Last gasp Fish salvages Swans a point

Saturday 29th October 2005 (3·00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

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

This was always going to be a difficult game for Steve Cordery’s side, as they took their unbeaten away League record to an in-form Bromley team who have not lost a League game at home yet this season.  They were however able to choose from an almost full squad: the one bad piece of news being that Danny Gordon’s twisted knee is likely to keep him out until the new year.  But back came Clement James from injury, Sean Allaway from illness, and Jermaine Hunter from suspension, and with the signing on Thursday of a second work-experience youngster with Football League experience from Colchester United, in 18 year-old midfielder Robbie King, and a recall for André De Lisser after a glittering cameo display on Monday, there were no less than five changes from the side which drew at Chelmsford.  The unlucky ones were James Courtnage, Michael Murphy, Luke Muldowney, Mark Williams, and Michael Currie. Bromley’s subs’ bench included Kevin George, who spent part of last season at Wheatsheaf Lane, but he did not come on.  Hunter had in fact been missing for 6 games, his suspension kicking in after his injury had cleared, and though he worked hard, the lay-off unsurprisingly meant he was perhaps a little short of match-fitness, coming off near the end.  The weather was intermittently sunny and overcast, the pitch was in very good condition, and Staines attacked the far (boardroom) end of the Hayes Lane ground which is in the midst of undergoing a major extension to the main stand.

It was a rousing start for the visitors, who threatened to get themselves out of sight nio the opening 10 minutes.  A poor clearance by Lillywhites’ goalkeeper Andy Walker struck King as he ran back, and fell into the path of Hunter, but Walker redeemed himself with a good save.  Two minutes later, a drive by Hunter just cleared the cross bar, as Staines piled on the pressure.  It seemed they would be rewarded when, in the 9th minute, James was tripped just outside the box, and when De Lisser played the free kick in to Hunter, he too was tripped by Allan McLeod, and referee Meilack pointed to the penalty spot.  However, Walker dived full length and pushed Hunter’s well-struck spot kick round for a corner.  The two immediate consequences of this passage of play were Bromley’s loss of their skipper, who seemed to hurt his ankle in making the foul challenge: he was replaced by Fraser Logan, and handed his armband to Mark Willy.  ‘Keeper Walker needed treatment to the wrist he hurt in making the save, and although he was able to continue, he looked in some discomfort from that point on.  But Bromley also gained in confidence from Staines’ failure to punish their early failings, and in fact prevented the visitors from seriously testing the ‘keeper’s injured hand.  While Bromley’s Tutu Henriques and Adam Locke pinged shot across the face of goal, and Adrian Stone saw one powerful drive saved by Allaway.  At the other end, Staines only significant chance came when Jamie Guy won a corner, which Jon McDonald took to Hunter, but again his shot was blocked.  However, Bromley took the lead after 25 minutes, when a Nic McDonnell helped on a long ball into the path of Adrian Stone, who was given too much space, and made good use of it, spinning and hitting a good shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Stone delayed a throw-in right at the start of the second half and was promptly yellow-carded, and for a while Staines again threatened, although neither of the big shots sent in by James and Guy forced a save from Walker.  From a Barry Gardnet cross, a snap shot from Fraser Logan forced a reflex save from Allaway, and it took a super saving tackle from Jake Newton to keep the home side out again after Stone had put McDonnell through.  The introduction of Mark Williams again proved a big plus, and his skills drew a foul from Sam Wood which saw the Bromley man booked.  He also made a good run which required Joe Vines to make a last ditch intervention.  Although Newton again had to make an important clearance, it was now Staines who were doing all the pressing in the closing stages, especially after the late but inspirational introduction of Craig Maskell.  Fiston Manuella glanced a header across the goalmouth, after another sub, Currie, had won a throw-in – always dangerous in the hands of McDonald.  McDonald then saw a shot deflected wide, and from Williams’ corner, Popoví? could not keep his header down.  The equaliser came on 88 minutes, when McDonald played a long ball out wide to Maskell, who showed great skills in guiding it in to Guy.  His low, hard shot was turned onto the post by Walker, but Fiston Manuella reacted quickly to turn the rebound into the net from close range.  In an all-action and controversial end to the game, there were complaints that Staines had been denied another scoring scance when being given offside from a throw-in, Newton had his name taken for a foul on Woodand the visitors created two more half chances to steal a dramatic win.  Firstly, Currie flicked the ball on to Popoví?, but he stumbled as he tried to shoot in a crowded box, and then the last defender dispossessed Currie after he was set up by a glorious Maskell pass.  In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Guy was obstructed by Mark Willy, but reacted with a flourish of his arms which unfortunately brought him a straight red card.  Staines dropped one place to 4th.

Staines: Allaway, James, McDonald, Popoví?, Flitter ©, Newton, De Lisser (Williams 64), Manuella, Hunter (Currie 80), Guy [SO 90+4m], King (Maskell 87);  unused Murphy, Ifura.

Bromley: Walker, McLeod © (Logan 10), Luckett, Vines, Willy, Henriques, Gardner, Locke, Stone (Tompkins 84), McDonnell (Falana 80), Wood; unused: Drewett, George. Ref: F Meilack; Assts Croft, Slater.  Official attendance –  402.

Young Swans just miss out

Thursday 27th October 2005 (7·30pm) – FA Youth Cup 3rd Qualifying Round (match 22)

CHESHAM UNITED Youths (1) 3

STAINES TOWN / Kingston College Academy (1) 2 By Steve Parsons.

These two previously unbeaten sides met in the final qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup, and played for a place against Chipstead (4-2 winners over Thamesmead T) in the 1st Proper.  But it was to be a frustrating night for Martyn Spong’s team, who led early on, then came from behind and again seemed to have stolen the initiative, but on each occasion were unable to press home their advantage, and were sunk by an 88th minute winner.  Staines might have severely dented the young Allied Counties league side’s confidence within the first half minute had Masham’s header flashed just the other side of the upright, but as it was they needed only 12 mins to open their account.  Craig Masham supplied a glancing header to Dean Thomas’s long throw, to send the ball looping up and beyond ‘keeper Smith.  But Staines seemed to be knocked out of their stride when Fisher sustained a painful facial injury, but showed great bravery in returning to the fray just a few minutes after being stretchered off.  Chiweshe had to make a good save at the feet of Wright, when he got away on the left, and then Coyle made a good run before spanking a shot against the upright.  But Staines regained enough confidence to pull off a cheeky corner move involving Shroot and Kiffin, and resulting in a foul on the former in the ‘D’, but his free kick was saved on the ground.  And then, 2 minutes into stoppage time, Wright broke upfield and scored the equaliser with a low, hard shot.  And just 2 minutes into the second half, Chesham completed their comeback with a well taken goal by McGill.  Staines might have got back on terms straight afterwards, but Coleman put a one-on-one chance wide.  However, after playing a neat one/two with Shroot, sub Tom Windsor fired the equaliser under Smith’s dive in the 61st minute.  Referee French, who had previously annoyed Staines with some quirky pre-match rulings (only 8 on the bench, and not the 11 permitted under FA rules; Chiweshe forced to wear a shirt borrowed from Chesham and almost the same colour as their outfielders, to avoid a clash with the opposing ‘keeper) then cautioned Masham for entering the field without his permission – even though his assistant had told him to do so.  At the same time, he contrived to drop the ball not once but three times, putting the home side in a dangerous position when they should have been given unhindered possession.  Then Chiweshe made a super save at the feet of a forward, pushing the ball wide for a corner, only to get up and find Mr French pointing to the penalty spot!  After Robinson was cautioned for his protests, Chiweshe ensured that justice was done by pulling off another super save.  With 5 minutes to go, his great save from McGill seemed to have assured extra time, but then, in the 88th, Coyle wriggled through and shot a fine individual winning goal.  There was still time for Staines to almost rescue it, with several corners, one shot cleared from right under the bar, and an injury time drive by Kiffin going just too high.

