Tuesday 30th September 2008 (7:45pm) – FA Cup sponsored by E.On, 2nd Qualifying Round Replay

HAYES & YEADING UNITED (3) 5  STAINES TOWN (1) 3  aet (3-3 at 90 mins)

By Steve Parsons.

Staines bowed out of the FA Cup at a breezy Church Road, Hayes, on Tuesday night, but not before a pulsating match which kept a decent contingent of travelling supporters entertained, and finally sent them home with the feeling that they had been the team more deserving of success over the tie.  Steve Cordery named an unchanged side from the scoreless first game, while Hayes & Yeading were able to re-introduce Ram Marwa into their midfield.  The afternoon had been very wet, leaving the evening cool and the pitch greasy; Staines attacked the far end of the ground in the first periods of both normal and extra time, playing against the wind.

Staines began in very promising mode, with both Elliot Onochie and Dean Thomas skimming shots off the greasy surface towards ‘keeper Aaron Howe, and Dave Sargent sending over a corner that was met by a powerful Davis Haule shot, which Howe instinctively blocked.  Staines kept up the pressure, with several more corners, Dean Thomas firing across the face of goal.  An injury to Darti Brown temporarily reduced Staines to 10 men, whereupon United enjoyed their best spell, winning a couple of corners and skimming shots across the face of Louis Wells’ goal.  They scored the opening goal after Staines conceded a 16th minute free kick on the edge of the box, which was superbly struck into the far top corner by Will Hendry. But Staines immediately returned to the attack, and scored a tremendous solo equaliser through Richard Butler just 4 minutes later, as he brought the ball forward, held off a stern challenge, and then, looking up and finding no-one to pass to, let fly with a super shot into the far corner of the net.  Staines felt aggrieved when skipper Tom Cadmore received no more than a mild ticking off after being skinned by Onochie and resorting to pulling him down, with the free kick merely thudding into the wall.  A handball just outside the box gave Sargent the chance to drill in a free kick, which dipped just over the bar.  However, in the 28th minute, United were back in front, when a Steven Gregory corner was headed by Josh Scott, for Matt Ruby to scramble his first goal for the club. There was an 8 minute delay caused because the flailing players had managed to break the cord supporting the net – oddly, this was the game’s second hold-up due to equipment failure, a ball having been replaced after being punctured.  Staines poured forward once again when play resumed, a goalmouth mêlée ending with Thomas’s shot being saved by Howe, Butler being cynically halted by a Marwa foul, Charles-Smith seeing a header cleared off the line, and Thomas once again denied by a deflection.  But in the final minutes of the half, the home side again looked dangerous, with a Marwa shot deflecting for a 43rd minute corner, which reached Hendry, and although Wells beat away his first strike, he made no mistake from the rebound.  Right on 45 mins, Wells managed to juggle a Danny Allen-Page effort against the woodwork before gratefully clasping his arms around the ball, as the game moved deep into the added 9? minutes.

It was always going to be a long way back for the visitors, but Staines emerged in determined mood after Mr Cordery’s team talk, and within seconds it was United’s turn to be grateful for the woodwork, as Howe slapped a Jake Newton ball against the bar.  Butler had a shot blocked on the edge of the 6 yard box, while Sargent, Onochie, and Charles-Smith all had decent strikes at goal.  United were finding it heavy going, and both Gregory (shirt pulling) and Cadmore (foul) were cautioned.  Clement James, on at half time for the injured Brown, was just inches away from getting a touch to a tantalising Butler cross across the goal, just after Dean Fenton had replaced Charles-Smith.  The pressure paid off on 67 minutes, when Elliot Onochie raced onto a long ball, and capitalised on an ill-judged advance by Howe, leaving him free to roll the ball into the empty net.  Seconds later, James and Onochie combined incisively, but Butler’s final touch sent the ball agonisingly wide.  However, Butler was not to be denied, when he chested home Staines’ equaliser on 72 minutes, following a darting run by Onochie.  United protested that he had used his arm, but to no avail, and the tie was in the balance again.  Jon McDonald came on for Thomas, who was suffering from cramp, but as the match stretched into the 4 added minutes, both teams seemed to be taking something of a breather, and gathering their resources for the extra half hour.

Staines began well enough, with McDonald’s throws and a series of corners keeping them in the hunt, but then United turned the tables, and – after Allen-Page had sade a great run and shot just wide – they went back ahead on 99 minutes.  Josh Scott centred for Kieran Knight, and he slammed the ball past Wells from close range.  Still Staines would not lie down, as a foul just outside the box led to a James free-kick, which Danny Gordon headed against the foot of the post. 

