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THIRD STRAIGHT DEFEAT FOR SWANS
Saturday 31st March 2007 (3·00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division
TONBRIDGE ANGELS (3) 3
Jon Main 11m, John Beales 29m, Ray Powell 44m
STAINES TOWN (1) 1 By Steve Parsons.
Ali Chaaban 37m
Staines suffered a third successive defeat at promotion chasers Tonbridge at a bright but windy Longmead Stadium on Saturday. Steve Cordery had been busy right up to the eve of the registration deadline, and reintroduced Paul Ellis, 24, into the defence, while Chris Robinson made his league début in Staines colours. Meanwhile, Academy player Bryan Harrison was on the bench, and played the last 38 minutes, just 3 days after making his Reserve début! Tonbridge’s Robbie Keadell hurt his ankle in the warm up, and had to stand down from the starting XI, to be replaced by Nick Barnes. Staines attacked the dressing room end in the first half, generally with the advantage of a swirling wind. It was a match which pitted the division’s leading scorer – Angels’ Jon Main with the third and fourth in that same chart – Ali Chaaban and Mark Nwokeji of Staines
At first it seemed that the visitors’ fire power would prevail, as both of their main strikers put shots into the side netting early on. However, Tonbridge took an 11th minute lead when Staines failed to properly clear Matt Lovell’s left sided corner, the same player pumped the ball back into the box, and none other than Main powerfully headed home at the far post. Lovell’s corners proved Swans’ undoing on 29 minutes, for althouth the first – from the right – led to an Alex O’Brien effort which Hussein Isa cleared off the line, he sent in another from the left and this time John Beales drove it in low and hard. Staines gave themselves a boost by pulling one back 8 minutes later, Gareth Risbridger looking strong in midfield as he helped the ball through the middle, and Ali Chaaban darted between two defenders and slotted it low past the advancing goalkeeper Matt Bromby. Three minutes later came a chance to get back on terms, but Isa’s shot went too high after good approach work by Chaaban and Darren Campbell. Unfortunately, they found themselves 3-1 down at the break – for the third game running – when Swans again failed to clear and Ray Powell forced the ball home from close. Only one minute remained of the first half, but there was another chance for Staines, as Chaaban was tripped, and took a quick free kick to André Scarlett, who shot against the bar, and as the ball came down, Nwokeji applied an overhead volley which also struck the bar.
Staines brought on youngsters Harrison and Jordan Kiffin early in the second half, but suffered a major blow when goalkeeper Shaun Allaway, who had just made two fine saves to deny Main, came out of his box to thwart him once again, but this time used his arm and was immediately dismissed with 24 minutes still to play. James Courtnage was still nursing an elbow injury and so had not been named on the bench, so there was no option other than to move an outfielder into the green jersey, and it was Risbridger who picked up the green shirt (while a mischievous Tonbridge player tried to throw his white one into the home crowd). Having watched the resulting free kick sail over, the midfielder managed to keep a clean sheet, and can boast a (fairly simple) save from the deadly Main, and a somewhat more testing one from a Scott Kinch drive. At the other end, Kiffin saw a decent shot saved, and then had Staines’ best effort deep into stoppage time, an angled drive being tipped over the bar by Matt Bromby. This defeat sees Staines slip back to 13th place.
Staines: Allaway [SO 66m]; J Newton, Sargent, Ellis, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Campbell (Harrison 52), Risbridger, Isa (J Kiffin 60), Nwokeji, Chaaban (Robinson 72); unused subs Tallentire, McGlashan.
Tonbridge: Bromby, Gooding, Lovell (O’Neill 82), Barnes (Dolby 86), Aris ©, Beales, Kinch, O’Brien, R Powell, Main (Heath 82), Logan; unused Roberts.
R: Kevin Haines (Windsor); ARs Rowden & Finnigan (Kent); Official Att 367.
ANOTHER DEFEAT FOR INJURY HIT SWANS
Tuesday 27th March 2007 (7·45pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division
STAINES TOWN (1) 1 HENDON (3) 3 By Steve Parsons.
Another disappointing night for Staines Town, as their injury-hit side slipped to defeat against relegation-haunted Hendon. Steve Cordery had been busy in the preceding 36 hours, signing left sided defender / midfielder Jack Tallentire on loan from Wycombe Wanderers, and welcoming back Chris Robinson from a loan at Hendon, and Richard Burton who had recently joined Walton. As part of the ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ with Hendon, Robinson did not take part in this match, but Burton and Tallentine slotted straight into the defence, with Jake Newton and Darren Campbell from Saturday’s team moved onto the bench. Hendon included ex Swan Dean Green, and had Danny Rouco on the bench (alongside former Bulgarian World Cup hero Bontcho Guentchev, who made a late cameo appearance), but Ross Pickett was not involved. Staines attacked the houses end in the first half of a cool night at Wheatsheaf Park.
