Worthwhile friendlies

Saturday 26th November 2005 (11·30am) - Friendly

CHESHAM UNITED XI (1) 0  STAINES TOWN XI (0) 2 By Steve Parsons.

Without a competitive fixture owing to their early FA Trophy exit – and the continued involvement of scheduled League visitors Braintree – Steve Cordery accepted an invitation to take sides to both Chesham and Northwood for two friendlies against Southern League opponents.  With a greater number of senior players included in the Northwood game, the morning fixture in Buckinghamshire was classified with the Reserve games, although there were 6 First Team regulars in the starting team, supplemented by another who is signed on Ryman forms (Richard Burton), an experienced triallist (David Ocquaye), and three Academy players.  The bench featured three more Kingston College Academy youngsters, and – as an emergency addition at half time – Trent Phillips, the veteran goalkeeper who is now on the Club’s coaching staff.  There was some disappointment among the Chesham followers that Sippetts did not make a return, but he was used in the afternoon game.  Chesham fielded a full first team for the first hour or so, including ex Swans ‘keeper Paul McCarthy, but their new management had plenty of subs to try out later in the match.  On a chill morning (which at least was spared the forecast frost), Staines attacked the entrance end of a decent, if slightly bumpy, playing surface. 

Ocquaye played a super pass from which Hunter saw a shot well saved by McCarthy, but it was the home team who went ahead following a 17th minute free kick.  Lawford turned and crossed for Michael Palmeira to score with an angled shot.  A good move involving Pitt and Draper resulted in a Burton shot which fizzed just wide as the interval approached, but there was drama at the other end where Allaway came out to punch a wayward cross and collided with Draper.  Both players needed treatment to head injuries, but during the break Allaway felt unwell and was replaced by Phillip

However, with due respect to Phillips – who proudly kept a clean sheet – it was the younger additions on whom attention was focused, and they did not disappoint, as Robin Shroot almost scored on the hour was singled out for praise by Mr Cordery, whilst the other two both found the net.  In the 68th minute, Clement James sent over a cross which was met by the head of Shroot, and although Chesham’s sub ‘keeper Brown parried it, there was Jordan Kiffin to fire in from a tight angle.  It remained all square until the 81st minute, when Staines snatched a victory thanks to Craig Masham, who robbed a defender in midfield, and then powered forward before applying a good finish into the corner of the net.  Both sides could be pleased with a good workout, but Staines could not stick around too long to enjoy Chesham’s hospitality, as their management – and a couple of players – had to hot-foot across to Northwood for another game…

Staines: Shaun Allaway (Trent Phillips HT); Dean Thomas, Tim Pitt (Robin Shroot HT), Michael Murphy, André De Lisser, Harry Draper, R ichard Burton, Fiston Manuella © (Craig Masham HT), Jermaine Hunter (Jordan Kiffin HT), Clement James [Draper 89], David Ocquaye.

Chesham: Paul McCarthy (Andy Brown 62), Nathan Stamp (Adam Chaumeton 79), Chris Herron © (Josh Morrison 69), Oswal Odjebi, Michael Palmeira (Robin Pleadon 62), Scott McCubbin (Robert Hughes 39), Colin Baker (George Mapes 74), Oliver Oatley (Jack Thompson 80), Jeff Hammond (James Gray 62), John Lawford (Carl Kilmartin 62), Shaun Reece (Leon Green HT); unused Mitchell Woodward, Craig Diaz.   Ref: S Bassnett; Assts J Allen, N Hayes.   att 64.

Saturday 26th November 2005 (3·08pm) – Friendly

NORTHWOOD (2) 3   STAINES TOWN (2) 3  By Steve Parsons

Having played a game at Chesham in the morning, Steve Cordery assembled a different squad to take on more Southern League opponents in the afternoon.  As well as six established 1st XI regulars, there were newcomers Garry Sippetts, Vladimir Petkovi? (the Serb who has played in Cyprus and Brazil), and Darren Campbell (from Reading), the latter two making their débuts.  Two other new names were 6’4” goalkeeper Mirhet Red?ic from Slovenian clubs HIT Gorica and Jesenice, and another Colchester United teenager in Russell Pond.  Fiston Manuella created a little bit of history by becoming the first Staines player to appear in two senior games on the same day since Declan Link and Chris Wheatley in August ’83 … a record that he was shortly to share with Trent Phillips!  Manuella actually had the distinction of captaining the sides both at Chesham and here at Northwood.  Marien Ifura remained on the bench as Gareth Workman is treating him for a knee injury.  Northwood also named a strong side, which included ex Swan Richard Gell in the starting line-up, and Fergus Moore and Ian Savage among the subs, whereas Staines’ Jamie Palmer and Michael Currie are former Northwood men.  The weather became very cold as the afternoon went on, but the pitch was in decent condition, and Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half.  There had been a problem securing match officials, but Northwood had managed to appoint internally, but there was an 8 minute delay prior to kick-off, while the last was briefed, and also while Red?ic received treatment on a finger which he had painfully hurt in the warm-up.

The home side wasted little time in taking the lead, when Gavin Hart won the ball in a dangerous position, advanced on goal, and fired clinically into Red?ic’s left bottom corner.  Staines responded quickly, and had penalty appeals turned down in a move which saw both Sippetts and Currie have shots blocked in quick succession.  The equaliser came on 21 minutes, when Craig Maskell stroked the ball into the corner of the net following a good pass from Sippetts.  But parity was short-lived, as a foul by Jon McDonald gave Northwood a 27th minute free kick, which was floated over by Dean Clark, powerfully headed against the post by big James Shipperley (Neil’s brother), and forced in from close range by Peter Dean.  Currie twice came close to equalising, before the impressive Campbell provided the right-sided cross from which Garry Sippetts made it 2-2 with a brave header on 38 minutes. 

