| Saturday 28th September 2007 (7:45pm) – FA Cup sponsored by E.On, 2nd Qualifying Round - tie 39 CROWBOROUGH ATHLETIC (1) 1 STAINES TOWN (1) 5 By Steve Parsons. Staines took their FA Cup hopes to the smartly refurbished Crowborough Community Stadium at Fermor Road, to take on the previously undefeated and ambitious East Sussex club, who have risen through three tiers of Sussex County League football in 4 years. They went into the game without Marcel Nugent, who had to sit out this ‘extra’ game in his suspension, owing to the abandonment of the AFC Hornchurch game a week earlier. Mark Nwokeji was over his niggles and so came back into the forward line in place of Victor Asombang, whilst Gareth Risbridger started because Adrian Toppin had suffered an unfortunate domestic accident, when a washbasin had collapsed onto his foot, requiring several stitches. The pitch was well grassed although a bit bumpy, and there was a noticeable slope down towards Staines’ right wing, as they attacked the dressing room end in the first half. They were made to feel most welcome at this friendly club, who have realistic ambitions of elevation to the Ryman League as early as next season, and who were enjoying their first run in the FA Cup, having already come through three rounds to get this far. The afternoon was dry and mild. Crowborough began in very determined fashion, chasing down every ball, and keeping Shaun Allaway alert in the Staines goal with three decent shots from Ross Treleaven and one by Wayne Clarke. However, their enthusiasm was curbed when Staines scored from their first noteworthy attack of the game, in the 9th minute. Lewis Cook sent over a cross from the left, Risbridger rose well and powered a header against the crossbar, from where it bounced out towards Marc Charles-Smith, who did well to hook it back into the net from an awkward position. Staines were then rampant for a while, Charles-Smith picking out Nwokeji, whose shot was dealt with by ‘keeper Mark Oldroyd, under pressure from Cook. Then Oldroyd pulled off a poiunt-blank save after Nwokeji had set Howard Newton up, and the latter had a couple more efforts in quick succession, before limping out of the game with a hip injury, to be replaced by Leigh Mason. Athletic tried to get back into the game, with Clarke firing over after a Danny Baker shot was not properly cleared by the Staines defence. The only caution of the first half was handed to Clarke for a late tackle on Sargent. Another chance came Staines’ way in the 40th minute, when Nwokeji’s pace proved too much for the right back, but Oldroyd clung onto his low shot. And then, two minutes later, Staines received a timely reminder as to their propensity to underperform in this competition, when Crowborough levelled. A free kick found Wayne Clarke, who made a powerful run and crossed from the right, for Dean Chamberlain to stab in. And they might have gone in ahead, if Dave Adams had been able to keep his powerful header down, following an inswinging Chamberlain corner in first half stoppage time. Although it was never a dirty game, Hampshire referee Anthony Biddulph had a very busy second half, awarding two penalties to Staines, and showing a player from each side the red card. Staines went ahead from the penalty spot through Lewis Cook on 53 minutes, when Nwokeji raced onto a long ball from André Scarlett, only to be caught late by ‘keeper Oldroyd on the edge of the box. But Crowborough continued to look dangerous, Clarke being a particular threat going forwards, and he almost set up an equaliser with his whipped cross, which John Sinclair headed over the bar from a good position. Then it was Staines’ turn to threaten, Mason pouncing on the rebound from a Cook shot, only for a defender to deflect the ball out for a corner off his knee. In quick succession, Risbridger had his name taken for a 61st minute foul on Chamberlain, and was followed into the book 2 minutes later by team-mate Thompson, who had fouled Treleaven. Thompson, who might have missed the start of the game had committee member Stuart Moore not spotted his car broken down on the hard shoulder, unfortunately missed the end of the game, when the referee took exception to his protest at the yellow card, and showed him a second one – and hence a red. Staines’ lead now looked very precarious, and Treleaven hit a shot which skimmed inches past the upright. However, the pressure was relieved by a long ball out of defence, and as Charles-Smith ran onto it, he was pulled back by Justin Harris, to give Staines a second penalty. Baker was cautioned for his protests, but this did not distract Cook from slamming home his second spot-kick in 15 minutes. And then, with 20 minutes to go, Cook was tripped by Baker, and he too saw a second yellow card, to level the sides as 10 men each. Staines put the game beyond doubt on 71 minutes, as Cook and Scarlett combined well, and Nwokeji made a neat turn before finding the net with a great finish. Clarke had one last chance to drag Crowborough back into the tie, but Allaway saved his shot in before it reached the top corner, and Staines then brought on their own Clarke – Dwain – for Cook who was warmly applauded off by the decent turn out from the Staines Massive. There was one last yellow card, Crowborough’s Harris for dissent, and another half chance for the home side when Treleaven’s opportunist shot was blocked, but Staines rounded off a very professional performance with a fifth goal on 82 minutes. Nwokeji was again the scorer, this time receiving from Danny Gordon before using his pace to take him past the tiring defender, and once again crack in a great shot. This afforded Staines their biggest FA Cup win since 2001, and with it a place in Monday lunchtime’s draw. For Crowborough, they can be proud of their efforts on the field, and if they continue to play as they did for much of this game, their dream of promotion looks very realistic. Staines: Allaway, Thompson [SO 63], Sargent, D Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Cook (D Clarke 75), Risbridger, Charles-Smith (Asombang 78), Nwokeji, H Newton (Mason 30); unused Robinson, Courtnage (gk). Crowborough: Oldroyd, Crush, Adams, Rhodes, Harris ©, Baker [SO 70], W Clarke, Chamberlain (Dicker 78), Ducille (C Bishop 83), Sinclair, R Treleaven (Ransome 83); unused Godden, R Gordon (gk). Ref – Anthony Biddulph (Nether Wallop); ARs Chris Miles (West End, Southampton) & Peter Lavelle (Totton, near Southampton). Att 287.
