| Tuesday 30th October 2007 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division HENDON (1) 2 STAINES TOWN (0) 1 By Steve Parsons. After the euphoria of Saturday’s FA Cup heroics, Staines came down to earth with a bump when they narrowly and unfortunately lost away to high flying Hendon in the League. Steve Cordery fielded an unchanged side for the chilly evening game at Hendon’s famous but aging Claremont Road ground. Hendon’s teamsheet included ex Swan Dean Green, and Lubomir Guentchev, one of the two sons of Bontcho Guentchev who play for The Greens. On a chill evening, Staines attacked the clubhouse end of the well-grassed but somewhat ‘bobbly’ ground. After their exertions of the last 7 days, Staines were a little slow out of the blocks, and although Mark Nwokeji dribbled across the 18 yard box before firing just wide, it was Hendon who opened the scoring on 24 minutes. They were awarded a free kick for a foul several yards beyond the right-hand angle of the penalty box, and Marc Leach cracked it in directly with an unstoppable shot from 25 yards. However, this seemed to be the spur that Staines needed and Adrian Toppin went close shooting just over. There was a booking a-piece, Gareth Risbridger and James Parker for fouls, before Staines really applied the pressure in the final stages of the half. Nwokeji sent a snapshot just over from a whipped cross by Lewis Cook, and Risbridger made a powerful run which was only ended by a super tackle. The last action of the half saw Nwokeji ride a challenge and feed Marc Charles-Smith, who squared for Toppin, who in turn volleyed just over. The second half continued with Staines in the ascendancy, with Marc Charles-Smith untidily bundled off the ball by goalkeeper Luke Blackmore and a defensive team mate just as he darted towards the box, and Blackmore then making a comfortable save from Risbridger. On 54 minutes, Nwokeji picked out Lewis Cook in a good position, but he was harried out of possession by the home defence, and they in turn launched an attack which ended with Shaun Allaway denying the dangerous Davis Haule as he raced clear. At the other end, Nwokeji battled his way through and earned a 58th minute corner, which was curled in and against the crossbar by Dwain Clarke. Staines made a pair of attacking substitutions on the hour, with Howard Newton and Victor Asombang added to the striking options. H Newton was very quickly involved, setting up Charles-Smith for a shot which was tipped over the bar. Howard Newton took the corner himself, exchanged passes with Marcel Nugent, and then brought the ball into the box. He skipped over a challenge that might well have resulted in a penalty, if he had not kept his footing, outsmarted the ’keeper, and fired into the bottom corner to deservedly equalise. Leach tried to restore The Greens’ advantage with a snap shot which went just wide a few minutes later, as the game opened out. Davis Haule’ shot was saved at the expense of a corner, which led to Leach firing just wide. The game’s most controversial moment came on 76 minutes, when Asombang made a tricky run down the right and sent in a low cross. Defender Davis Haule stooped to block the ball with his arm, but the officials were all unsighted and no penalty was thus given. Frustratingly, Staines then surrendered the share of the points which they had more than earned, when a corner on Hendon’s right was sent into the box, and forced home by Brian Haule, who had only come on as a sub 7 minutes earlier. Staines now tried hard for an equaliser, but Charles-Smith’s snapshot was parried, with Asombang unable to turn in the rebound, and the chance was gone. The second half bookings went to Toppin for dissent after conceding a foul, and Busby for a high footed challenge that caught Charles-Smith in the shoulder. Staines: Allaway; Nugent, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Risbridger (Thomas 84), Cook (Asombang 60), Toppin, Charles-Smith, Nwokeji, Clarke (H Newton 60); unused J Newton, Courtnage. Hendon: Blackmore, Maclaren (Burgss HT), Page, Leach, Parker ©, Busby, D Haule, L Guentchev (B Haule 75m), Green, Aiteoukrim (Arkadiusz 84), W O’Sullivan; Dyer, Ursell. Ref – Michael D Rowley (Woodley, Reading, Berkshire); ARs Simon Maynard (Leigh-on-Sea), Peter Hitt (Aylesbury). Att 164.
Saturday 27th October 2007 (3pm) – FA Cup sponsored by E.On 4th Qualifying Round [tie 30] WOKING (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (1) 1 By Steve Parsons. At the end of a week in which Staines had made unexpected exits from the FA Trophy and FA Youth Cup, the biggest upset of all was created in the biggest competition of the lot, as they achieved a first-ever senior win over a Conference club, to reach the First Round proper of the FA Cup for the first time since 1984. The excitement then transferred to their hosts’ clubhouse, where excited players mingled with members of the Staines Massive to watch as the balls were drawn for the First Round Proper, and eventually number 78 emerged to send them up to Stockport County for a first ever competitive meeting with a League club. Ironically, the next ball out was that of Nottingham Forest, former European Champions, who were at home in the next tie. A decent crowd turned up to see Swans’ first visit to Kingfield since 1991, decked out in old gold hats and making plenty of noise on a chilly and overcast day. At one stage in the week, it looked as though Steve Cordery would have to dip into his Capital League squad just to get a team out, but thankfully the injuries to Matt Flitter and Danny Gordon sustained in Tuesday’s draining cup tie proved less serious than feared, whilst Lewis Cook and Marcel Nugent were both passed fit. Jake Newton was deemed not fit enough to start, although coming on as a late sub, as did his brother, Howard, who was struggling with a hip injury. André Scarlett, Adam Thompson, and Leigh Mason, however, remained sidelined. All this meant that there were two changes to the midweek side, Nugent and Cook replacing Jake Newton and Victor Asombang. The pitch was in very good condition, and the afternoon’s entertainment