Phillips had attended the two games intending only to coach, but – as with the Chesham fixture – he was pressed into second half service to keep goal after Red?ic’s swollen finger became too painful.  But he could not keep a clean sheet this time as, following a foul by Manuella on Dean, Shayne Demetrious put Northwood ahead for the third time, with a penalty on the hour mark.  But once again, Staines quickly hit back, this time after just 7 minutes.  Currie played a pass to Maskell, who hit a powerful drive from some 20+ yards, which took a deflection before fizzing past goalkeeper Liam Watson.  Staines had chances to win it in the closing minutes, with Campbell and Currie both hitting the post within seconds of each other, Pond forcing a good punched save from Watson, and Petkovi? firing over from close range in the last minute, but in the chill conditions both sides could be pleased to have served up an entertaining game for the small crowd, and sharing the honours.  Meanwhile, Fisher hopped over Staines to leave them 3rd in the table, but other results were favourable, with neither Hampton nor Worthing getting a win.

Staines: Red?ic (Phillips HT), Palmer, McDonald, Jake Newton, Manuella ©, Pond, Petkovi?, Campbell, Sippetts, Maskell, Currie; unused Ifura.

Northwood: Watson; Howell, L Harrington (Moore 42), O’Connor (Matthews 68), Shipperley, Demetrious, Garrard © (Savage 59), Gell (Carter 59), Clark (Heselton HT), Dean, Hart; unused Nolan.  Ref S Williams;  Assts A Williams, D Nolan.  Att  – 58.

Ladies to face Colchester

While the First Team are currently flying high near the top of the table, another success story at Wheatsheaf Lane comes from the brand new Women’s side, managed by Nat Hedges and Mark Callaghan.  They play in Division 2 of the Greater London Women’s League, the 6th level of the game in England, but League games have had to take second place to a remarkable FA Women’s Cup run, which has taken them through to the Third Round Proper, and they are the lowest ranked of the 54 teams which remain.  So far they have come through four rounds – three of them away – and all of them against teams ranked well above them in the pyramid.  The 10-0 win over Launton is the highest away win in the competition this season, and has helped Staines to be the second highest scorers in the tournament to date.  They followed this by beating Acton 4-2, Haringey Borough 5-2 (coming from two down in the last half hour), and Sophtlogic Stowmarket 4-1 to book another away tie, this time v Colchester United.  The game takes place at Wivenhoe Town FC on Sunday 4th December (3pm)

Inspired performance as Swans climb to second

 Tuesday 22nd November 2005 (7·45pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division

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

Staines Town bounced back to form in some style on a chilly evening at Wheatsheaf Lane, and they took full advantage of the fog which caused the abandonment of the Walton – Worthing game to move up into second place.  Steve Cordery restored Fiston Manuella to the starting line-up, and welcomed Jamie Guy back from suspension, with Jamie Palmer and Garry Sippetts dropping to the subs’ bench.  Thankfully, Robbie King remained, after Colchester had seemed likely to recall him for a 1st XI game, following a string of excellent performances in old goal & blue.  The Greens included two players with Staines experience, Ross Pickett and Daniel Julienne.  The match was refereed by Matt Downey, whose father, Colin (the former FIFA referee) was a guest at the game.  The night was chilly, Graham Gould’s pitch remains in good condition, and Staines attacked the houses end in the first half.  Fluke (UK) Ltd were the match sponsors.

In an explosive start to the match, Staines experienced delight and despair before the 7th minute was completed.  With their first attacking move of the game, André De Lisser advanced down the flank and beat his man before cutting the ball in for Jermaine Hunter to ram the ball past ’keeper Sean Thomas from close range after 104 seconds of play.   But 5 minutes later they were reduced to 10 men, when the last defender, Jon McDonald, was red carded for tripping Ricci Crace as he advanced to the edge of the box.  The visitors wanted a penalty, but it was ruled to have occurred in the ‘D’, and Pickett struck the free kick too high.  Guy showed some dazzling skills on the edge of the other box midway through the half, but Thomas did just enough to prevent Hunter from getting a clean contact on his teasing little cross.  After Hendon had been forced to replace the injured Jeff Campbell, Guy again made a good run, and this time his shot was parried wide by Thomas, but only as far as Clement James.  ‘CJ’ chipped it back across goal, and Hunter rose to apply a powerful header, which came back off the crossbar.  Hendon seized possession and broke quickly, but Julienne dragged his shot just wide.  Guy proved to be the star of the first half, cutting in and firing into the side netting in the 42nd minute.

Hendon could not make their numerical advantage tell for any length of time, but things might have been different if John Frendo’s close range effort had come down on the other side of the line when his stretching 57th minute effort rattled the underside of the crossbar, or if Crace had not put his good chance straight into Shaun Allaway’s arms 10 minutes later.  Hunter took a knock from Andy Cook, both players getting yellow cards, and there was a flurry of substitutions, including the introduction by the home side of Michael Currie for Hunter in the 70th minute.  He had only been on 4 minutes when he struck the decisive second goal.  Racing away from a tangle in the visiting defence, Currie seemed to be fouled, but as he regained his footing, Mr Downey waved an advantage.  Michael Currie advanced on goal, and let fly with a powerful drive into the roof of the net, to end his recent quest for a goal.  There was some concern as the fog rolled in thickly and dramatically from over the main stand, and with news of other local abandonments filtering through, Staines began to wonder if their efforts would count for nothing.  However, the whole pitch remained just about visible, and at the close the conditions began to clear once more.  There was a late caution for Manuella (foul on Pickett), and then Allaway was tested by a snap shot through the fog by Jimmy Froud, but he looked as sound as ever in dealing with it.  De Lisser made a good run but shot wide, and Currie was unlucky to see a deflected shot gathered in front of the post by Thomas, but Staines were well worth their 3 points and a first ‘double’ of the season.

