Emphatic win for Swans

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

HARROW BOROUGH (0) 1   STAINES TOWN (1) 4 By Steve Parsons.

Having slipped out of the play-off zone without kicking a ball on Tuesday, Staines edged back into 5th place at Earlsmead on Saturday, with this emphatic win over lowly Harrow.  Harrow may be struggling with form and injuries, but on their own ground they could still have been expected to have been a tougher proposition than Staines’ last two visitors to Wheatsheaf Park.  However, the Swans’ excellent away form continued – by the time they next hit the road it will have been over a year since they failed to score on a League excursion – as they cruised to victory.  Steve Cordery had promised changes, but there were not quite so many as he had hinted.  However, the one player quoted as being a definite starter, Danny Gordon, in fact had to sit and watch, as he has suffered a slight setback with his knee problem.  With Shaun Allaway, Jake Newton, and Michael Currie returning from suspension, and André De Lisser recalled from his short ‘loan’ at Boreham Wood, Wells and Devera were replaced, and Ellis Remy and Craig Maskell took bench seats.  Dean Green travelled but was not fully fit, and Benson Kpaka has been released at his own request after making 9 appearances.  Harrow started with Elliot Onochie playing behind the forwards, and brought on a second ex-Swan in Marcus Campbell during the second half.  The pitch was somewhat uneven, and on a cloudy day, a downpour started just after the kick-off (which was inexplicably delayed 5 minutes), and rain and drizzle continued to fall almost throughout the game.  Staines attacked the clubhouse end in the first half.

Staines got off to a positive start, with Harrow ‘keeper Keita Karamoko having to pull off acrobatic saves from Currie, Newton, and Chaaban, and a super cross from Chaaban that just slithered away from the stretching Nwokeji in front of goal.  A rare Harrow push saw Onochie’s long shot glide just past the angle of post and bar on 23 minutes, but a minute later his side were behind, following a free kick for a foul by Fitzsimon 25 yards out.  Ali Chaaban picked himself up and is a sweetly curling shot into the far corner, as Karamoko tried to orgamise his tardy wall and dive at the same time.  Spurred into action, the home side came close to equalising just 4 minutes later, however, when Allaway got a hand to Onochie’s clever shot, but it continued towards the goal, where Newton’s clearance went to safety only after hitting the bar.  But it was Staines in the ascendancy again as half time neared, Currie burning down the right and testing Karamoko with a low drive, and Nwokeji’s pace taking him past the defender only to fire into the side netting.

Nwokeji was again looking hungry at the start of the second, but Staines supporters were momentarily worried when Onochie launched another huge shot for the home side.,  However, Allaway was not troubled, calmly watching the ball crash into the perimeter fence.  The second goal on 57 minutes was no more than Staines deserved, Fiston Manuella winning the ball in midfield and feeding André Scarlett.  The little Staines midfielder barely put a pass wrong all afternoon, and on this occasion he did well to squeeze it through to Mark Nwokeji, whose pace forced the defence to drop further back, until letting fly with a brilliant strike from 18 yards.  When Staines added a third 6 minutes later, the Massive could start to believe that the points were theirs.  Allaway’s long kick was helped past Fitzsimon by Nwokeji, the razor-sharp Chaaban latched onto it on the edge of the box, and gave Karamoko no chance with his shot.  The home side pitched on all their subs in quick succession, whilst for the first time since last St George’s Day, Steve Cordery kept all of his on the bench.  Boro’ however pulled a goal back on 72 minutes, when Ross Fitzsimon sent over a long free kick from the left.  It curled against the upright, and was forced over the line by Marvin Neufville, with Allaway getting a despairing hand to it somewhere in between, and just for a moment Harrow thought there might be something in the game for them.  But Staines settled again quickly, and Chaaban almost completed a hat trick when set free by Nwokeji, only for a defender to get a timely toe in.  There was a huge 88th minute scramble in front of the Staines goal, but by then another score for Harrow would have been flattering to them, and it was left to Staines to complete the scoring in the 89th.  The popular De Lisser won, and took a throw-in to Chaaban, who showed great skills in sending the ball one side of a bemused defender and running the other way to collect it, then beating a second man before again beating Karamoko from the edge of the box, to complete a memorable hat trick.  He thus becomes only the sixth player to score a hat-trick in Staines’ Isthmian League top-flight history, and the first to do so for 16? years.  More importantly for the moment, though, is that other results saw Staines sneaked back into a play-off position, albeit after playing a game more than Hampton, who only trail on goal difference: after recent disappointments, though, it looks as though it might be an exciting end to the season after all.

Staines: Allaway, Newton, Murphy, N Burton, Flitter ©, Scarlett, De Lisser, Manuella, Nwokeji, Currie, Chaban;  unused:  Maskell, Phillips (gk), McDonald, Remy,  Ifura.

Harrow: Karamoko, Nielsen, Browne (Diston 69), Walters ©, Neufville, Williams, Fitzsimon, Miner, Haule (Campbell 64), Asombang (Morris 64), Onochie.