In the second period, Staines saw a penalty appeal waved away after Onochie seemed to be tripped, and then were unlucky when Fenton chested a James cross against the post.  The pressure was now non-stop, as Haule shot just wide from 6 yards after mnore good work by Fenton and James, and in the 116th minute, Staines did get the ball in the net courtesy of a Lee Kersey strike following a swirling cross, but referee Power disallowed it after ruling that Howe was pushed.  In the aftermath, each side had a player booked for a foul (Haule and Saroya), but the home side bagged a fifth goal as Staines pushed up, Saroya’s cross being rammed in by Esmond James.  They will now visit Ryman South leaders Kingstonian in the 3rd Qualifying Round.

Staines – Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Kersey, Haule, R Butler, Onochie, Thomas (McDonald 87), Brown (C James HT), Charles-Smith (Fenton 61); unused H Newton, Courtnage (gk), Cook, Maskell.

H&Y U – Howe, Allen-Page, Martin, Cadmore ©, Ruby, Marwa, Mulley (E James 80), Gregory (Saroya 100), Fitzgerald (Knight 65), Hendry, Scott; unused Collins, Perkins, Palmer, Preddie (gk).

Ref A Power (Harrow); ARs M Sennett (Hayes), M Engelbretson (Harefield); Official Att 348.

Saturday 27th September 2008 (3:00pm) – FA Cup sponsored by E.On, 2nd Qualifying Round [tie 54]

STAINES TOWN (0) 0  HAYES & YEADING UNITED (0) 0

By Steve Parsons.

Hoping to emulate their run of last season, Staines found their way barred by the (joint) highest team in the competition at this stage – Conference South leaders Hayes & Yeading United.  Staines had many league and cup battles with both Hayes FC and Yeading FC in the past, but this is the first time they had met the newly merged club at 1st XI level, and a decent crowd of 561 turned out on a warm afternoon to see it.  There was good news for Steve Cordery, in that he was able to recall Lee Kersey and Dean Thomas from their injury and illness (respectively), but Howard Newton and André Scarlett remained sidelined.  United included two players with brief Swans careers – Matt Ruby and unused sub Delroy Preddie; Swans players Louis Wells and Clement James formerly played for Hayes.

Staines’ first meeting with a Conference South club proved to be a fascinating cup tie, and one in which they more than matched their illustrious neighbours for most of the game.  As early as the 4th minute, Dean Thomas hooked a decent chance over the bar from close range, and soon afterwards Kersey made a great interception at the back, played the ball forward to Elliot Onochie who in turn laid it off to Richard Butler, overlapping from the left, and his drive was saved in front of the upright: soon afterwards, Butler saw another drive fly just wide.  But the home side also had occasion to be grateful to their goalkeeper, Wells, who twice came out of his area to make authoritative interventions to raids by Will Hendry and Scott Fitzgerald.  The game pulsated from end to end – first United’s Josh Scott flashed a free kick right across the face of goal, and then Jake Newton sent a powerful shot just wide following a Dave Sargent corner on the right.  Sargent went close with a free kick; then Hayes’ Staforde Palmer shot just over the bar after a scramble in the Staines box.  A promising Swans attack was halted after Ruby was spotted down injured, although it was pointed out that the visitors did not take the opportunity to put the ball out – however, it is likely that the injury was not noticed at the time.  Jake Newton was having a ‘purple patch’ either side of half time, and drew deserved applause for making a tigrish tackle, and then setting up decent chances for Butler, Thomas, and Onochie. And right on half time, Darti Brown won a corner for Sargent, which saw Onochie once again go close with a header.

J Newton, Thomas, and Butler continued to look dangerous at the start of the second, although the visitors did have a penalty claim waved away.  The pace of the second half was not quite as furious as the first, but there were still plenty of chances for both teams – with Staines continuing to have the edge.  Thomas bamboozled his marker, but then put his shot too close to ‘keeper Aaron Howe, and the young midfielder also started a move that went via Onochie, to Butler, who again got away from his marker before curling a shot inches past the post.  For United, Palmer’s pass to Fitzgerald draw more stout defending from the home side, and then they had a rasping free kick by Will Hendry blocked by Wells, and the Swans’ keeper also reacted quickly to deny Gregoru on the follow-up.  The final 15 minutes saw Hayes & Yeading gaining an edge for perhaps the only time in the match, with Fitzgerald carving out a good opening but delaying his shot until the chance had faded, Palmer winning only a corner.  The flag kick reached Palmer, whose shot was well saved, under pressure, by Wells. Five minutes from time, a foul on Butler gave Sargent the chance to pick out James with his free kick, but the final shot flew wide.  Butler picked up the game’s only yellow card for going to ground too easily, and as the three additional minutes began, a neat United move involving Mulley and Gregory ended with Fitzgerald nodding over, but by this stage it would have been cruel had either side lost.  WF Electrical Factors’ Steven Cowler presented the Staines Town Supporters’ Club Man of the Match award to Richard Butler, and the teams will reconvene at Church Road, Hayes, on Tuesday (7:45).