Staines: Allaway, R King, McDonald [SO 6m], Ifura, Flitter ©, Newton, De Lisser Manuella, Hunter (Currie 70), Guy, James (Murphy 58); unused Maskell, Palmer, Sippetts.

Hendon: Thomas, Duncan, Burgess, Cooper ©, Parker, Julienne (Froud 77), Hunt, Campbell (Cook 32), Crace, Frendo (Edwards 70), Pickett; unused Griffiths, D King (gk).

Ref M Downey; Assts Burton, Mallows.  Official attendance – 176.

Sunday 20th November 2005

Sippetts Signs

The Swans have secured the services of 29 year old striker Garry Sippetts - a proven goalscorer from Chesham United.

Sippetts came to prominence when scoring 57 goals in London Colney's Spartan South Midland League championship season, 2001/2. Snapped-up by his home town club, St Albans City, during the following close-season but failed to hold-down a first-team place, scoring twice in six substitute appearances.  Moved on to Berkhamsted Town in November ‘02 (16 goals).  Joined Chesham United for 2003/4, and ended the season with a remarkable 42 goals and the Player of the Year award, and has continued to find the net there, including 9 already this term.

Welcome aboard Garry.

Swans denied at the death

Saturday 19th November 2005 (3·00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division

MALDON TOWN (0) 0   STAINES TOWN (0) 2 By Steve Parsons.

Staines made their first ever journey to the Wallace Binder ground to take on Maldon Town, a club who have risen rapidly to the Ryman Premier, having been in the Eastern Counties Ridgeons League as recently as 2003/4.  The ground is modern and tidy (featuring a remarkable mural in the bar), and the pitch in very good condition on this clear cold afternoon.  However, as they sit in the bottom three, Staines knew this was an important game to win if they were to strengthen their position near the top of the table.  Steve Cordery had been active in the transfer market in the preceding days, with one new signing on display today, and two others just awaiting formalities to be cleared up.  Garry Sippetts was the new addition up front, whilst Jake Newton was restored after a brief injury lay-off, meaning that Michael Currie and Michael Murphy were on the bench.  The third change was a late, enforced one, as Fiston Manuella was delayed en route, and lost his place to Jamie Palmer.  Maldon had a dire performance in their county cup tie in the week, and Manager Colin Wallington has also moved to make changes, notably bringing back a player who was briefly manager of Leyton this season, known as ‘Simon N. Clarke’ to distinguish him from their existing player Simon Clarke; they also blooded Dean Anderson from Conference side Thurrock, and James Rowe (Histon).  Staines attacked the far end in the first half.

The game was a closely contested one, with neither side willing to give any ground to their opponents, and hence it lacked many flowing moves or moments of class.  Simon Parker blazed a good chance over for the home side, and Lee Williams twice shot wide, whilst Jermaine Hunter fired off two shots, one into each side netting.  Sippetts worked hard for space up front, and was unlucky to be crowded out from close range after a teasing ball to the near post by Clement James.  Hunter suffered a face injury and had to return after 34 minutes with the 12 ‘blood shirt’ (Flitter still using the 18), and there was a caution for Palmer after a late challenge.  The best moment of the first half for Staines came after 43 minutes, when a sustained attack resulted in the excellent Robbie King, Hunter, and Sippetts all having shots blocked in quick succession.  Maldon’s SN Clarke was never short of a word or two for the referee, and it was perhaps rough justice that it should be his team-mate Davidson who picked up the caution for backchat right at the end of the first half

The second half produced all four goals, as both sides looked more adventurous after the interval: Maldon grew in confidence after they had held Staines for the first period, whilst Staines became increasingly eager to take the initiative.  Craig Huttley fired a ball right across Shaun Allaway’s goalmouth, and then Manuella made a belated appearance for the visitors, and almost immediately seemed to have scored when he got a head to a free kick, but somehow big Darren Gould got nimbly across his goal to push it round for a corner.  This was taken by James, but Flitter’s header was off target.  But Staines were rocked on the hour mark, when Simon Parker received the ball direct from a long Gould clearance, and he steadied himself and fired low into the corner of the net to give the home side a lead.  However, it lasted less than 2 minutes, as Jon McDonald brought the ball out of defence, and then picked out James on the left, and he whipped in a cross which was expertly stabbed in from 6 yards by Jermaine Hunter.  With Sippetts coming off with a bruised foot, Currie was added to the attack, and on 75 minutes Staines moved into what should have been a winning lead.  James did well to win a corner, which he took himself, and his kick was firmly met by a far post header from Matt Flitter, the central defender thus recording his second goal in as many matches.  King was desperately 8unlucky not to wrap it up in the 81st minute, when, after receiving from Manuella, he ghosted across the defence and hit a 20 yarder against the foot of Gould’s post.  But once again Staines were punished for switching off at the back, as Maldon bagged an 86th minute equaliser.  The move began controversially, as it seemed a defender had touched the ball out for a Staines corner, but the linesman saw it differently, and Gould launched a long free kick.  A tussle for possession out by the right touch line resulted in the home side being awarded a free kick, and this was floated over by Dean Parratt for sub Nicky Rugg (he only came on after the Flitter goal) to gain space and throw himself at the ball and score at the far post.  While hard-working Maldon could celebrate a well earned point, for Staines it was two dropped, although with the top two both losing, they have clung onto third place.