FA Youth Cup Staines Town's Academy negotiated a tricky visit to Hanwell Town on Wednesday night, winning 3-1, to secure a visit to Erith Town in the 2nd Qualifying Round on Monday 8th October. Lyle Taylor scored an early goal, as Staines threatened to over-run the home side, but Hanwell then came back very strongly, hitting the woodwork twicebefore Taylor added a secong 3 minutes before half time. Peter Davis reduced the arrears to make for a nervous last 17 minutes, but Swans skipper Michael Marren forced home a third goal in the 89th minute. After the game, Taylor, Kieran Kiffin, and Marren were called up for the Middlesex County FA's County Youth Cup tie against Guernsey (at Uxbridge on the Sunday). On Wednesday 3rd Oct, Staines Town entertain Carshalton Athletic in the Ryman Youth League (7:30 at Wheatsheaf Lane).
Saturday 25th September 2007 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division STAINES TOWN (1) 4 CARSHALTON ATHLETIC (0) 0 By Steve Parsons. Whilst Staines have made a solid start to the season, they could perhaps have been criticised for not scoring enough, with just one goal in the last 7 hours of play. However, they showed what could be done, when they put four past a hard working Carshalton side, to move into the top six. Steve Cordery made one change from Saturday’s abortive line-up, Howard Newton returning for Dwain Clarke. Carshalton included two players with very brief Staines associations in their pasts – Luke Fontana and David Ocquaye. On a cool evening, Staines attacked the houses end in the first half. Staines started well, and a close range header from Adam Thompson was untidily cleared off the Robins’ line, and Lewis Cook hit a free kick which also caused confusion for the visitors’ defence. However, Fontana made space at the other end and curled a snap shot just outside the angle of post and bar. Carshalton struggled from Staines corners all night, and Victor Asombang almost capitalised on one such moment in the 17th minute, turning smartly but volleying wide. Asombang and Marc Charles-Smith menaced at one end, before a right-wing breakaway through Fontana had Staines back-pedalling, only for his shot to skim harmlessly across the face of Shaun Allaway’s goal. Although never a dirty game, there were a number of niggles which required the attention of referee Lee Collins, and he took the first of his 6 names when Charles-Smith caught the flying Jack MacLeod on 24 minutes. All the other cautions went to Carshalton players, Williams and Dundas for first half fouls on Cook, Watts for a foul on Asombang, and Harwood and Stevens for kicking the ball away – the former in the general direction of the assistant referee. Carshalton’s best move up to this point came on 25 minutes when deft interplay between Craig Dundas and Phil Ruggles ended with Fontana’s volley taking a deflection for a corner. Staines were disappointed to be awarded a free kick for the incident which saw Williams cautioned, as the ball had run through to Adrian Toppin in a promising position, and the dead ball driven by Cook to win another corner, which in turn ended with ’keeper Aaron Howe saving from Charles-Smith. Allaway then had to make two important saves, the first relatively straightforward when Fontana received from Ryan Watts but his a good chance straight at him, and the second a brave one on the ground when Barry Stevens got through on his own. Danny Gordon, Toppin, and Howard Newton had all chased lost causes for Staines, but it looked as though it would remain scoreless until, with virtually the last kick of the first half, Staines took a 45th minute lead. Cook did very well on the left and cut a low ball back, to which André Scarlett reacted quickly and turned in from close range. If Carshalton’s second half plans were changed by the late goal, they certainly would not have been helped when the lead was doubled just 2 minutes after the restart. Charles-Smith was this time the player who did the hard work on the flank, and he centred for Victor Asombang to shoot into the net from a very tight angle, to notch his first competitive goal for the Club. This effectively broke Carshalton’s resistance, and Staines went on to dominate the rest of the game, although things might have been a little less comfortable if Watts had squeezed his close range 58th minute shot past the cordon of defenders on the line. Staines introduced Gareth Risbridger, followed by the recuperating Nwokeji and, Leigh Mason and there was a good shot from Scarlett following a corner. However, the small crowd had to wait until the 77th minute for number three, but it was a super goal, smashed into the top corner by big Adrian Toppin, following Charles-Smith’s run and Cook’s super cross from the right. Toppin came close to heading another following a Cook corner, but Staines did make it four soon afterwards, with a delightful goal 3 minutes from time. Gordon took a quick free kick square to Scarlett, he in turn played Mason in, and he pulled the ball back to fellow sub Mark Nwokeji, who still had to draw ’keeper Howe and slot the ball beyond him from a tight angle. Nwokeji even found time to send an injury time shot just past the far post, but Staines will be more than happy to conclude the night with a clean sheet, three points, and four goals. The matchball was sponsored by InTime Movements Ltd, on whose behalf Steve Lewis presented the Man of the Match award to Lewis Cook. Staines: Allaway, Thompson, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Cook, Toppin, Charles-Smith (Nwokeji 72), Asombang (Mason 79), H Newton (Risbridger 63); unused Clarke, Courtnage (gk). Carshalton A: Howe, Cooper, Williams (Ocquaye 55), Spencer, Harwood ©, Watts, Stevens, Fontana, Ruggles, Dundas, MacLeod (Evans 71); unused Rayner, King, Hall (gk). Ref – L Collins (Aldershot); ARs S Scott & R Hailstone. Att 174.