Both teams had chances in a lively opening 15 minutes, but it was Staines who caught the eye, first with an audacious ‘nutmeg’ on Hendon’s Craig Vargas, and then by taking the lead on 7 minutes, when Ali Chaaban blistered down the left flank and then slammed in a low, near post drive which went in off the upright. But Hendon quickly hit back, with a neat passing move unlocking the Swans defence, and Darragh Duffy applying the finish under the diving Shaun Allaway. Nwokeji made another great run, but was eventually crowded out, while Dean Thomas had to leave the field for a while following a crunching challenge. The visitors moved ahead on 34 minutes, when a right-sided corner was met by a powerful header from skipper James Parker. Hendon’s Wayne O’Sullivan was always dangerous with long shots and free kicks, and was assisted by a very generous decision to award a corner off Duffy. Staines suffered a major blow on 44 minutes, when Thomas, who had not looked comfortable since his return from treatment, had to be replaced, and he was later seen leaving the ground on sticks, heading to hospital for examination of a suspected broken foot. This was a sad end to the week which saw the youngster sign his first contract with the Club. Hendon piled on the pressure during stoppage time, Jamie Busby drawing a fine save from Allaway, before they made it 3-1 in the second minute of stoppage time. Staines conceded possession going forward, and Duffy’s cross was not cleared, enabling the announcer’s favourite, Belal Aiteouakrim, to sidefoot home.
The second half was a low quality affair, with Hendon happy to consolidate their 3 valuable points, and Staines becoming frustrated at their inability to break them down. There was a silly booking for each side, Staines’ Kevin Warner after getting into a dispute with the referee as he prepared to take a free kick, and the Greens Parker for tripping Campbell just outside the box. It was another Warner free kick which gave Staines their best chance of the half, but André Scarlett was unable to keep his shot down when he collected it and wriggled through with only the ’ keeper to beat. At the other end, O’Sullivan continued to probe from distance, whilst Allaway made a spectacular save from Jamie Busby, as Hendon upped the pace in the final 10 minutes. The visitors thus leapt up 4 places, while Staines remained 12th. One positive point for Staines was the introduction of Acaemy player Aston Ventour for his first senior action – he looked lively when coming on as a 65th minute sub.
Staines: Allaway; Burton (Campbell 55), Sargent, Tallentire (Ventour 65), Flitter ©, Scarlett, K Warner, Risbridger, Thomas (J Newton 44), Nwokeji, Chaaban; unused subs Maskell, McGlashan.
Hendon: Wilmot, O’Sullivan, Vargas, Leach, Parker ©, Busby, Duffy (Ake 50), Burgess, Green, Hudson, Aiteouakrim (Guentchev 89); unused subs D Haule, Rose, Ruoco.
R: FD Meilack (Bexhill); ARs DA Jones (New Haw), GJ Collins (Ash); Official Att 140.
10 MAN SWANS IN 10 GOAL THRILLER
Saturday 24th March 2007 (3:25pm)
Ryman League, Premier Division – att 1,010
CHELMSFORD CITY (3) 7
Ricky Holmes 20m & 81m; Lee Boylan (pen) 34m; Kezie Ibe 36m, 48m & 64m; Spencer Knight 58m,
STAINES TOWN (1) 3 By Steve Parsons.
Own goal Jay Conroy 15m; Mark Nwokeji 55 & 62m
A quite remarkable day saw 10-man Staines lose to Chelmsford for the first time in 4 meetings, on their first visit to the new Melbourne Park, against a title chasing side containing former Wheatsheaf Lane stars Kezie Ibe and Fiston Manuella. The problems started when a major motorway crash log-jammed all approaches to Chelmsford, causing many Staines players – and the referee – to arrive late. A big crowd had assembled, but a 25 minute delay was negotiated, despite City’s understandable wish to get going, owing to a club dinner and the England game on tv later that evening. With Adam Thompson failing a fitness test, Steve Cordery was desperately short at the back, and so started with his 10 available and fully fit senior players, in the hope that Dave Sargent would arrive soon. The afternoon was cold and windy, the pitch in very good condition, and the second half was broadcast live to the world via Hospital Radio Wey’s internet connection.