Staines – Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Kersey, Haule, R Butler, Onochie, Thomas (Fenton 86), Brown, Charles-Smith (C James 77); unused H Newton, McDonald, Courtnage (gk), Cook, Maskell.

H&YU – Howe, Allen-Page, Martin, Cadmore ©, Ruby, Palmer, Gregory, Fitzgerald, Hendry, Scott (E James 81); Knight, Saroya, Collins, Fayed, Perkins, Preddie (gk).

Ref E Smith; ARs G Mays & A Mawby (all Surrey); Official Att 561.

Tuesday 23rd September 2008 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (1) 2  HENDON (0) 0

By Steve Parsons.

Staines maintained their second spot in the table with this hard earned win over the last team to take points from them at Wheatsheaf Lane.  They did so without a number of injured players – Scarlett and Kersey took knocks on Saturday, Thomas was ill, and Ifura failed a late fitness test.  These can be added to the longer term absentees, Courtnage, Flitter, Risbridger, H Newton, and Allaway. This gave Jon McDonald a first start of the campaign, albeit on the right of defence, and forced Steve Cordery to name the partially fit Howard Newton and Craig Maskell on the bench.  The weather was mild, the pitch good, and Staines attacked the houses end on the first half.

The game began falteringly, and although Marc Charles-Smith fired just wide for Staines, and Charlie Mapes forced a hasty clearance at the other end, it was somewhat disjointed.  This was not helped y a 2? minute hold-up when Paul O’Hare broke his flag, and a spare was fetched, briefly leaving the Assistant Referee holding two and looking like he was going to begin a pythonesque performance of Wuthering Heights.  When the game resumed, Mr O’Hare quickly used his new flag to signal the first offside of the game – this after 19 minutes of play.  A great ball from James Bent to Danny Dyer saw the visitors win a corner, but they could not trouble Louis Wells in the Staines goal, and on the half hour it was Swans who took the lead.  Daniel Gordon played a good ball out of defence, and Elliot Onochie fired a shot which ’keeper Richard Wilmot blocked with his feet, sending the ball into the air, and as it dropped, there was Richard Butler to head in his second goal in as many games.  Two minutes later, McDonald was tripped just outside the box by Bent, and Lewis Cook whipped in a free kick from which Charles-Smith flicked the ball up and just over the bar.  Then the roles were reversed, Charles-Smith darting between two defenders to supply Cook, who was denied by a defender’s stretched toe.  Cook had just been booked for a foul, but in his next challenged, he received an elbow from defender Kevin MacLaren, which saw the Hendon man given a straight red card, leaving his team mates 53 minutes to play with a man short.  There was a further worry for the visitors when Wilmot was injured in a 50/50 challenge with Butler, and although he played the remainder of the match, his movements did not look fluent.  Five additional minutes were added to the first half.

Darti Brown put an early second half chance just wide for the home side, but unfortunately the half was peppered with yellow cards.  Having just been warned for a handball, Butler committed the same offence on 62 minutes, and was booked. Four minutes later, he was on the receiving end of a foul which saw Dyer cautioned, following a Diedhiou booking on the hour.  In the last minutes of the game, fouls on James by Burgess and Kirby brought Hendon’s card count up to five.  But between all this, some decent football was played, with Staines always looking the better side, but Hendon hanging in, at least until the second goal was scored.  Butler came close to doing this on 70 minutes, with a snapshot from a Dean Fenton pass which failed to test the limping Wilmot, but the ’keeper distinguished himself by blocking Elliot Onochie’s drive, this time following a clever square pass by Butler.  The clincher came on 75 minutes, and was started by a long ball from the back which Butler collected, and advanced on goal.  Although Wilmot blocked his drive, Butler got to his feet again, and instinctively shot into the net before the ’keeper could recover his position.  Fenton sent a shot skimming across the goalmouth, and McDonald pushed forward and had a couple of late efforts.  Apart from a Kayan Kalipha header which flashed wide, Staines were not seriously threatened.  The supporters’ club selected Richard Butler as their Man of the Match.

Staines – Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Haule, R Butler, Onochie, McDonald, Brown, Cook (James 52), Charles-Smith (Fenton 68); unused H Newton, Maskell, Courtnage (gk).

Hendon – Wilmot, MacLaren [SO 37], Vargas, Leach, Kirby ©, Busby, Bent (Hudson 80), Burgess, Hunt, Mapes (Diedhiou HT), Dyer (Kalipha 68); unused Lawrencin (gk), L Guentchev.

