Staines: Sarah Clutterbuck, Kate Davies ©, Sarah Bell, (Lee-Ann Elliott 56), Eddy Koff, Sharon Heaven, Laura Spooner, Amy Murphy, Hannah Murphy, Amy Baker, Lucy McNeil (Charlotte Phillips 78), Kate Cook (Rachel Fell HT); unused Katie Bond, Georgie Giddings. Surbiton: Sue Johnson, Larrisa Meat, Emily Goodwin (Jo Green 60), Verity Nott ©, Emma Stringer (Becky James 51), M Tina Clarke, Nicky Berry, Sharon Lowe, Maike Sespot, Bethan Deneku, Laura Humphrey (Keira Rhodes 78); unused Bernadette O’Malley. Ref – Gary Walters; Assts Greg Pope, Keith Yek; 4th Off Gary Coster; Att 205 Presentation Evening Staines Town FC held their presentation night at the club on Saturday night (13th May), with 100+ guests representing all sections of the club. Chairman Alan Boon reviewed the season, and - with the help of the various team managers, awards were made to - OVERALL CLUB AWARDS Flowers - Corinne Boon, Vanessa Cox, Margaret Gould, Maureen Hanson, Barbara Moss, and Michelle Yates Supporter of the Year - Andy Jones Cliff Lane Award - John Hanson ‘Jack Hanson’ Clubman of the Year - Graham Gould FIRST TEAM AWARDS ‘Albert Estall’ Players’ Player of the Year - Jake Newton ‘Dick Watmore’ (Supporters’) Player of the Year - Jake Newton ACADEMY & COLLEGE TEAMS Under 18 Player of the Year - Harry Draper Under 19 Player of the Year - James Joyce Special Award for Contribution to the Academy - Chris Robinson WOMEN’S TEAM Players’ Player of the Year - Lucy McNeil Special Achievement Award - Sarah Clutterbuck Golden Boot - Amy Baker Manager’s Player of the Year - Laura Spooner Thanks to John Hanson & Sally Payne for organising tonight’s ‘do’. Review of season ... Our FIRST TEAM were one of only four clubs to score 3 goals past Reading: Arsenal, Crewe and Luton were the others. We were also responsible for the first ever Indian taxi driver to watch a match in the pouring rain at Lymington & New Milton. We had our longest FA Cup run (5 games) for 19 years! We were semi-finalists in the London Senior Cup. Best League wins – 5-1 v Heybridge, 5-2 v Margate (away). The Margate win was achieved with 10 men: we had 13 players dismissed in 1st XI games. 4th best away form in the league … but 13th best home form. Biggest gate for 30 years: 2285 on 2nd January v AFC Wimbledon. Thanks to Bob Sherwood for exemplary security. Thanks too, to our hard working and voluntary stewards, Bill Baker, Roy Roberts, Pete Moss, and John Cook. First Team managed 3 hat-tricks. One of them (Ali Chaaban v Harrow) was our first in the Isthmian Premier Division since Alan Gregory’s in 1989, and only our sixth ever. Ali Chaaban ended the season as top scorer, despite only signing in January. For much of the season we were listed by the NLP as having the most [League] goalscorers in the country, although Aylesbury and Bromley overtook us late on. Scored in every away league game since 12 April 2005, and we were =2nd highest scorers in the Premier Division with 74. We finished 6th in the Ryman Premier Division – our highest since 1981/2. We were in play-off positions for 33 weeks of the 36 week season. Fielding mostly Academy players over the four games (and on one occasion, a virtual Academy ‘B’ team) we collected one first team cup – the Southern Combination Cup against Molesey’s 1st XI. The Academy also provided almost all of the players for the Middlesex Premier Cup, which is really a Reserve Team competition. We only entered it because the MCFA wanted to hold the final at Staines, but we beat holders Brook House, and went on to defeat Ruislip Manor 1-0 here. The RESERVES had a 100% record … played 5, won 5. Including the above two, the ACADEMY reached SIX finals all in all. Two of them were played on the same day, losing to Spelthorne in the Surrey Colleges Cup, on the same day as the Middlesex Premier Cup. We lost to Harefield in the Middlesex Senior Youth Cup, and the Wilberforce (Hull) at Boston United FC in the club’s first ever National Cup final. This was the ESFA Colleges U18 trophy, in which 145 teams entered, and we had defeated favourites (Bristol Rovers Academy) in the semi-final. On Monday, the Academy play off against Woking for the Overall Championship of the Southern Youth League, having won