to be denied for too long as he dusted himself down, having been upended by Owens on a surging run, to place home the spot kick to make it 3-0 with just over half an hour played. Howard Newton and Dave Sargent were complimenting each other terrifically well down the left-hand side in the shadow of the excellent facilities at The Gore and Newton had a couple of efforts spurned away for corners before he notched with an early contender for goal of the season, just two minutes before the break. Again Sargent was instrumental down the left, but this time Newton had drifted inside and when a clever movement saw the ball across the edge of the eighteen yard box, Newton allowed it to pass in front of him before unleashing an unstoppable drive which found the top, far corner of the net – beating Parkin in goal all ends up. With such a good show behind them, eight of the starting eleven were withdrawn at half-time with others getting their turn in what may have been a dead rubber of a second half. However, Burnham manager Dave Mudge took the opportunity to largely stick with his selection and the Blues began the second period with renewed vigour –grabbing a goal back within just three minutes as substitute Durrant bundled home from close-range at the back-post with an amount of confusion in the revised back-four line-up of the Swans. Further half-chances followed for the home side, with central defender Ryan Bird unlucky not to register with at least one of a pair of clean headers from left-sided crosses. However, by this time Haule and Brown were beginning to settle down in midfield and the ever-eager Clement James was trying to instigate some forward motion down the left-flank backed-up by Ben Hudell – who enjoyed a commendable forty-five minutes in the left-back berth. Up front, journeyman striker Byron Bubb (with 10 full international caps for Greneda under his belt,) was looking for a chance to impress, whilst Lewis Cook and Marc Charles-Smith showed some of what they’re about as the Swans took about settling the game down again. In the evening’s only flashpoint, Burnham striker Leon Yarnie was substituted much to his chagrin by Mudge and the two ‘enjoyed’ a verbal spat before Yarnie trudged off, accused of being lazy by his boss and threatened with a sojourn in the reserve team! The final goal came on 83 minutes and restored the Swans four goal lead. Malteste triallist Charlie Sardena did well to win the ball in an advanced right back position and surge forward before slipping a through ball into the path of Bubb who used his evident pace to outstrip his former team-mates and produce a tidy finish across the diving ‘keeper. All in all a good work-out for the Swans, particularly for the senior starting XI who showed real quality in despatching the opposition ruthlessly before the half-time whistle. Staines: Wells, Ifura (Danny Gordon 64), Sargent (Hudell HT), Kersey (Duncan HT), Cumberbatch (Sardena 79), Scarlett (Brown HT), H Newton, Thomas (Cook HT), Butler (Bubb HT), Risbridger (Haule HT), Onochie (Charles-Smith HT) Ref: Ernie Moore, Assistants: Kieran Bailey and Keith Pudiphat
Saturday 26/7/08 Godalming Town 0 Staines Town 2 Godalming Town 1 Staines Town 3 Saturday, 26th July 2008 – Friendly (1pm) GODALMING TOWN (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (1) 2 By Steve Parsons. At Charterhouse School Grounds, Charterhouse, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2DX This match was brought forward from 3pm to 1pm as it was made part of a ‘double header’ with a Reserve fixture played afterwards. The games were played at Godalming’s training venue, the historic surrounds of Charterhouse School. Although STFC records reflect the original arrangements, the visitors in fact mixed their squad up somewhat, with recognised senior players spread across the two squads, although Godalming stuck to the arrangements, fielding their First Team at 1pm, and the Reserves at 3pm. Dean Fenton scored a goal in each half to win the first game for Staines Town. Staines – 1 Will Viner; 2 Jake Newton; 3 Ben Hudell; 4 Leigh Kersey; 5 Marien Ifura; 6 Dean Thomas; 7 Lewis Cook; 8 Gareth Risbridger; 9 Marc Charles-Smith; 10 Darti Brown ©; 11 Dean Fenton; Subs: 12 Nick White (unused);14 Kerian Preddie (for Fenton ?? mins). Godalming – Matt Mann, Asone Patterson, James Mariner, Wes Hall, Chris Wales, Brahim Eloumani, Kenny Ojukwu, Graeme Purdy, Martyn Lee, Glen Stanley, Yousef Metwali. Ref: Jim Patterson, Assistants: Steve Redrum & Lewis Gordon; Attendance – 35 Saturday, 26th July 2008 – Friendly (3pm) GODALMING TOWN Reserves (0) 1 STAINES TOWN XI (1) 3 At Charterhouse School Grounds, Charterhouse, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2DX The strong Swans XI won this second game 3-1 with a first half goal from