Ref L Wood (Essex); ARs Lowe & O’Hare (both Bucks); Official Att 266.

Saturday 20th September 2008 (3:00pm) – Ryman League

RAMSGATE (0) 1  STAINES TOWN (0) 1

Staines claimed an important point in Kent, which was an acceptable return from what is always a tricky fixture, but will look back on any number of missed chances and know that they paid a 2-point price for failing to put them away when they were on top.  Staines started with the same side as in the previous two games, on a warm and bright afternoon, and with a decent playing surface underfoot, but with a strong cross-wind making things difficult.  They attacked the far end, with the advantage of the slope, in the first half.  Kick-off was delayed to 3:05 owing to a problem with one of the goal nets.

The more positive side from the outset was Staines, who forced a string of corners, and who saw Richard Butler force a decent save from Jack Delo, with a 15th minute shot on the turn following good distribution by Lee Kersey and Dave Sargent,  and André Scarlett curled a fre kick against the crossbar following a foul just outside the box.  In between, Ramsgate’s Nick Davis headed just wide from a Dane Sutton free-kick; Louis Wells also had to be alert to get above an opponent and claim a Mo’ Takaloo’ effort, and he also clung on to a Lee Minshull shot.  Staines had found it difficult to get their range accurate when taking corners with the wind, but one late in the half was helped on by Butler to Dean Thomas, whose drive was fumbled by Delo before being gathered at the second attempt.  Almost immediately afterwards, Sutton had Wells in a similar predicament, and he likewise recovered successfully.  Scarlett picked up the first of the day’s six bookings for a foul, and was surprised when, on the stroke of half time, he was sent sprawling, and caught the ball only to find that no free kick was awarded, either for the foul or hands!  Onochie’s tenacity set up the final chance of the half, dispossessing Jake Eastwood and feeding Butler, whose footwork left all three markers on the ground, only to send his shot inches wide.

Richard Butler, who has worked so hard to get on the scoresheet over the last month, and had just headed wide, finally put Staines ahead in the 55th minute, when he received a great pass from Darti Brown, sprinted into the box, and expertly guided his shot into the corner of the net.  A Sutton long shot went just wide for the visitors, and Takaloo was denied by Wells, before Sargent struck a free kick just over the bar, following a late tackle on Charles-Smith for which Dowley was cautioned.  Staines were now very much in the ascendancy, and Ramsgate could not get out of their half, so with 19 minutes left they threw on an influential couple of subs, including long-throw specialist Simon Pettit.  With 11 minutes remaining, the home side made a short burst of pressure tell when, following a free kick inside their own half which was pumped long by ‘keeper Delo which was helped on by debutant Jay May, Mohammad Takalobighashi (to give him his full name) stretched out a boot to divert the ball beyond Wells from 6 yards.  The rest of the game was very end to end, with Sutton hammering a free kick into the wall after he was fouled, and then a foul on Charles-Smith by Takaloo leading to yellow cards for the Rams player, and Gordon who was singled out in the brief mêlée which ensued.  A Sargent throw seemed to have set up But;ler for the winner, but Nick Davis somehow got a toe in to divert the ball away. Minshull (foul on Butler) and Sutton (studs-up challenge) were the final two to be booked, but as the game extended to 5 minutes of injury time, there were still chances for victory at both ends.  Crosses by Lewis Cook and Thomas led to a huge scramble in the box which saw Onochie’s header cleared off the line, and shots by Davis Haule and Brown blocked; before Rams tried to claim a penalty for hands and saw Davis put a shot into the side-netting.  Then, with almost the last kick, May’s shot seemed destined to find the top corner, but Wells pulled off a superb diving save.  Staines remain in second place.

Staines – Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Kersey, R Butler, Onochie, Scarlett (Haule 78), D Thomas, D Brown, Charles-Smith (Cook 88); unused Fenton, McDonald, Courtnage (gk).

Ramsgate – Delo, Eastwood, Dowley (Pettit 71), Davis, Graham, Hadden, B Brown (May 50), Schulz (Ball 71), Minshull, Takalobighashi, Sutton; unused Dolton, Firth.

Ref S Butler (Maidstone); ARs Cottee (Hornchurch), Joss (Ramsgate); Official Att 327.

Monday 22nd September 2008 (7:45pm)

FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.On – First Qualifying Round [tie 79]

KENTISH TOWN Youth (0) 1 STAINES TOWN Academy (0) 2

After extra time: 0-0 at 90 minutes

If Kentish Town’s win over Uxbridge had been something of a surprise, as they are a relatively new club whose 1st XI are in the Spartan South Midlands League, they proved on this cold Monday night that it was no fluke.  They operate two U18 sides, the main one in the Southern Counties Floodlit League, and a youthful 2nd XI in the Allied Counties, and also have links with Arsenal FC through a community scheme.  They play at the huge Barnet Copthall Stadium, home to Shaftesbury Harriers AC, with its 10-lane running track, impressive stand, and powerful floodlights which include somewhat distracting pylons behind each goal. 