Defending the hammer net (entrance) end in the first half, Staines tried to retain possession while short handed, but they collected a caution for a foul by Darren Campbell on Manuella after only 6 minutes. However, the crowd of over 1000 was stunned into silence when the visitors went ahead on 15 minutes, as Dean Thomas played a dangerous low ball in from the left, and before Ali Chaaban could get to it, defender Jay Conroy intercepted – only to push the ball into his own goal. City did not take that lying down, and Ibe curled a shot inches wide soon afterwards, before Ricky Holmes equalised on 20 minutes after receiving from Manuella and shooting under Shaun Allaway’s dive. Sargent finally made it through the traffic to enter the pitch on 25 minutes, and seconds later he set up a chance for Mark Nwokeji which was pushed for a corner. Staines’ time with a full quota lasted only 8 minutes, though, as a cross was swung in from City’s right, and André Scarlett (who used to play for them) used a hand to push it against the crossbar, under pressure from Ibe. Despite the Staines man’s claims that Ibe had pushed him, he was dismissed, and Lee Boylan made no mistake from the resulting penalty. City moved further ahead just 2 minutes later, as a good solo run by Holmes ended with him shooting against the post, and as Allaway turned, Ibe nipped in behind to score a simple goal. This was a torrid period for the visitors, as Matt Flitter had to head a Holmes effort off the line, and Boylan headed against the post following a disputed corner.
The second half began just as badly, with Ibe bagging his second on 48 minutes, after Kevin Warner had blocked a speculative shot on the line, but was dispossessed before he could effect the clearance. At this stage, it looked like it would just be question of how many Chelmsford would score, but to their credit, Staines then took the game to their opponents for a spell. Mark Nwokeji made a great run down the left and crossed to Chaaban, who applied a great first touch but shot against the post; the same player drew a good save from Ashley Harrison a minute later. However, the roles were reversed on 55 minutes, Chaaban finding Nwokeji with a quick free kick, and he turned and beat Harrison at the near post. At 4-2, the home side experienced quite a wobble, playing for time, and bringing on a sub. However, their nerves were settled with a fifth goal, Spencer Knight receiving an unpromising pass from Holmes but squeezing it past Allaway from a tight angle on 58 minutes. But Staines would not lie down, and came back to 5-3 just 4 minutes later, when Harrison could only parry Campbell’s shot, and Nwokeji snapped up his second of the afternoon. But hopes of a comeback were killed off once and for all by Ibe’s hat-trick goal on 64 minutes, curling a superb shot into the far corner. Academy boy Jermaine McGlashan was thrown in at the deep end, coming on for his senior début in place of Campbell, and he looked lively and enthusiastic. But City had the last laugh, becoming the first side to put seven past Swans since Walton four years ago: Holmes made hay down the right, and spanking an 81st minute shot just under Allaway’s crossbar. Ibe picked up a late caution for a tackle which sent McGlashan flying through the air, but it did not detract from his ‘Man of the Match’ performance. Another youngster, Jordan Kiffin, emerged from the bench as a very late sub for Staines, who remain in 12th spot.
Staines – Allaway; J Newton, Campbell (McGlashan 71), Sargent, Flitter ©, Scarlett, K Warner, Risbridger, Thomas (J Kiffin 88), Nwokeji, Chaaban; unused Maskell, Ventour, Thompson.
Chelmsford - Harrison; Conroy, Knight, Chenery (c), Glover (Clarke 56), Manuella, Ainsley, Duffy, Ibe, Boylan (Hallett 74), Holmes (Minton 83); unused Nugent, McKinney.
Ref – Stephen A Child (Beckenham, Kent); Assts Andrew Langsdon & Mark Davidson (both Essex).
Isthmian Women's Cup - Quarter-Final
Friday 23rd March 2007 (8pm) - attendance 122
TOOTING & MITCHAM UNITED Ladies' FC (0) 1
Danielle Pace 52m
STAINES TOWN FC Women (3) 6
Jo Ginger 30m, Louisa Richards 45 & 60m, Rachel Fell 45+1 & 57m, Laura Spooner 46m
The first ever Women’s match in 102 years of Isthmian history was played at Imperial Fields between Tooting and Staines on a chilly Friday night. Staines exerted relentless pressure through much of the game, but Tooting held firm until finally conceding on the half hour. The honour of netting the first goal almost fell to Jenni Friar, who hit the post, but in fact it was Jo Ginger’s deft finish to a Rachel Fell corner which opened the scoring. The 60 seconds before half time, and the 45 seconds after the break saw Staines amazingly net three more goals, through Louisa Richards, Rachel Fell, and a rare one by Laura Spooner. To their credit, Tooting hit back with a fine Danielle Pace strike, but two superb solo goals from Fell and Richards ensured Staines’ place in the Semis.
Tuesday 20th March 2007 (7·45pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division
ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX) (0) 1 STAINES TOWN (1) 1 By Steve Parsons.