Ref S Burt; ARs M Mackey, P Smith.  Official Att 137.              

Women top league

Sun 26 Mar 2006 - Greater London League Div 2

CORINTHIAN-CASUALS Ladies (0) 0

STAINES TOWN Women (3) 7

Mark Callaghan and Nat Hedges' team was back to something like full strength, and it showed at the rainy Tolworth Arena on Sunday, as Staines swept back to the top of the League thanks to this emphatic win over Casuals.  Despite the conditions, the game was played in great spirit throughout, and was a credit to both sides, but Staines were just too strong.  A 35 yarder from GEORGIE GIDDINGS openied the scoring on 11 minutes.  Ten minutes later, Amy Baker had the keeper beaten, only for defender Catherine Alderton to punch the ball off the line, leaving Casuals' own ref no option but to red card her.  AMY BAKER scored from the resulting penalty.  LUCY McNEIL bagged the first of what would become a her hat-trick 7 minutes before half time, when 'keeper Karrin French-Wollen spilled a Shona McKay drive into her path.  McNEIL fired her second from a Hannah Murphy cross (56 mins), and then AMY MURPHY marked her début with a superbly taken fifth on 63 minutes.  She went on to set up the sixth, expertlt stuck away by LEE-ANN ELLIOTT on 69 minutes, and it was left to LUCY McNEIL to emulate Ali C when she completed her hat-trick from another Hannah Murphy pass on 75 minutes, this being very well taken in a bumpy and crowded box.  There were numerous chances to add to the score, with Kate Davies and birthday girl Hannah Murphy especially unlucky.

Staines: Sarah Clutterbuck, Kate Davies ©, Georgie Giddings, Kate Cook, Katie Bond, Laura Spooner, Shona McKay (Eddy Koff 52), Amy Baker (Lee-Ann Elliott 52), Lucy McNeil, Rachel Fell (Amy Murphy HT); unused sub Dora Lega.

Academy close the gap

Wednesday 22nd March 2006 (7:30) – Southern Youth League (East Division)

STAINES TOWN / Kingston College Academy (2) 3

KINGSTONIAN Youths (0) 0

Staines second of three games this week pitted them against the club with which the Kingston College Academy was associated, before moving to Wheatsheaf Lane three years ago.  It proved to be a keenly contested, sporting evening, on a cold night, in which Staines gained the advantage of an early lead and never really looked like surrendering it.  They actually had the ball in the net very early, but it was clearly offside, but there was not long to wait before Jordan Kiffin put them ahead, running onto a long ball from Rodney Chiweshe and throwing the keeper a dummy before stroking in the 6th minute goal. There was a chance at the other end for Mario Cavozzi, but Chiweshe pulled off a flying save.   K’s keeper Paul Brady made a fine save from a 43rd minute shot, but Kiffin followed in to fire Staines’ second into a gaping net to make it 2-0 going in to the interval.  It might have been three, however, as Staines won the ball back from the centre, and Kiffin fed Daniel Meggie, who drew a fine save from Brady.  There were no further goals until the 85th minute, when Chiweshe was again the provider, and this time it was Jermaine McGlashan who collected the ball, held off a challenge, and powerfully fired home.  Unfortunately there were a couple of cautions: Robinson (8m) for arguing with Bolton, and Pitt (44m) for kicking the ball away.  Staines rested Shroot (who is anyway getting over a cold) and Windsor, whilst giving a début to Vinnie Gilbert.  Manager Martyn Spong had to do without assistant Mark Fabian, who was off playing for The Exchange in the Middx Midweek Cup Final!  Staines now move within 2 points of leaders Ashford, with 2 games in hand.

Staines: Rodney Chiweshe, Tim Pitt, Danny Fisher, Chris Robinson ©, Elliot Blake, Dean Thomas, Nick White (Lee Higgs 50), Harry Draper (Ronnie Vincent 64), Jordan Kiffin (Vincent Gilbert 50), Daniel Meggie, Jermaine McGlashan.

Ks: Paul Brady, Richard Withers (Joe Roberts-Walker 75), Will Chapman, Mark Jarman ©, Ed Leung, Michael Bolton (Mark Watkins 66), Ros Chalke, Mario Cavozzi, Ryan Pearson, Reece Jackson-Hughes, Bruce Archer (Anthony Beddows 53); unused George Ellis (gk).

Ref: C Greenway; ARs W Boyle, A Harry; Att 33.

Leaders defeated

Monday 20th March 2006 (7:45pm) – Southern Youth League East Division

ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX) Youths (1) 2

STAINES TOWN / Kingston College Academy (0) 3

This scintillating local derby had all the elements necessary to keep the crowd simmering on a bitterly cold night – controversy, saves, a penalty … and a remarkable comeback by the visitors, who can now start to entertain real hopes of winning the League, after completing a double over the long-time leaders.  There was one sad note in the team selection, as Craig Masham, Staines’ joint top scorer in League games, could only watch from the sidelines, after sustaining comparatively minor injuries in a road accident, in which his father was rather more seriously hurt.  Ashford were captained by Jamie Redrup, who was with Swans last season. 