the East Division and beaten Carshalton in the play-off semi-final. Academy beat Bishop’s Stortford 10-0 in FA Youth Cup. No less than 16 Academy players called up for their Counties [Surrey / Middlesex] Jordan Kiffin is top scorer for the Academy (Youth) team, with 17, and also in the Reserves, with 3. Adding his three 1st XI goals and 4 for the College side gives him a season’s total of 27. He also played for Middlesex Youths. The other player selected, Craig Masham, was unfortunately involved in a car accident just before and could not play. His father, Nick, was rather more seriously hurt, but it has been good to see him coming to games and we wish him a full & speedy recovery. The WOMEN’S team won a trophy (the Action International Friendship Tournament) on their very first day on the field. Reached the 3rd Round of the FA Women’s Cup – Staines Town’s best showing in an FA competition since 1923/4. The Women’s team won the Greater London Women’s League Division 2 in their first season. They made sure by crushing nearest rivals Luton Town 5-0 at Wheatsheaf Lane. They have scored 190 goals (so far) in all games, achieved a +100 goal difference in their 18 League matches. Marshalled by skipper Kate Davies, and backed up by goalkeeper Sarah Clutterbuck, they have the remarkable achievement of not conceding a single League goal at Wheatsheaf Lane all season! Amy Baker leads the club’s scoring charts with 58 in all games: it is just a coincidence that the league shield is inscribed “Benson & Hedges Trophy”! Georgie Giddings played for England U17s – the first time a current Staines player has been selected for England (at least since Robert Mather, England Public Schools, 1983). She played 2 full games as England won the 6-team tournament in the west country, and has been chosen again for a match in Holland on 20th May. Rachel Fell was also in the England U17 squad at the start of the season but missed out through injury. The Women’s team won the Middlesex Women’s Cup, after inflicting the first defeat for almost 3 years on Watford in the Semi-Final. In the 1st Round, they beat Waltham Abbey 22-0 in Middlesex Cup, the highest ever score at Wheatsheaf Lane. They also won the League’s Russell Cup, beating Surbiton Town 6-0 at Wembley FC. The VETERANS have scored 130 goals, and have a record which reads Played 25, won 20, drew 1, lost 4. They contest the Brover Challenge vase in Spain next weekend. JUNIORS achieved FA Standard Charter in April 06. There were 17 Junior sides in operation in 2005/6, and they collected two Cups and one League championship: West Surrey Youth League Under 16 Division One South runners-up Surrey Primary League Under 13 Upper Cup winners Surrey Primary League Under 11 Premier Division runners-up Surrey Primary League Under 11 Plate winners Surrey Primary League Under 9 Division 2 champions Surrey Primary League Light Blue Maserati Festival runners-up West Surrey Youth League Under 8 Premier Division runners-up At the higher end of the age range, Jesse Richards and Steve Cordery were able to run the rule over some of the players with a view to introducing them to the Academy. Each of the 11-a-side teams got to play a game at Wheatsheaf Park. The Juniors hold their annual tournament in 3 weeks’ time at Imber Court, and Mini-Soccer continues having been formed 19 years ago by Mick Clarke. On a sadder note, we have lost Colin Young and Les Hunt, long time supporters, during the season, and June Cousins of Slough passed away at a game here. The Club remains the venue for the Ryman [Isthmian] Football League meetings. We will be remaining in the Ryman League next season, and can look forward to renewing rivalries with Ashford, Boreham Wood, Canvey Island, Carshalton, Horsham, and Tonbridge, continuing to do battle with Hampton and AFC Wimbledon, and visiting one new opponent in Ramsgate. Wheatsheaf Park was selected as the venue for the FA Nationwide Women’s Premier League Reserve section Cup Final (Arsenal 3 Charlton 0), and the Middlesex County Football Association Premier Cup Final (Staines 1 Ruislip 0). This has been made possible by the tireless work of our ground staff, and especially Graham Gould, who has been short-listed