Sunday 23rd September 2007- 2pm At: Englefield Green Rovers, Coopers Hill Lane att: 15 London & South East Regional Women's League, Division One (London) STAINES TOWN Women (1) 3 HACKNEY Women (0) 0 A brace from Sammy Oliver and a solitary Louisa Richards strike saw Staines pick up the points to maintain their 100% record in the league. More to follow shortly... Staines: 1 Karrin French-Wollen, 2 Kate Davies ©, 3 Lisa Samuel, 4 Jenni Friar, 5 Lynsey York, 6 Angela Tunnicliffe, 7 Lucy McNeil, 8 Louisa Richards, 9 Hannah Fitzpatrick, 10 Sam Oliver, 11 Natasha Lodder; unused 12 Kate Cook, 14 Jo Ginger. Hackney: 31 Jackie Piddock, 6 W Rankin, 10 Amanda Frew, 4 Anne-Sophie Brieussel, 11 Maria Nelson, 12 S Bark, 9 A Cooper, 2 Renee De La Cruz, 5 Z Plant, 15 C Matias, 7 Anna Deignan; no subs. Ref: Mike Holland (West Molesey);
Saturday 22nd September 2007 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division AFC HORNCHURCH (0) STAINES TOWN (0) By Steve Parsons. abandoned after 34 minutes due to injury to an assistant referee Staines made their first visit to the Bridge Avenue Stadium for 22 years and one day, to play their first match against the reconstituted club which is now known as AFC Hornchurch. The newly promoted side began the warm, sunny afternoon just a point behind Staines, and so a closely contested game was anticipated. Steve Cordery made just one change to the midweek cup-tie winning side, as Mark Nwokeji was suffering with a catalogue of niggling injuries and so was left on the bench, making way for Victor Asombang’s inclusion. Staines began by attacking the dressing rooms end. The Swans started the game well, winning three corners for Dwain Clarke in the first few minutes, and seeing a pile-driver of a shot by André Scarlett forcing a good save from Dale Brightly the Urchins’ goalkeeper, who was confusingly allowed to wear a yellow shirt which was of a very similar colour to Staines’ old gold kit. But Hornchurch then came back strongly, with a foul on Garry Cross led to Andy Tomlinson curling a free kick just wide. At the other end, Brightly was again called upon to punch a Clarke corner away, assistant referee Hogg doing well to distinguish him from a Staines player only by a thin black trim on his cuff. Richard Goddard headed just wide of Shaun Allaway’s upright, before the home side achieved their best chances in the 14th minute. A foul on Janney gave David Lee a free kick from which he picked out Harry Elmes, and his powerful shot was headed off the line by Swans skipper Matt Flitter. The ball went only as far as Richard Goddard, who spanked a shot against the crossbar. Goddard was soon called into action at the other end, providing a clearing header to another Clarke corner. Elmes went close again for the home side, stretching to a far post K Lee cross but not quite being able to keep it on target. Allaway made a fine save on 24 minutes, pushing an Elmes strike round for a corner, followed by another from a Janney effort. Staines forced one more corner, and then during a 34th minute Hornchurch attack on the right by Elmes, Braintree-based linesman Daniel Cook lost his footing on a sprinkler plate and fell heavily. The referee blew for assistance, and Staines physio’ Gareth Workman was first on the scene, diagnosing a problem to his ankle, which was strapped up before the unfortunate assistant referee was stretchered off in obvious distress. Then followed a prolonged interlude, while players, managers, and officials congregated in the centre circle, and AFC broadcast an appeal for a qualified stand-in to come forward. Although each club suggested a name from among their ranks, it was not surprising that neither manager was keen to assent to the other’s nomination. The FA’s assessor at the game was prohibited from standing in on health grounds, but after 27 minutes, it was announced that Mr Cook would be able to make a return. However, this proved to be a false alarm, and after a further 7 minutes, the referee (who had said he was considering playing on with just one assistant) abandoned play for the day. The Ryman League will now have to rule on the game, with the expectation being that the clubs will have to replay the game later in the season. In this case, supporters presenting their original match tickets from this game will be admitted free of charge. Staines: Allaway, Thompson, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Cook, Toppin, Charles-Smith, Asombang, Clarke; unused Mason, H Newton, Risbridger, Nwokeji, Courtnage (gk). Hornchurch: Brightly, Bostock, Glozier, Purdie ©, Goddard, Tomlinson, Cross, Janney, K Lee, Elmes, D Lee; unused S Parker, Oakley, Halle, Foyewa, Styles. Ref – Graham Atkins (Thorpe Bay, Southend-on-Sea, Essex); ARs Ian R Hogg (Basildon, Essex); Daniel J Cook (Black Notley, Braintree, Essex). Att 286.