The home side were delighted to be awarded a 5th minute penalty, after Danny Fisher was adjudged to have pushed the impressive Matt Baxter, who stepped up to convert the spot kick himself.  While Staines tried to play passing football, Ashford were finding their strength lay in a more direct approach on the hard, unforgiving ground, swept by a bitter diagonal wind.  However, Ashford made the better headway, and even had the ball in the net again, only for Kieran Lynch to be flagged offside.  Early in the second half, Baxter sent another volley into the side netting, after Rodney Chiweshe had done well to palm a Ryan Williams shot onto the bar.  The game flowed from end to end, with Ashford ‘keeper Richardson pulling off point blank saves from Jordan Kiffin and Robin Shroot, while Chiweshe went one better with a stunning triple save denying Baxter, Redrup, and Boxall.  Baxter also went close with a header from a corner, and then Shroot had a shot touched onto the bar by Richardson.  However, things looked bad for Staines when the home side beat the offside trap, and Jamie Redrup followed up and hit a dipping shot just under the bar to make it 2-0 with just 23 minutes to go.  But Staines quickly got themselves back in the game, when a Shroot corner from the right was met by a firm header by Danny Fisher, to make it 2-1 on 71 minutes.  Ashford could have stretched their lead soon afterwards, but again Chiweshe was the saviour when he saved Baxter’s one-on-one chance.  Another Shroot corner was crossed back in by Jermaine McGlashan, from which Daniel Meggie headed just wide.  Staines finally drew level in the 80th minute, when a long Dean Thomas throw was forced in at the far post by Harry Draper, the diminutive Staines man somehow finding a way through the pack of defenders.  Thomas found the net from an 84th min Staines free kick, but as it was being taken, Ashford’s Baker had spoken out of turn, so play was stopped to caution him, and the goal did not count.  Both sides would probably have settled for the point as the game moved into extra time, but Thomas had other ideas, as he launched in another of his long throws, and there was Tom Windsor to stab the ball home and give Staines a priceless three points.

Staines: Rodney Chiweshe, Tim Pitt, Daniel Gurney (Jermaine McGlashan HT), Chris Robinson ©, Danny Fisher, Robin Shroot, Jon Coleman (Dean Thomas 63), Tom Windsor, Jordan Kiffin, Ronnie Vincent (Daniel Meggie 75), Harry Draper; unused Elliott Blake, Lee Higgs.

Ashford: Josh Richardson, Chris Byron, Matt Holley, Matt Adams, Ross Deacon, Kieran Lynch, Jamie Redrup ©, Chris Baker, Matt Baxter, Ryan Williams, Terry Boxall; unused Luke Harris, Jimmy Brazil, Modeo Achiro, Vinnie Hodge, Daryl Godfrey.

Ref: Jeff Twigg (Caterham); ARs Richard Parsons (Laleham), Peter King (Horley); Att 54.

More frustration against lowly opposition

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

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

For the second successive Saturday, Staines surrendered important points from a home game against lowly opposition.  In this case it was Redbridge (formerly Ford United), who were rock-bottom, and who had accumulated only 9 points all season, and whose chances of avoiding relegation would finally disappear if they did not win at Wheatsheaf Lane.  Furthermore, they came into this game with a run of seventeen straight defeats!  Steve Cordery had moved decisively to secure replacements for Allaway (serving a 1-game suspension) and Winfield (recalled by Aldershot), and thus introduced Tony Wells and Nick Burton.  The former is a goalkeeper on loan from neighbours Ashford, who actually started with The Swans and has had two further spells at the club; the latter is a powerful 31-year old centre back who has already seen service at St Albans and Eastleigh this term, and not related to Richard Burton who played for the club earlier this season.  André Scarlett was back from his ’flu’, and Craig Maskell made only his third League start of the season, whilst Benson Kpaka was moved to sub, and Currie served a one-game ban.  Danny Gordon had recovered enough to be a subm but he did not come on, whilst McDonald aggravated an ankle problem on Wednesday and missed out.  The afternoon was bright but with a chill wind, which assisted Staines in the first half as they attacked the houses end, and the pitch was in excellent condition.

The match was preceded by a minute’s silence in memory of Leslie Hunt, who had been one of the club’s most loyal supporters for over half a century, but who died on Tuesday aged 76. 