Staines: Rodney Chiweshe; Elliot Blake, Tim Pitt, Chris Robinson ©, Danny Fisher, Dean Thomas (Tom Windsor 58), Jon Coleman (Aston Ventour 65), Robin Shroot, Craig Masham, Jordan Kiffin, Harry Draper; unused Daniel Meggie, Karl Popovic, Daniel Gurney.

Chesham: Shaun Smith, Jim Satterthwaite, Bradley Holt (Joel Read 64), Gareth Lee (James Salter 77), Nick Gurney, Ed Chemlal ©, Jaymin Kassam, George Coyle, Iain McGill, Joe Wright, Matt Tallyn; unused Joshua Card, Blayne Cahill. Ref WJ French (Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes); Assts Chris JJ Jamieson (Amersham), M Duke (New Bradwell, Milton Keynes). Att 101.

Five star entertainment in Essex

Mon 24 October 2005 (7·45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division (at Billericay Town FC)

CHELMSFORD CITY (3) 4  STAINES TOWN (1) 4 By Steve Parsons.

Staines Town and Chelmsford City contested a remarkable Ryman League game at Billericay’s New Lodge ground on Monday night, which swung one way and then the other, before ending all-square at 4-4.  Both managers may have been metaphorically tearing their hair out at the perceived loss of 3 points that – at various stages in the game – seemed theirs for the taking, but for the fans of both sides it was an evening of five-star entertainment.  Steve Cordery and Craig Maskell  wasted no time in introducing his latest recruit, Jamie Guy, who was signed on a work-experience basis from Colchester United that very morning, having played the most recent of his 4 Football League games just 2 months ago.  Fiston Manuella made a remarkably quick return to the side following his concussion on Saturday, but Gordon (knee) is likely to be out for a couple of weeks or more.  The pitch was in relatively good condition, given the heavy rain that had fallen for most of the preceding 24 hours, and indeed throughout the game. 

Staines could not have wished for a better start, as they attacked the Essex side from the opening whistle, and forced the opening goal after only 3? minutes of play, when a corner from Michael Murphy was swung into the box, Manuella and Michael Currie put pressure on ‘keeper Gavin King, and it was Currie who applied the final touch to send the ball over the line at the near post.  With the advantage of an early goal and the strong wind, Staines might have hoped to press on, but on the contrary, it was the home side who took control of the game, keeping up some non-stop pressure and drawing level in the 13th minute.  The lively Jamie Richards cut inside and fired off a hard, low shot which James Courtnage could not have seen until late, and it nestled into the corner of the net.  Four minutes later, and City were ahead, giving lie to their position just two off the bottom of the league, when Jamie Richards surged in from the right hand flank and found the net with a low drive from a tight angle.  More chances came the way of the home side, as when they were awarded a free kick for hands just outside the box, and Craig Edwards’ effort deflected for a corner, which Jerome Sobers directed onto the head of Richard Halle, producing a super save from Courtnage.   Manuella collected a yellow card, perhaps rather harshly given the slippery conditions underfoot, for a slithering challenge on Richards, before Staines were at last able to mount another meaningful attack, just 6 minutes short of the break.  On that occasion, Matt Flitter won a corner following Jon McDonald’s torpedo-like throw, and this was taken by McDonald, whose swirling kick was carried against the inside of post and bar before being cleared.  Guy, who had shown some confident and  twinkling skills as early as the 5th minute before the tide had turned against The Swans, came to the fore again late on, and had a penalty appeal turned down after a defender may have pulled his shirt when about to strike for goal from a good through ball.  But just as Staines thought they had weathered the worst of the storm, Chelmsford applied what looked like being the decisive blow with a third goal in the 41st minute, when Craig Edwards was allowed a free header from just 6 yards out. 

Even the most optimistic of Staines supporters came out for the second half wondering just how heavy a defeat their side was in for, and this may have worsened when Michael Haswell rolled an effort just wide of the post in the opening exchanges.  But credit to Messrs Cordery and Maskell, for their team seemed to be revitalised by their interval talk, and an early double substitution of André De Lisser and Tariq Nabil for Michael Murphy and Luke Muldowney.  In the 64th minute, new boy Jamie Guy proved his worth with a poacher’s goal, tucking away (via the far post) a perfect De Lisser centre from close range, after the wide player had received from jake Newton and got away down the right.  It was De Lisser himself who bagged the equaliser just 4 minutes later, having been fouled just outside the box, he brilliantly strike the free kick hard and low, taking the slightest of deflections before skimming into the bottom corner.  With the home side now severely rattled, Guy sent a shot spinning across the face of goal, but Staines could not quite secure a fourth goal at this stage.  City then steadied themselves with a double substitution of their own, and seemed to have wrested back the initiative when Craig Edwards Jr chipped across the face of goal.  However, with 83 minutes played, another foul on De Lisser gave McDonald a free kick, and he sent it to the back post where ?eljko Popoví? was on hand to stab the ball just inside the upright to give Staines a precious 4-3 lead.  Richard Halle collected a caution for continuing his protests about the original free kick.  Now it was City’s turn to attack in numbers to try to salvage something from a game that had seemed in their grasp.  In the 87th minute, Victor Renner forced the ball over the line, but the referee belatedly noticed the linesman’s flag raised for offside earlier in the move, and to the dismay of their players and supporters, the goal was disallowed.  Manager Craig Edwards Sr came out of his technical area to remonstrate with the assistant, and was banished from the dug-out.  But all was not lost for the home side, as they bagged a dramatic and controversial equaliser in the 89th minute: a huge punt dropped down on the edge of the 6-yard box, where Richard Halle was able to force it over the line, despite protests that he too was offside.  However, the goal stood, and it was in truth no more that City had deserved.  Staines slipped to 3rd place in the table, with Fisher’s win on the same night.

Staines: Courtnage, Murphy (De Lisser 53), McDonald, Popoví?, Flitter ©, Newton, Williams, Manuella, Muldowney (Nabil 53), Guy, Currie;  unused Ifura, Maskell, Allaway (gk).