Mark Rogers and then second half strikes from Davis Haule and Charlie Sardeña sandwiching a consolation effort from the G’s Adam Haddad. Staines – 1 Will Viner; 2 Ron Glazier; 3 Clement James; 4 Lynvall Duncan; 5 Dave Sargent; 6 André Scarlett ©; 7 Charlie Sardeña; 8 Davis Haule; 9 Byron Bubb; 10 Mark Rogers; 11 Nick White; sub 12 Kerian Preddie (on for Sardeña HT); Charlie Sardeña (back on for Rogers 70m). Godalming – Garry Aulsberry, Lee McGavin, Richard Thompson, Adam Haddad, Richard Brightwell, Romon Forrester, several trialists Ref: Martin Feast, Assistants: Nasos Stefanopoulos & Chris Terry; Attendance – 45 The Swans made the trip to the exclusive Charterhouse Public School playing fields for a double header against Ryman Division One South new boys Godalming Town. The two matches were originaly planned as first and reserve friendlies however Staines boss Steve Cordery mixed and matched players for both games. With Sean Allaway still injured, James Courtnage unavailable and Rodney Chiwese having seemingly departed to Maidenhead, young keeper Will? was drafted in at the last minute and he ended up keeping goal in both matches on this very hot and sunny July afternoon. The first match kicked off at 1.00pm after a long walk from the changing rooms for both players and supporters (which included crossing a footbridge over the busy main road!) The pitch was in first class condition for what was in all honestly a park pitch with not so much as even a barrier to seperate players from supporters! The Swans kicked off in their away strip of white shirts and red shorts and despite a slow start to the match they took a first half lead through triallist Dean Fenton after he was put clear of the keeper to side foot into an empty net. Fenton again found the net in the second half with a sublime half volley giving the keeper no chance to wrap up the match for Staines. Minutes after, the second game kicked off with the Swans sporting the more traditional Old Gold n Blue strip, the team included flying winger Clement James making his long awaited comeback after some long term injury problems, he started the match at left back and looked like he had never been away. The Swans took the lead with a late first half corner with another triallist Michael Rogers powering home a header before Davis Haule opened his Staines account in the second half following a low cross from Nick White. It was former Academy player White who added the third with a low angled shot after Godalming had pulled a goal back minutes before. The match finished 3-1 and Steve Cordery will be satisfied with a more than usefull work out for his whole squad before they travel to Burnham's smart new stadium on Tuesday for another friendly workout.
Tuesday 22/7/08 Staines Town 0 Brentford 3 By Neil Digby Staines Town welcomed their near neighbours and League 2 club Brentford to Wheatsheaf Park for the annual friendly match between the two clubs, last year's fixture ended in a 2-2 draw whilst a similar result would have been a welcome one the outcome of this years match was to be a much different story. On a muggy and humid evening the Swans started positively whilst the Bees soaked up the early pressure and attempted to mount some pressure of their own on the Swans defence. The Swans created the first real chance of the game on six minutes when Howard Newton escaped the attentions of a couple of Brentford defenders and laid the ball into the path of Davis Haule who from 12 yards hit a low drive which Bees goalkeeper Simon Brown comfortably held onto. The half progressed forward with neither side forcing the opposing goalkeeper into any kind of action but it was the Swans who once again came closest to opening the scoring on 32 minutes when Marc Charles-Smith evaded a tackle and from the just inside the 18 yard box the Swans forward hit a low shot which Brown turned around the post. From the resulting corner by Lewis Cook the Bees captain Craig Pead was rather fortunate when the ball smashed into him but went out for another corner kick. The resulting corner was cleared comfortably by the League 2 side's defence. Towards the end of the half the Swans won a succession of corners which did not come to anything and the first half ended 0-0 with neither side imposing their authority on the other. Former Blackburn Rovers, West Ham and Fulham centrreback Ian Pearce was an impossing figure at the back for Brentford where very little got past him and he even pushed up front for a couple of corners but his finishing left a little bit to be desired. Both sides made a number of substitutions for the second half, Steve Cordrey shuffled his pack around with Danny Gordon making way at centreback for Marien Ifura, Lewis Cook and Dean Thomas making way for the industrious midfield