After their slip-up against Maldon last weekend, it seemed that Staines would make no mistake this time round, as they swept into the lead after only 4 minutes, Ali Chaaban expertly lifting the ball over the advancing Richard Wray in the Motormen’s goal, following a good move and precision one-two between Mark Nwokeji and Ellis Remy.  The visitors looked very shaky at the back, although Burton did have to make one vital tackle when striker Bradley Jones got away on his own.  The best chances of the half were two Fiston Manuella shots which fizzed just wide following Remy crosses, and a move which begun after Scarlett was fouled 30 yards out in the 43rd minute.  Michael Murphy took the free kick which Wray did well to fingertip round for a corner, and this was helped on by Maskell to Burton, whose header went just wide.  Dissent at a Staines free kick brought the only caution of the first half to Redbridge’s Ryan Lee.  At half time, Redbridge substituted their skipper, Matty West, due to injury, with Chris Perkins taking over the captain’s armband.

The visitors started the half with a dangerous shot by Charlie bull, but before long Staines had them pegged back again.  A foul by Elliott Styles not only brought him a yellow card, but gave the home side the free kick from which they doubled their lead on 54 minutes.  It was cleverly taken by Murphy, and flicked on by Maskell straight into the path of Ali Chaaban, who turned smartly away from his marker and scored his ninth goal in just 14 games.  But instead of consolidating their advantage, Staines then endured a sloppy last 35 minutes of the game, in which far too many passes went astray.  It was such errors that led to Bradley Jones being put in the clear, and he did not waste the opportunity to pull a 57th minute goal back for the visitors on his début.  A minute later, they replaced Charlie Bull with Leon Antoine, and it was the sub Antoine who stunned the home side by volleying a 69th minute equaliser, Perkins having crossed from the right after again collecting a misplaced Swans pass.  Manuella picked up a yellow card for a foul, before Steve Cordery introduced Dean Green and Darren Campbell to the attack for the final 16 minutes.  These two did well, with Campbell going close after another great run and lay-off by Chaaban.  But the errors were still occurring at the other end, where Mitch Hahn might have given the Londoners the lead, but for Wells touching his shot round for an 81st minute corner.  A curiosity came in the 82nd when Antoine raced away on goal before being flagged offside – the only offside decision of the entire game.  A tricky turn by Jamie Langton might have given Redbridge a last minute winner, but thankfully Burton had shadowed his every move and made a good tackle.  In the 4 extra minutes, Staines did all they could to rescue their day, and perhaps their season, but Green saw his shot hacked off the line by Carl Allison in a packed box, and the corner reached Remy who volleyed just over.  Redbridge’s Garry Skerritt was nominated as the NLP man of the Match.

Staines: Wells, Devera, Murphy, N Burton, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Nwokeji (Green 74), Manuella, Remy, Maskell (Campbell 74), Chaaban; unused Kpaka, Gordon, Ifura.

Redbridge: Wray, Allison, Styles, Skerritt, Perkins (Bailey 90), Holloway, Lee, West © (Langton HT), Hahn, Jones, Bull (Antoine 58); unused Wakefield, McPherson.

Ref C Williams; ARs Cox & Busby.  Att 191.

Another cup final

WATFORD LADIES 1 STAINES TOWN WOMEN 3 - Middx Cup Semi-Final - Sun 19 Mar 06

On Sunday (19 Mar), Staines Town Women travelled to Sun Sports FC where they took on WATFORD in the Semi-Final of the Middlesex Cup.  This was a tough game for Swans, up against a side from the National League Reserve Division, and their concentration was nothelped when a car carrying 3 players and Manager Nat Hedges broke down on route.  The players were collected, but they had to do without their Manager for the afternoon.  Danielle Rebelo put Watford ahead after 18 minutes, but then SHONA McKAY responded with a wonder goal, giving the goalkeeper no chance from 30 yards.  Staines were forced into an early substitution when Sharon heaven limped off, but a great AMY BAKER shot which went in off the post then put Staines ahead on the half hour.  Despite struggling with flu, BAKER battled on to score a third (58 minutes), firing past the keeper after superb work by Sarah Bell and the indefatigable Lucy McNeil.  Staines therefore won 3-1, and they will meet Barnet (who beat keen rivals Hampton 6-1) in the Final at Yeading on 23rd April.

Young Swans bring home the silverware

Wednesday 15th March 2006 (7:30pm) – Middlesex Premier Cup Final at Wheatsheaf Lane

STAINES TOWN Reserves (0) 1  RUISLIP MANOR Reserves (0) 0 By Steve Parsons.

The 155 people who turned out to see the Middlesex Premier Cup Final were treated to an evening of great entertainment, as both sides performed with quality on Graham Gould’s excellent pitch.  The match was played in impeccable spirit – there was not a single card shown – and the result was in doubt up until the final whistle.  Staines only entered this Reserve team competition because the Middlesex FA chose Wheatsheaf Lane as the venue for the final a year ago, but without a regular 2nd XI, they played a side consisting almost entirely of their Youth / Academy players.  The exceptions were skipper Adrian Browne, a player on the fringes of the 1st XI, big goalkeeper Robert Hamling (himself only 18), and Jon McDonald, a First Teamer who progressed through the Academy 3 years ago.  Clubs are allowed to field no more than 2 players who have appeared in any of the last 3 recognised 1st XI games, but Mc Donald (with his 2 minutes at E Thurrock) was the only one used by Staines, the average age of whose squad was only 18 years 11 months.  Staines had already eliminated holders Brook House in this cup, but Ruislip, a regular side currently mid-table in the Suburban League (North), have had a very tough draw, knocking out Conference sides Hayes and Yeading.  Manor had previously won this cup in 1994, but Staines had never been beyond the semis.