Chelmsford: King, Smith, Haswell, Sobers, R Edwards ©, Lincoln, Fiddes, C Edwards Jr, Richards (Renner 73), Allen (Watson 73), Halle, unused: Jordao, Valdez, Lawlor (gk).

Ref: G Hambling; Assts I Wright, P Cassidy.

Steve Cordery and Craig Maskell have moved in to sign 18 year old JAMIE GUY, a forward / midfielder from Colchester United.  Born in Barking, he joins the club on a YTS basis from the League One side, for whom he made 2 Football League appearances last term, and two more as recently as this August.  He is 6’1” tall, and has just returned from a spell on loan in the Conference with Gravesend & Northfleet.    He is expected to make his début in tonight's Ryman league visit to Chelmsford City. 

Last season he was in the U's under 18 side which made it through to the Quarter Finals of the FA Youth Cup, and scored the winner in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Layer Road in the 3rd Round.  This after starting the campaign on loan at Tiptree United.

Ladies in 2nd round proper

Sunday 23rd October 2005(3pm) – FA Women’s Cup, 1st Round Proper

HARINGEY BOROUGH LFC (1) 2

STAINES TOWN Women (0) 5

Staines Town’s new women’s team sensationally progressed to the 2nd Round Proper of the national cup in thrilling style on Sunday, coming from two goals down away from home, to defeat a side ranked two leagues higher than them, with a blistering FIVE goals in the last half hour!  Squeezing through the fruit market which had necessitated the later start, the sides lined up at the Coles Park ground in White Hart Lane, that is little altered since the 1st XI last visited it 17 years ago.   Mention should also be made of the excellent hospitality afforded by the officials of the Spartan South Midland League club. Much of the first half was dominated by a string of narrow offsides, as defences were on top.  These two teams had both found the net well over 50 times each already this season, but they played for 42 minutes before troubling the scorers today.  After a powerful opening 10 minutes, Staines then found themselves penned in for a long spell.  Bond made a saving tackle to deny Long when well placed, and Clutterbuck saved well from King from the resulting corner.  Then Cable saw a shot deflected wide of the Staines net, before Clutterbuck made a heroic save with her knee when King was put clean through.  Long put another chance wide, before Staines finally started to get forward again.  Baker saw a lofted shot saved after Koff’s accurate pass, Elliott set Giddings away for a clear chance which was thwarted by the uneven surface, and Elliott was just unable to get a toe to a far post cross after strong work in the corner by Giddings.  A Baker pass gave Giddings a shooting chance, but it went wide and she jarred her ankle in the process and limped off for a while.  Staines seemed to have settled, but they were then caught out by Boro’s opener, when an error at the back let King in, and although her shot was saved by Clutterbuck, Long followed up to shoot against the post from the rebound, and this in turn bounced in off Giddings for an own goal.  In first half injury time, Giddings had reason to rue her ankle injury, as her pace was blunted when attempting to run on to a well weighted Baker pass, and the chance was gone.  However, she did recover enough to take the corner which was the final action of the half, Boro’ keeper Napier sustaining a head injury whilst saving, which required treatment during the interval to patch her up for the second half.  Staines pressed at the start of the second half, and had a penalty claim dismissed when Elliott went down after receiving from McNeil.  Elliott was then denied by a Napier save after she flicked a Giddings corner goalwards with her heel.  But Staines were stunned by a second Haringey goal on 56 minutes, when a corner by Cable was not cleared and King forced home.  When super work between Giddings and McNeil set up Elliott for a shot which was superbly saved on the hour mark, it looked as though Staines would be on their way out.  But then followed a remarkable come back, which ensured further progress in the national cup at this, the first time of entering for The Swans.   They were given hope when, on 62 minutes, the prolific Lee-Ann Elliott forced home a Giddings cross from close in to make it 2-1.  She might have scored again with a great shot 5 minutes later, but Napier somehow palmed it round for a corner.  This only delayed the equaliser, though, as Giddings’ flag kick was helped on by Lucy NcNeil, who claimed the goal after a defender could only help it into the net.  Staines moved ahead on 75 mins, when a super pass by Koff put McNeil in the clear, and she kept her composure to beat Napier with a low drive.  And Haringey’s hearts were broken when Elliott added a fourth just one minute later, rising at the far post to head home an inch perfect cross from Fell.  The north London club’s last chance of a revival disappeared when Cable thumped a great chance against the post, and when the influential King pulled up with a hamstring problem, coming back for a moment but only to sky a good chance.  Staines pressed home their advantage with a fifth goal (83 minutes), Elliott completing a hat-trick by burying a shot into the top corner from a McNeil pass.  Long missed another chance for Boro, and Staines created two more good openings during the 8 minutes of injury time, but the score ended 5-2.  Staines thus progressed to the last 72 of the competition, and in Monday lunchtime’s 2nd Round Proper draw they were paired away to Sophtlogic FC, who hail from Hadleigh, near Ipswich. 

Staines: Sarah Clutterbuck; kate Davies ©, Sidoné Bryan, Eddie Koff, Katie Bond, Laura Spooner, Lucy McNeil (Hannah Murphy 87), Shona Mckay, Amey Baker (Rachel Fell 50), Lee-Ann Elliott, Georgie Giddings (Charlotte Phillips 87); unused Dora Lega.

Haringey: Danielle Napier, Valeria Simon ©, Keeley Penny, Karla Parker, Samuella King (Jade Bowley 80), Tracey Cohen, Nicola ‘Pickle’ Long, Carrie-Anne Layton (Andrea Walkes 90+4), Natasha Adjobia, Nichola Cable, Sarah Cleary; unused Evelin Pitisci.  Ref: Simon Neller (Camden); ARs Clive Medcalf (Dagenham), Davit Djibilyan (W Hendon). Att 47.

In a further fillip to the club, Georgina Giddings, who is also at the Chelsea Centre of Excellence, has been chosen in a squad of 34 to attend the England U15 Development Pool up at Lilleshall on 25-27 October, from which the team for the next international will be selected.  There was disappointment this week however for Rachel Fell, who was in the England U17 pool, but just missed out on the final squad this week.                                                                                                                          

Swans lose ground

Saturday 22nd October 2005 (3·00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

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

Staines lost ground on leaders Hampton by losing to fellow hopefuls Worthing by a solitary goal at Wheatsheaf Lane on Saturday.  Steve Cordery started the afternoon with selection problems, for as well as having to do without the suspended Hunter and Murphy, he lost James (arm injury) and Allaway (stomach upset) on the day of the game.  James Courtnage and Michael Currie stepped in for these two, and Jon McDonald was passed fit after a thigh worry.  Four of the Staines subs had shown up well in Tuesday’s Middx Premier Cup tie, including – for the first time in a competitive senior game this season – Dean Pitcher.  Worthing included former Staines youth Liam Collins. 