by the Institute of Groundsmen for the FA Groundsman of the Year. STAINES TOWN FC / WHEATSHEAF PARK The Club remains the venue for the Ryman [Isthmian] Football League meetings Wheatsheaf Park was selected as the venue for: FA Nationwide Women’s Premier League Reserve section Cup Final Middlesex County Football Association Premier Cup Final Institute of Groundsmen / FA Groundsman of the Year shortlist: Graham Gould FIRST TEAM Ryman [Isthmian] League Premier Division: 6th place – highest since 1981/2 Southern Combination Cup winners London Senior Cup semi-finalists RESERVE TEAM Middlesex Premier Cup winners ACADEMY (YOUTH - UNDER 18) TEAM Southern Youth League East Division champions Southern Youth League Overall Championship Play-Off finalists (Mon 15 May 7:30 at Sutton Utd FC v Woking) Middlesex Senior Youth (Jeff Ritson) Under 18 Cup runners-up Middlesex County Youth FA Representative: Jordan Kiffin KINGSTON COLLEGE ACADEMY TEAM English Schools FA Under 18 Colleges’ Trophy runners-up Surrey Under 19 Colleges Cup runners-up WOMEN’S TEAM Greater London Women’s League Division II champions Middlesex Junior Women’s Cup winners Greater London Women’s League Russell Cup finalists (playing tomorrow) Action International Friendship Trophy winners England Under 17 international caps: Georgie Giddings JUNIOR CONGRESS West Surrey Youth League Under 16 Division One South runners-up Surrey Primary League Under 13 Upper Cup winners Surrey Primary League Under 11 Premier Division runners-up Surrey Primary League Under 11 Plate winners Surrey Primary League Under 9 Division 2 champions Surrey Primary League Light Blue Maserati Festival runners-up West Surrey Youth League Under 8 Premier Division runners-up VETERANS XI Brover Vets’ Challenge Vase finalists (Sat 20th May 6pm)
Staines lift Southern Combination Cup Staines brought the curtain down on their senior season with this hard fought Cup final win – their first on the field of play in this competition since 1967. The result was all the more remarkable because their side, managed by Martyn Spong, was made up entirely of Academy players with almost no 1st XI experience, whereas Steve Beeks’ Molesey side fielded 8 of the same players who had played their last Ryman Division 1 fixture. Staines had conceded home advantage as Wheatsheaf Lane closed for the summer on Wednesday, and attacked the entrance end in the first (and third) periods of a very competitive and exciting game. As well as Mr Beeks, Moles fielded two players who were youngsters at Staines, Aaron Nowacki and Steve Brown, and had John Ashwood on the bench, who had played a friendly at Wheatsheaf Lane; also playing was Paul Gower making his last appearance before retirement. Molesey FC had done an excellent job of promoting the final of this oft maligned competition, leading to a larger than expected gate of an estimated 223. Staines had to defend with strength from the off, with Rodney Chiweshe pulling off two great saves from Nowacki and O’Leary, while Russell Pym skied a couple of inviting chances. However, somewhat against the run of play, Staines snatched the lead in fine style on 37 minutes, when a cross from the left was spectacularly turned in with an overhead kick from Hyunwook ‘Austin’ Kang. Just 3 minutes later, Staines found themselves two up, Kang’s through ball being deftly lifted over ‘keeper Clark Gooding by Robin Shroot, who watched as the ball crossed the line on the first bounce. However, Staines were not to enjoy the luxury of a two goal interval lead, as on 42 minutes, Sam Lampard pulled one back with a drive low into the corner of the net. The second half opened with a couple of yellow cards for fouls by Molesey’s Brown and Chris Wales, and a cluster of substitutions, including the introduction of player-manager Beeks for Molesey. Good work by Harry Draper set Kiffin up for a shot, but Gooding saved well, and within seconds, Molesey had broken to the opposite end and equalised through Liam O’Leary. The momentum for the remaining 22 minutes should now have been with the more experienced side, but Staines dug deep and made a real game of it. Draper picked up a caution for a foul, and Chiweshe again had to be on his mettle to deny