Tuesday 18th September 2007 (7:45pm) – FA Cup sponsored by E.On 1st Qual Rd Replay – att 140 STAINES TOWN (0) 0 BRACKLEY TOWN (0) 0 After extra time: Staines won 5-4 on penalties. By Steve Parsons. This replay was given added spice by the draw on Monday, which booked the winners a visit to Crowborough Athletic – a club two leagues below Staines and Brackley, who had never won an FA Cup tie before this season, but have already come through three FA Cup games just to get this far. Steve Cordery made one tactical and one enforced change to his Staines side, for whom Nugent was ruled out through suspension. In came Dave Sargent following his injury, while Marc Charles-Smith was preferred to ex Brackley man Leigh Mason in attack. Meanwhile, Brackley introduced Phil Murphy and Guy Hadland to replace Love and Winters. Anthony Fontannelle, the former Dunstable man with whom Fiston Manuella had tangled a couple of years ago, remained on the bench throughout. On an excellent surface, Staines began the chilly evening by kicking towards the houses end. The evening began in sombre mood, as all present respected with a minute’s silence, the memory of Sid Westlake, the Staines Town Life-Member who died on 10th aged 78. The Staines players also wore black armbands. Just as on Saturday, the tie would produce no goals in normal play, but that was not to say it was a dull game. Both teams were a credit to themselves and their leagues, as they played good football in a fine spirit, and there were many moments of excellent teamwork. However, the tension of the night meant that neither side wanted to be the first to throw away their chance with a silly mistake, and so neither manager was prepared to throw caution to the wind. But chances there were a-plenty, with Shaun Allaway having to be well placed to save Dave Savage’s header early on. A neat Swans move soon afterwards led to Lewis Cook expertly bringing the ball down, but firing just beyond the post. Then Justin Jackson hit a swerving shot for the visitors which again drew the best from Allaway, before Staines countered with a burst from Mark Nwokeji, who seemed to be impeded by Josh Green right on the edge of the box, but the referee waved down the linesman’s flag. As the sides continued to trade chances, first it was Charles-Smith sending an angled shot across the goalmouth, then Elliot Sandy mis-hit a seemingly simple chance laid on by a super pass from Jackson. Nweoeji was unlucky again on 26 minutes, when he robbed a defender inside the 18 yard box, but was pulled up for an infringement, while Jackson also had reason to despair of a linesman’s flag as he was given offside in a very dangerous setting. Clarke provided another telling free kick for the home side after Green had fouled Charles-Smith, but this time there was no-one to make the vital connection as it sped across the 6 yard box. The half ended with Scott Hadland picking out Elliott Sandy with a great cross, but the tall Brackley man planted his header wide. Sargent played a glorious pass to Charles-Smith at the start of the second, and he skilfully beat his marker before shooting across the goalmouth. At the other end, S Hadland expertly brought down Danny Spencer’s centre, but shot tamely at Allaway, and just afterwards Jackson sidefooted wide from a good position. Staines introduced Howard Newton and Victor Asombang, and Nwokeji was released by a great Danny Gordon pass, only to be expertly closed down by Brackley ‘keeper Richard Knight and a defender. But in the last half hour, Staines felt that the tide might be turning against them, as Brackley moved their centre of operations further forward, and sometimes found the space to pass the ball around just outside the Staines box. However, Staines were very effective in defence, and restricted their opponents to mostly distance efforts by the likes of S Hadland and Spencer. For Staines, Adam Thompson created a half chance for Cook, who snatched possession but shot too close to Knight. With 3 minutes left, Staines had their hearts in the mouths as Craig Farley found Jackson with a good pass, but his near post header flashed just wide. And then, just as in the first period, the final minute of the second half saw Sandy head just wide, this time following a free kick. So, with the sides still inseparable, the tie went into extra time. The first 15-minute period saw Staines attacking the houses end, but they had some vital defending to do after the early introduction of the pacy Robbie Beard. Just 2 minutes after coming on, he received from Sandy before hitting a low shot through a crowded box, the unsighted Allaway only able to parry it back into the fray, before recovering to pull off a great save from Spencer’s rebound. Bears was then flagged just offside after Allaway had pushed away a Spencer shot, before referee Wheeler administered his second and final yellow card of the night, to Green for dissent. He thus followed his Brackley team-mate Spencer, who had been cautioned for kicking the ball away in the 1st half. Early in the final period of natural play, Sandy again put a good headed chance wide