Tuesday night’s local derby paired two sides with unbeaten League runs of four and three games respectively, and with Staines also looking to avenge last week’s big cup defeat against their neighbours. However, the game was rather spoiled as a spectacle by the bitterly cold night and that the players had to deal with the teeth of an icy crosswind. Steve Cordery’s injury list has reached mammoth proportions, as James Younghusband (hamstring), Hussein Isa (knee), James Courtnage (elbow ligaments) the latest additions, alongside Danny Gordon, Howard Newton and Jon McDonald (all of whom are likely to be out for the rest of the season), Peter Smith, and Clement James. This led to two changes from Saturday, with Shaun Allaway returning in goal, and Isa making way for a surprise return for Mamadou Faly Basse, playing only his second senior game of the season following a stint at Farnborough, and the Staines bench contained Adam Thompson (who came through a very late fitness test on his hamstring) and three Reserve team Academy products, two of whome (Aston Ventour and Jermaine McGlashan) had yet to kick a ball in first team action. Meanwhile, Ashford’s complement of ex Swans on duty tonight numbered Paul Burgess, Russell Canderton, Steve Battams, and Paul Johnson, with Jon Coleman and Lee Passmore unused subs, and Tony Wells still out injured. Scott Todd, just one booking short of a cup final suspension on 3rd April, was left on the bench.
Staines made a tremendous start, pouring forward towards the fuel depôt end for almost the whole of the opening quarter hour. Basse was involved with several good moves, pushing up on the right flank and slotting in neatly, whilst Ali Chaaban and Mark Nwokeji stinging Burgess’s hands on a couple of occasions. On 7 mins, Scarlett fed Nwokeji who neat his marker on the left and centred for Chaaban, who in turn brought the ball down expertly before being thwarted by a brave smothering save by Burgess. Then Chaaban hit a viciously swerving shot which Burgess could only parry towards Scarlett, but his follow-up was blocked. The breakthrough, fully deserved, came on 14 minutes when, after beating one defender, Nwokeji took on Stuart Bamford in the box and was tripped. Despite Scott Harris’s protests that the ball had gone out of play earlier in the move, referee Eric Mackrell pointed straight to the penalty spot, and Ali Chaaban duly obliged from 12 yards. However, that was the spur for the home side to get going, and they dominated the next 15 minutes. Kevin Warner bravely cleared one effort off the line, and Harris flicked on a Jason Chewins cross, only for Allaway to pull off a reflex save. A long free kick by Canderton found Johnson, and he fired his angled shot right across the Staines goalmouth. The final phase of the first half saw the sides largely cancel each other out, although Scarlett did have a decent shot saved for the visitors.
The second half seemed even colder than the first, and it seemed sap the strength of the players. However, the home side took just 8 minutes to draw level, when Staines failed to clear a half chance, and Paul Johnson slammed the ball into the roof of the net. Ashford probably edged the remainder of the game, but there were few real chances, and at the end the players and spectators simply seemed glad to get back into the warmth.
Staines: Allaway; J Newton, Sargent, Basse (Thompson 66), Flitter ©, Scarlett, K Warner, Risbridger, Thomas, Nwokeji, Chaaban; unused subs Maskell, J Kiffin, Ventour, McGlashan.
Ashford: Burgess, Weight, Chewins ©, Canderton, Battams, Wellard, Johnson, S Bamford, G Smith, Harris, G Bamford; unused Coleman, Todd, Palmer, Passmore, Lauder-Dyke (gk).
R: E Mackrell (Petersfield); ARs M Ford (Cheam), A McCree (St Albans); Official Att 249.
MIXED FORTUNES FOR YOUTH SIDES
Meanwhile at Wheatsheaf Lane, the Academy side followed up their disappointment at losing the Middlesex Cup last week, by going out of the Southern Youth League Cup. Nick White's late penalty cancelled out Leatherhead's earlier own goal, and it remaiend 1-1 at the end of extra time, only for The Tanners to win 3-1 on penalties.
However, the College saide continues to march on in the ESFA U18 Colleges' Cup, defeating SEEVIC {South East Essex VIth Form College] in Round 5. Despite goals by Dominic Dwyer, and Vinnie Gilbert (two), the side from Benfleet levelled in the last minute of normal time, and it remained 3-3 after extra time, to send the match into a nailbiting penalty shoot out. They were within one kick of going out at one stage, yet clung on to progress 5-4, with Gareth Teuten netting the winning eighth penalty. (The match was switched from Essex to Cobham). The side will now entertain Filton in the quarters, hoping to repat last year's semi-final victory.