Staines: Allaway, King, McDonald, Ifura, Flitter © Newton, De Lisser Palmer (Manuella 51), Sippetts (Currie 63), Hunter, James; unused Maskell, Murphy, Courtnage (gk).

Maldon: Gould, L Williams, Huttley, . S Clarke, Bell, SN Clarke, Davidson, Parratt, Rowe (Rugg 75+), Parker, Howard; unused McGowan, Sam Clarke, Hall, McCartney (gk).

Ref I Cooper; Assts W Norcott, PM Smith.  Official attendance – 115.

Young Swans follow up win

Wednesday 16th November 2005 (7·45pm) – Middlesex Senior (J Ritson) Youth Cup Round 2 match 10

STAINES TOWN / Kingston College Academy (3) 4 HANWELL TOWN Youths (0) 0 By Steve Parsons.

Just 24 hours after the senior sides had met in Perivale, the Youth teams of Staines and Hanwell contested the equivalent U18 county cup tie at Wheatsheaf Lane.  This turned out to be every bit as convincing Staines performance as their counterparts had given the night before, and they progressed towards a quarter-final with Hendon or Wealdstone (to whom Staines have lost in the last two years, once in the Final, and once in the Semi).  The result was all the more impressive given that Hanwell sit top of the Allied Counties (East) with a 100% record in all competitions.  Staines went ahead after just 34 seconds, when Robinson won the ball at the back and picked out Jordan Kiffin, who controlled well before shooting past Charles.  Kiffin should have added another on 3 mins, but he shot straight at the ‘keeper.  But Staines did score two more in the 19th minute, just seconds apart.  Elliot Blake fired number two, and Craig Masham bundled in the third, booth coming from pinpoint left-wing crosses by Robin Shroot.  After a spate of substitutions, and a yellow card each way (Robinson 49m, and Skeete for a late tackle, 69m), the second half was curiously quiet.  However, Staines bagged one further goal in the 72nd minute, Aston Ventour striking from close range after Masham had played the ball across goal.  And late on, Charles did well to scramble a Draper effort round for a corner.

Staines: Rodney Chiweshe; Blake, Pitt, Robinson ©, K Popovic, Thomas, Draper (Meggie 64m), Windsor (Coleman 64), Masham, Kiffin (Ventour 64), Shroot; unused Gurney, Higgs.

Hanwell: Simeon Charles, James Mahmoudi (Courtney McLaren HT), Spencer Bellotti, Ashley O’Hallorhan, Ashley Herbert ©, Daniel Sanders (Tamer Ondar HT), Luke Skeete, Harminder Liddar (Charles Oberoi 62m), Victor Osobu, Vinney Sharms, Faysa; Mahad; unused Phil Cannon, Abdi Saad. Ref Mark Sennett (Hayes); ARs Robert Was (W Drayton), Reuben Simon (Hounslow); att 50.

Swans prove a point

Tuesday 15th November 2005 (7·45pm) – Middlesex Senior Cup Round 1 (match 9)

HANWELL TOWN (0) 0   STAINES TOWN (2) 3 By Steve Parsons.

After two successive cup defeats in the previous week, Staines were in no mood to take lightly either the county cup competition, or the opponents – high-flying Spartan South Mids club Hanwell.  This was Staines’ first known competitive visit to Reynolds Field.  Steve Cordery was however forced into two changes from Saturday, as Popoví? (ankle) and Newton (back) were ruled out by injuries which will hopefully be healed by the weekend.  Jon McDonald was switched from left to right back, making way for Michael Murphy’s return, and Marien Ifura stepped into the centre of defence.  Up front, Craig Maskell was rested after three successive starts, and Clement James restored to the team.  Jamie Palmer made his return from injury and loan as a second half sub.  Hanwell is a club with connections to the successful Staines team of the ‘70s, with Arthur Rowlands and Roy Nairn still on the coaching staff (Tim Soutar left several years ago), and there were two members of the successful Rowlands dynasty (Antony and Keith) in their team tonight, alongside former Aldershot man Jason Tucker.

The game did not get off to the most auspicious start, with a throw-in after less than a minute leading to a long conference between the match officials.  Staines enjoyed a good spell, and had clearly been sent out on a mission by Mr Cordery.  Michael Currie stabbed just wide on 9 minutes after Jermaine Hunter crossed having received a great pass from Murphy.  Then André De Lisser fed the hard working Currie, but in a preview of his entire night, luck was not on his side as ‘keeper Matt Pollard pulled off a good save.  The opening goal came on 26 minutes, and was superbly lofted home by Robbie King, easing the ball over the defence from some 25 yards out.  Hanwell suffered an early injury setback, as Luke Sheekey was taken off soon afterwards to be replaced by Chris Ferdinand.  Hunter was again the provider as James sent a shot against the foot of the far post, before Hanwell’s best chance so far, when Chris Mills was well placed to equalise but shot wide.  However, if they entertained hopes of a comeback, Staines scored a well worked second after a good move.  A Murphy throw was moved on via Currie, James and King, who seemed to be tripped.  However, referee Isaac Jempeji played the advantage, and Jon McDonald’s low, angled shot brought him his first goal of the season.  Pollard in the Hanwell goal suffered a thigh injury, and was replaced at half time by Simon Pratt.