Staines attacked the houses end in the first half, on a mild but largely overcast afternoon, with the pitch in its usual excellent conditioCourtnage did not have to wait long for his first action since sustaining a sudden arm infection a month ago, making a super diving save to deny Matt Russell from a close range header.  However, there was little he could do about the Worthing goal on 17 minutes.  Staines were deceived by a cleverly taken Collins free kick, and Russell whipped the ball in from the right to Richard Pacquette, unmarked in the centre, who sidefooted home – leaving some to debate whether he might have been a fraction offside.  Danny Davis had a close effort for the visitors following a free kick resulting from a McDonald foul for which he was cautioned. 

Staines suffered a serious setback in the 29th minute when, following a long McDonald throw in, Fiston Manuella went up for a high header which he glanced just past the post.  Unfortunately, Manuella was not conscious to see his near miss, for he was knocked out by an accidental aerial clash of heads, and then the big man crashed heavily to the ground, landing on his jaw and badly cutting the side of his mouth with his teeth.  Play was halted for several minutes while he was assessed and then removed groaning on a stretcher, before the ambulance arrived to take him for stitches in the hospital.  Williams took his place on the field.  Courtnage was called upon to make another good save from Russell, but in the latter stages of the half, Williams showed some of his best form since joining the club, acting not only as a playmaker, but a direct threat on goal too. 

He had a 20 yard drive just touched for a corner by the experienced Mark Ormerod, and then volleyed over from close range when the flag kick was swung over. The stretcher was called for again just 3 minutes into the second period, though mercifully it was not deployed.  However, the twisted knee sustained by Danny Gordon was sufficiently painful for him to limp of and be replaced by Marien Ifura. Williams carved out a couple more half chances, but Staines picked up two more cautions, first Currie for dissent, and then De Lisser for a late challenge, although his adversary’s retaliation and subsequent words with the linesman surprisingly went unpunished. On another afternoon, Pacquette might have secured a hat-trick, but his clever running into space and tricky approach play were not matched by his finishing.  Staines perhaps realised that it was not to be their day when, after being tripped, Williams quickly and cleverly slipped a free kick through to the unmarked Luke Muldowney, but he shot over.

Karol Derewenko was brought on, and showed some nimble footwork, and Williams provided two more openings, one of which evaded all the forwards, and the other was eased through to Curie who was crowded out in the 6 yard box.  And as the clock ticked into stoppage time, Jake Newton beat Ormerod all ends up with a 30 yarder which hit the crossbar and came down.  Even some of the Worthing staff felt it had crossed the line, but Currie should have made sure when the ball landed at his feet, only to be thwarted by the already supping ‘keeper.  With other results going their way to some extent, Staines managed to retain 2nd spot in the table, but will surrender their top-spot in the “last 6 games form tables”. 

Staines: Courtnage, Gordon (Ifura 48), McDonald, Popoví?, Flitter ©, Newton, De Lisser (Williams 33), Manuella, Nabil (Derewenko 71), Muldowney, Currie;  unused Maskell, Pitcher.

Worthing: Ormerod, Rogers, Knee, Lutwyche, Cable ©, Davis (Alexander 79), Collins, Pacquette (Brotherton 90), Francis, Russell (Charles 61), Browne; unused Grice, Leaver (gk).

Ref: G Muge; Assts G Garnham, J Mellor.  att 280.

Ressies first outing

Tuesday 18th October 2005 (7·30pm) – Middlesex Premier Cup Round One

BEDFONT Reserves (0) 0  STAINES TOWN Reserves (2) 4 By Steve Parsons.

Steve Cordery maintained a watching brief as he handed over the running of this very local game to Academy team manager Martyn Spong (on crutches after an injury playing for Corinthian-Casuals Vets on Sunday), ably attended by Messrs Taylor, Workman, and Dadswell.  The team was an intriguing mix of members of the First Team squad who recently have not played as often as they would wish, either through injury – Marien Ifura, Dean Pitcher, James Courtnage; or lack of opportunity – Adrian Browne, Mark Williams, Karol Derewenko; topped up with a generous measure of Under 18 players.  This meant that there was a wide range of experience levels, from the Football League pedigree of Williams, to the youngsters like Karl Popovic (16), and Tom Windsor and Harry Draper (just turned 17 in the last month).  Bedfont, who fielded their Suburban League side, included several players with Staines Town history, namely Darren Noad, Gordon McAvoy (now back from Bedfont Green), and Jake Jenkins (formerly in the Swans Juniors).  The Hatton Road pitch was in good condition, but became a bit slippery as the precipitation increased from a light drizzle to a steady rain throughout the second half.  Staines, in white, attacked the clubhouse end in the first half.  ’Keeper Courtnage captained the side, and his opposite number, Lee Stevenson, unusually reciprocated for Bedfont.

Staines made a perfect start, with a goal after only 2 minutes.  Pitcher sent a super ball out wide to Williams on the right hand side, and his inviting cross was met by a powerful header from Harry Draper as he darted in, thumping the ball into the roof of the net.  After 10 minutes it was 2-0, McAvoy tripped Williams in the penalty box, and Dean Pitcher strode up to hammer the resulting penalty past Stevenson. Staines threatened to increase their lead, but Stevenson made a good one-handed save to keep out Ifura’s header, and then Courtnage was called upon to make a double save at the other end to deny Noad and Alex Headland in quick succession.  Derewenko sustained a bloodied nose, and had to return after half an hour wearing the spare 18 shirt.

Referee Reuben Simon cautioned one player from each side, Bedfont’s Cope early in the second half for dissent, and Staines’ Williams for a reckless tackle.  Derewenko was unlucky not to score when he clipped the ball over the diving Stevenson, but a defender chased back to clear off the line, Ifura was denied by another good save following a disputed corner, and Pitcher was twice unlucky from close range.  The addition of Kiffin and Jon Coleman renewed the Swans’ forwards’ vigour, and any worries about a comeback and extra time were dispelled once and for all when Robin Shroot scored a super individual goal in the 87th minute.  He dispossessed a defender on the edge of the box, and then rounded the ‘keeper before sidefooting home.  And the action was rounded off with another quality Staines goal on 89 minutes, Craig Masham winning a high ball and nodding it down to Jordan Kiffin, who shot under Stevenson’s body.  A great move involving Masham, Draper, and Windsor resulted in Coleman firing over from close range in stoppage time.  All in all, this was a very useful exercise, with the senior members of the team getting valuable pitch time, and the younger ones enjoying the experience of playing alongside First Teamers in a men’s game, and demonstrating their abilities to the Manager: not one of them looked out of place.  Staines are due to entertain Brook House Reserves in the next round (quarter final).

Staines: Courtnage ©; K Popovic, Tim Pitt, Browne, Ifura, Shroot, Williams (Coleman 73), Windsor, Derewenko (Masham 78), Pitcher (Kiffin 67), H Draper; unused Robinson, Sean Murphy (g/k).

Bedfont: Stevenson, Lee Morley, McAvoy, Noad, Paul Jean (Louis Ward 52), Cope (Mike O’Brian 58), Bertie morse, Paul Murphy, Jenkins, Barry Tompkins, Headland; unused Steve Higgins, Sylwester Wegrzyn.   Ref: Reuben Simon (Hounslow); Assts: J Weeks (Sunbury), S Simpson (Ashford);  att 54.