duo of Gareth Risbridger and Andre Scarlett with Davis Haule pushing upfront alongside Charles-Smith to try and apply more pressure on the Brentford defence. The Bees made a good start to the second half passing the ball around swiftly, Craig Pead was at the hub of most of Brentford's good attacking play and it was his pass after winning the ball from Darti Brown in the middle of the park that created the first goal of the night on 64 minutes. With the ball at his feet he picked out the right wing run of Nathan Elder who beat Swans leftback Dave Sargent for pace and sent into the penalty area a low, hard cross that eluded the Swans defence leaving Michael Antonio to pick his spot from 10 yards out to slot home past a badly exposed Rodney Chiwese in the Staines goal who was playing his first 90 minutes for the Swans first team in place of the injured James Courtnage. Four minutes later and Brentford doubled their lead, this time Pead ran unchallenged through the midfield and from 18 yards out hit a curling, low left footed drive past Chiwese's despairing dive and into the left hand corner of the net. Strangely going two goals behind sparked the Swans into life and on 70 minutes Gareth Risbridger's driven cross from the right wing eluded Bees keeper Brown but also the onrushing Swans duo of Dominic Dwyer and Howard Newton with the goal at their mercy and the ball went harmlessly out of play. Two minutes later and Andre Scarlett raced towards the bees penalty area but Brentford No3 Miles Mitchell-Coot clipped his ankle and referee Mr Singh awarded a freekick. Scarlett took the free kick from 22 yards out and beat the defensive wall but Brown was equal to it and dived at full stretch to turn the ball out for a corner. Bees substitute forward Mark Philipps (No 29) was starting to make a real nuisance of himself, firstly hitting a stinging low drive that Chiwese turned away for a corner, then he hit a dipping 20 yard drive past Chiwese's left hand post and then once more testing the young Swans goalkeeper who did well to throw his body in the way of a stinging shot. Philipps then headed against the bar from the resulting corner. The Bees superior speed and movement was causing the Swans defence some serious headache's as the game wore on and it was no suprise when they netted a third goal with just about the last action of the match, a low skidding drive from 20 yards by Nathan Elder was far too hot to handle for Chiwese and No 12 Alan Connell was on hand to tap home the loose ball into the unguarded net. There was only just enough time to re-start the game when Mr Singh blew the final whistle on the evening's action to send the Bees supporters in the crowd home happy. The match sponsors who were Powercor awarded their Man of the match award to Howard Newton. Staines: 1. Rodney Chiwese, 2.Jake Newton,3.Dave Sargent, 4. Danny Gordon, 5. Mark Cumberbatch, 6. Howard Netwon, 7. Dean Thomas, 8. Davis Haule, 9. Darti Brown, 19. Lewis Cook, 11. Marc Charles-Smith. Subs: 12. Marien Ifura, 14. Linval Duncan, 16. Gareth Risbridger, 18. Andre Scarlett, 14. Dominic Dwyer, 15. Trialist, 18. Nick White, Charlie Sardino, 15. Ben Huddell Brentford: 1. Simon Brown, 2. Luke Riddick, 3. Miles Mitchell-Coot, 4. Craig Pead, 5. Ian Pearce, 6. Leigh Mills, 7. Michael Antonio, 8. Andre Boucard, 9. Nathan Elder, 10. Moses Ademola, 11. Justin Abel. Subs: 28 Kevin O'Connor, 29. Mark Philipps, 12. Alan Connell, 14. Adam Newton, 15. Gary Smith, 16 Brett Johnson, 19. Charlie McDonald, 31. Seb Brown Referee: Mr Jarnail "John" Singh (Cranford) Assistants: Mr Dave W Belbin (Staines) and Mr Isaac Jempeji (Alperton) Mascot: Jamie Evans Attendance: 1,009 Sunday 20/7/08
Staines Town 0 Aldershot Town 2 By Neil Digby On a warm, cloudy but occasionally sunny afternoon the Swans welcomed to Wheatsheaf Park Blue Square Conference National Champions and Coca Cola League 2 New Boys Aldershot Town. Shots manager Gary Waddock had brought with him a very strong squad featuring the bulk of his first team plus some trialists to run the rule over. Meanwhile Staines Town manager Steve Cordrey again included trialists Linvoy Duncan, Ben Huddell and Dean fenton in his squad along with Swans Academy team graduates Nick White and goalkeeper Rodney Chiweshe. Swans started the game attacking the houses end of the ground whilst the Shots attacked the farm end goal. The Swans starting lineup had a mainly familiar look about it although it did include trialist Charlie Sardini on the right side of midfield who took time to settle down as he endured a nervous start against the shots fast moving left sided players. The Shots moved the ball around with purpose and the ever dangerous former Ashford Town (Middlesex) loanee Kirk Hudson was causing problems down the left flank for Jon