Staines also started the second half well, with Sean James being forced to make a vital block as Hunter found himself in space.  The third goal came from the resulting corner, in the 49th minute, when Clement James’s flag kick was half cleared, but skipper Matt Flitter fired through a crowded box.  Currie darted shots either side of Pratt’s post, while Staines started on a little piece of history when Flitter was taken off.  He passed the captain’s armband on to Fiston Manuella, who was himself replaced 6 minutes later.  Staines’ third captain of the match was André De Lisser, but his tenure lasted only 5 minutes, so Clement James spent the last quarter hour as the fourth incumbent of the night!  Meanwhile, King made a super solo run but Pratt did well to force him wide at the expense of only a corner, and Currie saw one more shot well saved, this after he had picked up the opnly yellow card of the night for a late challenge.  Staines will now visit Brook House in the next round, and hopefully will be able to build on this performance as they travel to Maldon in the League at the weekend.

Staines: Allaway, McDonald, M Murphy, Ifura, Flitter © (Browne 61m), King, De Lisser (Williams 72), Manuella (Palmer 67), Hunter, Currie, C James 82; unused Maskell, Courtnage (gk).

Hanwell: Pollard (Pratt HT), A Rowlands, S James, Tucker, J Murphy, Brown, Sheekey (Ferdinand 29), K Rowlands ©, Jaso, Mills, Sroka; unused Pither, Canoville, Clarke.

Ref I Jempeji; Assts J Taverner, B Capel; MCFA rep P Axtell.  Official attendance – 67.

Jon is 'Main' man for Cray

Saturday 12th November 2005 (3·00pm) – FA Trophy, 2nd Qualifying Round – At Bromley FC

CRAY WANDERERS (1) 4   STAINES TOWN (2) 3 By Steve Parsons.

This remembrance weekend match was preceded by a minute’s silence for the wartime fallen, and for Doug S Gillard, Chairman of the Southern Football League, who died on Friday after a heart attack.

Staines suffered a shock defeat to a side in the lower half of Ryman Division 1, slipping out of the FA Trophy at only the second hurdle.  Steve Cordery made three changes from Tuesday, restoring Jon McDonald for Michael Murphy at left back, André De Lisser in midfield for the suspended Guy (3 games, from his dismissal at the same ground 2 weeks ago), and Michael Currie for Clement James up front.  Cray had to make a last minute team change when sub Matt Woolf cried off and was replaced by Jamie Wood.  The game was played in bright but chilling conditions at Bromley FC, which Cray use for their senior games, with Staines attacking the far (board room) end in the first half.

Staines found themselves trailing after only 38 seconds, when a Drew Watkins free kick from inside his own half was met in the penalty box by the head of veteran forward Gary Abbott (41), and Michael Power then provided the final head to beat Shaun Allaway.  Allaway had to deal with another header very soon afterwards, but Staines were not fazed by this early onslaught, and quickly settled down to play some neat football.  Only 7 minutes had been played when Jake Newton started a move at the back with a strong tackle, and pass to De Lisser, and he played the ball upfield to Jermaine Hunter.  Hunter’s shot was touched onto the post by ‘keeper Steve Northwood, and it rebounded across the goal from where David Hall tried to clear, but he was closed down tightly by Craig Maskell, whose intervention diverted the ball back towards – and into – the net.  Staines were now very much in the ascendancy: they forced a string of corners, and a couple of neat saves from Northwood, a McDonald throw was powered just over from the head of Fiston Manuella, and there were chances for Matt Flitter, Currie, Hunter, and Maskell in quick succession.  A McDonald shot deflected just wide, and Hunter went close with a header from Maskell’s cross.  In between, Allaway saved easily from the left boot of Power following a Main pass, and the same player might have done better from close range after a Watkins free kick, only for Allaway to save under the cross bar.  Staines made their dominance count in the 43rd minute, with a tremendous goal which had its origins in a McDonald / Manuella combination at the back, before a good run and cross from Robbie King, who centred for Jermaine Hunter to launch himself at the ball and direct his header into the corner of the net.  Northwood clung onto a De Lisser free kick in the half’s closing seconds, to keep his side in the game.

Whether it was their half time substitution of the injured James Taylor, or some inspiring words from Ian Jenkins is unclear, but Cray were a changed team after the break, and Staines fell victim to some slackness.  A failed offside trap and a slip allowed Jon Main to fire under the advancing Allaway’s body, following a meat wall-pass with Watkins to level things up on 49 minutes.  Staines were caught out again just 5 minutes later, when an attack was broken up and Power picked out the speedy and skilful Main in space again.  Although Allaway forced him to go wide, the young striker kept his head to put his side ahead once more.  But it did not last long – just a minute later, Maskell again showed his class with a neat turn following good work by King and Currie, and he laid the ball off for André De Lisser to fire in a shot which gave Northwood no chance.  Northwood was able to scrabble away Maskell’s close range effort a minute later, and for a while it seemed that Staines had weathered the storm and would at least be able to bring the tie back to Wheatsheaf Lane on Tuesday.  De Lisser got a yellow card for bundling into an opponent, and Staines were soon on the back foot again.  Main’s shot was well saved by Allaway and – although the home support claimed a penalty for hands – they got only a corner, from which sub Leigh Bremner headed just over the bar.  ?eljko Popoví? had unfortunately sustained an ankle injury, and had to be subbed by Marien Ifura.  McDonald did well to divert Main away from goal and allow Allaway to make the save, but in the 76th minute the same player got away again, and was brought down by the Staines ‘keeper, who received a yellow card.  However, he redeemed himself by saving Main’s underhit penalty kick.  Watkins then had a free kick punched clear after a foul just outside the box by Kempster, before Mr Cordery made that change up front which he hoped would turn the tide and win it at the first attempt – james for Currie.  But it was not to be: on 85 minutes, Bremner and Power combined, and Main completed a stunning hat trick with a 25 yard shot which both sets of supporters could only admire.  Staines tried in vain to salvage a draw, but Cray remained resolute at the back, and held on to claim a place in Monday’s 3rd Qualifying Round draw, while Staines can contemplate a county cup visit to Hanwell.  Not surprisingly, Cray gave their Man of the Match award to hat-trick hero Jon Main.