On a cool evening, Staines attacked the Silver’s Farm end in the first half, and very quickly looked at home, on the cool evening, with Manor’s Phil Harris the busier goalkeeper.  He did well to punch out Browne’s well struck free kick, and to save Shroot’s follow-up, and was relieved that two Jon Coleman shots flashed just wide.  The best move of the half involved McDonald and Dean Thomas, and ended with Robin Shroot firing just wide.  But as the half drew to a close, Manor came more into the game, and with Steve Carr making headway down the right, Hamling pulled off a vital save from his low, angled drive.  Ronnie Vincent was just off target for Swans with the last action of the half, after Hamling’s quick throw had been channelled to him via neat passing between Shroot and Harry DraAlthough Coleman sent another effort just off target following a huge McDonald throw, there was little to choose between the sides at the start of the second half, with Ruislip giving as good as they got.  However, what proved to be the only goal of the game came Staines’ way after 69 minutes, and after so many clever moves it was odd that it should come in unfortunate fashion for the visitors.  McDonald flung in another big throw, but the defence beat it away, only for Robin Shroot to arrow in a shot from outside the box, which reared up off the turf, deceiving Harris and flying into the net.  Manor introduced the tricky Japanese player Tomo Totani, and his very first action almost produced an equaliser, as his low shot beat Hamling’s dive, and was cleared off the line by Danny Fisher, with  Staines’ 6’5” ’keeper having recovered quickly enough to gratefully grab the loose ball in his 6-yard box.  With just 3 minutes to go, Chris Arens made a powerful run for the visitors, but was tackled just as he was about to let fly, while at the other end, Darren Murphy tested his own goalkeeper with a wayward attempted headed clearance from a Shroot shot.  The Middlesex FA’s high-tech illuminated number board made their first appearance tonight, and Manor were pleased to see it flash up 5 additional minutes.  But as they pushed forwards in numbers, it was Staines who came closest to snatching a further goal, Jordan Kiffin darting up the left and forcing Harris to save in front of his near post for a corner.

As the whistle finally rang out, Staines could celebrate their first piece of silverware won on the pitch in an adult competition since 1997.  Middlesex FA Past President Dave West presented the medals to the officials, to the worthy runners-up, and to the winners, before handing the magnificent Indian-silver cup (dated 1901, and originally used as the Senior Cup) to Swans skipper Adrian Browne. With Staines playing only in this competition and one friendly, the Reserves are likely to end with an unusual 100% record, winning all 5 of their games this season!  There was also a medal for Swans young goalie, Rodney Chiweshe, who was the reserve for this game, and at 6pm looked likely to have to start when Rob Hamling’s train was delayed by an incident on the line.

Staines T: Hamling; Pitt, McDonald (Joyce 83), Fisher, Browne ©, Thomas, Coleman (Windsor 85), Shroot, Masham, Vincent (Kiffin 64), Draper; unused Gerding, Robinson. 

Ruislip M: Harris, Plaskett, Smith, Murphy, Cooper ©, Howells (Benn 85), Pierre, Francis, Todd (Bird 85), Carr, Arens (Totani 75); unused Hunter (gk), Steers (gk). 

Ref:M Mackey; ARs: S Rosenthal, C Hartley; 4th Official: J Weeks; att: 155.

Swans continue home struggle

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

STAINES TOWN (1) 1   MALDON TOWN (0) 1 By Steve Parsons.

Staines played the first of a pair of home fixtures against clubs who are staring relegation in the face, knowing that 6 points had to be the target if they are to hold on to their current spot in the lowest of the play-off positions.  Next week’s opponents, Redbridge, can only avoid the drop by winning all 8 remaining games and hoping for favourable results in the Unibond League, but Maldon still have an outside chance of putting a run together and pulling away.  But Steve Cordery was determined that no such run  would begin at Wheatsheaf Lane, and as such he was able to welcome back Darren Campbell after 10 weeks of trials with pro clubs in England and Scotland, and also he unveiled an exciting new signing in Ellis Remy, 22, who scored against the Swans for Bromley just a fortnight ago.  Matt Flitter returned from ’flu’ to replace marine Ifura, but there must be something about that captain’s armband, as his stand-in, André Scarlett, has now gone down with the bug, which made way for Remy to start.  An additional boost was that the outstanding young loanee, centre back David Winfield, has been granted a further month with the club by Aldershot Town (subject to any call back).  Worries about the pitch did not materialise, the 1?” of surface water having disappeared after a couple of drier days, and although Graham Gould was straight into action to repair the signs of wear at the final whistle, it is still in remarkably good condition.  The weather was chilly, and Staines attacked the houses end in the first half.  Unfortunately, they were not to turn in one of their better performances, to entertain a number of extra spectators enticed to the game by the hard work of the Supporters’ Club, who had set up an awareness stand in the Elmsleigh Centre that morning.