It was an end-to-end start, but Staines should have gone in front on 12 mins when a low cross somehow eluded Ford right in front of goal, and Ford also went close on 39 mins after an incisive ball from King.  Then Ceciser pulled off a diving save to divert a Ford round for a corner, after he had cut inside.  Staines had hoped to push on in the second half, with the wind at their backs, and in fact went close with a huge shot within the opening seconds, followed by an opportunist effort by Ramizi.  However, Martyn Spong was then forced into early substitutions, as Nelson (hamstring twinge) and ‘keeper Sonner (rib) withdrew.  Ramizi again won the ball following a defensive error, while Marlowe whipped a free kick just outside the upright.  The Others’ Barnes sliced against his own post, and from the resulting corner, King volleyed just wide.  Adeniyi set up a shooting chance for Ford, but that went too high, and disaster struck in the 75th when the sub ‘keeper was adjudged to have tripped McPherson, and Kentish were awarded a penalty: however, Adeniyi redeemed the situation with a great save to Irish’s spot-kick.  A niggly phase resulted in cautions for a player from each side, as Staines lived dangerously near the end, and then almost nicked it following a good Arthur throw-in.  After a scoreless 90 minutes, the game went into extra time, and within 3 mins Ryan Ford had put the visitors ahead, chasing a good Jon Vickers ball down the flank, and then expertly lifting it over Ceciser’s head against the wind. But Swans could not relax: Marlowe was booked for a foul, and then a long 97th min Others free kick was swept in from close range by Yvens Tiamou for 1-1.  Marlowe hit the bar in the last minute of the first half, but Staines finally prevailed when Will Marlowe converted a 112th min penalty, after he had been tripped. 

Staines: 1 Danny Sonner (1 Ademola Adeniyi 53), 2 Jon Vickers, 3 Daniel Dunning, 4 Alfie Arthur, 5 Darren Millard, 6 Frazer Douglas, 7 James King, 8 Adam Nelson (12 Jemelle Hudson [B85] 50), 9 Ryan Ford, 10 Will Marlowe © [B94], 11 Florin Ramizi (16 Nassir Ali 77); unused 14 Harvey Suika, 15 Fabion Grosvenor.

Kentish: 1 Edwin Ceciser, 2 Alexander Kasconcellas, 3 Babajide Sonupe, 4 Jaiden Irish ©, 5 Joe Earle (17 Nicoye Davis 113), 6 Julio Barnes, 7 Joel Appiah-Kubi, 8 Ukonu Olugu, 9 Dominic Murchison (14 Luther Nzinga HT), 10 Yvens Tiamou, 11 Kirk McPherson (15 Andres Gonzalez [B85] 70); unused 12 Myles Lennon-Kelson, 16 Rotimi Oyewumi.

Ref: Quentin Pearsall (Hadley Green); ARs Peter Panayiotu (Haringey), Chris Hemery (Tottenham); Off Att 10 (est 16).

Wednesday 17th September 2008 (7:45pm)

Ryman Youth League (North West Div): at Cobham FC

KINGSTONIAN Youth (0) 0

STAINES TOWN Academy (1) 2

This keenly contested match resulted in a narrow win for Staines, in a match which saw three players named against their previous clubs – Fabion Grosvenor, Babak Honarfar, and Enos Rodger. Staines started well, troubling the ‘keeper from three dangerous free kicks, before taking a deserved 26th min lead when Will Marlowe converted a penalty following a trip on Ford.  These two continued to look dangerous, but Hepstonstall was in fine form, and there were a couple of scares at the other end late in the half, when Honarfar shot just wide and Sonner did well to keep out Rogers’ effort.  Ks continued to look dangerous after the restart, but Millard made great interventions to deny Luff and Martin, before nerves were settled with a further goal on 65 mins: Nelson fed Suika, whose super turn and lay off was coolly finished by Ryan Ford. There was one booking, K’s Hernandez (33 mins) for a string of fouls.

Staines: 1 Danny Sonner, 2 Jon Vickers, 3 Daniel Dunning, 4 Alfie Arthur, 5 Darren Millard, 6 Frazer Douglas (14 Jemelle Hudson 67), 7 Elliott Thompson, 8 Adam Nelson (18 Ashley Burton 84), 9 Ryan Ford, 10 Will Marlowe ©, 11 Florin Ramizi (12 Harvey Suika 63); unused 15 Nathaniel Beckett, 16 Fabion Grosvenor.