Staines: Allaway, King, McDonald, Popoví? (Ifura 72), Flitter ©, Newton, De Lisser, Manuella, Hunter, Maskell, Currie (James 82); unused Courtnage (gk), Murphy,  Williams..

Cray: Northwood, Hall, Rawlings ©, Morris, Khan, Taylor (Lover HT), Power (Ward 89), Kempster, Abbott (Bremner 59), Main, Watkins; unused Baker, Wood.  

Ref A Slaughter; Assts L Rendell, R Wilkins (all W Sussex).  Official attendance – .131.

• The last time these sides met was at Grassmeade in the Southern Comb Cup: Cray 5 Swans 0.

• Ref Andy Slaughter had an uncle, Greg Slaughter (47) who was briefly a Staines player at 17.

Incredible run continues for Ladies

Sun 13 Nov 2005 (1pm) – FA Women’s Cup 2nd Round Proper (at Hadleigh Utd FC)

SOPHTLOGIC (0) 1  STAINES TOWN Women (3) 4

The new Staines Town Women’s side are enjoying an incredible odyssey in their first season in the national Women’s FA Cup.  Although playing only in the Greater London Women’s League Division 2, they secured a resounding 4-1 win over a SE Combination League side – four divisions higher than themselves!  They have now come through four rounds, beating sides 4, 2, 3, and 4 leagues higher respectively, all but one of them away from Wheatsheaf Lane.  Sunday’s game entailed a 2 hour, 110 mile each-way minibus trip to Suffolk, to take on the former Stowmarket Town LFC, who now bear their sponsor’s name, and play at Ridgeons Eastern Counties League Hadleigh’s pleasant Millfield ground.  Nat Hedges and Mark Callaghan had to do without regular defender Spooner, who was working, but otherwise had a full team.  Conditions were bright and the surface excellent as – following a minute’s Remembrance silence – the game commenced. 

Staines deservedly went ahead on just 8 minutes, when McNeil outpaced the right back and sent over a far post cross which was too hot for the defence to handle, but which was met at the back post by a stooping close range header from Amey Baker.  The home side then rallied, and the speedy Allum raced away and forced Clutterbuck into a vital save at the second attempt, whilst Willshire also showed good pace for Sophtlogic.  Staines might have doubled their lead when Baker made a neat turn but her 30 yard drive hit the crossbar on 25 mins.  McNeil was again dangerous when an angled shot went just off target, but then the home side came close to equalising with a swift break by Dani Hoy, who hit a powerful low drive.  However, the outstanding Clutterbuck got her hand down well and it was just enough to take the pace off the ball and divert it slowly inches wide of the post.  She followed this up with a masterful punch from the corner.  Just as Sophtlogic were starting to sense an equaliser might be coming, Staines added a vital second on 32 mins.  It was almost a repeat of the first, scored by Baker’s low header from very close in, but this time it was Giddings who provided the cross from the left.  Next it was Sophtlogic’s turn to hit the woodwork, as Anneka Willis saw a long shot come back off the bar on 42 minutes.  Just in front of the defence, Bryan was doing a sterling job in breaking up the home side’s attacks, while Bond was unbeatable in the heart of defence.  And Staines gave themselves a real boost with a third goal a minute from the interval, when Lee-Ann Elliott got her chest to a deep cross from the left, once again supplied by McNeil which came off the underside of the bar.  The home side appealed in goal for an offside or a handball, but the officials were unimpressed, thus the damage had been done by three goals scored from a combined distance of about a yard!

McNeil got on the end of a Bryan through ball, and her shot forced ‘keeper Scott to concede a corner right at the start of the second half.  At the other end, Clutterbuck was forced into three good, early saves, but Sophtlogic’s perseverance paid off when she was finally beaten by a fine shot from the edge of the box by Michelle Allum.  Although McNeil set up Baker for a good shot that was well saved, Staines were pushed back for a spell, and were grateful to a goal line clearance by Bryan after Clutterbuck had forced Hoy wide.  There was a caution for the home side’s Barton for a foul on the mercurial Fell.  Staines lost Bond (knee) with 15 minutes to go, but Heaven came on and Staines reshuffled with McKay slotting in admirably at the back alongside Koff and skipper Davies.  The game was put beyond doubt in the 82nd minute, when Fell cross from the right, and Lucy McNeil had the composure to steady herself before firing home from 12 yards to the palpable relief of the team and the few supporters.  There was still time for sub Murphy to come on and see a shot touched onto the post by Scott, and for an injury time tussle to lead to yellow cards for Koff and Sophtlogic’s Welham. 

A delighted Staines now go into Monday’s draw alongside such names as Aston Villa, Liverpool, Man City, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Notts Forest, Portsmouth, Reading, Southampton, W Ham and Wolves.  They are in the last 54 of the tournament (only the 10 WFA Premier League teams remain exempt for one more round).

Staines: Sarah Clutterbuck, Kate Davies ©, Georgie Giddings, Eddie Koff, Katie Bond (Sharon Heaven 75), Sidoné Bryan, Lucy McNeil, Shona McKay, Amey Baker (Hannah Murphy 82), Lee-Ann Elliott, Rachel Fell; unused Charlotte Phillips, Dallas Huntley (gk).