Maldon exerted some pressure during the first 10 minutes or so, but Staines steadied their ship with a couple of tantalising Michael Murphy corners, one of which provided Remy with a super header, which required a fingertip save from Darren Gould to touch over the bar.  Remy further tested Gould after a good lay-off from Chaaban, and Mark Nwokeji fired a shot just wide.  The breakthrough finally came on the half hour mark, when Nwokeji found Chaaban, who in turn fed Michael Currie, and he held off a challenge before rolling the ball back in for Ali Chaaban to run on and bury in the corner of the net.  Soon afterwards, Maldon’s Dean Parratt suffered a recurrence of a knee injury when making a routine tackle on Currie, and had to be stretchered off and replaced.  Chaaban, worthy nominee as Man of the Match, almost doubled the lead just before the break, when collecting a good pass from Joe Devera and sidestepping his marker, only for Gould to save well.  There was only one caution in the game, for a rash challenge by The Blues’ Tommy Lee.

Unfortunately, Staines could not build on this first half promise, with their best effort being a Remy shot which was deflected past the post by Neil Shade, after more good work by Chaaban.  Slowly, Maldon began to gain more and more possession, although there was little end product.  Simon Parker volleyed well wide after excellent approach work by Craig Huttley, and a succession of missed chances by Paul Goodlace, Tommy Lee, Nicky Rugg, and Sheridan Driver should have given Staines the wake-up call they needed, and indeed an attempt was made to change things by introducing Dean Green for Nwokeji.  However, it was the unfancied Essex side in the Dennis The Menace kit who continued to attack, and they equalised in the 76th minute after Staines failed to clear their lines.  Rugg regained possession, and although his shot was blocked, Simon Parker was quickest onto the loose ball, giving Shaun Allaway no chance from 8 yards.  Campbell was then brought on, as Staines tried desperately to reclaim the points they thought were theirs.  Chaaban’s excellent run ended in a shot which Gould was fortunate to parry into no-man’s-land, and then with just 3 minutes left, Campbell made an impish run which ended with him shooting just wide.  Staines have managed to pick up only 2 points from their games with Maldon, but have managed to hold onto 5th spot thanks to results elsewhere, but it remains to be seen whether they will be hold off the challenges from other clubs, notably Walton, who have games in hand to overhaul them.

Staines: Allaway, Devera, Murphy, Winfield, Flitter ©, Currie (Campbell 79), Kpaka, Manuella, Remy, Nwokeji (Green 72), Chaaban; unused Maskell, McDonald, Ifura.

Maldon: Gould; Driver, Davidson (Wilson 48), Shade, Goodacre, Simon Clarke ©, Rugg, Parratt (Sam Clarke 36), Lee (Elmes 85), Parker, Huttley; unused Hall, Hull.

Ref D Brockwell; ARs P Barratt, D Moran.  Att 207.

Three teams progress

Sunday was a busy and successful day at Staines Town FC's Wheatsheaf Park, with no less than three of its teams making progress in their respective cups.

The first game saw the Under 11's reaching the Surrey Primary League U11 Plate Final with a resounding 9-0 win over Woking Town 'A'.

Next up were the U13s, who had a much closer semi-final in the U13 Upper Cup, but still emerged 2-1 winners over Onslow Boys.

Women back on track

STAINES TOWN Women 4  COMETS 0 - Russell Cup Rd 3

Finally, the Women got back to winning ways when they entertained runaway Division 3 Central leaders Comets FC in the Russell Cup 3rd Round.  After dominating the first half, and twice hitting the woodwork through Rachel Fell and Katie Bond, Staines finally went ahead when Georgie Giddings set up Amy Baker for a super strike on 42 minutes.  New signing Kirsty Downing made a vital tackle on Elise Bragg early in the second half in one of Comets' arre raids, to keep her side ahead, but despite peppering the visitors' goal with shots, it was not until the final 8 minutes that they added to the score.  Rachel Fell robbed a defender and beat 'keeper penrose with a powerful volley on 82 mins, and then excellent work by Baker was rounded off from close range by Hannah Murphy for a third goal on 84 minutes.  Staines won the ball back direct from the kick-off, Giddings again setting up Baker for a lovely finish, to book a visit to Belmont in the next round.

Vets win

To complete a good day for the club, the Veterans racked up a 6-2 win away to Old Actonians, with goals from Vinnie Reid (2), Kelly Phillips (2), Mark Fabian, and Keith Bristow.