Sunday 18th March 2007 (2pm) – att 19
Greater London Women’s League Division 1
STAINES TOWN Women ............................................. (0) 1
HADLEY LFC ............................................................... (0) 0
With a side somewhat depleted by injuries and work commitments, Kate Cook’s side took on the challenge of Hadley at a blustery Staines Lammas FC ground on Sunday, with Staines Town emerging the narrowest of winners. Both teams found the rapidly drying ground and bitter cross-wind difficult to deal with, but the match was played in a very good spirit throughout. Relative newcomer Lodder twice came to opening her account, pressuring ‘keeper Cann from an Oliver cross, and then seeing a snap header well saved. McNeil, too, threatened after a misjudgement from Cann, but the Hadley defence managed to get it clear. The visitors’ best chance of a patch first half came when Coots drilled a shot across the face of goal. The second half saw Staines in more positive mood, with McNeil seeing a shot skim across the goalmouth after a powerful run, and Oliver racing through no less than three times, but each time failing to beat the ‘keeper. The only goal of the game came on 69 minutes, when Staines were awarded a free kick a little outside the 18 yard box, and McNeil crashed the shot against the bar. As it came down, Sarah Bell reacted the quickest to head the ball over the line, thus marking her first Staines appearance since May with a rare goal. There were still some nervous moments, as Hadley mounted some threatening attacks, but a great chance to put the game beyond doubt went begging 3 minutes from time, when Cann got a knee and her head to a long shot, but could not prevent Oliver from darting in – only for her flicked shot to hit the post from a couple of yards out. A minute from time, sub ‘keeper French-Wollen came on in an outfield position, and she saw a chipped effort saved by Cann. It was not the best of Staines performances, but they gained three more valuable points.
Staines T – 1 Sarah Clutterbuck; 2 Kate Davies ©, 3 Jo Ginger , 4 Sam Spong, 5 Lynsey York, 6 Laura Spooner, 7 Sarah Bell, 8 Jenni Friar, 9 Tasha Lodder (15 Angela Tunnicliffe HT), 10 Sam Oliver (12 Karrin French-Wollen 89), 11 Lucy McNeil; unused 14 Kate Cook, 16 Anne Hutchinson.
Hadley – 1 Chris Cann, 8 Avril Clark, 12 Katie Greenslade, 2 Kate Walsh, 4 Cerri Burns (14 Ria Gray 70), 14 Sarah Mair, 11 Vanessa Bown (5 Sinem Melin 66), 7 Gemma Coots (3 Hibo Adan 78m), 18 Fiona Butterfield, 9 Dawn Clark ©, 6 Olivia Jones. [only 3 subs named].
Saturday 17th March 2007 (3·00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division
STAINES TOWN (0) 1 MARGATE (0) 0 By Steve Parsons.
Staines did their utmost to put the despondency of Tuesday’s cup defeat behind them, by taking three league points from promotion-chasing Margate at a bright but breezy Wheatsheaf Park on Saturday. The Kent side were restored to virtually full strength, with the expiry of several suspensions which had dogged them through the previous four winless games. In contrast, Staines were hit by injuries, with Darren Campbell’s toe still keeping him out, and Adam Thompson failing a fitness test at 2:15. Hussein Isa was drafted in as a result, replacing Danny Gordon (who has had to have a repeat operation on a knee problem, which is likely to bring his season to a premature end). Also missing and on crutches was Jon McDonald, who injured knee ligaments on Tuesday, and could also be out till the summer, his place today going to Dean Thomas. There was an unfamiliar name on the bench, as Aston Ventour was an unused sub, having come up through the Academy side and currently top scorer for the Reserves. The pitch looked in very good condition, and Staines attacked the houses end in the first half, against a side who had not taken a single point from them in three previous League meetings.
James Courtnage, retaining the number one jersey (and a curious white one at that) had a scare when an enormous, wind-assisted drop kick from his opposite number, Charlie Mitten, only just cleared his crossbar on the bounce after 2? minutes. In a lively opening period, Mitten had to make a smart save when Ali Chaaban darted into the box, and then Courtnage reacted sharply to save Greg Oates’ snapshot following a corner. Staines’ best chance of the first half came when Chaaban darted forward and hit a crisp shot which struck the inside of the upright and rebounded across the face of goal. Unfortunately, Isa suffered an early calf injury, and had to leave the field, and was soon replaced by James Younghusband, with only 18 minutes played. A deceptive Chaaban shot forced Mitten into a hasty save at full stretch, and Staines then had reasonable claims for a penalty when Justin Skinner’s raised arm made contact with a Gareth Risbridger cross. With Staines enjoying the better of the game at this stage, Younghusband was close to connecting with a snappy far post cross from Mark Nwokeji. In the next attack, Nwokeji sprinted into the box and seemed to be tripped: the linesman signalled for a foul, but as the striker regained his balance and crossed to Chaaban, referee Forrester waved for an advantage, and Mitten pulled off a brave smothering save. Younghusband turned and sent a shot spinning across goal, but Staines did not have everything their own way, as a Lee Protheroe free kick on 40 minutes was met by a close range glancing flick by the prolific Danny Hockton, only for Courtnage to pull off a brilliant reflex save. Moments before the interval, Steve McKimm, the Margate skipper, overstretched for a ball in the 6 yard box, and saw his comeback appearance come to a premature end, handing the armband to Hockton as he limped off. In a match with more than its fair share of injuries, they were not confined to the players, as supporter Gordon Mace was hit in the face by a stray clearance, smashing his glasses and cutting his face: Tash King and Trent Phillips attended to him, and, though a little groggy, he was able to watch the rest of the game.