began with Woking awarding their September Player of the Month award to a former Staines Town Junior, Matt Ruby, who was to sit out the game as an unused sub. Attacking the Kingfield Road end in the first half, Staines were initially pegged back by a series of Woking crosses, whilst Danny Bunce curled a free kick just wide. However, the visitors profited by a couple of needless infringements handing them free kicks and the opportunity to settle, and for Lewis Cook’s 20 yard curler to curl just over, following a handball. On 6 minutes, Nick Gindre had to make the first save of the match, denying Mark Nwokeji at close range following a near post cross from Cook. It was this partnership that was to produce the only goal of the match in the 9th minute, as Cook threaded a through ball for Nwokeji to run onto, and he took a couple of steps before shooting beyond Gindre and just inside the post. Woking were shell-shocked, and it took them another 10 minutes to regain their composure and start to test the Staines defence once more. Gordon made two super tackles, Dave Sargent another, and Gareth Risbridger, magnificent in midfield, threw himself in front of a Goma Lambu effort after good work from the powerful Marvin Morgan. Then it was Staines’ turn to threaten, as Nwokeji unselfishly squared to Cook only to be crowded out, and for Paul Lorraine cleared from within the 6 yard box after Risbridger’s great ball had set Dwain Clarke away. The Cards countered through Bradley Quamina, who burst into the box and then went down with the referee waving away penalty claims, snapshots flying off target from Giuseppe Sole and Matt Pattison, and Allaway making an awkward save by his near post when Bunce whipped in an angled free kick. Woking’s last two attacks of the half were both undone by them conceding free kicks when well placed: Morgan had a header blocked after Lambu’s cross, Allaway saving well as Kevin James latched onto the rebound, but the scramble was halted when Gordon was fouled. Then Nugent was pushed over when Morgan was again well placed. The half ended with Swans trying valiantly to increase their lead, Cook winning a corner which Clarke took, only to be headed out for another, and Nwokeji having an effort cleared. There were two added minutes in which Tom Hutchinson went close following Bunce’s corner. Half time arrived with the match perfectly poised at 1-0 to the underdogs. Woking started the second half like they meant business, and eager to avoid a home defeat by a team two leagues below them in the pyramid. Morgan’s eep cross led to a string of four corners, in which Sean Allaway stretched to keep out Bunce’s drive and Sole’s point-blank shot, while James mis-hit a shot in a scramble. But Staines responded well once more, Gordon breaking down the attack and feeding Marc Charles-Smith, who ghosted past his marker and saw his shot deflected for a corner. Cook then saw a header cleared. When Cook was fouled, Clarke’s cheeky free kick did not fool Gindre, who touched it for a corner. However, the last quarter of the game saw Staines absorb more and more pressure from the Conference club, and Shaun Allaway in goal more than earned his Man of the Match accolade with a string of incredible saves. Nugent had his name taken for a foul on Sole, and Allaway did well to hold James’ free kick. Staines’ last attacking spell came either side of the hour mark, as Flitter broke up a move, and while Morgan appealed in vain for a penalty, he set Toppin free, who in turn allowed Charles-Smith the space to get round the defence before his cross was cleared. Then Clarke saw a curling free kick touched for a corner when Cook was tripped on the edge of the box, and he thudded another free kick into the wall after a foul on Charles-Smith for which Sole was cautioned. Finally, Cook provided Clark with a shooting chance, and Gindre required two attampts to gather it cleanly. Woking’s decision to replace the lively Lambu did not go down well with the home crowd, who were getting frustrated at their side’s inability to break through, and rather unjustly took it out on Allaway. Swans conceded a number of free-kicks on the edge of the box, but Sole sent a proportion of them high into the stands. Those that were on target were dealt with superbly by Allaway – holding a James strike after Nugent had fouled Sole, and touching another James deadball onto the crossbar after Flitter had been yellow carded for his despairing tackle on Sole. Cook did hit Gindre’s side netting in a Staines breakaway, but was ruled offside anyway, before the action returned to Allaway’s domain. He clung to a Sole shot in a packed 6 yard box, he turned away Bunce’s snapshot, and he palmed away another effort when a goal seemed the likeliest outcome from Jay Gasson’s free kick. Toppin blocked a Matt Pattison drive. Woking forced three corners in the 89th minuteone coming out to Bunce, who forced Allaway to save, and the Swans’ custodian then recovered to somehow keep out Gasson’s follow-up. And when it seemed Staines could start to celebrate, the 4th official indicated 5 extra minutes to be added to a stoppage-riddled half, and they had to endure further agonies: Morgan had a free kick charged down after Jake Newton was harshly adjudged to have fouled, then Sole won a corner which tested Allaway, who then incredibly kept out what looked for all the world like an equaliser from Hutchinson. But it was not to be Woking’s day – these frequent cup heroes on this occasion had to bow to their neighbours, who will relish the long trip to Stockport in a month’s time, and what is perhaps the biggest game in their history. Staines: Allaway; Nugent (J Newton 82), Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Risbridger, Cook (H Newton 87), Toppin, Charles-Smith, Nwokeji, Clarke; unused Thomas, Asombang, Courtnage (gk). Woking: Gindre, Lorraine, Bubce, Quamina, Hutchinson ©, Gasson, Morgan, Pattison, James, Lambu (Marum 64), Sole; unused Gray, Green, Ruby, Maledon.. Ref – John Hopkins (Wickford); ARs Neil West (Leigh-on-Sea), Chris Williams (Aylesbury); 4th Official Mark Spradbury (Grays). Att 1431.