of target, following some good skills on the right and cross from Beard. Mason was brought on against his old club, for the tiring Nwokeji late on, before extra time moved into its final tense, intense last 5 minutes. André Scarlett fired a chance through a forest of legs, and was unlucky to see the deflection take it straight into the arms of kneeling ‘keeper Knight. But this was surrounded by chances for Brackley, for whom Beard drew another save from Allaway and then, in the last minute, a Sandy free kick was allowed to travel all the way to the 6-yard box before being whacked clear. And so, despite all their efforts, 3? hours of play between these two accomplished teams had failed to produce a goal, and attention switched to the Silver’s Farm end of the penalty shoot out. The very first penalty proved to be the decisive one, as Brackley’s Sandy hit a penalty which Allaway was able to save. From then on, all nine penalties were expertly put away, beginning with Staines’ Mason, who thus opened the scoring in this tie, against his last club. Savage and then Asombang responded with absolutely professional penalties, as did Beard for Brackley, before Toppin let fly with one into the top corner, to make it 3-2. Despite increasing pressure on every kick, there was no display of nerves by S Hadland (Brackley), Lewis Cook, and Spencer put theirs away. Finally, Dave Sargent showed not a speck of emotion, as he put away his penalty to send Staines to Crowborough. Staines will have to guard against being complacent, as there have been too many times when they have bowed out of this most famous of cup competitions against teams they should have beaten. Staines: Allaway, Thompson, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Cook, Toppin, Charles-Smith (Asombang 73), Nwokeji (Mason 110), Clarke (H Newton 57); unused Risbridger, Courtnage (gk). Brackley: Knight, Farley, Murphy, S Hadland, Green, Brown, S Hadland, Savage ©, Jackson (Beard 94), Spencer, Sandy; unused Beard, Williams, Stanbridge, Fontannelle, Tillshire (gk). Ref – Jonathan Wheeler (Basingstoke, Hants); ARs Dominic Stotford (Middlesex, Bot Gangees); Steve Hart (Ashford, Middlesex). Att 140.
Sunday 16th September 2007 (2pm) – FA Women’s Cup 1st Qualifying Round – att 88 STAINES TOWN Women (2) 3 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR LFC (0) 4 Having pulled the ‘plum’ draw in the qualifiers, Kate Cook’s depleted side came so close to dumping the big name out of the competition in front of their biggest home crowd. Staines began brightly, and had already peppered several shots before Louisa Richards put them ahead (12 mins) thrashing in a shot from 20 yards after Staines had broken up a Webb breakaway. Sarah Clutterbuck made a good save from Pritchard’s shot, but Staines were soon pouring forwards again, and when ’keeper May brought down Sam Oliver outside her box, the Spurs ’keeper was fortunate to only see yellow; unfortunately Oliver’s free kick went too high. Lynsey York did well to block a Webb run, before Staines went close again, Oliver feeding Hannah Fitzpatrick, whose cracking shot hit the bar. Lisa Samuel and Oliver caused panic in the Spurs box, and Lucy McNeil pounced to make it 2-0 (37m). Spurs started the second half well, with the wind behind them, and after Blackmore had gone close, Vicci Pitchard pulled one back on 53 mins. But Staines settled when Fitzpatrick’s great cross was sidefooted in by Sam Oliver (58m). However, all was not well in Staines’ defence: Jenni Friar had run herself into the ground and was replaced by debutant Charlotte Hopwood, Kate Davies was feeling the effects of her back problem, and Laura Spooner (doubtful before the start) was soon to take a knock and had to come off to be replaced by the returning Sidoné Bryan. But on 62 mins, more agony for Staines as Fitzpatrick hit the bar again after a great move, and then Rosi Webb battled through to reduce the arrears to 3-2 (65 mins). Clutterbuck saved a Herrett free kick, but Clifton played a good diagonal ball for Webb to level the scores (76 mins). In the final frantic minutes, Oliver went close with a header, but Spurs snatched a winner on 86 mins, J Richards hitting the post and Jade Perrin following up to tap in the rebound. There was still time for both Oliver and Fitzpatrick to roll shots inches past the post, and for a red card to be shown for a retaliatory punch by Spurs’ Perrin after a foul by L Richards. Spurs will now travel to Acton, who defeated Corinthian-Casuals. Staines: Clutterbuck; Davies ©, Friar (Hopwood 60), Julie Newell, York, Spooner (Sidoné Bryan 70), Samuel, L Richards, Fitzpatrick, Oliver, McNeil; unused Karrin French-Wollen, Tasha Lodder, Kate Cook. Spurs: 1 Laura May; 8 Athena Yennaris, 5 Kelly Herrett ©, 26 Melaine Berry, 18 Dominique Clarke, 29 Claire Singh (20 Jade Perrin 67 – SO 89), 10 Gill Blackmore, 2 Kathleen Clifton, 21 Faye Callaway, 37 Vicky Pritchard (28 Jessie Richards 67), 14 Rosi Webb; unused 3 Kerry Daniels, 11 Samrawit Bereket, 6 Jenny Curtis. Ref Paul Savva (Stanwell); ARs Stephen Barry (Feltham), Stephen A Simpson (Ashford, Mx). [tie 53].