Another Record?

Sunday 16th October 2005

Greater London Women's League Div 2

STAINES TOWN Women (7) 16

LEYTON (0) 0

In what is believed to be the highest scoring Senior game ever staged at Wheatsheaf Lane, the new Staines Town Women's team defeated Leyton with 7 goals in the first half and a further nine in the second.  However, there was a long delay in play near the end, when Staines' England Youth international Rachel Fell sustained an ankle injury which required an ambulance to be called.  The details of her injury are not yet known.

Amey Baker led the scoring procession with four, and there were hat-tricks from Lee-Ann Elliott and Eddie Koff.  Lucy McNeil and Hannah Murphy added two each, with Shona McKay and Rachel Fell completing the tally.

Staines will face a much stiffer test next Sunday when they travel to Haringey Borough in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women's Cup.

Easy win for Swans

 Saturday 15th October 2005 (3·05pm) – FA Trophy, 1st Qualifying Round

STAINES TOWN (1) 2   WIVENHOE TOWN (0) 0 

Staines eased through to the next round of the Trophy, with a fairly comfortable victory over a side one off the bottom of the Southern League Division 1 East.  Steve Cordery made just one change from the excellent midweek side, as Michael Murphy failed a fitness test and was replaced by ?eljko Popoví?, himself returning from injury.  Jermaine Hunter, now recovered from his own ankle injury, begins a 3 match ban.   On a hot and sunny October afternoon with a good Wheatsheaf Lane pitch showing few signs of wear, Staines attacked the houses end in the first half.  The visitors’ coach had made slow progress from Essex, leading referee Chris Jones to file a report for a 5 minute late kick-off.  Wivenhoe were able to include new signing Sean Hillier, who lined-up alongside his brother Paul.

Wivenhoe’s travel frustrations continued once the game kicked off, with skipper Jack Wignall (son of the former Aldershot man, Steve, who is The Dragons’ assistant manager) getting a yellow card for dissent after conceding a free kick in only the 5th minute.  The visitors’ troubles increased when an early injury to Keith Martin saw the striker limp out of the game after just 25.  And Staines, after some hesitant cup performances so far this season, were in no mood to show any sympathy, keeping Wivenhoe on the back foot and finally taking a deserved lead after 27 minutes.  Camping in the 18 yard box, shots by Popoví? and Fiston Manuella rained in and were bravely blocked, but when the second rebound fell to Jake Newton, he guided the ball into the bottom corner – his first Swans goal in almost 2 years.  Staines forced a string of good chances in the last 7 minutes of the half.  Nabil dispossessed a defender, and saw his shot deflected fro a corner.  André De Lisser was given acres of space by a quite prodigious throw in by Jon McDonald, but stubbed his shot against the foot of the post.  He was on target with his next chance – a difficult long shot – which stung the hands of ‘keeper Ollie Sanders.  And then the day’s outstanding player, Clement James, wriggled free but shot a fraction wide.

But if there was any half-time ruing of missed chances, it did not go on for long, as the game was effectively won with a second goal in the 49th minute.  A brilliant run by James down the left was followed by an angled shot, which Sanders saved but could only nudge towards Tariq Nabil, who cleverly lifted a left-footed shot into the roof of the net.  Popoví? was taken off as a precautionary measure soon afterwards, but Staines continued to dominate the game, with Wivenhoe denied all but a sniff of hope of getting back into the game, let alone forcing a replay.  Nabil saw a good shot well saved by the eccentric Sanders, James curled a free kick a fraction wide, from the edge of the ‘D’, and the late addition of Maskell allowed the attack to widen out.  This confident win and clean sheet sees Staines now travel to the historic Cray Wanderers club (or, more accurately, their hired ground at Bromley) in the next round on 12th November.

Staines: Allaway, Gordon, McDonald, Popoví? (Currie 55), Flitter ©, Newton, De Lisser (Williams 75), Manuella, Muldowney, Nabil (Maskell 66),  James; unused Ifura,  Courtnage (gk).

Wivenhoe: Sanders, Bethell (Shepherd 55), Taylor, Mabvura, J Wignall ©, S Hillier, Caton, P Hillier, Martin (Wake 25), Townrow, Sterling (Proske 87); unused: Phelan.

Ref: C Jones; Assts A Crawford, P Parkins. att 201.

Record victory for Academy

Thursday 13th October 2005 (7·30) – FA Youth Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

STAINES TOWN / Kingston College Academy (5) 10

(Masham 11m; Kiffin 16m, 41m, 54m; Coleman 26m, 72m; Blake 35m; Shroot 48m, 69m; Fisher 73m)

BISHOP’S STORTFORD Youth (0) 0 By Steve Parsons.

On the face of it, this looked a tricky tie, against the youth side of a club in the Conference South, who had already seen off Woodbridge in the previous round.  However, it soon became clear that the young Blues were no match for Martyn Spong’s increasingly accomplished Staines side, who could have gone on to break the club’s 20-year old record score in the competition.  Virtually at full strength, Staines took just 11 minutes to open the scoring, when Stortford ‘keeper Bonini got a hand to – but could not keep out – Craig Masham’s powerful drive from outside the box.  Thomas picked out Masham, whose cross was neatly sidefooted home from close range by Jordan Kiffin to make it 2-0 six mins later.  After Kiffin had a scrambled ‘goal’ ruled out for offside, and Masham was denied by a good save, Jon Coleman fired home at the back post on 26 mins.  Ventour unfortunately picked up a booking for a 31st min foul, and Chiweshe had to be agile to turn Greville’s free kick round for a corner.  Back at the other end, Masham had a shot saved, but Elliot Blake followed up to make it 4-0 (35mins).  One of the best moves of the game between Shroot and Kiffin ended with Masham firing just wide, but 4 mins from the break, Kiffin made it 5-0 with a great shot.  Ventour was then replaced by a Windsor due to an ankle injury.  No time was wasted in pushing the score onwards just 3 mins after the restart: Robin Shroot shot into the top corner after silky skills by Coleman.  On 54 mins, Coleman ran at the defence and then threaded the ball through to Kiffin, who hammered home to complete his hat-trick.  Kiffin seemed certain to score again but was denied by a great tackle from Olivireti. Unfortunately, he took a knock in the process, and his substitution undoubtedly slowed down the goal tally.  Maggie hit the post in a 1v1, before Shroot made it 8-0 when he superbly brought the ball under control and lashed into the corner (69m).  Three minutes later, Coleman expertly lifted the ball over Bonie’s head, and within a minute Fisher powerfully headed home a Shroot corner to reach double figures.  There were still 17 minutes left, but all Staines managed to add in that time were 2 silly cautions – Fisher for dissent, and Coleman, perhaps harshly, for kicking the ball away.  Staines will visit Chesham United (who beat far-off Great Yarmouth) in the 3rd and final qualifying round.