Wednesday 24/10/07 ABINGDON UTD 5 STAINES T 2 AET (90 mins 2-2) FA Carlsberg Trophy 1st Qual Rd replay By Steve Parsons. Tue 23 Oct 2007 The teams were unchanged but the result certainly was not as Staines were welcomed at Abingdon United's North Court ground for this Trophy replay. Neither side could muster a goal on Saturday, but tonight there were seven, but Staines conceded five for the first time since March. On a cold night, things started well enough for the visitors, with MARK NWOKEJI's cheeky back-heel giving them a 13th minute lead. Dwain Clarke's corner was headed back across goal by Matt Flitter, Marc Charles-Smith shot goalwards from the edge of the 18 yard box, and there was Nwokeji waiting in front of the 'keeper to apply the final deceptive touch. But The U's levelled just 8 minutes alter, when Ryan Curtin's shot was deflected for a corner, which he took himself, finding the unmarked MICHAES HERBERT who headed firmly in. It stayed that way until the 83rd, when another Clarke corner was half cleared to JAKE NEWTON in an unpromising position some 30 yards out. However, he took it on himself, beating one man and then firing an unlikely shot from outside the box, which struck the foot of the post and went past the stranded Simon Tricker. But in the 90th minute, LUKE HOLDEN volleyed home at the near post after a cross from Anaclet Odhiambo on the right flank to send the game into extra time. Abingdown dominated the extra period, scoring three stunning goals by ODHIAMBO (92 mins - a great strike into the top corner), and RYAN CURTIN (106 & 117 mins) - a powerful free kick and a finish from a very tight angle. Staines: Allaway; J Newton, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter © (Thomas 110), Risbridger, Asombang, Toppin, Charles-Smith (H Newton 76), Nwokeji, Clarke (Leon Fisher 100m - debut); unused Robinson, Courtnage (gk). Abingdon U: Tricker ©, Meade, Organ, Woodley ), Franklin, McCalmon, Alexis, Herbert, Holden , Odhiambo, Curtin; subs Carbon, TBrooks, Beechers, Moss. Mills Ref - T Power Att 149
Monday 22/10/07 It's a week of FA competition action for the club this week, as the First Team are engaged in both a Trophy replay and their big FA Cup tie at Woking, whilst the Youths are also just one game away from 'the big boys'. If they can repeat their earliert League success over Croydon Athletic, they'll be in the 1st Round Proper, where they have a plum away draw against Southend United at Roots Hall. They reached the 1st Proper last season but bowed out in controversial style against none other than ... Woking.
Saturday 20th October 2007 (3pm) – FA Carlsberg Trophy 1st Qualifying Round [tie 72] STAINES TOWN (0) 0 ABINGDON UNITED (0) 0 By Steve Parsons. Staines’ wish for a free seven days leading up to their big FA Cup tie were undone by a resilient Abingdon United side, whom Staines found impossible to break down on a warm, sunny afternoon at Wheatsheaf Park. The pitch was in very good condition for the occasion of these sides’ first ever meeting, with Staines attacking the houses end in the first half. Steve Cordery made just one enforced change from the side which beat Harlow, a game in which Marcel Nugent took a knowck, and was replaced this time by the fit-again Jake Newton. The U’s included an ex-Swan, Josias ‘Jay’ Carbon on their subs’ bench. Swans mascot for the afternoon was Harley Yates, aged 4, son of former player Dean Yates and of the Chairman’s daughter, Michelle. If Staines had hoped to despatch their BGB League Division 1 (S&W) opponents without breaking sweat, they were in for a rude awakening in the opening 10 minutes, when the Oxfordshire club took the game to them, forcing a number of corners. However, the Staines defence held firm, and slowly began to put things together themselves. Mark Nwokeji ran onto a superb pass but saw his effort blocked, and a Dwain Clarke corner which eventually reached Gareth Risbridger ended with the latter’s low drive being blocked by the outstretched boot of Julian McCalmon. The visitors defended resolutely throughout, with goalkeeper Simon Tricker treating their fans to a virtuoso display between the sticks. He turned away efforts by Nwokeji and Marc Charles Smith, and then punched a curling Clarke free-kick up into the air before claiming it again off the head of Charles-Smith. Five minutes from the break, Victor Asombang’s cross found Gareth Risbridger, whose powerful shot was blocked. Abingdon broke away swiftly, but Shaun Allaway claimed the ball from Michael Alexis’ shot, and quickly distributed it to Nwokeji, who raced upfield and crossed for Clarke – but once again the shot was blocked. Staines made a good start to the second period, volleying against the woodwork twice in quick succession. The first was by Dave Sargent, cracking his shot from 20 yards, and the second a crisp strike from Adrian Toppin. But on the hour, Abingdon created their first major chance of the half, when top scorer Anaclet Odhiambo fired over the bar, and from then on, Staines seemed to lose their way. Matt Flitter had to make a captain’s tackle when Luke Holden threatened to get away on the left. Daniel Meade did the same at the other end after Clarke threatened, and when the loose ball fell to Nwokeji, there was Tricker again to save with a spectacular dive. Howard Newton came on for Staines, as did Carbon for Abingdon, but it was Tricker who continued to impress, touching a Nwokeji effort over the bar after a good interchange with Toppin. H Newton fed Toppin whose clever chip faded just past the angle of post and bar, but ironically it was Allaway in the Staines goal who had to make the last significant contribution of the match to save his side after the two Abingdon subs combined. A Staines defensive clearance fell short, and Carbon pushed it forward to Ryan Brooks, but as he bore down on goal, Allaway threw himself at his feet to save. The sides muct now meet again at Northcourt Road on Tuesday. Staines: Allaway; J Newton, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Risbridger, Asombang, Toppin, Charles-Smith (H Newton 76), Nwokeji, Clarke; unused Thomas, Robinson, Fisher, Courtnage (gk). Abingdon U: Tricker ©, Meade, Organ, Woodley (Carbon 76), Franklin, McCalmon, Alexis, Herbert, Holden (R Brooks 87), Odhiambo, Curtin; unused J Brooks, Beechers, Moss. Ref – L Rendell (Storrington); ARs S Griffiths & R Ellis (all W Sussex). Att 176.
STAINES TOWN WOMEN slipepd to their first League defeat since March, when beated 2-1 in Barned by Panthers LFC, who thus leapfrog them onto the top of the table. A disjoined first half showing by a Staines team decimated by injury and unavailability saw the well organised Panthers side take a two goal interval lead, through Kate Denman and Thea Carroll. However, Staines regrouped after the break, and pulled one back through Sharon Heaven, but were unable to claim a share of the points.
STAINES TOWN ACADEMY won a tricky away Ryman Youth League game at Maidstone United on Thursday night. After coming under some heavy early pressure, they rattled in three goals in a 7 minute period, through Kieran Kiffin, Lyle Taylor and Phillip Joseph. Taylor added a bizarre fourth in the second half, to make the final score 4-0.