O’Leary, while Kiffin sent another angled shot just wide. The 90 minutes ended all square, sending the game into extra time. The last time that happened was 9 years ago – when Staines were beaten by Hampton. Within 4 minutes, Chris Robinson had to head a Molesey shot off the line, but Staines also had their chances, with a powerful shot by Scott Ricketts being blocked by an unsuspecting defender’s head, and Kang heading close after a corner. But the decisive goal came after the change round, with 108 minutes on the clock, and came from a good Shroot through ball to Jordan Kiffin, which he took round the ‘keeper and took his time to steady in a hard, bumpy goalmouth, before guiding his shot into the net. Unfortunately, both he and Draper were booked for removing their shirts in the celebration, leading to the dismissal of Draper for a second yellow. The 10 men were up against it in the remaining time, including 3 added minutes, although Shroot and Jon Coleman provided welcome outlets, and Molesey sub Dan Lucas was booked in frustration. It still needed a great claim from Chiweshe from an injury time corner to secure the victory, but when the final whistle sounded, Chris Robinson was able to receive the impressive trophy from Chairman Tony Ford and Vice President John Martin. Staines: Rodney Chiweshe, Adam Gerding (Jon Coleman 55), Hyunwook ‘Austin’ Kang, Chris Robinson ©, James Joyce (Tim Pitt HT), Dean Thomas, Tom Windsor (Scott Ricketts 65), Harry Draper [SO 108+], Craig Masham, Jordan Kiffin, Robin Shroot; unused Ronnie Vincent, Seokmin Yoo. Molesey: Clark Gooding, Aaron Nowacki (Steve beeks 51), Chris Wales, Paul Gower ©, John Murphy, Paul Malone (Paul Cross 108), Russell Pym, Steve Brown, Warren Burton, Liam O’Leary, Sam Lampard (Dan Lucas 60); unused Dave Skilton, John Ashwood (gk) Ref Peter Georgiou (Summerstown); Assts John O Brien jr (Wimbledon Pk), Christopher Phillips (Carshalton). Est Att 223.
Academy reach championship play-off final Monday 8th May 2006 (7:30pm) – Southern Yth League Championship Play-Off Semi-Final STAINES TOWN Academy (3) 5 CARSHALTON ATHLETIC Youth (1) 1 Staines were in great form on Monday night, when they brushed aside North Division champions Carshalton to reach the overall interzonal League Championship Play-Off. There had been some confusion over the game, as they were originally drawn to host Woking on 4th May, but the Cards could not play that night, and so the semis were re-drawn. It later transpired that Carshalton were also unable to play on 4th, but this new date was arranged, making it the last game at Wheatsheaf Park this season. There was a slight worry, as one area near the penalty spot at the houses end attacked by Staines in the first half was very wet, but otherwise the pitch was superb. Unfortunately, Danny Fisher was still sidelined with a head injury. Staines made a fine start, with Jordan Kiffin volleying them into the led on 9 mins when a scrambled clearance reached him 12 yards out. And when Dean Thomas powered in a header from a Robin Shroot corner just 4 minutes later, Staines looked to be on their way. However, The Robins, who had had a bad journey to the ground, then came out and played, and Jack Griffiths spinning one shot wide and then forcing a good save from Rodney Chiweshe. For Staines, Kiffin almost netted a far post header, and then there was a worrying moment for the visitors, but ‘keeper Firkins escaped punishment for a wild tackle. A fine individual goal by the visitors’ Moses Ademola gave them fresh home on 33 mins, but Staines scored a vital third goal. The referee ordered a retake after he was deceived by a clever Staines corner, but the second version saw Shroot whip the ball over and Kiffin’s accurate glancing header did the rest. In the remaining 3 minutes of the first half, Carshalton went close through Warren, then there was a yellow card for skipper Chris Robinson (dissent), and from the free kick, Chiweshe fingertipped over Sam Butler’s stinging drive. The result was put beyond doubt 2 minutes into the 2nd half, when a close range shot by Shroot was partly blocked by a defender, but was then diverted into his own goal by Danny Firkins. The scoring was completed by Jon