Staines: Rodney Chiweshe, Elliot Blake, Daniel Gurney, Chris Robinson ©, Danny Fisher, Dean Thomas, Jon Coleman, Robin Shroot, Craig Masham (Daniel Meggie 49), Jordan Kiffin (Lee Higgs 60), Aston Ventour (Tom Windsor HT); unused Tim Pitt, Karl Popovic.

B Stortford: Matt Bonini, Sean Phillips (George Sydes 83), Ricky Walsh (Tom Archer 83), Gabriel Olnireti, Charlie Pollard, Elliott Greville (Luke Hammett 49), Dave Ratcliffe, Josh Thompson, JJ McCalla, James Kirkland, Charlie Simpson; unused Jack Meekings.

Officials R: S Hart; ARs K Aldridge, J Weeks; Att 68.

Plummer quits - Chooses 'Dons' not 'Swans'

Staines Town Manager Steve Cordery was disappointed to lose attacking midfielder Dwayne Plummer this week as the former Bristol Rovers player, now aged 28, chose to further his hopes of a late return to the pro’ game by taking up an offer from AFC Wimbledon manager Dave Anderson.

Plummer joined Staines in the close-season to make a re-connection with his former Manager at Aylesbury United and having scored the ‘Swans’ opening goal of what has been a very successful first quarter of the Ryman league Premier Division campaign, he quickly became an influential member of the side. However, he bowed out in salubrious circumstances, picking up a broken nose as the Middlesex side exited the F.A. Cup at Folkestone at the week-end.

Now teaming up with ‘Dons’ manager Dave Anderson (who he played under briefly at Hendon,) Plummer will be keen to help the south London side boost their chances of a promotion play-off place this season. (Stuart Moore)

Swans show great character to bounce back

Tuesday 11th October 2005 (7·45pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division

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

Staines rekindled the form of a few weeks ago, in a controlled display at Stag Meadow on Tuesday, in the derby with Slough.  Steve Cordery made two changes from Saturday promoting Luke Muldowney and Jon McDonald from the bench to replace Marien Ifura and Dwayne Plummer.  Plummer sustained a badly broken nose at Folkestone, which required long hospital treatment, and is also the subject of an approach from AFC Wimbledon, to where he is expected to transfer within the next few days.  McDonald was utilised in a midfield role, while the forward line had a novel look to it, Tariq Nabil supported by André De Lisser and Clement James.  They were still without the injured Popoví? and Hunter, whilst Currie was completing his suspension.  The side did include three of their former Slough men, namely Shaun Allaway, Michael Murphy, and Clement James.  Slough’s bench included Rav Braich, who played a couple of pre-season friendlies for Staines.  The pitch was grassy but very bumpy; the evening mild but overcast with the merest hint of second half drizzle, and Staines attacked the far (clubhouse) end in the first half.  Before the game, Slough’s Josias Carbon received his club’s monthly Player award.

Staines made a marvellous start, when McDonald’s fifth minute long throw picked out Fiston Manuella, and he directed his glancing header into the far corner of the net, beyond the grasping Michael Parkin.  The home side tried to hit back quickly, with a mazy run by Josh Millar eventually being forced just wide, and the long throws of Andy Ballard – despite his bandaged wrist – almost matched those of McDonald.  However, Staines’ three-pronged attack caused the Rebels’ defence severe problems, and they were not helped by the early loss of Leon Woodruffe through injury.  De Lisser worked a great situation, but his cross went just behind McDonald, and De Lisser also saw a shot deflect across the face of goal for a corner, following a fine cross by James.  Slough’s supporters were animated for appeals against Allaway, who came right to the limit of his box to save at the feet of Millar.

The home side made a pressing start to the second half, with Millar creating two good chances: one going just wide, and one saved by Allaway.  But in the 54th minute, Staines took a big step towards victory, following good work between Murphy and James to secure a corner.  Luke Muldowney took the flag-kick, Manuella powered a header towards goal, and although it was cleared by a defender, Tariq Nabil was following in to head into the net.  Staines then enjoyed their best spell of the game, and would not have been flattered if, just 2 minutes later,  James’ stunning 30 yard free kick had gone in instead of cannoning down off the underside of the crossbar.  Slough picked up two quick bookings, Leigh Mason for a late tackle on Jake Newton, and Andy Ballard for one on De Lisser.  This led to a free kick just outside the box, from which Murphy and Muldowney combined to feed Manuella, and his goal-bound volley was well saved by Parkin.  For a while, Staines could entertain hopes of ending the evening on top of the league, before Hampton came from behind to beat AFC Wimbledon, and stay top of the pile.  But Slough have proved in recent years that they should never be written off, and when they broke away to score in the 73rd minute, The Massive could be forgiven for some jitters.  Ian Hodge found the net with a powerful close range header, after he eluded his marker to get to a cross from the right.  Staines then lost Murtphy, who limped off to make way for Ifura, thus adding height to the defence, and they were still able to mount some breaks, but it was now Slough who were pressing throughout the remaining normal time and the additional 7? minutes of stoppage time.  Matt Flitter was superb at the back, and Slough’s one real chance came in the 93rd minute, when Staines lost possession from a throw and skipper Steve Daly lashed his shot just wide.  With Fisher not playing, the 2-1 win was enough for Staines to advance to second spot.

Staines: Allaway, Gordon, Murphy (Ifura 80),De Lisser, Flitter ©, J Newton, Muldowney, Manuella, Nabil, McDonald, James; unused  Courtnage (gk), Maskell, Williams, Derewenko.

Slough: Parkin, Carbon, Ballard, Daly ©, Avery, Alexis, Wilkinson, Mason, Hodge, Millar (Seedel 59), Woodruffe (Lovegrove 27); unused Paget, West, Braich.

Ref: CJ Lymer; .Assts S O’Brien, P Carver. Est att 328.

Entertainment - 4        Star Man - Fiston Manuella (Staines)

Monday 10th October 2005

Invicta just too good on the day

Saturday 8th October 2005 (2·00pm) – FA Cup, 3rd Qualifying Round

FOLKESTONE INVICTA (2) 2  STAINES TOWN (0) 0 By Steve Parsons.

Having battled through two previous rounds, Staines slipped out of the FA Cup down in sunny Kent on Saturday, bringing to an end their first 5-match FA Cup run since 1986.  This match, kicking off early to avoid the England game, was a winnable fixture against a fellow Ryman Premier side, but the absence of key players proved too much for Steve Cordery’s men to overcome.  Although skipper Matt Flitter returned from his ankle injury, displacing Luke Muldowney to the bench, the other two players injured a week ago were still sidelined: Popoví? (calf) and Hunter (ankle).  Tariq Nabil returned from his scandalous suspension, but only to replace Currie who was dismissed for ‘verbals’ in the last round.  Folkestone (whose assistant manager, Paul Parker, ex of England, did not seem to be present) had the luxury of an unchanged side, as the teams were welcomed onto the verdant, if a little bumpy, Buzzlines stadium turf on this warm afternoon.  There was a diagonal breeze, which blew against Staines as they attacked the uncovered (dressing rooms) end in the first half. 