CHRIS ROBINSON captained the Middlesex FA's U21 side in their annual fixture against The Army, which was played at Harefield United on Wednesday night. The Army won 3-2
Tuesday 16th October 2007 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division STAINES TOWN (0) 3 HARLOW TOWN (0) 0 By Steve Parsons. Just like on Saturday, Staines came through a tricky and scoreless first half, before cutting loose to win with three goals in the second half, while again keeping a clean sheet. Watched by Woking’s Colin Lippiatt and Frank Gray, Steve Cordery’s side showed just one change from Saturday, with Adrian Toppin recoving from his foot injury to replace the injured Scarlett. Staines attacked the houses end on an evening when first half showers turned to constant rain in the second. Staines’ best chance of the first half came from a 29th minute free kick, which Dwain Clarke curled against the foot of the post. Victor Asombang scored the opening goal on 51 minutes, receiving a great long pass from Dave Sargent, and having to stretch to get enough contact on the ball to lift it over ‘keeper Dave Hogan and in off the bar. Eight minutes later, Asombang was on target again, rifling past the ‘keeper with a powerful low first time drive. It was two minutes into stoppage time when Staines bagged their third, a long passing move ending with Howard Newton (on as sub after his recent injury) striking for goal, and although a defender blocked it, Marc Charles-Smith had the presence of mind to pounce on the loose ball, hold off a challenge, and guide it past Hogan Staines: Allaway, Nugent (J Newton 79), Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Risbridger (Thomas 88), Asombang, Toppin, Charles-Smith, Nwokeji, Clarke (H Newton 73); unused Fisher, Courtnage (gk). Harlow: Hogan, Davis, Taylor, Miles, Kirby, Hollenbach, Lalite, Gliddon, Bunn ©, Akers Fowler 84), Williams; (gk). Ref – Stephen J Phipps (Abingdon, Oxon); ARs Ian D Kitchen (Ottershaw) & Chris Phillips (Carshalton Beeches). Att 208.
On Monday, a young Staines Reserve side lost 2-0 in a friendly away to Brunel University.
Saturday 13th October 2007 (3:00pm) – FA Cup sponsored by E.On, Third Qualifting Round BRENTWOOD (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (0) 3 By Steve Parsons After ten years, Staines are finally back in the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, following this tense victory over Ryman Division 1 (North) high-flyers Brentwood Town. In each round, they have been drawn away from home, and Brentwood – like Crowborough before them – were previously unbeaten this season: in fact, Brackley had lost only once prior to going down on penalties to Staines. Certainly, few people would have thought Staines would gain a victory anything like as emphatic as the 4-2 when the sides last met at Doddinghurst Road, also in the FA Cup, in 2000. None of Steve Cordery’s injured players was fit enough to be considered for the starting XI, which thus remained unchanged, although Dean Thomas, Adrian Toppin and Jake Newton got seats on a rather depleted bench. The afternoon was sunny and warm, the pitch well grassed but somewhat uneven, and Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half. The match threatened to explode into life at an early stage, when referee Sean Feerick had cause to speak with Brentwood’s manager Steve Witherspoon inside the first 2 minutes, but after that, the tie calmed down, and was played in such a good spirit that there was not a single card issued. Dwain Clarke and André Scarlett pinged in a couple of crosses which were easily dealt with by ‘keeper Mark Palmer, but it was the home side who shaded the first half, and might have scored on 17 minutes, when Joao Carlos pounced on a missed footing to charge through on goal, but Shaun Allaway made a brave save, and then dealt with the resulting corner with a good solid punch out. Clarke threatened again for the visitors, but his cross from the right was headed out by Steve King from under the bar. The speedy Sean Thomas had another good shot turned round for a Blues corner, while at the other end Palmer did well under pressure from Victor Asombang to hold onto a high, hanging 31st minute cross by Marc Charles-Smith. Palmer was not so assured just a minute later, when Asombang again closed him down as he went for a cross, this time from Clarke, and he spilled it into the path of Gareth Risbridger, who unfortunately leaned back and sent his shot over the bar from the edge of the box. But Brentwood countered quickly, winning a free kick which was taken quickly, leading to Carlos firing across the face of goal. There was further injury setback for Swans, when, with 3 minutes to go before the break, Scarlett pulled up under no pressure, and eventually limped off with a suspected hamstring problem, to be replaced by Toppin. Staines made a much brighter start to the second half, and Asombang might have put them ahead in the first minute, getting a toe to a quality cross by Clarke, but unfortunately sending it over from 6 yards out. However, the goal was not long in coming, as Mark Nwokeji went on a dazzling run in the box, only to be tripped by Gareth Street. Dave Sargent slammed in the penalty, and – despite a substantial encroachment – the 48th minute goal was allowed to stand. It was the first goal that Brentwood had conceded in their last 5 (full) games. Nwokeji was now on fire, and he contributed number two when he received a 62nd minute Clarke through ball, outstripped King in the right back position, cut inside and shot firmly past Palmer. Although Staines now looked in command, they could not discount the danger from previously unbeaten Brentwood, as Terry Scotchmer drove over following a free kick, and Allaway had to make another bold save at point blank range from Jon Whitaker, with the ensuing corner also causing some problems in the Staines box. Clarke put a shot across the goalmouth after more good work by Asombang, before Brentwood came strong again, Carlos shooting just wide on the turn, and Allaway saving from the pacy S Thomas, who still got to the rebound, only for Swans’ skipper Matt Flitter to complete the clearance. But it was Staines who finished the game more strongly, and Toppin nearly scored in the 77th minute, when he received the ball after good work by Risbridger and Nwokeji, only to see his shot cleared off the line by King. But two minutes later, Nwokeji repeated his earlier goal – another nippy run and a great finish to make the tie safe at 3-0. Thomas came on, followed by Jake Newton for his first action since the Tottenham friendly, for late cameos, but there was then a scare when Nwokeji was rapped across the shin and limped out of the game for a minute or two. Allaway reacted quickly to S Thomas’s headed attempt to score a consolation for the home side, but as the final whistle blew, it signalled the start of the eager wait for Monday’s draw. Staines: Allaway, Nugent, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett (Toppin 44), Risbridger, Asombang, Charles-Smith (D Thomas 82), Nwokeji, Clarke (J Newton 85); unused Maskell, Courtnage (gk). Brentwood: Palmer, King, Neville, Scotchmer, Whitaker, Street (Paul 76), Carlos, Dafter ©, S Thomas, Carroll (Diazcuk 73), Noble; unused Harrison, Wilson, Mitchell (gk). Ref – Sean P Feerick (Peterborough); ARs Timothy McCreadie (Ely, Cambridgeshire) & Jairo W Marin (Barr Hill, Cambridge). Att 277.