McDonald who attempted to contain the lively Shots winger. Unfortunately for McDonald his match was to end on 16 minutes due to injury and was replaced by Lewis Cook who moved to the right side of Midfield with Sardini moving to Rightback. The Swans appeared to struggle against the Shots quick movement early on as James Courtnage was tested more than once with strikes from distance by both Louis Soares and Hudson. The Swans threatened sporadically through the frontline partnership of Richard Butler and Marc Charles-Smith who tried to make headway against a well organised defence although Charles-Smith did manage to test Jiminez-Ruiz on 32 minutes but the Shots keeper tipped the ball away smartly but generally the Swans never really tested the Shots goalkeeper enough during the first half. Generally the first half went by without any kind of major incident or excitement and the Swans reached halftime still on level terms with their League 2 Opponents. As Staines Town's players made their way to the dressing room Shots manager Waddock kept his squad out on the pitch during the break and whatever he may of said along with quite a few changes of personnel obviously made the difference as the Shots immediately took the game to the Swans spearheaded by former Woking and Yeading striker Marvin Morgan and it was Morgan who was to open the scoring on 53 minutes. With the Swans defence under pressure from the Shots inside their own 18 yeard box Danny Gordon attempted a clearence which unfrotunately hit Jake Newton on the back and rolled into the path of Morgan who completed the simple task of slotting the ball past Courtnage to open the scoring. Both Managers continued to make changes as subsitutions took place with great regularity. On 65 minutes an excellent through pass by Risbridger was controlled by Davis Haule on the edge of the box who laid the ball into the path of Marc Charles-Smith who unfortunately sent his shot straight into substitute Shots goalkeeper Michael Jordan's grateful arms, Jiminez-Ruiz was withdrawn at halftime. On 70 minutes The Swans could well of fell further behind when Courtnage tried to dribble the ball out from his own area but was robbed of the ball but thankfully nothing came of it but Courtnage unfortunately recieved an injury during this incident and was replaced by young Rodney Chwasi between the posts. Chwasi was soon called into action as he had to make a full length stop to his left to keep out a John Grant drive and Swans substitute Ben Huddell picked up the loose ball and sent a long, accurate pass into the path of Gareth Risbridger who unfortunately sent his shot wide of the right hand post. The game appeared to be heading for a 1-0 win to the visitors when Shots Substitute Rightback Chris Blackburn sent forward an excellent long aerial pass over to the left wing that Sardini could not reach which sent Danny Hylton clear for the visitors and he was left with the simple of task of being one on one with Chiweshe and the Aldershot forward slotted home cooly to complete the scoring on 88 minites. For the Swans this performance failed to hit the heights of the excellent win over the Fulham XI which visited Wheatsheaf Park the previous Tuesday but still served as a useful exercise for Steve Cordrey and Craig Maskell as they start to get some ideas about who will make the Swans starting eleven come the start of the season, which trialists will make the grade, those who may not make it and where he may need to (if at all) strengthen his team. Staines: James Courtnage (Rodney Chiweshe 73), John McDonald (Lewis Cook 16)(Ben Hudell 67), Danny Gordon (Nick White 67), Jake Newton, Dave Sargent (Linval Duncan 67), Charlie Sardino, Gareth Risbridger, Darti Brown (Dean Thomas H/T), Howard Newton (Trialist "A"), Richard Butler (Davis Haule H/T), Marc Charles-Smith (Dean Fenton 67) Shots: Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz (Michael Jordan H/T), Chris Kanu (Jomo Faal-Thomas H/T), Anthony Straker, Kieron Murphy (Chris Blackburn 59), Ricky Newman (Anthony Charles H/T), Louie Soares (Lee Canoville 59), Lewis Chalmers (Chris Kanu re-introduced 81), Scott Donnelly (Ben Harding H/T), Kirk Hudson (Danny Hylton 59), Junior Mendes (Marvin Morgan H/T), Rob Elvins (John Grant H/T)