Staines’ situation was not helped when the influential Dwayne Plummer received a bump on the nose after less than 6 minutes, being forced off the field and then returning in the number 18 blood-shirt, as required under recent guidelines.  Invicta picked up a silly caution when John Guest delayed a free kick soon afterwards.  At this stage, Staines were well in the game, and Nabil was only inches from connecting with a tantalising André De Lisser cross after a good run down the right.  But the game took a controversial turn in an unusual sequence of events culminating in Folkestone’s first goal on 21 minutes.  The home side were awarded a free kick 10 yards outside the box on their right flank.  As the wall was lining up, referee Searle spotted that Plummer’s nose was bleeding again, and sent him off to change his shirt.  The number 10 was now washed and ready, and was donned in a trice, but he was not permitted to come back.  The free kick was pumped harmlessly over the bar, but Mr Searle spotted an encroachment by Danny Gordon, and yellow carded the Staines man and ordered the kick to be retaken.  Plummer was now permitted to rejoin the fray, before James Dryden sent the ball towards Shaun Allaway.  He punched clear, but Michael Everitt lifted it back into the box, where big Adam Flanagan stabbed it into the net from close range.  Staines might have got a quick reply, but Jake Newton’s volley to another good De Lisser set-up was blocked by defender Steve Norman, and the young midfielder was off balance as he followed up for a second attempt which went too high.  Newton again looked dangerous with another run soon afterwards, but Paul Lamb closed him out.  Folkestone then made the most of a questionable throw-in decision, racing upfield when Staines felt the ball should have been theirs, only for Allaway to save well from Jones.  Staines countered quickly, and Clement ‘CJ’ James dropped a cross fractionally behind the unmarked De Lisser.  However, they were undone by a sucker punch a few moments into first half stoppage time, Flanagan playing the ball in from the right, and Paul Jones rising to head home. 

The visitors were never really able to get going in the second half, but it could have been different if Tony Kessell had not touched Plummer’s header over the bar, after Flanagan was unable to cut out James’ cross.  But that was to be Plummer’s last major contribution.  Still playing with cotton wool in his nose, he was withdrawn in a double substitution 5 minutes later, in which Staines also sacrificed marine Ifura as they pitched on Luke Muldowney and Craig Maskell.  A long goal kick gave Jones a golden chance to make it 3-0, but he blazed wide, but that would have been an injustice for the visitors, for whom Nabil and Maskell were working hard with little reward up front.  Maskell drilled one chance wide, while Nabil saw a chance blocked by Norman.  Murphy was cautioned for dissent, and was replaced by Jon McDonald soon afterwards as the visitors sought to utilise his specialist long throws.  The game was already won and lost when the home skipper, Scott Lindsey, chased the referee and showed verbal dissent, and it will be Folkestone’s 4th and final qualifying round opponents who benefit from this indiscretion, rather than Staines.  Folkestone awarded Jones the NLP Star Man accolade, and Flanagan their Man of the Match award.  Staines have now gone a disappointing 258 minutes without scoring.  Cheriton Road is proving the scourge of local sides, Egham having gone out of the Cup there in the 1st Qualifying Round; Folkestone have not actually lost an FA Cup tie in over 3 years, but were eliminated on penalties in each of the last two seasons.

Staines: Allaway, Gordon, Murphy (McDonald 79), Ifura (Muldowney 55), Flitter ©, J Newton, De Lisser, Manuella, Nabil, Plummer (Maskell 55), James; unused  Browne, Williams.

Folkestone: Kessell, J Everitt, Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Lindsey © [SO 89], M Everitt, Myall, Dryden (Glover 87), Jones (Nielsen 87), Norman; unused Dunlop, Chandler, Mann (gk).  

Ref: I Searle; .Assts R Ellis, A Oldershaw. Official Att 337.

Academy defeat old rivals

Wednesday 5th October 2005 (7·30) – Southern Youth League Cup Round 2

STAINES TOWN / Kingston College Academy (3) 4

HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH Youth (0) 1 By Steve Parsons.

Staines confidently strode through to the last 16 of the League Cup with this well earned win over their local rivals.  Dean Thomas started the ball rolling on 22 mins with a 12 yard drive that ‘keeper Silbey could not hold.  Six minutes later, Aaron Ventour curled a super shot into the corner of the net, and the game was as good as won on 32 mins, when Danny Fisher forced in a Robin Shroot corner which Craig Masham had helped on.  Hampton were forced into two tactical substitutions as early as the 34th minute.  Elliot Blake was cautioned in the 44th minute.  Tim Pitt returned from an ankle injury to make his first appearance of the season as a sub.  Jon Coleman poached the fourth from close range after a Ventour cross from the left on 71 minutes (shortly before he limped off with a thigh injury), and there was a confident penalty appeal a minute later when Jordan Kiffin went down in the box.  Boro’s Odinkaye hit the post with a header, and then picked up an 80th min caution after reacting to a foul. The visitors got an 89th min consolation when Steven Loverage saw a powerful shot spectacularly touched over by Rodney Chiweshe for a corner, which he took himself, and which Swans’ keeper could only help into the net. In the final seconds, Howe had a second Hampton ‘goal’ disallowed, for a foul on Chiweshe.

Staines: Chiweshe; Blake, Daniel Gurney (Pitt 55), Chris Robinson ©, Fisher, Thomas (Lee Higgs 70), Coleman, Shroot, Masham, Kiffin, Ventour (Karl Popovic 75); unused Daniel Meggie, Justin Fevrier.

Hampton: Chris Sibley; Safor Hussain, Joe Hartigan (Nial Gallagher 34), Tom Howe ©, Nick Newitt, Doli Oboh, Ben Jacobs (Jules Mngadi 87), Mike Shields (Loverage 34), Gabriel Odinailke, Jack Hartigan, John Moore; unused Matt Connolly.  Ref: Mike Webb; Assts Jeff Twigg (Caterham), Gerry Kehoe (W Molesey); Att 53.

Swans brought back down to earth

Tuesday 4th October 2005 (7·45pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (0) 0   HARROW BOROUGH (0) 1 bySteve Parsons.

Defeat for Swans brought to an end several impressive runs, such as 5 straight League wins, and scoring at least once in every competitive game since April 21st.  But the one that will irk the most is missing the chance to go top, as leaders Hampton were also beaten, but remain 2 points clear.  The ankle injuries to three key players on Saturday meant that this fixture with in-form Harrow was always going to be a hard one: out went skipper Matt Flitter and fellow centre back Îeljko Popovíç, as well as leading scorer Jermaine Hunter.  On the plus side, Fiston Manuella was clear of his suspension, and Marien Ifula and André De Lisser were recalled from bench duty.  Tariq Nabil was over his sickness, but now had to serve a one match suspension for the ludicrous dismissal he suffered at the hands of Mr Wheeler at Hendon.  Steve Cordery gave a début to Polish forward Karol Derewenko, who was picked up from local side Wraysbury FC in the summer.  Harrow, who have been scoring freely recently (including a 5-0 win over Swans’ next opponents at the weekend) included former Staines favourite Elliot Onochie, plus two others who have done well at Earlsmead after playing mainly in the Reserves at Staines – Marcus Campbell and Howard Newton, the latter being the brother of Staines’ Jake.  On a cool but calm evening, in front of a good crowd, Staines attacked the houses end of their excellent pitch in the first half. 