The second half maintained the excitement, although the play was at times scrappy. A few moments stood out, however, beginning with some fine interplay between Nwokeji and Chaaban which ended in the latter striking inches wide. Then Courtnage came off his line well to dive at the feet of Hockton as he bore down on goal. The only goal of the game came in the 58th minute, and it was rather an oddity. Chaaban’s throw-in to Newton was whisked into the centre, and as Nwokeji closed in on Pat Sappleton, the defender turned the ball past his own goalkeeper, against the post, and into the net. Nwokeji almost added a further goal very soon afterwards, following a superb tackle at the back from Newton, and an intelligent forward pass by Thomas. Younghusband became the second Swans sub in as many games to himself be taken off, when he limped out with a leg injury to be replaced by Craig Maskell. As ’Gate’s Skinner threw himself in to block a Chaaban shot, he picked up an injury and also had to come off. The closing stages were dominated by Margate, as they strove hard to resue a point. Nick Bagley fired wide from a good position after receiving from Jay Saunders, and Courtnage gathered Jimmy Jackson’s rifled free kick without fuss. Staines relieved the pressure with a breakaway, but Chaaban and Nwokeji were strangely hesitant in front of goal, and a defender cleared. In the final minute, the visitors had a penalty appeal of their own when Protheroe flighted a free kick into the box, and Saunders went down claiming a push, but Mr Forrester would not hear of it. So, with Leyton losing, Staines finally moved up a place, having spent 95 consecutive days becalmed in 13th spot.
Staines: Courtnage; J Newton, Sargent, Isa (Younghusband 18, Maskell 74), Flitter ©, Scarlett, K Warner, Risbridger, Thomas, Nwokeji, Chaaban; J Kiffin, Ventour, Allaway (gk).
Margate: Mitten, Oates, Skinner (Smith 80), Protheroe, Sappleton, Trott (player/manager), McKimm © (Bagley 45), Saunders, Pinnock, Hockton, Jackson; unused Chalmers-Stevens (gk), Donovan, Abbott.
R: P Forrester (Luton); ARs W Christie (Medmenham), S Crease (Slough); Official Att 255.
Tuesday 13th March 2007 (3·00pm)
Westview Cup Semi-Final –att 369
STAINES TOWN (1) 2
André Scarlett 3m, Gareth Risbridger 77m
ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX) (2) 3 By Steve Parsons.
Paul Johnson 18 & 44m, Gavin Bamford 78m
Having been ‘rained off’ 7 days earlier, this game – probably the biggest ever match-up between two teams from Spelthorne – went ahead on a miraculously restored Wheatsheaf Park in Tuesday night, watched by a noisy throng of local supporters. Staines had to do without the cup-tied Campbell, but retained Courtnage in goal, while Gordon was making his last appearance before his knee op. Isa was on the bench, despite being involved in a nasty car crash just a mile from the ground. Ashford boss, Mark Butler, picked 4 ex Swans - Burgess, Canderton, and Johnson – with two more (Battams and Coleman) in the bench. Before kick off, the Ashford boss was honoured with the GX Sport team performance of the month award by Nick Robinson (League Secretary) for their recent win over Ramsgate.
Staines took only 3 mins to put the ball in the houses end net for the first time, Scarlett stroking home after Chaaban got away on the left and had his shot only half blocked by Burgess. At this stage, Staines were threatening to take a firm grip on the tie, with Warner winning a corner which Sargent almost converted. However, Ashford levelled when Todd’s corner was glanced in off the head of Johnson. McDonald suffered a nasty ankle injury, having to leave on crutches, to be replaced just a quarter way through the game by Thomas, and then followed yellow cards for Chaaban and S Bamford after the pair squared up at the end of a great Thomas/Chaaban move: they were later joined in the book by Newton and Todd after a 2nd half altercation. Another flowing Swans move involving Warner and Chaaban ended with the pacy Nwokeji chipping Burgess but hitting the bar for the umpteenth time this season. But Risbridger had to clear off the line at the other end when Todd played the ball back in following his own corner, before Ashford snatched the honours at the end of a pulsating first half. Chewins made a run down the left and centred for Johnson to gleefully smash home.
Staines tried hard after the break, dominating the possession but lacking the killer instinct. Chaaban, Scarlett, and Nwokeji mustered half chances, but the pressure finally told on 77 mins when a Nwokeji strike was partially blocked by a defender, and there was Risbridger to react quickly and squeeze in a shot from a tight angle. But the home side then fell victims to the sucker punch, G Bamford volleying home a left sided cross just 2 mins later – their only real strike of the half. Staines tried hard to force extra time, with sub Maskell curling their last chance – a long free kick – agonisingly wide after he had been brought down. But it was Ashford who held their nerve, winning with great dignity, and who will represent Spelthorne in the league cup final in 3 weeks time.