Wednesday 16/7/08 Staines Town 2 Fulham X1 0 By Stuart Moore For this opening friendly fixture of the pre-season campaign, Steve Cordery selected a strong squad with many familiar faces, one new signing, three or four triallists and the best of last season’s Academy and reserve team graduates to face a young Fulham ‘Development’ side under the management of former Blackburn Rovers and Scotland international Billy McKinlay. Starting with Richard Butler and Marc Charles-Smith up-front, the ‘Swans’ were quickly on the front-foot and with Lewis Cook and triallist Dean Fenton probing from the flanks, debutant Davis Haule found space behind the front two to look a threat also. The first action of the game was rather comical as Fulham’s young ‘keeper Foderingham dashed out of his box in an attempt to clear a loose ball, however with Richard Butler bearing down, the ‘keeper clearly handled to gain an advantage, the assistant referee raised a flag immediately, but Mr Muge chose to ‘let that one go’, however he had to blow when the farce was completed by Foderingham tripping Butler as the Swans striker attemptedto wriggle his way towards an unguarded goal. The home side were clearly in the early ascendancy, but the undoubted ability and pace of the opposition was apparent soon after when Robinson broke free on the left-flank, cut-in and unleashed a pile-driver from 25 yards which beat Courtnage before smacking off the face of the far post. Half-chances came and went at either end of what was to be ultimately a goalless first period, for the ‘Swans’ Fenton and Charles-Smith stretched to send efforts wide of the post and Butler couldn’t stretch enough to turn in a terrific Fenton cross. However, the visitors had their chances also with Smith shooting narrowly wide and Brown bringing an excellent save from the ‘Swans’ ‘keeper, Courtnage flying to tip the shot over the cross bar for a corner. Cordery was clearly ready to shuffle his pack at half-time with the majority of those who started the game immediately into a ‘warm-down’ session on the pitch and as the teams re-emerged for the second period, the home side had made seven changes. In stark contrast, McKinlay kept the same eleven, choosing to wait on his six available subs. One of those recently introduced players, Gareth Risbridger came close to the opening goal twice in the first ten minutes of the half, coming closest with a header which was cleared from off the line, whilst Courtnage was also kept busy at the opposing end, saving comfortably from Brown’s driven effort from twenty-five yards. Unfortunately, a further re-shuffle was required for Staines when last season’s Academy hot-shot Dominic Dwyer picked up a knock and had to step-out of the fray just on the hour mark, being replaced by reserve team youngster Nick White, who went on to enjoy a busy half an hour on the pitch. With the young Fulham substitutes now beginning to get their run-out, what had been a decent flow to the game began to deteriorate for a period, the short-term loss of quality underlined by Dean Thomas skying a shot into the field behind the goal when well placed. However, the crowd’s interest was re-ignited by the opening goal which came on 76 minutes and courtesy of Marc Cumberbatch’s well-judged, long through-ball which picked out the on-rushing Elliot Onochie who, outpacing his marker, supplied a delicate lob past the ‘keeper and into the far corner of the net. The supplier Cumberbatch was enjoying a good game and stood out as one for Cordery to look at further. By this time also, Jon McDonald’s trademark long-throws were also causing a head-ache for the Fulham defence as the home side sought to close-out the game with an opening win. However, with the impetus of fresh legs, the young Fulham team were also going for it, seeking to salvage the match – the impressive Bichard looking very lively down the right flank and Robinson again asking questions with a shot or two, the second of which brought a very smart save from young Rodney Chiweshe who’d replaced Courtnage with fifteen minutes remaining. Chiweshe is the former Swans Academy ‘keeper who’s recently returned from an educational scholarship in Colorado, USA. The ‘Swans’ wrapped up the game with a second goal in the 86th minute as Gareth Risbridger arrived at full pelt to drill home from the six yard box following Howard Newton’s corner. All in all then a very useful opening foray for the ‘Swans’ Staines: Courtnage, Hudell, Gordon, Ifura, Scarlett, Fenton, Haule, Butler, Charles-Smith, Cook, Subs: Onochie for Butler, Thomas for Haule, Cumberbath for Ifura, McDonald for Hudell, Dwyer for Charles-Smith, H Newton for Cook, White for Dwyer, Risbridger for Scarlett
Monday 14/7/08 2008/09 Fixtures The Swans could not have been handed a tougher start to the new league campain with the opening three fixtures lining up against some of the more fancied sides in the division. Kicking off the campaign on Saturday August 16th will be the visit of Billericay Town to Wheatsheaf Park, followed by a trip down to Worthing the following Wednesday as we face fellow FA cup heroes of last season Horsham in their temporary surroundings. The following Saturday sees another tough away trip as we face Kent side Tonbridge Angels who finished last season very strongly. Full list here.