Each side was content to launch tentative raids in the first quarter hour or so, with Staines getting in snap shots from Clement James and Manuella which worked Boro’s Malien international goalkeeper, Keita Karamoko, wand Howard Newton flashing an effort just wide of Shaun Allaway’s goal.  Shaun Allaway distinguished himself with a tremendous point-blank save when a cross from the right found Howard Newton, who seemed certain to score from 5 yards before the Staines keeper’s miraculous intervention.  Harrow were awarded a free kick in the ‘D’ 2 minutes before half time, which led to a caution for Manuella for dissent; the kick was deflected wide for a corner.

This theme continued a minute into the second half, when – although Swans were awarded the free kick – Michael Murphy was yellow-carded, and this will lead to a 1-match suspension under the totting up scheme.  A foul by Boro’s Bent led to the game’s third and final caution, all having come within 9 minutes of playing time.  Allaway once again came to his side’s rescue moments later, when he denied Bent from close range after he was set free in space.  But it was only the briefest of reprieves, as in the 55th minute, Bent’s cross found Onochie, who flicked the ball over a defender and into the path of Ross Fitzsimon, and he delivered a rifled shot into the bottom corner of Allaway’s net.  James then had a 20 yarder well saved, but was withdrawn in the second of two quick substitutions by the home side, along with the toiling Currie.  On came Craig Maskell – who scored twice against them last term – and Mark Williams.  As Staines pressed forward in search of an equaliser, there were the inevitable gaps at the back, and Danny Gordon did well to get in a last-ditch tackle to deny the dangerous Danny Leech.  Then Onochie had a chance to increase the visitors’ lead, when he latched onto a punched clearance, but he shot wide, as did the 17 year old Jonathan Constant, whose scoring run has been attracting some pro’ clubs.  For Staines, there was a powerful Dwayne Plummer shot, and another by Ifura, which were blocked.  Derewenko came on with just 4 minutes of normal time remaining (plus a generous 5 stoppage minutes), and was almost immediately involved in setting up a a chance for De Lisser, a lofted shot with Karamoko off his line, but he managed to backpedal and tip it over the bar. Williams, Maskell, and Luke Muldowney all rattled in shots in the dying minutes, but Staines could not salvage even a point from this fixture.  With Fisher having overtaken them 24 hours earlier, Staines remain in 3rd place ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie.

Staines: Allaway, Gordon ©, Murphy, Ifura, De Lisser, J Newton, Muldowney, Manuella (Derewenko 86), Currie (Maskell 74), Plummer, James (Williams 77); unused McDonald, Browne.

Harrow: Karamoko, Nielsen, Blanchett, Walters ©, Neufville, Fitzsimon, Bent, Leech, Onochie, Constant (Campbell 90), H Newton (Dyer 77); unused Haule, Dogbe, McGonigle.    

Ref: P Martin; .Assts W Christie, S Maynard. Att 343.

Monday 3rd October 2005

Five in a row for Swans

Saturday 1st October 2005 (3·00pm) – Ryman League, Premier Division

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

Staines notched a fifth successive League victory, and one that – on paper – might have seemed a formality.  However, bottom placed Redbridge (formerly Ford United up to 2001, and just relegated from the Conference South) made them work hard for the points, in a game which took its toll on Steve Cordery’s resources.  There were two changes on the Staines starting side, with Jake Newton and Mark Williams coming in (the latter making his first competitive start and league action for Swans), while Marien Ifura and Clement James dropping to the bench.  Courtnage was present, but still unable to take part, owing to an infection on his forearm and elbow, which is however improving.  McDonald was delayed in the horrendous traffic in the area, and did not arrive until it was too late to include him.   Redbridge moved into Barkingside’s Oakside ground in 2000, which has a flank-to-flank slope; their squad included Tobi Oshitola who was once linked with a move to Staines.  The surface was grassy but a little uneven, and with some torrential rain at during the first 20 minutes, and more showers as the game wore on, it became quite waterlogged in the goalmouths and down the middle.  Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half.  The Staines massive organised a supporters’ coach, which swelled the tiny crowd to only 41 paying spectators.

In the teeming rain, Staines took just 4 minutes to ease into the lead, when Michael Currie swung a left sided free kick across the box, a defender could not get any distance on his headed clearance, and Îeljko Popovíç expertly teed the ball up for himself before powerfully volleying past ’keeper Clarke Masters.  “Pop” has now scored twice in as many games.  The Motormen tried to rally but soon Staines were streaming forward again, and Dwayne Plummer was unlucky with a lofted chip that came back off the foot of the far post.  And when Staines extended their lead on 12 minutes, it looked as though it was just going to be a question of ‘how many?’  Kevin Stephens conceded possession cheaply to Jermaine Hunter, and he advanced from near the halfway line, to get in a shot which Masters could only parry into the path of Michael Currie, who kept his c0omposure to stroke the ball into the virtually unguarded net.  But Staines did not have things all their own way: a huge shot by David Collins tested Shaun Allaway, who also excelled himself in keeping out a Dean Earle drive.  Oshitola came off the bench for the injured Daryl Wilson, and he made Allaway save with his feet as the half came to a close.

Redbridge were forced into a second change at half time, but Swans too suffered a series of injury worries that they could well do without.  Just 5 minutes in, Flitter’s ankle started to feel sore again, and he was quickly replaced by Ifura.  Then Redbridge pulled a goal back on 55 minutes, after a foul on Byron Bubb on the edge of the box.  He got up to tap the free kick to David Collins, who rifled in through a crowded box to make it 2-1, incidentally earning himself the NLP Star man accolade as well.  When Hunter too went off with a 66th minute ankle injury (to be replaced by De Lisser), Staiones were beginning to look a little stretched.  Williams picked up a caution for a mistimed tackle on Collins, and was withdrawn for James soon afterwards, a decision which Staines may have lived to regret, as then Popovíç picked up an ankle knock, and was shifted up front with Luke Muldowney slotting in to cover at the back, forming a decidedly short central partnership.  There were some scrambled half chances for each side to score, Ifura making a vital block from Collins’s volley as the home side belied their lowly position, while Currie almost made capital out of a poor clearance from Masters, and in the 5th minute of stoppage time, Staines emerged from a spell in the corner with a James shot which grazed the side netting.  As the whistle blew, there was a moment when Staines thought they may have gone top, before news came through of Hampton late rally to beat Leyton.  However, they remain in a healthy second spot.

Staines: Allaway, Gordon, Murphy, Popovíç, Flitter © (Ifura 50), Newton, Muldowney, Currie, Hunter (De Lisser 66), Dwayne Plummer, Williams (James 72); unused  Browne, Maskell.    Ref: A Parker.