Reaction was mixed following news of Monday morning’s draw, which handed Staines yet another away tie – this time at Conference club and renowned Cup fighters, Woking. Initial disappointment came with the realisation that they will start as distinct underdogs (they have never defeated a Conference side in a major game), and have missed out on a chance to meet new opponents or to travel to an unfamiliar club. However, the local derby should attract a good gate and make for a memorable afternoon, and will be an easy destination for travelling Swans supporters to reach. The game will be played at 3pm on Saturday 27th October, replacing the home League game with Folkestone.
STAINES TOWN's Youth Team also made progress in their equivalent to the FA Cup - the E.On sponsored FA Youth Cup, coming through a tricky tie away to Erith Town. Monday 8th October 2007 (7:30pm) – FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.On, 2nd Qualifying Round [tie 42] ERITH TOWN Youths (0) 0 STAINES TOWN KCA Academy (1) 3 Staines progressed to the final qualifying round thanks to this win at Kent Youth Leaguers Erith, at their unusual Avenue Road Sports Stadium ground. It was a closely contested game throughout, with the big, strong Erith side always dangerous. Taylor had an early chance for Staines, but his shot was cleared over the bar by a defender, and at the other end, Straker made a fine save when Argent bore down on goal. Marren saw a shot deflected over after Joseph’s good run had provided Taylor with the chance to cross, and the resulting corner led to a big scramble in the Erith box. Erith’s secret weapon was a huge free kick, pounded into the box from up to 50 yards away, and one of these led to Padfield heading just over, But Staines got a breakthrough on 39 mins, Dunning’s throw was rolled back to him by Kiffin, and crossed for Enos Rodger to find the net with a cheeky backwards header at the far post. Staines lost the ball from the kick off right at the start of the second half, allowing Erith to break away, winning a corner which led to a scramble and eventually a shot against the post. However, their enthusiastic start was dampened when Staines grabbed a vital second on 50 mins, when a long, hopeful ball by Taylor was met by Ryan Jackson’s outstretched foot which diverted the ball beyond Bradshaw. Shinners and Padfield both put chances over the top for the home side, before Lyle Taylor made sure with number 3 on 79 mins, a spectacular flying volley from a Camis cross. Rodger might have made it 4-0, but Bradshaw saved well when he was clean through. Staines had to wait until Thursday for Croydon Athletic to beat Fisher Athletic and qualify to visit Wheatsheaf Lane in the 3rd Qualifying Round. Staines: Kristos Straker, Mitchell O’Connor-Toner, Daniel Dunning, Sam Nicholson, Phillip Joseph, Michael Marren ©, Ryan Jackson (Freddie Camis 76), James King, Enos Rodger, Lyle Taylor (William Marlowe 82), Kieran Kiffin (Elliott Thompson 85); unused Daniel Kakala, Emmanuel Adesanmi (gk). Erith T: 1 Jack Renshaw, 5 Lee Demaerteleare ©, 6 Chris Padfield, 7 Sam Ryan, 8 Michael Smith (20 Ogen Toya 83), 9 Billy Shinners, 11 Liam Williams, 14 Josh Smith, 16 Osman Hassan (12 Alwayne Jones 68), 19 Michael Argent, 20 Philip Rogan; unused 3 Mike O’Grady, 2 Charlie Burgess. Ref Mustafa Ergun (Hackney); ARs Jason Tanega (Croydon), David D’Wan (Bromley); Att 77
Unfortunately, the Kingston College side could not match this, going out at the first hurdle of their national cup - the ECFA Colleges Trophy - beaten 2-1 at home by Amersham & Wycombe College on Friday afternoon. Lyle Taylor scored for the home side, but it was not enough for the team who were finalists in 2005.
Staines Town FC Women endured an uncomfortable afternoon at Garston on Sunday, but maintained their position on top of the London & South East Regional Women's League Div 1 (London) thanks to a 5-2 win. All the goals came from the dei playing down the slope, with Staines's Julie Newell netting after just 1? minutes, and followed by further 1st half goals by Sam Oliver, Lou Richards, Georgie Giddings, and a Gemma Curtis own goal following a powerful Richards shot. However, Garston were strong after the break, and reduced the arrears through Carly Biggerstaff and Carly Johnston
Swans Vets XI won their home friendly with Cobham by 4 goals to 3. Scorers were Roy Cloke, debutant Steve harding, Arnie Venturini, and Mark Butler.