Saturday 15th September 2007 (3:00pm) – FA Cup sponsored by E.On 1st Qual Rd – att 255 [tie 72] BRACKLEY TOWN (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (0) 0 By Steve Parsons. The smart money was always on a draw between these two sides, who have similar records near the top of their respective Premier Divisions, and so it proved, on the occasion of Swans’ first ever meeting with Brackley. Indeed, they were made most welcome on what is believed to be their first game in Northamptonshire. However, the generosity did not extend onto the field of play, where both teams’ defences proved to be locked vaults. Steve Cordery made just one change to the side which played so well a week earlier, starting Leigh Mason against his old club, in place of Victor Asombang. The first 20 minutes or so contained most of the game’s best chances, after which the sides largely nullified one another, although the game was never a dull one. Swans’ ’keeper Shaun Allaway was in action very early, saving an Elliot Sandy snapshot following a corner. Staines put together some fine passing moves, Lewis Cook drawing a good save after Mason’s through ball, and Mark Nwokeji unfortunately lost his footing as he latched onto a good opportunity on the rebound, allowing Richard Knight to turn it for a corner. Allaway again did well to deny Tom Winters’ powerful shot. The closest that either side came to breaking the deadline was Staines’ 17th minute effort when Dwain Clarke’s wide free kick caused momentary confusion in the Brackley box, and Adam Thompson arrived to strike the loose ball against the crossbar. The game settled down more after that, and Brackley deployed a very tight offside trap which caught Staines out more often than other teams have been able to do this season. Brackley’s Danny Spencer wriggled some space to fire a shot into the side netting, and Nwokeji could not quite keep down his 34th minute shot after Clarke helped on an Allaway free kick, but midfielders and defenders gradually gained the upper hand. Each side managed one more decent chance in the first half, Winters drawing a good save from Allaway after receiving from Sandy, and then André Scarlett firing inches wide after Mason had laid back Clarke’s low centre from the left. Early in the second half, Staines decided to vary their attack by bringing Marc Charles-Smith on for Mason, but it was from the unlikely source of Matt Flitter that they next came close to breaking the deadlock, the skipper powering a close-range header just over the bar following a twice-taken corner kick by Clarke. Brackley then took Spencer off and moved Sandy further forward, and then introduced Robbie Beard, who pinged in a couple of shots. Howard Newton was brought on for the visitors, and he quickly drew a foul from Michael Love, who became the second Brackley man in the book, following Martin Brown, also for a foul. However, it was the foul on Charles-Smith by Green that brought the game’s most controversial moment. The Staines striker naturally had to wait for the free kick to be taken, but this immediately bounced off a defender and went for a corner. Mr Husband believed that the Laws did not allow Charles-Smith then to return to the game, because the ball was not in play, and so the team offended against again had to be without a forward at a valuable set-play. Play then moved to the other end, where Clarke was cautioned for a foul on the edge of the box, and the resulting Brackley free kick led to Staines having to do some desperate defending as they tried to avoid conceding an 88th minute goal; the ball eventually fell to Spencer who blasted over the bar. The tension was almost unbearable during the 7 added minutes, but the best chances fell Staines’ way. Charles-Smith raced away but was halted by a superb tackle by Josh Green, and then Newton and Nwokeji combined to feed Adrian Toppin, who fired just wide. The draw was undoubtedly the fairest result, and it looks too close to call as these sides go into a replay at Wheatsheaf Lane on Tuesday night. Brackley supporters gave their Man of the Match award to Martin Brown, whilst they nominated Matt Flitter of Staines as the NLP Man of the Match. Staines: Allaway, Nugent, Thompson, Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Cook (H Newton 77), Toppin, Mason (Charles-Smith 52), Nwokeji, Clarke; unused Risbridger, Asombang, Courtnage (gk). Brackley: Knight, Farley, Love, S Hadland, Green, Brown, Sandy, Savage ©, Jackson (Beard 75), Spencer (G Hadland 65), Winters; unused P Murphy, Stanbridge, Williams. Ref – Chris E Husband (Worcester); ARs Steve M Plane (Drakes Broughton, Pershore); Paul K Harding (Worcester). Att 255.