Supporters Club in Elmsleigh Centre promotion

The Supporter's club will be in the Elmsleigh centre on the morning of 11th March (before the Maldon game) where we will be carrying out essential promotional work for the club.

The more people we can get involved, the stronger the message we can give out to potential supporters as we strive to get more people through the gates. A stall and display board will be set up with flags, posters, replica shirts and various merchandise displayed.

What we need is for as many supporters as possible to turn up in their Swans shirts to help distribute leaflets and flyers. We will be meeting at 9.30 am by the old Swimmers fountain and hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Free entry for kids

Sat 11th - 1st XI home v Maldon Town (Ryman Lg Premier) 3pm - Staines have received approval to grant free admission for all children under 16  for this game, so long as accompanied by an adult

Ten men Swans secure victory

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

EAST THURROCK UNITED (0) 0  STAINES TOWN (0) 2 By Steve Parsons.

It was far from the prettiest of matches, and Staines had to cope with the major setback of playing without a recognised goalkeeper for almost the whole game, but they stuck to their guns and secured three very valuable points.  Skipper Flitter was ruled out by flu, and his place in the centre of defence went to Marien Ifura, while it was “captain Scarlett” as André again donned the armband.  while Michael Currie returned from suspension, while Newton’s injury niggle coincides with the start of his 3-game ban.  Fiston Manuella returned for Dean Green, and Ali Chaaban was fit again, to replace Garry Sippetts.  Dave Winfield was making the last appearance of his loan spell from Aldershot, but it is expected that this will be renewed.  The little ground at Rookery Hill was dry, hard, and bumpy, and the prospects for a good game further hampered by a chilly wind.  Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half.

The first meaningful attack of the game saw The Rocks’ Leon Dussard run onto a through ball and advance on goal, only to go down under a challenge outside the box from Swans’ ‘keeper Shaun Allaway – who missed the last game though illness.  After some discussion, referee Buck produced a red card, and with no obvious replacement, it was down to left-back Michael Murphy to don the ‘1’ jersey and gloves for the remaining 86 minutes of the game.  His first action was to get across smartly to save Scott Holding’s well struck free kick for the original offence.  Chances were far rarer than errors in trying conditions, although Mark Nwokeji won a corner for Scarlett which led to Currie’s header being deflected into the side netting.  Ali Chaaban had a good shout for a penalty, when he went down after being squeezed between two defenders, but it was nothing compared to the one which should have been given after Currie was toppled.  However, the only outcome was a yellow card to United’s Elliott Gresham for something he said.  At the other end, Julian Edwards almost tested Murphy but could only hit the side netting, and just before the break Kevin Mully fell awkwardly and cut his back, having to wear the 17 ‘blood shirt’ for the rest of the game.

The home side tried to put Swans’ stand-in keeper under more pressure in the second half, but he gave a solid performance, whereas the strikers were not on form.  Indeed, only twice did Murphy look uncomfortable, and that was much fewer than his counterpart Jamie Riley at the other end, who found the surface unforgiving.  One drive was spilled by Murphy after he got behind it well, but he was able to reclaim it on the ground, and then, on 63 minutes, Martin Tuohy got his head to a Steve Harrison cross and thudded his effort against the crossbar: the same player also failed to turn in the rebound.  E Thurrock sub Lee Burns, back after an 8 week lay-off, got in a shot which went across the face of goal.  However, Staines had by now started to make the better of the game, and after a strange free kick (awarded for hands when a United player picked the ball up on the line thinking it was out of play), Scarlett’s free kick was headed just wide by Currie.  Nwokeji made a good run into the box but was closed down, Chaaban hit a fine shot which was well held by Riley, and then he was fouled in a promising position just outside the area.  Dean Green came on for Currie on 70 minutes, and it was he who opened the scoring just 5 minutes later.  Nwokeji outpaced skipper Mick Stanbrook on the left flank and sent over a low centre, to which Riley got down, but could only made a weak contact.  Even so, Green still did well to stretch beyond the covering defender to jab the ball over the line from a yard out.  The impressive Nwokeji then looped a header just over the crossbar, but Staines made sure of victory with a goal from the penalty spot on 89 minutes.  Mully tumbled Nwokeji as he sprinted into the box, and Ali Chaaban made no mistake with the spot kick.  Staines remain in 5th spot in the table.

Staines: Allaway [SO 4m], Devera, Murphy, Winfield, Ifura, Scarlett ©, Currie (Green 70), Manuella, Nwokeji, Kpaka, Chaaban (McDonald 90); unused Maskell, De Lisser, Sippetts.

E Thurrock: Riley, Williams, Holding, Stanbrook ©, Mully, Gresham, Turnbull, Harrison (Aylett 79), Edwards, Mackie (Tuohy HT), Dussard (Burns 62); unused Faulkner, Patterson (gk).

Ref Dave Buck; ARs D Campbell, G Blakeney [all from Kent]. Official Att 114.