Tuesday 9th October 2007 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division HORSHAM (1) 2 STAINES TOWN (3) 4 By Steve Parsons. Those who wished to detract from Staines’ good start to the League campaign were pointing to the fact that they had not yet played anyone from the top 8 in the table. However, that is no longer true, as, fresh from their win over 3rd placed Ramsgate at the weekend, they went on to beat second placed Horsham on a drizzly Tuesday evening. Prior to tonight, Horsham’s last nine competitive home games had produced 9 straight wins, with a goal difference of 28-7, and so Staines could be forgiven if they had some trepidation about this, game, especially as the Newtons and Toppin had been joined on the injured list by all three of those taken off on Saturday – Thompson (ankle), Mason (two broken bones in his foot), and Cook (hamstring). However, Victor Asombang and Dwain Clarke seized their chances with impressive performances. Unused sub goalkeeper James Courtnage was able to don a newly acquired grey goalie shirt numbered 17, believed to be the first the club have owned not bearing the number 1. Horsham fielded former Swan Jacob Mingle, as well as Alan Mansfield, the goalkeeper who once appeared for the Club. It is likely that this will be Staines’ last visit to Queen Street, as they are scheduled to vacate it at the end of the season, some 104 years after the first game there, prior to a move to Holbrook. When the visitors arrived, the well grassed pitch was shrouded in mist, but it lifted for most of the game, and, like the afternoon’s downpours, had little effect on the game. Staines played down the slope and towards the far end in the first half. Prior to kick-off, Horsham made several presentations to players who had reached appearance milestones. The game got off to a lively start, with shots at each end skimming off the damp surface, but it was Staines who opened the scoring on 19 minutes, when Marc Charles-Smith’s cross from the right was powerfully headed in at the far post by Victor Asombang. However, Horsham were back on terms again 7 minutes later, when a neat turn in the box and a pull back from the right found Carl Rook, who powerfully shot into the bottom corner. However, on 29 minutes, Staines were back in front, having forced a string of corners, one of them paid off, finding its way to André Scarlett, whose firm drive from just outside the box took the slightest of deflections before curling inside the foot of Mansfield’s post. Staines had chances to increase the lead, notably a great ball through to Asombang, which Mansfield dealt with well by forcing him so wide that he could only find the side-netting, and an angled shot from Clarke that was touched away for a corner. But Staines did not have things all their own way, and Shaun Allaway had to make a good save from a driven free kick. But in the last seconds of the half, Staines pieced together another neat passing move, Nwokeji finding Asombang, whose shot was beaten away by Mansfield, only for Gareth Risbridger to pounce by steering the rebound back past Mansfield an in. The half time whistle blew immediately upon kicking off. The second half was only a minute old when Staines extended their lead to 4-1, thanks to a great strike from Mark Nwokeji, from 15 yards, upon which Mansfield’s fingertip touch had no effect. But Horsham tore into the visitors in a bid to get back into the game, and within a minute, thought they had scored through Simon Austin’s header, only to be disappointed by an offside flag. They came close again on 48 minutes, when John Westcott crashed a shot against the crossbar. But their hard work was rewarded on 56 minutes, when another tremendous strike by Gary Charman reduced the arrears to 4-2. Staines knew that they could not afford to relax on their lead against such a potent side as Horsham, and Asombang was unlucky to see another fine shot parried away by Mansfield. The game was a credit to both sides, played with plenty of skill and at a high tempo throughout. There was only one caution, Horsham’s Lee Farrell for a 58th minute foul, but the free-kick was quickly cleared, and once again Horsham broke at speed. The last half hour featured fewer chances, but still plenty of quality. Horsham, and Charman in particular, continued to pose a threat, and Allaway did well to hold onto a very awkward free kick, to maintain the comfort of a two-goal cushion. They came closest to increasing that when Nwokeji fired a shot into the side netting. Allaway made a brave save at the feet of a breakaway forward, and another from a deflected free kick, before Dean Thomas replaced Dwain Clarke late on. They secured a richly deserved 3 points, which lifts them to 3rd in the table, and still with a game in hand on most sides, ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie. Staines: Allaway, Nugent, Sargent, D Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Asombang, Risbridger, Charles-Smith, Nwokeji, Clarke (Thomas 81); unused Maskell, C Robinson, Courtnage (gk). Horsham: Mansfield, Graves, Brake, Howard, Hemsley ©, Carney, Mingle, Westcott (Taylor 60), Austin (Farrell 56), Rook, Charman; unused French, Myall, Frankland (gk). Ref – Andy A Laver (Baffins, Portsmouth, Hampshire); ARs Roy G Marsh (Cowplain, Waterlooville, Hampshire) & Phil Nicholas (Felpham, Bognor Regis, West Sussex). Att: 318.
On Monday night, Staines Town's U18 Academy side overcame a tricky tie to Erith Town in Kent, to reach the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup. Goals by Enos Rodger, Ryan Jackson, and Lyle Taylor ensure a 3-0 victory, and a home tie with Croydon Athletic or Fisher Athletic in the third and final qualifying round.
Sunday 7th October 2007 (2pm) – att 21 London & South East Regional Women's League, Division One (London) STAINES TOWN Women (3) 6 KENT MAGPIES (1) Staines Town moved to the top of their League on Sunday, thus achieving their highest-ever standing in the world of women’s football, thanks to a comprehensive victory over Kent Magpies at Wheatsheaf Park, despite captain Davies (’flu’) and vice-captain Spooner (groin) not playing. The visitors started well enough, but slowly Staines started to force them back, with both Oliver and Richards testing ‘keeper Gomez. Several chances had already gone begging before good work by Samuel channelled the ball to Lucy McNeil, who scored with a great strike into the top corner (14 mins). Five mins later, McNeil was the provider as she picked out Sam Oliver, who netted with another tidy finish. However, Kent replied immediately, Zoe Lengthorn breaking down the left and scoring with a low, angled shot to make it 2-1 on 20 mins. Staines returned to the attack, with Fitzpatrick seeing a shot palmed out by the impressive Gomez, and Oliver’s follow-up being blocked on the line. However, Gomez mis-timed a challenge on the flying Fitzpatrick, who had been released by a neat Richards / Oliver combination, and Swans were awarded a 31st minute penalty, which McNeil slammed home. Staines were now playing some of their best football in a long time, with Giddings spraying some great passes forward, and Heaven commanding in defence alongside young Friar and Lodder. Fitzpatrick forced Gomez to make a brave save with her legs, Oliver smacked a shot against the bar with Samuel not quite able to tuck the rebound away, Giddings sent two powerful shots just wide, and moments before the break, Heaven came upfield to head a corner against the post. Staines scored a cracking fourth goal on 48 mins, when Louisa Richards picked up the ball inside her own half, beat three opponents, and then struck powerfully home. A York pass set up Oliver for a shot that was