Sophtlogic: Nicky Scott, Shanie Plumb, Steph Lloyd © (Kelly Rodwell 85), Sue Osborne (Tarnia McKew 53), Anneka Willis, Sam Barton, Dani Hoy, Joanne Welham, Nyssa Willis, Kerry Willshire (Kelly Rodwell 85), Michelle Allum.  Ref: Trevor Poulton; Assts Michael Rowse & David Fowler (all Ipswich); att 31.

Academy win in cup

The Youth (Academy) Team achieved a good 2-1 win away at Wingate & Finchley this week, to set up a home game in Round 2 v Hanwell this Wednesday.  Jordan Kiffin and Robin Shroot were the scorers.

Wednesday 9th November 2005

Armstrong finally signs

Steve Cordery has finally secured the services of 24 year old striker Paul Armstrong after four years of trying! Armstrong, 24 is the nephew of former Irish International Gerry Armstrong and had trials with Nationwide Championship outfit Millwall as recently as pre-season. Swans fans may remember him scoring twice against us last season at Wheatsheaf Park for Dover and also featured in Billericay Town's play-off side of last season. Meanwhile we say goodbye to Luke Muldowney and Karol Derewenko who have joined Chertsey and Camberley Town repectively.

Swans taught footballing lesson by Wombles

Tuesday 8th November 2005 (8·00pm) – Westview Cup Round Three

STAINES TOWN (0) 0   AFC WIMBLEDON (1) 2 By Steve Parsons.

If the League tables were anything to go by, this should have been the tie of the round, as two hitherto exempt high-flying Premier Division clubs opened their campaign in the newly retitled Isthmian League Cup competition.  On the field it was Staines’ first chance to entertain – in a meaningful game – the much-heralded fans’ successor club to Wimbledon FC, while off it, it was a good chance for them to test the security arrangements ahead of the League meeting on 2nd January.  The rain held off until kick-off time, and with few rival attractions either on tv or locally, hopes were high of a crowd of 800+.  However, these were dashed by a series of road accidents which caused horrendous backlogs on all the approach roads, and in the end it was a relief to get 622 spectators, 3 officials, and most of the players in on time.  Even then, for safety and crowd reasons, kick off was delayed from 7·45 til 8pm.  Staines would have fielded an unchanged team from Saturday, but for the delay experienced by Jon McDonald – ironically one of the most local players – whose starting shirt was belatedly switched to Michael Murphy.  The Dons were likewise affected, Steve Butler getting a late call-up for the delayed Antony Howard.  Dwayne Plummer was surprisingly not in their starting line-up, making only a cameo appearance in the closing 3 minutes, while their recently recruited ex-Swan, Craig Reilly, was present but unable to play through injury.  The pitch was in good condition, but it rained, heavily at times, for most of the match, in which Staines attacked the houses end in the first half. 

Just as in the League encounter in August, Staines fell behind after only 6 minutes, this after Sonny Farr sent over a corner from the right, which led to Steve Butler spinning away from his marker and sending a cheeky header out of the reach of Shaun Allaway.  The twin sights of the stretcher and the ambulance are becoming all too common at Staines games recently, and they were called upon again today with an accidental clash of heads between Fiston Manuella and Chris Gell leaving the Stsaines man with a painful bump, and his colleague (Richard’s twin) with a cut and suspected concussion which the volunteers from St John recommended needed hospital attention.  Wayne Finnie went close for the visitors with a shot, before Staines enjoyed their best little spell, featuring two shots by Jamie Guy. His first was saved by Josh Lennie, and the second – hit from outside the box – seemed to be going in before it veered just wide of the upright.  A late challenge by Murphy led to a flashpoint in which not only the original offender, but team-mate Matt Flitter (still wearing 18) and AFC sub Howard were all cautioned.  Staines were in constant danger from balls launched into their box, while they were not able to create much of their own.  In one flash of inspiration, however, Craig Maskell’s skills set up a scramble in which Robbie King, Clement James, and Manuella

King picked up a yellow card for a late challenge in the 51st minute, André De Lisser came on for the well-marshalled Jermaine Hunter, and Barry Moore was booked for a late challenge on Manuella.  The second half, however, was largely shapeless, but Shaun Allaway reacted well to a shot by Shane Smeltz which took a big deflection.  Michael Currie then came on, but on 75 minutes the visitors put the game beyond Staines’ reach with a second goal.  It was created by some delightful skill from Richard Butler, a drag back and a flash of pace on the right preceding his centre to Moore, who in turn fed it wide to Sonny Farr.  It is likely that Farr was attempting only to hang the ball up in the vicinity of the far post, but his angled ball into the box carried high over Allaway to drop into the far corner.  As the rain returned with a vengeance, McDonald came on a s a late substitute, before manuella stung Lennie’s hands with a low drive.  Then came a scramble in which ?eljko Popoví? had a shot blocked, only for AFC to break upfield and, thankfully for their opponents, shoot too high.  In stoppage time, Currie was presented with something of a gift, when a defender slipped which going for a long Lennie pass, but unfortunately Currie was also unable to convert the chance as he too slipped in the rain. 

Staines: Allaway, King, Murphy, Popoví?, Flitter ©, Newton, Guy (Ifura 88), Manuella, Hunter (De Lisser 62), Maskell (McDonald 84), James (Currie 74); unused Ifura, Williams..