Coleman, who, in the 64th minute, claimed Staines’ fifth at the near post following a good move involving Tom Windsor, Shroot and Kiffin. The Athletic right back was given a torrid evening by Jermaine McGlashan as the half wore on, but there were no further goals. Late in the game, Chiweshe made a tremendous double save on the ground from Ademola and Jack Griffiths, and there was a caution for the visitors’ sub Taylor. Staines will now meet Woking (who won 6-5 on penalties at Worthing) in the Championship Final at Sutton United FC, on Monday 15th May. Staines: Chiweshe; Tim Pitt, McGlashan, Robinson ©, Thomas, Harry Draper, Elliot Blake, Windsor, Craig Masham (Coleman HT), Kiffin (Daniel Meggie 67), Shroot (Ronnie Vincent 75); unused Daniel Gurney, Nick White. Carshalton: Firkins, Adam Wadmore, William Carlile, Simon Cooper, Billy O’Brien © (Joe Laming 60), James Brown (Joe Jackson 81), Frankie Warren, Brendan Dighton, Ademola, Griffiths, Butler (Daniel Taylor 60); unused Darren Phillips. Ref: Simon L Gagen (New Malden); Assts Gerry Kehoe (W Molesey), Bill Boyle (Windsor). Att 76.
After the game, the Southern Youth League’s Guests of Honour – Graham Starns (Chairman), Geoff Twigg (Asst Referees’ Sec), and Clive Soper (North Div Rep) presented the North Divisional trophy and winners’ medals to Carshalton’s players. Staines will have to wait until Monday for theirs, when of course they will hope to add the Overall title to the East Divisional title.
Women round off with another huge win! Sunday 7th May 2006 (2:15pm) – Greater London Women’s League Division 2 STAINES TOWN Women (4) 13 EAST BARNET OLD GRAMMARIANS (0) 0 A Baker 6m, 22m, 54m, 65m; A Murphy 36m, 46m, 68m, 83m; Fell 38m, 49m, 85m; McNeil 74m, 86m. Staines completed their successful League campaign with this resounding win over E Barnet, which condemned their opponents to finishing bottom. On top throughout, Staines might have scored more, but for an efficient offside trap and some wayward finishing. Amy Baker was put through, and placed her shot between ‘keeper Kerry Palmer’s legs to open the scoring on 6? minutes, and Baker added the second with a deft touch to Rachel Fell’s low left sided cross on 22 mins. Georgie Giddings, on as an early sub for the injured Lee-Ann Elliott, set up Amy Murphy to fire between Palmer’s feet for number three (36m), and when the same player had a shot well saved by Palmer 2 mins later, the ball came out to Rachel Fell whose low drive went in via a forest of players. The second half was only a minute old when Laura Spooner won the ball at the back and fed Lucy McNeil, who in turn played a great pass for Amy Murphy to confidently convert Staines’ 100th goal of the League campaign. On 49, Fell scored a great solo goal, winning the ball in midfield and bursting through the EBOG defence. Fell then started the move for number 7, and Giddings expertly laid it across for Baker to sidefoot home, thus completing her hat-trick. In the next few minutes, Hannah Murphy hit the bar, Amy Murphy’s follow-up was blocked on the line, and Fell also rattled the bar from a superb pass by Giddings. Amy Baker was claiming a record 56th competitive goal when she was put clear by Sharon Heaven and finished with a low shot (65 mins), and Amy Murphy claimed the second hat-trick of the afternoon on 68 mins after good approach work from Spooner and Eddy Koff. Lucy McNeil took the score into double-figures when she sidefooted home a Koff pass on 74 mins, and Amy Murphy bagged her fourth (83 mins) with a good strike into the bottom corner. A shot after a run from the halfway line brought Fell her hat-trick on 85 mins, and the scoring was completed by another great strike from McNeil a minute later. Staines: Sarah Clutterbuck, Kate Davies ©, Lee-Ann Elliott (Georgie Giddings 16), Kate Cook (Eddy Koff 60), Katie Bond (Sharon Heaven HT), Laura Spooner, Hannah Murphy, Amy Murphy, Amy Baker, Lucy McNeil, Rachel Fell. EBOG: Kerry Palmer, Emily Armer, Jenny Lowe, Katherine Winstanley, Gemma Hobson, Kirsty Dungate ©, Vicki Gomez, Kelly Price, Joanna Eddleston, Marie Weston, Tina Cox. Ref: Bill Holmden (Staines); Assts Nick Taylor (Ashford & STFC), Chris Phillips (Worcester Park & STFC). Att 25.