Ks: 1 Matt Heptonstall, 2 Zach Jacquart, 3 Dumer Fernando Rivera, 4 Dan Tansill, 5 Andrew Luff, 6 Eamon Carpenter (12 Craig Mullen HT), 7 Babak Honarfar, 8 Stefan Martin ©, 9 Esteban Salgado, 10 Jhonny Hernandez (18 Sam Simmons-Betts 68), 11 Enos Rodger (15 Mark Wellen HT); unused 12 Aaron Watson, 16 Ricardo Gayle-Dixon.

Ref Martin Feast (Liphook, Hants); ARs Gerry Kehoe (West Molesey), Stephen Nanson (Witley, near Guildford, Surrey); Att 67 (officially 30).

Saturday 13th September 2008 (3:00pm) – FA Cup sponsored by E.On 1st Qualifying Round (match 71)

CHESHUNT (0) 0  STAINES TOWN (2) 3

By Steve Parsons.

After their glittering FA Cup run of last season, this season’s opener had ‘banana skin’ written all over it, as Staines sought to avoid adding Cheshunt’s name to a long list ignominious FA Cup exits, and to secure a £3000 prize.  However, perhaps last year’s exploits have given them a taste for this competition, as they dealt with the Division 1 North side in a very professional manner.  Steve Cordery named an unchanged side for the visit to Theobald’s Lane, in a town which is actually twinned with the French town of Stains.  The pitch was in decent condition, the afternoon very warm and sunny, and Staines attacked the dressing rooms end in the first half.  For the first time, seven subs were permitted in the FA Cup, which allowed so James Courtnage was included as goalkeeping cover, as he nears full fitness.

It was to that end that play moved straight from the kick-off, and Staines made the perfect start when they took the lead after just 73 seconds of play.  Elliot Onochie sent in a free kick, and it was met by a perfectly flighted shot by Dean Thomas to send the ball into the corner of Harry Ricketts’ net.  Cheshunt quickly tried to get back on terms when Louis Wells was stretched to claim a Matt Keogh cross under challenge from an opponent, but referee Nolan Wilde blew for a free kick to the visitors.  After this, Staines never really looked in danger, and they might have gone 2-0 up when Onochie received the ball in a good position, tempted Ricketts to come out, and then laid the ball off the Richard Butler, whose shot beat the ‘keeper but was cleared away by Ricky Dobson.  The Ambers appealed for a penalty for hands when Staines effected an untidy clearance, but the ref was having none of it, and a second goal followed soon afterwards, with 35 minutes played.  Dave Sargent sent over a teasing corner, and Lee Kersey – a player who had not scored for 3 years up to last weekend – emerged from the pack to net his second Swans goal in 8 days!  Ricketts did well to hold a powerful Onochie shot from outside the box, which might have made Staines’ lead unassailable just before the break.

Cheshunt made a double substitution and a change of formation to 4-4-2 at the interval, and for a while threatened to get back in the game.  However, Staines defended well, and on the one occasion that they did break through, Mervin Abraham’s drive was saved by Wells’ outstretched foot.  The game was finally killed off in the 62nd minute, and followed a flowing Swans move which involved Thomas, Butler and Sargent on the left, Marc Charles-Smith sending it back into the mix from the right, and although the ball did not quite fall for Sargent, André Scarlett was running in behind and he hit a superb 20 yard shot beyond Ricketts.  Charles-Smith was immediately withdrawn, making way for Dean Fenton to appear against his old club, and he quickly set up a chance which Scarlett sent just wide.  Onochie had a good shot pushed round by Ricketts, Butler was pulled back by Dobson when he looked like getting clean through on goal, and Butler also put a fine header inches wide, as Staines entertained their happy band of supporters who had travelled up to Hertfordshire on the mini-bus.  At the end of the 3 added minutes, they could start to plan for the next round a fortnight later, with the draw to be made on Monday lunchtime.  Three players were booked for fouls: Cheshunt’s Parry in the 1st half, and Williams after a 2nd half trip on Butler; and Staines’ Thomas in the 89th minute.  Sargent was chosen as the NLP Man of the Match by the friendly host club.

Staines – Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, D Thomas, Kersey (McDonald 83), Charles-Smith (Fenton 63), Brown, R Butler, Onochie (Haule 80), Scarlett; unused Cook, H Newton, James, Courtnage.

Cheshunt – Ricketts, Schillaci, Parry ©, Keogh (Abraham HT), Williams, Dobson, Taylor-Forbes, Prestedge, Bradford (Tresdarden 64), Lewis (Jackman HT), Gradosielski; unused G Butler, Harrison, Judge.

Ref Nolan Wilde; ARs Kevin Welsh, Martin Peck (all from Kent); Official Att 236.