Staines: Courtnage; J Newton, Sargent (Maskell 70), Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, K Warner, Risbridger, McDonald (Thomas 23, Isa 90+1), Nwokeji, Chaaban; unused Younghusband, Allaway (gk).
Ashford: Burgess, O’Sullivan, Chewins ©, Canderton, Cook, Wellard, Johnson, G Bamford, S Bamford, Todd, Palmer (Smith 70); unused Coleman, Battams, Weight, Lauder-Dykes (gk).
R: O Saliy (Palmers Green); ARs G Thorley, S Scott.
Sun 11 March - Greater London Women's Lg Cup Rd 3-
HARPENDEN (2) 3
STAINES TOWN WOMEN (1) 2
Staines conceded a goal in 80 seconds (Lisa Hayhoe), and soon found themselves 2-0 down when Kelly Toms netted, but came back superbly through Rachel Fell and Sam Oliver. With the pulsating game seemingly set to go into extra time, Hannah Noonan headed the winner for the home side in the 3rd minute of stoppage time. Angela Tunnicliffe made her début for the club.
Staines Town U17s won a thrilling Surrey Youth League Cup Semi-Final against Wandgas on Sunday, drawing 5-5 after extra time, but sealing the tie 4-2 on penalties.
Saturday 10th March 2007 (3·00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division
HARROW BOROUGH (1) 1 STAINES TOWN (1) 2 By Steve Parsons.
With the postponement of the cup semi-final in midweek, Staines boss Steve Cordery had something of a dilemma to resolve for this visit to Harrow – should he restore those who were rested, or should he continue with the policy of allowing several key players to rest ahead of the Ashford game, which was simply pushed back a week. Much of the problem was resolved by a string of injuries: Dean Thomas (hamstring), Ali Chaaban (hamstring), Darren Campbell (toe), Adam Thompson (hamstring / calf), Danny Gordon (knee), and Howard Newton (a former Harrow favourite, knee) were all ruled out of the starting line-up. This all added up to three changes in the starting line-up from last week, with Kevin Warner, Hussein Isa recalled and James Younghusband making a first start, while Thompson, Campbell and Chaaban left out, although the latter two were on the bench. Also on the bench for the first time was Nicola Ward, a St Mary’s student assisting Gareth Workman and Tash King with the treatment of injuries for a few weeks. Harrow included the former Wheatsheaf Lane favourite Elliot Onochie, and their 40-year old ‘celebrity’, Steve Claridge. The pitch was in good condition, and Staines attacked the far end in the first half of a bright afternoon.
In a promising start for the visitors, a couple of chances had already gone begging before Mark Nwokeji carried the ball across the edge of the 18-yard box, and then fired a low drive eyond the diving Kieran Jimmy and into the corner of the net. More good work by Nwokeji set up a chance for Isa, but he stabbed his shot just wide. Soon afterwards, Courtnage had to dive smartly to keep out a James Bent shot for a corner, following a good pass from Claridge, and on 20 minutes, the former pro was fouled just outside the box, and Bent drove the free kick through the wall, but again Courtnage was equal to it. In the 27th minute, Staines might have doubled their lead following a good cross from André Scarlett, but Younghusband’s close range shot was just too high. The Philippines international looked dangerous down the right, and got over several telling crosses. But the home side finished the half strongly, with Gary Meakin driving a free kick against the post following a foul on Constant, and Courtnage again saving well from Onochie. However, Isa prodded a shot just wide as Staines broke in search of a second, and this was to be costly, as Harrow went straight on the attacked and levelled in the 41st minute: David Idemudia, Onochie and Claridge combined well, and Jonathan Constant fired in from close range, while the visitors were still appealing that Nwokeji had been impeded earlier in the move.
Staines were quickly out of the blocks for the second half, and regained the lead in just 4 minutes. Isa brought the ball forward positively, and released Warner, whose angled shot from the right was parried back to him by ‘keeper Jimmy, and this time he cut it back for Nwokeji to bag a second goal of the afternoon. From then on, Staines looked reasonably comfortable, doing enough to preserve their lead and looking solid at the back. Harrow sub Albert Adomah forced Courtnage into a good save, and Claridge had another effort blocked, but was generally much more subdued than in the first period. Younghusband, coming back from an injury lay off, tired towards the end, and was replaced by young Jordan Kiffin. There was a caution for Harrow’s Idemudia, following a foul on Warner, and that tally was evened up in stoppage time when Courtnage had his name taken for timewasting, after Bent’s effort had deflected over the bar. The final score was 2-1, Staines extended their period in 13th spot to over 100 days! However, with neighbours Ashford pickin up an excellent third win on the trot, the scene is set for an intriguing cup semi-final on Tuesday.