Thanks to the efforts of Mark Callaghan (who is now in sole charge of the team following Nat Hedges’ decision to stand down a fortnight ago) the League Trophy shield was collected from last season’s holders, and could be presented to skipper Kate Davies and her players after the game by club Chairman Alan Boon.
Kingston College / Academy unlucky in National final Our Youth team, in the guise of Kingston College, had a magnificent achievement in reaching the final of the national Colleges’ Trophy, where they were most unfortunate to lose. Wed 3 May 06 (noon) - ESFA U18 Colleges Trophy Final WILBERFORCE COLLEGE (HULL) (0) 1 KINGSTON COLLEGE [STFC] (0) 0 At Boston United FC, York Street Stadium The excellent surrounds of this League 2 ground staged the final of a competition in which 145 colleges had taken part. Martyn & Mark’s side had travelled up to Lincs on the Tuesday, enjoyed a meal in Kings Lynn [hi Helena!], stayed in Long Sutton [bumping into ex Swan Peter Freeman’s father], and then meeting up with the supporters’ coach at the ground on the Wednesday. Sadly, college lectures meant that only a handful of supporters could travel, but we were pleased to have Michael Tweedale (Dean of Faculty) and Jade Easton (Sports Development) from the College on board. Unfortunately, Fisher was still ruled out with his head injury, but we were otherwise at full strength. The game started 5 mins early, and with the old gold shirts attacking the dressing room end against a stiff wind, but doing so in fine form. Masham opened the Wilberforce defence up and won a corner, from which Thomas saw a header well saved. Thomas also went close with a header from a Shroot free kick, although Wilberforce did win a couple of corners of their own for Pullen: McAllister looked dangerous for them, forcing vital interventions from both Thomas and Robinson, and Beach also went close. Masham saw a header well saved from a Shroot free kick, and Shroot then skinned his marker, only to be denied the chance as his own side were awarded a free kick! Wilberforce proved to be a strong and direct side, Reverley shooting just wide after a long ball from keeper Smith, whereas Kingston played the neater football and dominated for a long spell either side of the break: Kiffin had a shot cleared off the line, and Windsor’s header was expertly fingertipped over. Wilberforce defended desperately at the start of the 2nd half, Masham and Shroot combining for Thomas to have a hooked shot scrambled off the line, and - from the 5th corner in as many minutes - he had another one cleared to Windsor, whose header came back off the bar. A foul on 54 mins led to an ugly mêlée which was resolved by a red card for Wilberforce’s Phillips, with team mate Reverley lucky not to join him after punching Draper in the head: Draper also appeared to get a ‘whack’ from the northerners’ manager. But this setback seemed to spur the Hull side on, and a rare underhit punch allowed Alex Reverley the chance to beat Chiweshe for what proved the game’s only goal (67m). The same player hit the post with a free kick 4 mins later. Our lads pressed hard to secure extra time [oddly, there would have been no penalties but a shared cup if level after 110mins], but as the 90 ticked away, efforts by Kiffin, Draper and Shroot all came and went, while Shroot saw a glorious chance bobble over after Meggie and Kiffin had opened them up. Swans: Rodney Chiweshe, Elliot Blake, Tim Pitt (Jermaine McGlashan 70), Chris Robinson ©, Dean Thomas, Robin Shroot, Jon Coleman (Daniel Meggie 73), Tom Windsor, Craig Masham (Ronnie Vincent 79), Jordan Kiffin, Harry Draper; unused Daniel Gurney, Nick White. Wilberforce: Adam Smith, David Suddaby, Andy Coverdale, Lee Beach, Ben Etherington © (Robert Hunter 85), Ryan McAllister, Robert Fowler, Scott Phillips [SO54], Alex Reverley, Andrew Kay, Jordan Pullen (Rob Abrahamson 90+3); unused Lewis Barley, Alex Davidson, Alex Richmond. Ref D Coulson (Yorks); Assts S Ross, C Wade; 4th R Galey; Att 81