well saved, and Gomez also dealt well with a good Samuel effort from a move begun at the back by French-Wollen, before a stunning Giddings shot from outside the box crashed against the underside of the bar. Tunnicliffe came off the bench and sent a shot right across the goalmouth, and Staines hit the woodwork for the fourth time in the game when the lively Fitzpatrick received from Richards and thudded a shot against the bar. Richards again went close, and – despite the good win – it looked like being a frustrating afternoon for two players in search of their first Staines goals. However, having seen good chances thwarted by near misses and brave defending, both Angela Tunnicliffe and Hannah Fitzpatrick scored tremendous goals in the 87th minute and the 3rd minute of stoppage time. Tunnicliffe drilled into the corner of the net after a strong run and cross by McNeil, and then Fitzpatrick received from Richards before unleashing a superb top-corner strike. Kent Magpies had played their part in an entertaining and sporting encounter, but Swans boss Kate Cook praised her entire team very highly, and reserved a special mention for Bryan, who battled as well as anyone, despite missing more than a year of soccer through injury. Staines: 1 Karrin French-Wollen, 2 Tasha Lodder (15 Sidoné Bryan 63), 3 Jenni Friar, 4 Georgie Giddings, 5 Sharon Heaven ©, 6 Lynsey York, 7 Lisa Samuel, 8 Louisa Richards, 9 Hannah Fitzpatrick, 10 Sam Oliver (16 Angela Tunnicliffe 70), 11 Lucy McNeil; unused 12 Laura Spooner, 14 Jo Ginger, 17 Kate Cook. Kent: 1 Anna Gomez, 5 Aime Dakin, 6 Cat Ogori, 11 Ellie Woolf, 69 Jade Ruddell, 9 Karina Nicholls, 23 Lia Morphitis, 11 Lisa-Marie Burnett (15 Sammy Savage 48), 8 Lucy Robertson, 2 Shelley Minett ©, 4 Zoe Lengthorn. Ref: David Marillat (Ashford, Middlesex), ARs Pete Friar (Camberley / STFC), Terry Lengthorn (KMLFC). Att 19.
Saturday 6th October 2007 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division RAMSGATE (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (1) 1 By Steve Parsons. Staines bounced back from their midweek cup defeat to inflict an important and hard earned defeat on 3rd placed Ramsgate, a first victory at Southwood Stadium, and a first home League defeat for the Rams sine April. Matt Flitter and Mark Nwokeji were back from slight knocks, with Shaun Allaway and Adam Thompson also back in the starting line-up, whilst James Courtnage, Chris Robinson, Victor Asombang and Leigh Mason were all moved to the bench. Both Adrian Toppin and Howard Newton failed pre-match fitness tests. The home side, too, had several players injured, after a bruising game in midweek, but they were still able to put out a powerful XI. The pitch looked in good condition, with a noticeable slope down towards the far end, and the day was bright and mild. Staines kicked towards the entrance end in the first half, against both the slope and the gusting wind. This was never likely to be a high-scoring game, as Staines have the best defensive record in the division, with only 6 conceded, while the Kent club were not far behind on 9. Staines endured a torrid first 10 minutes, when Ramsgate put the visitors under heavy pressure, aided by some huge throw-ins to the 18 yard box. However, Staines held firm, and having come through that spell, they rarely looked stretched for the remainder of the game. Nwokeji provided the first outlet for the Swans, racing away on his own before being halted by a superb tackle by Dan Tanner. André Scarlett had his name taken for remonstrating with the referee after the official had missed a late challenge on him by Warren Schulz (15 mins), and the Ramsgate skipper was also fortunate to escape punishment at the time of the second Staines caution, which went against Marcel Nugent: his challenge on Andy Hadden was seen as a 50/50 by the assistant who was 2 yards away, but the referee felt he was late, and showed him a yellow card, once he had evaded the threatening look from Schulz. However, Staines were now taking the game to their Kent rivals, with Lewis Cook providing some telling crosses, Marc Charles-Smith and Nugent driving forwards, and even full back Adam Thompson forcing a save from ‘keeper Paul Wilkerson. Dave Sargent and Gareth Risbridger carved out a chance for Nwokeji, but his volley was blocked in front of goal, and then Nwokeji turned provider for Charles-Smith, who – even though he slightly underhit his shot – still forced Wilkerson to push it round for a corner. Worryingly for Staines, the impressive Cook pulled up when chasing a loose ball, and after a couple of minutes being treated off the field by Gareth Workman, Staines were forced to bring on sub Dwain Clarke. However, Staines scored the all-important goal on 40 minutes, and it was Thompson who began the move by collecting the ball deep inside his own half and powering forward, before feeding Clarke, who in turn provided an accurate cross for Mark Nwokeji, who held his nerve to shoot firmly past the advancing Wilkerson. Ramsgate carved out two chances in the remaining minutes of the half, the better one being volleyed wide by Shaun Welford. In the closing seconds of the half, Charles-Smith received a cut-back from Nwokeji, but could not quite dig the ball out from under his feet for a meaningful shot. Scarlett had a couple of early second half chances for the visitors, before Ramsgate made a double substitution, and Staines introduced Mason when Thompson sustained a foot injury, with Nugent dropping back into the right back position. Staines should have increased their lead on 67 minutes, when a foul on Clarke gave Scarlett the chance to swing in a free kick from just outside the box. However, this was headed out, and Scarlett’s two follow-up shots were also blocked, as were efforts by Flitter and Mason (the latter appearing to strike a defender’s arm), and Staines had another penalty appeal waved away when Charles-Smith appeared to be pulled back when closing in on the final rebound of the hectic scramble. Unfortunately, Mason was then stretchered off a few minutes later with a very painful ankle injury, and was sent to hospital for a scan. As the clock reached 82 minutes, Staines were momentarily caught out at the back by a hanging free kick from Steffan Ball, but they eventually cleared their lines, and broke away through Scarlett, whose snapshot fizzed across goal. Shaun Welford found Ball, who again shot just wide, but with 90 minutes played, Staines retainmed their slender lead. However, there were a further 7? minutes of added time, during which Allaway had to make a good save from Michael Phillips, after good work by Nick Treadwell. There was still time for Staines to mount more attacks, as they kept possession expertly. Charles-Smith’s lay off to Nwokeji looked like producing a goal, but Nick Davis made a desperate block, and then Nwokeji looked a certainty to score from 3 yards, only for Sam Vallance to clear off the line. Lee Minshull reacted badly after being beaten by Risbridger, and was booked after the momentary flare up. In the dying seconds, a scything foul by Vallance made him the second Ramsgate player to be cautioned in injury time. This result lifts Staines to 4th place in the table. Staines: Allaway, Thompson (Mason 61), Sargent, D Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Cook (Clarke 35, Asombang 71), Risbridger, Charles-Smith, Nwokeji, Nugent; unused C Robinson, Courtnage (gk). Ramsgate: Wilkerson, Vallance, Hadden, Davis, Tanner, Minshull, Bagley (Dolton 54), W Schulz © (Laslett 54), Welford, Ball, Holden (Phillips 62); unused Treadwell, Barron. Ref – Lee Venamore (Maidstone, Kent); ARs Darren Blunden (Dartford, Kent) & James Macey (Bexley, Kent). Att 245.