AFC Wimbledon: Lennie, Sweeney, Sargent, S Butler, Sobihy, Finnie, Moore, C Gell (Howard 15), R Butler (Plummer 87), Smeltz, Farr (Harvey 75); unused Connery, Little.  . Ref: S Briffitt; Assts A Hyne, A Gillett.  Official attendance – 622.

LloydsTSB  Bank plc sponsored the game and named Fiston Manuella as their Man of the Match.  City Electrical Factors were match ball donors.  Bob & Kim Sherwood and their counterparts from AFC Wimbledon are to be thanked for assisting in keeping an enjoyable and trouble-free atmosphere throughout.

But Academy win eases blow...

There was some cheer for the Club, with news from North London coming through that the Academy side had defeated Wingate & Finchley 2-1 in the 1st Round of the J Ritson Middlesex Senior Youth (u18) Cup.  Jordan Kiffin and Robin Shroot scored the goals.  Wealdstone were holders.  The next round - home v Hanwell Town - has been provisionally set for one week later - 15th November.

King's lob secures points for Swans

Saturday 5th November 2005 (3·00pm GMT) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (1) 1   EAST THURROCK UNITED (0) 1 By Steve Parsons.

On the back of two battling away draws, this Guy Fawkes day game was an important one for Staines to win, and Steve Cordery set out a very attacking line-up on, with Craig Maskell coming in for André De Lisser to make for a three-man forward line.  This was a brave ploy against a side only two places below them in the table, and who beat them in their only previous match, an FA Cup tie in 2003.  The Rocks, promoted last year, are building a solid team, which notably includes Tony Boot.  The ground became very overcast before the game, and there were some fairly heavy showers in the first half, but the pitch held up well, and although it looked superficially less pristine than usual, this was mainly due to worm casts.  Staines attacked the houses end in the first half. 

Maskell’s inclusion and patent quality were instrumental in setting up an early chance, as he robbed fullback Stuart Williams and centred for Clement James, whose drive cleared the bar.  He was involved again, sending an inch perfect pass from the right to Jamie Guy on the left.  The Colchester United youngster took on and beat Scott Holding, and floated over a high cross.  Although goalkeeper Mark Hardingham got his fist to it, the ball only went as far as Guy’s Colchester colleague Robbie King, and he showed great maturity by lifting a delicate ball over the big ‘keeper’s head, to drop just under the bar.  Just 14 minutes into his home début, therefore, King had scored what proved to be a vital winning goal.  The Rocks then suffered the first of two unfortunate first half injuries – with Lee Burns limping off holding his hamstring, to be replaced by Jon Turnbull.  Ten minutes later, however, there was a delay of some 7 minutes, as the two most powerfully built men on the park – Dean Palmer and Fiston Manuella – went for the same ball, and the Essex man fell awkwardly and in much pain.  He was stretchered off, and taken to hospital in an ambulance with suspected knee ligament damage.  When play resumed, with Danny Harris in his place, Staines enjoyed another dominant spell.  James flashed a shot just past Hardingham’s post, and as the game moved into its 10 minutes of first half stoppage time.  The superb Jake Newton combined with Jermaine Hunter, to set up a chance for Maskell, who went just too high when he tried to repeat King’s finish, albeit from a little further out.  Staines were able to clear when Harris pounced on a slip at the back, and were quickly back onto the attack, with Manuella passing to Maskell, who crossed for McDonald to see a shot touched round for a corner.  A late challenge on Wotton brought McDonald the afternoon’s only yellow card in the 9th minute of injury time. 

Flitter re-emerged for the second half wearing the 18 shirt, his own number 5 having been ripped by Palmer during the first half.  The visitors briefly celebrated an equaliser in the 57th minute, when Gary Wotton forced the ball over the line, but they had not noticed the assistant referee’s raised offside flag.  Referee Mark Halford, who came all the way from Bristol, had occasion to discipline the visiting bench for too many people standing at once.  It was by no means a dirty game, but there were a succession of injuries.  The latest was to James, who seemed to received a flailing arm across his mouth, and had to don the 16 shirt owing to blood on his own.  As the ambulance came and went for Palmer, the game understandably went a bit flat for a while, but it was East Thurrock who got back into their stride the quicker. Racking up the pressure on Staines in the later stages.  With Maskell, Hunter, and eventually Guy being withdrawn, Staines struggled to maintain the ball upfield, although they were masterful at the back.  Newton and Flitter won every ball, McDonald ate up the groud tirelessly, and Popoví? could not be beaten in the air, whilst Shaun Allaway deservedly his first clean sheet since the opening Saturday.  Good work up the middle by West gave Harris a chance for the visitors, but he shot over the bar, and they must have realised that their luck was out, when Danny Hayzelden’s corner was met by Steve West, but Allaway stretched to turn his header against the upright.  In the 87th minute, McDonald was harshly adjudged to have committed a foul just outside the box, but Scott Holding’s whipped free kick was deflected for a corner.  As the stop watch ticked slowly on to the 5th minute (of 7) of stoppage time, even ‘keeper Hardingham was added to the United attack, but Staines held firm to claim the 3 points.  With Worthing only drawing, they climbed a place to third.

Staines: Allaway, King, McDonald, Popoví?, Flitter ©, Newton, Guy (Ifura 88), Manuella, Hunter (Currie 76), Maskell (De Lisser 74), James; unused Murphy, M Williams.

E Thurrock: Hardingham, S Williams, Holding, Stanbrook, D Palmer (Harris 41), Wootton, Burns (Turnbull 21), Hayzelden, West ©, Boot, Thomas; . Ref: M Halford; Assts A Roberts, M Webb.  Official attendance – 220.