Junior Tournaments Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th June - Staines Town Festival of Football Junior Tournaments. To be held at Met Police FC, Imber Court. Applications are still open for boys’ teams at U7 to U16 age groups, and girls U12 & U14 events, so if your team would like to enter, please call Ken Halse on 07944 333703
Swans end season with a draw Saturday 29th April 2006 (3:00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division STAINES TOWN (1) 2 FOLKESTONE INVICTA (0) 2 By Steve Parsons. Staines completed their Ryman League campaign with this eventful draw with mid-table Folkestone, bringing to an end a run of three League defeats, despite being forced to field a weakened team. Michael Murphy and Matt Flitter were only fit enough to be named as sub, while Currie was still receiving treatment, and Paine was left out, paving the way for Jon McDonald, Fiston Manuella and Ellis Remy to return to the starting team. The visitors fielded their second string ‘keeper, Kieron Mann, as Kessell was on a US Business trip. The pitch was in excellent condition, the day mild and sunny, and Staines attacked the houses end in the first half. Prior to kick off, the “Massive Swan” fanzine and StainesShrimper website unofficial Player of the Year award was presented by Rob Cooper to hands-down winner Jake Newton. Staines made a determined start, and were rewarded with a well-worked opening goal, scored after 14 minutes. Danny Gordon advanced down the middle and then slipped the ball through to Ali Chaaban, who stroked his shot beneath the diving body of ‘keeper Mann. Staines knew that their microscopic chances of making the play-off required them to hit at least 8 goals (as well as Billericay beating Hampton narrowly), but for that to happen they would have needed all their half-chances to go in. However, Mann was able to save with his feet when skipper Scarlett put Mark Nwokeji away, and also clung onto Dean Green’s angled shot. Folkestone worked a good chance on 24 minutes, but Jake Newton put Matt Carruthers under sufficient pressure that he could not get a clean shot. Shaun Allaway parried his drive and then as Michael Everitt tried to divert the rebound in, McDonald was on the line to effect a clearance. There followed a comedy moment a couple of minutes later when Nwokeji’s powerful ground shot was deflected for a corner, and – after the normally unflappable Ukrainian referee and his assistant had confirmed that it was not a goal-kick – they somehow managed to allow the flag kick to be taken from the wrong side. The last few minutes of the half saw both teams unfortunately being forced into early substitutions: Gordon and Folkestone’s Steve Norman (ankle) limped off, to be replaced by André De Lisser and Walid Matata respectively. The visitors made a good start to the second half, with Allaway doing well to hold Carruthers’ driven free kick from the edge of the box, and the same player then whipped a ball right across the goalmouth, before De Lisser made a goal line clearance from Stuart Myall. All the main action, however, came within the space of 8 packed minutes, which featured three goals and a dismissal! First came Folkestone’s equaliser, a 68th minute penalty hammered into the top corner by Kevin Watson after Nick Burton had pulled Michael Everitt back. Four minutes later and the visitors went ahead, Matata playing Rob Knott through to shoot into the corner. The lead lasted only until the 75th minute, though, as Ellis Remy and Scarlett worked a good move, which ended with a foul on the former on the edge of the 18 yard box. After some deliberation, Chaaban curled a splendid shot into the bottom corner. The dismissal came seconds later, when Folkestone were awarded a throw-in. Remy was slow retreating, and was cautioned for that, but Paul Lamb threw the ball into his face, which was construed as violent conduct, and brought a straight red. Nwokeji dragged a shot wide after Remy had provided him with a shooting chance, and he had another shot