Wednesday - Staines Town's Academy defeated Carshalton Athletic 2-0 at Wheatsheaf Park, to move up to 4th in the new Ryman Youth League. Lyle Taylor and Enos Rodger scored the goals within 3 minutes late in the first half.
Lyle Taylor was also on the scoresheet for Middlesex County U18s, in their 2-1 success over Guernsey in the FA County Youth Cup at the weekend. Kieran Kiffin played alongside, and Michael Marren was an unused sub.
Monday 1/10/07 ANOTHER AWAY TIE IN FA CUP! The Swans have been drawn away from home yet again in the Third qualifiying round of the FA Cup, this time to Ryman Division One North high flyers Brentwood Town. Currently unbeaten in the league, the Essex outfit have won five and drawn two of their opening seven games.
CORDS ON CLUBCALL Our very own Steve Cordery speaks on the official Ryman League Clubcall line today (and for the rest of the week) about the 5-1 win at Crowborough in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The interview can be heard by telephoning 09066 555 777 - calls cost 60p per
minute.
Tuesday 2nd October 2007 (7:45pm) – Isthmian League Cup Round 2 [tie 15] EDGWARE TOWN (2) 3 STAINES TOWN (0) 1 By Steve Parsons. Having reached the semi-finals last year, Staines made an early exit from this season’s League Cup, at the hands of Division 1 North high-flyers, Edgware. Considering that the club is living on borrowed time at the White Lion Ground, the old ground was looking quite trim: however, it is a tricky journey that Staines will not miss if they never have to make it again, as their record there is not good, and for the second season running they were eliminated from a cup competition on this ground. Steve Cordery made several changes to his side, starting in goal where Shaun Allaway was rested and James Courtnage took his place. In defence, skipper Matt Flitter and Adam Thompson were also given the night off, to be replaced by Marcel Nugent (donning the armband, following his return from suspension), and Chris Robinson, who has been sub for nearly every game this season, but was enjoying his first action. In midfield, Adrian Toppin remained on the injured list, and up front Mark Nwokeji was feeling unwell, and so there were places for all three of the rotating players: Victor Asombang, Leigh Mason, and Marc Charles-Smith. Dean Thomas was named on the bench for the first time since the end of his month’s loan at Bracknell. Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half of a cool evening. For a cup tie, the first half was a surprisingly low-key affair. Neither goalkeeper had a serious shot to save, until Edgware went ahead on 29 minutes, Ben Cain rising to head home from close range, after Adil Salih’s left sided corner had been flicked on by Hayden. The home side doubled their lead 8 minutes later when Marcel Nugent’s trip on Stuart Blackburne was punished by a penalty, which was slammed home by Ben Hayden, with Staines still upset that an apparent handball earlier in the move had gone unpunished. Any hopes Staines had of forcing their way back into the game in the second half were wiped away just a minute after the restart, when a free kick on the left was driven into the box, and Johnny Moore rose to head into the roof of Courtnage’s net. Only then did Staines mount some serious attacks, with both Robinson and Charles-Smith seeing efforts diverted round for corners. The latter was a 25 yard drive which drew a fine one-handed diving save from ’keeper Darren Bonfield. Thomas replaced Scarlett, before Asombang put Lewis Cook away, only to be crowded out inside the 18 yard box. Edgware, who had had Hayden cautioned for a foul right at the end of the first half, had two more entries in Mr Muge’s notebook – Morton for a foul (72m), and then White for persistent infringement as he was being substituted on 82 minutes. Staines did manage a consolation goal 6 minutes from time, and it was a well taken one, too, struck firmly past Bonfield by Dean Thomas from outside the box, after he had worked his way along the 18 yard line. Staines: Courtnage, Nugent ©, Sargent, D Gordon, Robinson, Scarlett (Thomas 61), Cook, Risbridger, Charles-Smith, Asombang, Mason; unused Thompson, Maskell, Nwokeji, Allaway (gk). Edgware: Bonfield, Brady, Hart, Hayden (Morton 54), Smith ©, Ingham, White (Marks 82), Moore, S Blackburne (Killick 58), Cain, Salih; unused Davidson, R Blackburne (gk). Ref – Gavin Muge (Chiltern Green, near Luton, Bedfordshire); ARs Stephen P Davidson (Kingswood, Watford, Herts) & Tihomir Yokov (Watford, Herts). Att 55 (est), official 48.
FA Cup 3rd Qual - Staines Town have been drawn away to Brentwood Town. They are also members of Ryman Div 1 North, and their only defeat this season was in an Isthmian League Cup tie. Staines' only previous visit was in 2000, when they won 4-2 in the FA Cup (when the club was called simply Brentwood, and was playing in the Essex County League). The tie is provisionally set for Sat 13th October, but this could alter as it clashes with the England game that afternoon.
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