Thursday 11th September 2008 (7:30) – Ryman Youth League (NW)

STAINES TOWN Academy (0) 1

WOKING Youths (2) 2

Staines were caught cold by two first half Cards goals, Luke Smith (22 mins) and Anson Cousins (41), despite the home side having the majority of the play.  They were able to pull one back on 61 mins from time, when two subs combined: Adam Nelson swung in a free kick from wide on the right, and Ryan Ford headed home. But it was not enough to save Staines’ 9-game / 5-month winning run in this league.

Staines: 1 Danny Sonner, 2 Jon Vickers, 3 Fabion Grosvenor (17 Daniel Dunning 66), 4 Alfie Arthur, 5 Darren Millard; 6 James King, 7 Elliott Thompson, 8 Jemelle Hudson (16 Adam Nelson 46), 9 Harvey Suika (15 Ryan Ford 53), 10 Will Marlowe ©, 11 Florin Ramizi; unused 12 Nassir Ali, 14 Frazer Douglas.

Woking: 1 Nick Greaves, 2 Chris Richards, 3 Alex Lumley, 4 Callum Eagle, 5 Ashley Lloyd, 6 Ashley Groombridge, 7 Danilo Cadete, 8 Michael Boateng, 9 Curtis Wayne, 10 Luke Smith, 11 Anson Cousins; subs 1 Patrick Kinsella, 14 Jason Cachia, 15 Rav Randawa (ex Staines Junior), 16 Francesco Cachia, 17 James Snishko.

Ref Simeon Potter (Sutton, Surrey); ARs Nigel Hickes (Ruislip), Ralph Ellerker (Harrow); Att 40.

Tuesday 9th September 2008 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

SUTTON UNITED (1) 1  STAINES TOWN (0) 1

By Steve Parsons.

In their first meeting since 1997, Staines gained a useful point away to the side relegated from the Conference South in the summer.  Howard Newton was sidelined with a bruised foot, and David Haule unavailable, so there were returns to the side for André Scarlett and Marc Charles-Smith.  Staines ran into a team who still boast plenty of talented players, and who are just gelling as a unit.  The weather was damp and breezy, and Staines were attacking the entrance end in the first half. 

The visitors began well, with Elliot Onochie almost getting the better of ‘keeper Paul Nicholls before being somewhat harshly penalised for a foul, and Butler robbed Matt Hann of the ball and bore down on goal, before the defender redeemed himself with a saving tackle.  But it did not take long before Louis Wells in the Staines goal was being stretched by a couple of powerful Sutton shots.  A succession of fouls led to bookings for Lee Kersey and Scarlett of Staines, and Sutton’s Murray, with Gordon and Brown for the visitors added in the second half.  On 22 minutes, Charles-Smith got a powerful stooping header to a Dave Sargent corner from the right, and it took a despairing header from McCallum to keep it out of the Sutton net.  But 9 minutes later, in a move begun by Chukki Eribenne, Gavin McCallum was in action at the other end, touching in a low, far-post cross from Karl Murray, and in fact he was so far advanced that it left many spectators wondering why no offside flag was raised.  Staines tried hard to respond, Sargent’s long free kick being tipped over the bar by Nicholls just seconds later, and Dean Thomas saw a powerful downward header saved, but Sutton were now looking strong, and, following a free kick, Hann might have doubled their lead, but blazed over when well placed.  Richard Butler was again unlucky not to get on the scoresheet on 39 minutes, when he ran onto a defensive clearance, was knocked off balance by the last defender but struggled to his feet again, only to fire wide when one-on-one with the ’keeper. 

Staines played down the slight slope in the second half, but whether it was this or some wise words from manager Steve Cordery, they were the better side for the remainder of the game.  They had already mounted several worthwhile attacks, and Charles-Smith had put a shot just too high, before they secured the equaliser in the 57th minute.  A Sutton attack was broken up by a well timed tackle by Gordon, who played the ball forward to Butler, who in turn was pushed in the back as he controlled the ball.  Scarlett swung the free-kick into the box, and Marc Charles-Smith emerged from the crowd in the penalty box to head firmly past Nicholls. Staines were now in full flow, and a Scarlett header ballooned up and just over the bar after striking a defender on the head. Onochie saw a shot on the turn fly inches over, and Butler hit the side-netting from a tight angle.  There was a further moment of controversy involving assistant referee Hailstone, who raised an explicable offside flag as Butler darted past a defender and bore down on goal.  However, Sutton’s threat never disappeared, and they also had chances to take the 3 points.  Wells did well to fingertip a fine Eribenne drive just over, and McCallum darted into space on the left and forced Wells into another good save following a surge by Dundas.  Both teams went away feeling that they could perhaps have won the game, but a draw was not an unfair result and, with Ashford slipping, it was enough to move Staines into 2nd place behind Dover.