Monday 10/9/07 Third place for Graham Staines Town groundsman Graham Gould's hard work saw him come third in the official Non-League FA groundsman of the year awards at Windsor race course last week. Graham's pitch is regarded as the best in the Ryman Premier and is now used to stage International games in both Youth and Women's football. congratulations Graham
Sunday 9th September 2007 – 2pm at Wheatsheaf Lane – att 66 London & South East Regional Women’s League, Division One (London) STAINES TOWN Women (3) 6 COLNE VALLEY Girls & Ladies (0) 1 Staines made it two wins out of two, with this keenly contested derby against Colne Valley, which marked their return to Wheatsheaf Park. Once again, no referee was appointed, and the two whom Sean Caldwell worked hard to source both pulled out on the morning of the game, leaving Colne Valley’s manager Darren Reynolds to do the honours, and a very good job of it he made, too. Kate Cook was also struggling for players for various reasons, but credit goes to Sharon Heaven who drove all the way from Leeds to take part. Laura Spooner deputised as captain, as Kate Davies’ back was one of the team’s injury problems. Jenni Friar, in a new left back role, was awarded Player of the Match. After only 3 minutes, Georgie Giddings opened Swans’ account with a crossfield shot which deceived Colne’s stand-in ‘keeper Williams. Richards was unlucky 12 minutes later when knocking in a McNeil cross, only to be flagged marginally offside. However, Heaven was rewarded for her 4-hour drive when she powerfully headed home a Samuels corner to make it 2-0 on 21 mins. Jo Ginger, always a doubt due to injury, limped off after only 25 minutes, but Tash Lodder came on and claimed her first goal for the club a minute before half time, capitalising on some defensive indecision after a shot by McNeil. Colne’s regular keeper, Kelly Morgan, arrived from her hockey fixture to join the fray at half time, but she was powerless to stop Giddings’ second goal, a stunning shot from well outside the box on 50 mins. McNeil made it 5-0 with a penalty, awarded for handball on 66 mins, but to Colne’s credit they kept going, and were rewarded with an 83rd min goal by Rosie Stone, another great strike from distance. But Staines had the last word when Friar’s 89th min pass picked out Oliver, who dribbled the ball across the box before driving it into the bottom corner. Staines: 1 Karrin French-Wollen; 2 Sidoné Bryan, 3 Jenni Friar, 4 Georgie Giddings, 5 Sharon Heaven, 6 Laura Spooner ©, 7 Lucy McNeil, 8 Louisa Richards, 9 Jo Ginger (16 Tasha Lodder 25), 10 Sam Oliver, 11 Lisa Samuel; unused 12 Kate Cook, 14 Charlotte Hopwood, 15 Kate Davies. Colne V: 2 Siobhan Williams (played as an outfielder 2nd half), 7 Suzie Flynn, 19 Monica Sharma (1 Kelly Morgan HT), 13 Michelle Janssen, 20 Son Sharma (20 Vicky Juliff 76), 14 Natalie Reynolds (11 Michell Calver 62), 17 Donna Jansson, 8 Amy Morris, 4 Rosie Stone, 10 Jade King, 16 Gemma Staton. Ref: Dave Reynolds (CVG&LFC / Staines); ARs Mr Oliver (STFC), Emma-Jane Lee (CV).
Saturday 8th September 2007 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division – att 191 STAINES TOWN (0) 1 MARGATE (0) 1 By Steve Parsons. Adrian Toppin 56m / Jay Saunders 87m Rival tv attractions limited the crowd, but the stay-aways missed an exciting and high quality match between two sides who have made solid starts this season. On an excellent Wheatsheaf Park surface – for which Groundsman Graham Gould received 3rd place in this week’s Groundsman of the Year awards ceremony – on a bright, warm afternoon, the teams served up an entertaining game. Staines attacked the houses end in the first half. Steve Cordery made four changes to the side beaten in midweek, as Howard Newton, Gareth Risbridger and goalkeeper James Courtnage were suffering knocks, and Marc Charles-Smith was left on the bench, to make way for Shaun Allaway, André Scarlett, Victor Asombang, and Dwain Clark. It was the first appearance of the league season for Allaway, last season’s number 1 ‘keeper, owing to a painful elbow injury. Margate included a player who had 18 months as a regular for Staines – defender Stuart Harte. Staines were the better side for much of the game, but were pegged back by a late equaliser from the resilient visitors, and left to regret numerous missed chances. The home side might have led from as early as the 6th minute, when Mark Nwokeji was put through, but Margate goalkeeper Scott Chalmers-Stevens spread himself well, and Victor Asombang was left with too narrow an angle for his attempt to volley home the rebound. The visitors worked their first real chance in the 20th minute, when Staines were stretched at a corner, and both James Pinnock and Louie Smith had efforts blocked. But Staines were soon back on the attack, and Asombang forced Chalmers-Stevens into a good save on the ground. The second half began with Staines still going forward, and Asombang made a surging run after receiving a good Dwain Clarke pass, and was disappointed to win only a corner. They deservedly took the lead on 56 minutes, following the booking of Dean Standen for a foul on Lewis Cook just outside the box. Clarke sent the free kick deep to the far post, where Adrian Toppin ghosted away from his markers to head the ball home. Cook had another shot fumbled by Chalmers-Stevens, before another cluster of bookings, including yellows for Justin Skinner and André Scarlett, whose tussle momentarily threatened to boil over. Clarke tried to repeat his free-kick magic following another foul by Steve McKimm, but this time there was no one to turn it in. Margate enjoyed their best spell midway through the half, testing Shaun Allaway in the Staines goal as he dealt with a McKimm shot and Jay Saunders’ follow-up. Allaway then seemed to jar the elbow that has kept him out of the side until today, when diving to save from Charley Side. The game really opened out in the final minutes, with Nwokeji wriggling through but seeing his low shot saved. Both Adam Thompson and Matt Flitter won vital defensive headers as Margate sent over some dangerous crosses. Margate’s McKimm had been lucky to avoid censure on several occasions, before becoming the fifth name in Mr Degnarain’s notebook, for another foul on Clarke. However, it was the visitors who had the last laugh, as Danny Gordon’s foul on James Pinnock led to Dan Young sending over a deep free kick, which Jay Saunders powerfully headed in at the far post. Clarke had the chance to snatch the initiative back for Staines deep into stoppage time, but his free kick thudded into Chalmers-Stevens’ body. Staines: Allaway, Nugent, Thompson, Gordon, Flitter ©, Scarlett, Cook (Mason 81), Toppin, Asombang, Nwokeji, Clarke; unused Charles-Smith, Sargent, Robinson, Courtnage (gk). Margate: Chalmers-Stevens, Harte, Skinner, Coleman (Jackson HT), Smith, Young, McKimm ©, Standen (Akinde 79), Pinnock, Side, Saunders; unused Ref – Ashvin Degnarain (Southgate); ARs C Evans & S Lovell.