Rare defeat for Women

A severely depleted Staines Town Women's side surrendered their 100% home record when bowing out of the Greater London League Cup at the 3rd Round stage at Wheatsheaf Lane on Sunday.  Two first half strikes by Nicky Morgan ensured that it was Belmont United who progressed to a home fixture with Luton Town, while Staines struggled to cope with playing one - and at times two - players short due to injuries and unavailabilities.

Swans reach semis

Tuesday 28th February 2006 (7:45pm) – London Senior Cup, Round 5 (Quarter-Final)

WALTHAM ABBEY (0) 0  STAINES TOWN (1) 3 By Steve Parsons.

Staines progressed to the London Senior Cup semi-finals (and a date at Fisher) for the first time since 1981, thanks to this victory over ambitious Essex Senior League club, Waltham Abbey.  It may have been Staines’ first senior meeting with The Abbotts, but they had previously played under the same lights, as they were bought from the former Walthamstow Avenue ground; and the clubs did meet in the Middlesex Women’s Cup recently, with Staines running out 22-0 winners!  Steve Cordery was forced to make a couple of changes due to Newton and Chaaban suffering minor knocks, and their places went to Joe Devera and Garry Sippetts.  However, more worrying was the goalkeeping crisis, caused when Shaun Allaway contracted food-poisoning overnight.  The catalogue of absent custodians ran as follows: Mark Cousins (suddenly called over to Portugal with the Colchester squad), Trent Phillips (in the USA), James Courtnage (backpacking in Brazil), Rob Hamling (could not be contacted), and, of the Academy boys, Rod Chiweshe and Danny Fisher were involved in the evening’s Cup Semi-Final, while Sean Murphy and Pete Doolan are injured.  With Poyser and Red?ic poised with a pen, a call went to the London FA to ask for special permission to make a late signing, which was granted on the proviso that Waltham Abbey agreed … but the opponents did not.  However, at the last minute, contact was made with Hamling, who dashed all the way over from Didcot to play.  The 6’5” eighteen-year-old had a steady game between the sticks, and was delighted with his first senior clean sheet for the club.  However, there was one further disruption to Cordery’s plans, when Fiston Manuella’s train stopped between stations, and neither moved nor let passengers off for over an hour, so he had to be withdrawn from the starting line-up and replaced by Dean Green.  Abbey staff had worked hard to prepare a flat surface at Capershotts, but the concern was that it might freeze dangerously, with temperatures dropping to -3ºC.  Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half.

The sides settled quickly into the game, with Staines in no mood for another cup exit to a side two rungs below them in the pyramid.  Their forwards were mobile, and the defence looked solid, but the hosts competed well and did not allow them any time to settle.  Hamling had already been forced to make a good dive, and seen another Abbey chance fall foul of an offside flag, before Staines carved out a clear cut chance, ‘keeper Adam Marsh spreading himself well to save Sippetts’ angled shot with his feet.  However, Swans moved ahead on 31 minutes, when an excellent pass from Benson Kpaka was met by an even better finish by Mark Nwokeji, curling the ball in off the foot of the post from just outside the box. 

Skipper Matt Flitter suffered a slight knock and was withdrawn at half time, giving a run out to Adrian Browne, who ha been unlucky in being the travelling reserve not named in the squad a couple of times in recent weeks.  However, the second half was only 90 seconds old when Staines scored again, effectively putting the tie beyond Abbey’s reach.  Nowkeji started the move by dispossessing full back Dan Page, and finished it himself with another great low strike.  The home side pitched on a couple of subs, but although they were able to build in midfield, they rarely got a sight of goal.  Staines completed the scoring with a third goal 5 minutes from time, when André Scarlett crashed a free kick against the underside of the bar, and while everyone was wondering whether it had crossed the line, big David Winfield gleefully forced it through the crowd of players on the line, to become the 29th different player to score for them this season.

Staines: Hamling, Devera, Murphy, Winfield, Flitter © (Browne HT), Scarlett, De Lisser, Green, Nwokeji, Sippetts, Kpaka; unused Maskell, McDonald, Manuella (not present).

Waltham A: Marsh, Ayres, Page, Bostock, Sontag, Power, White ©, J Elmes, Codlin (Adams 61), H Elmes, Sapsford (Hayes 76); unused Brotherton, Tillbrook (gk).

Ref S Daly (New Charlton); ARs M Ergun (Islington), A Yahiaoui (Loughborough Pk). Official Att 56.

...Whilst Academy reach final

While the 1st team were in business at Waltham Abbey, the Academy side was contesting the Middlesex Senior Youth (Ritson) U18 Cup semi-final away to Potters Bar Town.  Goals by Craig Masham and Jordan Kiffin were twice cancelled out by the home side, sendng the tie into a very chilly period of extra time.  However, it was settled by an early strike from Robin Shroot, to give Staines a 3-2 win.

This extends Staines' excellent record in the county cups this term, and they will now face Harefield United in the Final, to be played at Uxbridge FC, this WEDNESDAY 8th March (7.30pm).