blocked, while McDonald’s throws always gave Staines a hope of snatching victory. In the end, Staines could not manage it, but with Hampton coming from behind to beat Billericay, they have finished just one place and 5 points outside the play-off positions. They have only once finished higher than 6th in the Isthmian Premier Division, and that was in 1981/2 when, following the infamous ‘streaker’ incident, they came 4th. Staines: Allaway, Newton, McDonald, N Burton, Green, Scarlett ©, Remy, Manuella, Nwokeji, Gordon (De Lisser 38), Chaaban; unused Maskell, Murphy, Flitter, Phillips. Folkestone: Mann, Watson, J Everitt, Flanagan ©, Norman (Matata 45), Saunders, M Everitt, Myall, Knott, Carruthers. Lamb [SO 76]; unused Chandler, Nielson, Fraser. Ref Oleksandr Saliy (Golders Grn); Assts B Harman & D Martin (both Hants) Official Att 226.
Film crews at Wheatsheaf Park Sky Sports brought their cameras down here on Tuesday April 18th to shoot some footage for the news item about Sheffield United's recent takeover of the Thames Club. On Thursday 27th, Nike were due here with West Brom's Junichi Inamoto, to film an advert which will be screened during the World Cup, and then early next week another commercial will be made here for the Royal Mail.
Presentation night STAINES TOWN FC PRESENTATION NIGHT - This is open to club/supporters' club members this season, and will cover all teams within the club. Tickets are £10, it’s at the Thames Club / Staines Town FC on Saturday 13th May (8pm). Contact the club or pay at the door.
Coach to Boston Wed 3rd May: Kingston College / STFC v Wilberforce College (Hull) 12 Noon at Boston United FC, York Street, Boston,Lincolnshire, PE21 6JN. The Kingston College Academy / STFC side who have reached the National Colleges cup final will be training on the Tuesday morning and then travelling to the game the night before, and staying over in a hotel. However there is a coach going up on the day, leaving from the training ground (Hampton Royal Cricket Club) at 8am on Wednesday 3rd May, and a number of seats will be available to supporters. Thanks to the College's generosity there will be no charge, but everyone wishing to travel must book with Jade Easton, whos daytime number is 0208 2682811.
Darren takes the high road Congratulations go to one of or first team players, Darren Campbell, who has agreed to join Scottish Premier league club Inverness Caledonian Thistle for next season: probably the first time a Staines player has gone directly to a top flight club in any country. Darren joined us from Reading before Xmas, and it was always appreciated that he would be looking to return to the pro' game as soon as the transfer windows opened. He did get a lot of 'leg work' in the winter, with trialls at Colchester and Burnley, and interest as far afield as Oslo. However in the end, the lure of his native Scotland won him over, and we wish Darren every success next season, and thank him for his endeavours with the Swans.
Graham up for groundsman of the year Earlier this month, the club was advised that groundsman Graham Gould had been shortlisted for the prestigious Football Association Groundsman of the year award (League competition), run for the FA by the Institute of groundsmanship in Milton Keynes. The IOG inspectors, Darren Baldwin and Dave Roberts, visited Wheatsheaf Park on 6th April, met Graham, viewed the excellent playing surface, looked at our equipment (which is functional but basic) reviewed pitch usage statistics. To be crowned FA groundsman of the year, Graham will first have to be judged against the other South Eastern nominees, from Met Police FC and Dover Athletic, before going forward to the National judging. Whatever the outcome however, we wish to place on record our appreciation for the marvellous job done by Graham (with the help of Pete Moss and Jesse Richards) which has enabled us to play decent football without running into a fixture backlog. Good luck Graham.
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