Staines: Courtnage; J Newton, Sargent, Younghusband (J Kiffin 74), Flitter ©, Scarlett, K Warner, Risbridger, McDonald, Nwokeji (Chaaban 74), Isa (Gordon 85); unused Campbell, Maskell.
Harrow: Jimmy; Nielsen, Idemudia (Richardson 83), Walters (Captain), Leech, Highton, Bent, Meakin, Onochie, Claridge, Constant (Adomah 58); unused Williams, Browne, McGonigle.
R: A Matthews (Melksham); ARs I Kitchen & M Argile (Surrey); Official Att 268.
Saturday 3rd March 2007 (3·00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division
STAINES TOWN (2) 2 WALTON & HERSHAM (0) 0 By Steve Parsons.
Staines took all three points from their struggling neighbours at a very wet Wheatsheaf Lane on Saturday. The already heavy pitch survived a 2pm shower, but was left muddy and prone to cutting-up, even though the afternoon brightened up considerably. Walton, playing their first game under Les Cleevely since he stepped up from Assistant to replace the third manager of the year, Bobby Patterson, had released three of their underperforming players, and signed two new ones. They also had to do without regular goalkeeper James Russell, who was playing for Ireland U19s, so Robert Webb was recalled. Steve Cordery – perhaps with an eye on Tuesday’s cup semi-final, but also eager to shake up his side after two disappointing defeats, made four changes to the starting line up, as James Courtnage, Matt Flitter, Darren Campbell, and Jon McDonald all came in, with Shaun Allaway, Danny Gordon, and Kevin Warner warming the bench, and Dean Thomas rested. There was also a new face on the bench, local 20 year old right sided midfielder, who was with the club as a 10 year old, but spent the last 5 years at Chelsea, until his release from their Reserves last summer. He is a full international for the Philippines, and has recently returned from a tournament in East Asia. Two Staines men, Nwokeji and Thompson, previous starred for ‘the other Swans’ of Walton.
Staines looked the sharper side throughout the first half, but for once it was not Chaaban and Nwokeji who did the damage, but a pair who had scored just one goal between them so far this term. The opener was the first of the campaign for Jon McDonald, playing out wide on the left, he found the net with a vicious drive on 13 minutes, which seemed to deceive Webb, who could only help it in as he pleaded for an offside decision. Eleven minutes later, Adam Thompson made it 2-0 when he launched himself at an André Scarlett free kick from the left and sent the ball into the corner of the net. Staines seemed to have the game fully under control now, but thereafter they were mainly content just to contain Walton’s efforts to get back into it, and created surprisingly few further chances.
The second half was a largely frustrating affair, as Walton were rarely able to threaten the safe hands of James Courtnage in goal, while the few worthwhile Staines attacks generally fizzled out in the heavy surface, or were halted by a series of fouls. Walton enjoyed their best spell right at the start of the second half, but only a Rob George shot seriously tested Courtnage, who saved well on the ground. At the other end, Scarlett got on the end of a Mark Nwokeji cross and drew a fine save from Webb, and then – on 51 minutes – Nwokeji was put clean through by a poor defensive header, rounded the ‘keeper, but shot wide of the open goal. Younghusband was introduced for the hard working Campbell on 69 minutes, and showed ability in both passing and aerial challenges; Thompson limped off near the end after picking up both face and leg injuries in separate incidents. Courtnage pulled off one more decent save, turning George’s effort round for a corner after a good move, but the closing stages were niggly and fragmented. Even with Craig Maskell coming on for a rare appearance, Staines continued to play within themselves, and protected their lead to the end. Meanwhile, the second half contained five bookings, to add to that of Walton’s Yiga for a 19th minute foul on McDonald. Walton’s other offenders were Jenkins (64 minutes, delaying a free kick), Dumas (a scything 72nd minute challenge on Chaaban, who had only just picked himself up from a shove by Kargbo), and George (85 mins, for a foul on Risbridger). Meanwhile, Campbell (a petulant trip, 49 mins) and Risbridger (late challenge, 79 minutes) also entered Wiltshire referee Adrian Matthews’ notebook, and in stoppage time, Risbridger and George were spared a second card each after a bout of shirt-pulling. Gibrilla Kargbo had a late long shot saved, after good work by Freedom Pigott, but it was not enough to prevent Staines from completing a double over their former landlords for the second successive season.
Staines: Courtnage; J Newton, Sargent, Thompson (Gordon 81m), Flitter ©, Scarlett, Campbell (Younghusband 69), Risbridger, McDonald, Nwokeji (Maskell 77), Chaaban; unused K Warner, Allaway (gk).
Walton: Webb, Williams, Dumas, Kargbo, Jenkins, Cartwright ©, Yiga (Robinson 75), George, Waugh (Lodge 66), Pigott, Butler (Hooper 56); unused Jalloh, Ngongou.
R: A Matthews (Melksham); ARs I Kitchen & M Argile (Surrey); Official Att 268.