STAINES TOWN WOMEN made it two wins out of two, when an injury hit team followed up last weeks win over Brentford by defeating Colne Valley 6-1 at Wheatsheaf Park. Georgie Giddings scored the first goal on just 3 minutes with an angled shot, and Sharon Heaven (who had driven all the way from Leeds to ease the player shortage) headed home Lisa Samuel's corner in the 21st minute. Just before the interval, Tasha Lodder scored her first for the club when she pounced on some defensive hesitation. A tremendous 50th min strike by Giddings made it 4-0, before Lucy McNeil converted a 66th minute penalty for hands to make it five. Rosie Stone pulled a good goal back for Valley with a dipping shot into the far corner, but Staines ended on a high with Jenni Friar threading the ball through for Sam Oliver to sidestep two markers and bury an 89 minute strike into the bottom corner.
The Academy defeated a plucky Horsham YMCA side 5-2 at Wheatsheaf Park in their first ever home game in the new Ryman Youth League on Wednesday. Enos Rodger and Lyle Taylor hit two each, and Adam Nelson got the other, while Lee Wragg and Ali Issa netted YMCA's goals.
Tuesday 4th September 2007 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division – att 297 STAINES TOWN (0) 0 WEALDSTONE (0) 1 By Steve Parsons. … / Peter Dean 65m (penalty) After the high of last Friday, Staines came down to earth with a bump at Wheatsheaf Park on a cool Tuesday evening. Fielding an unchanged eleven, Steve Cordery’s squad fell to their first defeat of the season to unfancied Wealdstone in a bad-tempered game and so ended the night in 6th place. Wealdstone’s starting team included one ex-Swan in Luke Muldowney, and there were two more on the bench: André De Lisser and Fergus Moore. The pitch was very good, and Staines attacked the houses end in the first half. Unfortunately for Staines, they just could not seem to get a toe hold in this game, as their north London visitors won the lion’s share of the tackles, and were more accurate in their passing. They lost Dean Papali with a suspected hamstring problem within a quarter hour, giving De Lisser an early introduction. But they were not overly disrupted, and when Chris O’Leary was fouled Peter Dean touched the free kick to Lee O’Leary, whose powerful shot was charged down by Lewis Cook. Staines immediately countered through Mark Nwokeji, who took on, and almost beat, two defenders single handedly, but just lost his footing at the vital moment. A long throw from Lee Chappell led to the visitors getting the ball in the net on 22 minutes, but the sharp-eyed linesman spotted that it had been diverted in by a forward’s hand. Three minutes later, the dangerous Ryan Ashe hit a stinging shot from just outside the box, which James Courtnage did well to get down to save. Marc Charle-Smith put a tantalising ball right across Wealdstone ’keeper Keita Karamoko’s goalmouth, and then Chappell did the same for Stones at the other end. Ashe hit another shot just past the post, and one which required Courtnage to save, after some impressive skills by C O’Leary. At half time, Staines decided to try to widen their attack, by introducing Dwain Clarke for Gareth Risbridger. However, the second half was marred by a string of cautions – Staines’ Adrian Toppin foir a 50th minute foul, and then – after a better spell by the home side – Adam Thompson for handling a Chappell scissors shot in the box. In truth, he could hardly get out of the way of the ball, but the penalty was given, and Peter Dean slotted it into the bottom corner on 65 minutes. Referee Gary Young took exception to something that was said from the Wealdstone bench, and ordered the removal of Leo Morris to the terraces: the Assistant was in sole charge of the team, as Gordon Bartlett was away on a scouting mission. Staines threw on Victor Asombang and Leigh Mason in a bid to get back into the game, then had Cook booked for a late tackle (78m), before Wealdstone’s C O’Leary joined him for a similar offence 2 minutes later. The flashpoint came on 85 minutes, Marcel Nugent catching Chris O’Leary with a high tackle, and the Wealdstone skipper retaliating, sparking a mêlée which momentarily involved numerous players. Mr Young finally issued a second yellow card to O’Leary, and a red one to Nugent, so both sides concluded the game a man light. There was still time for Staines to mount a late rally, but Asombang’s powerful shot was untidily blocked by Karamoko, and Nwokeji couldn’t quite keep his header on target. Staines: Courtnage, Nugent [SO85], Thompson, Gordon, Flitter ©, Risbridger (Clarke HT), Cook (Clarke 81), Toppin, Charles-Smith (Asombang 70), Nwokeji, H Newton (Mason 70); unused Robinson, Allaway (gk). Wealdstone: Karamoko, Martin, Chappell, Massey, Gross, Ashe, L O’Leary, C O’Leary © [SO85], Dean (Cooper 90), Papali (De Lisser 14), Muldowney; unused Hall, Moore, Montgomery. Ref – G Young; ARs Sotimirin & Engelbretson; Att 297.
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