Wednesday 2/7/08 Trio keen to impress for Cordery Staines Town manager Steve Cordery, has confirmed three players will be on extended trial during a busy pre-season schedule, each keen on tying themselves to a deal with the recently installed 4/1 title favourites in the Ryman Premier. ‘Cords’ named the trio, Robert Ursell, Craig Vargas and Ben Hudell this afternoon (Tuesday) just prior to taking a short break before pre-season training starts in earnest at the weekend. Ursell, aged 27 is a renowned attacking midfielder who’s ‘box of tricks’ with a ball are well known around the Ryman League circuit following successful spells with AFC Wimbledon, Hendon and most recently Carshalton Athletic. On his day, a player capable of devastating defences, but clearly with a point to prove having failed to settle down after having been a cult hero with the fans at Kingsmeadow, scoring 25 goals in 69 games for the ‘Wombles’ and entertaining the crowds with his skills. Vargas is an experienced left-footed defender who, like Ursell, appeared for Carshalton Athletic last term, before finishing the campaign with Boreham Wood. A former Hendon and St Alban’s City player who has appeared regularly in the Conference South, he’s long since been admired by Cordery, since his days as a young player with his local Ruislip Manor club. Completing the trio is Hudell, a former Stamford Bridge junior who was released by Chelsea at the same time as Scotty Parker and Mikael Forssell. He’s since played for Yeading and Hendon, where he was a regular for the ‘Greens’ last term as they just failed on the last day to make the cut into the promotion play-offs. Swans manager Cordery said that all would play an extended role in the nine match pre-season schedule and each had the opportunity to convince him to sign them up for the coming campaign. Stuart R. Moore
Tuesday 1/7/08 Darti flies into Wheatsheaf Park.
Having been linked to the Swans in recent weeks, experienced midfielder Darthaniel ‘Darti’ Brown has agreed terms with Manager Steve Cordery and becomes the second new signing at Wheatsheaf Park over the summer, following former team-mate Davis Haule in signing-up for the Swans.
Recently, turned 31, Darti is a powerful midfielder who can also lend himself to supplement the forward line and he’s a player that Cordery has known personally and admired for some time. Arriving from Maidenhead United, where he played over sixty times for the ‘Magpies’, last term regularly in the ‘Blue Square’ Conference South, previously he was a pivotal player in the Clubs devastating run to a play-off victory at the end of the 2006/07 campaign – securing promotion from the BGB Southern League. Previously, Darti had arguably been the heart and soul of the successful Yeading side which lifted the Ryman League championship back at the end of the 2004/05 campaign – a season that also included a starring role for the midfielder in the Middlesex sides’ FA Cup run which culminated in a live televised 3rd round defeat against Premier League Newcastle United at Loftus Road.
Earlier in his career, Brown had also appeared for Harrow Borough, Wembley and Willesden Constantine.
Stuart R. Moore
FA draws released this morning - STOP PRESS
In the 1st qualifying round of the FA Cup, the Swans will be AWAY to either: Cheshunt or Southend Manor or AFC Kempstone Rovers.
In the 1st qualifying round of the FA Trophy (and surely one of the ties of the round,) the Swans will be at HOME to Dover Athletic!
"Come on you Swans" | 