Staines – Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Kersey, Butler, Onochie, Scarlett, D Thomas, Brown, Charles-Smith (Cook 83); unused Fenton, McDonald, James, Haule.

Sutton – Nicholls, J Smith, Bray, Palmer © (D Smith 76), Collins, El-Salahi, Hann, Murray, Eribenne (West 83), Wilde (Dundas 76), McCallum; unused Heeroo, McKimm.

Ref T Robinson; ARs R Hailstone, M Goldsmith; Official Att 410.

Saturday 6th September 2008 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (0) 2  DARTFORD (1) 1

By Steve Parsons.

The first ever League meeting between these clubs saw Staines come from behind to claim all three points, but not before their Kent visitors had given them quite a scare.  Staines attacked the houses end in the first half, in a game played on an overcast afternoon.  There was a strong wing against Staines in the first half, with showers, though by the second half it had become more of a crosswind.  Both teams were hit by unavailabilities, with Richard Butler coming into the Staines starting line-up, in place of the unavailable Leroy Griffiths.  Notwithstanding Cliff Richard’s appearance in Staines High Street (!!), there was a decent crowd at Wheatsheaf Park, with a good contingent of visiting fans helping the atmosphere along.

The first few minutes of the match were interrupted by a couple of lengthy injury stoppages, which would eventually lead to 4 added minutes in the first half.  An early chance went just wide of Louis Wells’ Staines goal, as he punched out a Lee Noble corner, only for the ball to rebound off another Dartford forward.  But Staines were also a threat going forward, and three times left-wing runs by Howard Newton terrorised the Darts’ defence.  One two occasions, Newton himself fired narrowly off target, and on the other he set up Butler who was unlucky enough to cannon his shot off the woodwork.  Darts ‘keeper Tony Kessell failed to hold a telling Dave Sargent free kick, but was able to tidy up at the second attempt.  But the visitors were just as dangerous, and a neat move saw Jamie Day spread the ball wide to Steve Butterworth, whose shot just cleared the bar.  Butterworth made no mistake with his next attempt, however, as he shadowed Danny Gordon across the park and eventually stole possession (amid claims that he fouled the home skipper), powered towards goal, and let fly with a shot which took a deflection of the extended foot of Lee Kersey before flying past Wells.  Only 27 minutes had been played, but Dartford went on to enjoy a good spell for the remainder of the half, and it was only in the final moments that Staines again looked dangerous, with Kessell again struggling to deal with a Sargent free kick, and Butler being desperately closed down after working a chance in the box.

Dartford again went close at the start of the second period, but the game started to turn when Steve Cordery varied the Swans attack with a couple of inspired substitutions.  Marc Charles-Smith looked back to his very best when replacing the tiring Howard Newton, and André Scarlett shook off a hamstring niggle to come in for Davis Haule.  Kessell saved a low Butler drive, and on 62 minutes the visitors were fortunate to survive a big scramble after Scarlett won a corner.  Onochie rolled the ball to Sargent, whose cross was met by a Dean Thomas header that was blocked, and a Charles-Smith follow-up which was also beaten away.  There was a booking each way after fould by Jake Newton (on Noble) and Danny Dafter, and Dartford’s Tom Osbourne poked a shot just wide, before Staines drew level with 20 minutes to go.  Charles-Smith won the latest in a long line of corners, Sargent sent it across from the right, and Lee Kersey met it with a powerful header which was hooked away by a defender – but linesman Liam Walshe had spotted that it had already crossed the line. The goal thus had similarities to the two which beat Dartford in the sides’ only previous meeting – an FA Cup tie almost 11 years ago.  Jamie Day was booked for his protests about the goal.  Mr Cordery immediately made his final change, Lewis Cook looking very sharp when replacing Thomas, as Staines pressed hard for a winner.  Onochie’s shot on the turn just went wide, and Butler was unlucky enough to strike the woodwork for a second time.  Cook took a corner (won by Onochie), and another, and the second led to Charles-Smith having an effort cleared off the line.  Dartford broke swiftly upfield, and Noble sawa shot cleared, before Staines surged upfield once again through Cook.  He sent over a good corner which caught Kessell in no-man’s-land, and Onochie was waiting to pounce at the far post to head Staines into a 78th minute lead.  Now it was Dartford’s turn to use their subs, and one of them – Ryan Hayes – gained possession after a loose Swans pass, and fired just wide, before having his name taken for overstating his claim that Wells had fingertipped it for a corner.  There were 3 added minutes, during which Staines fans held their breath as Rob Haworth headed into the side-netting following a telling Osbourne cross.  Staines held firm for a hard-earned win, rising to 3rd in the table (now level on points with leaders Ashford), while John Blair of Gooners Cleaning presented the Supporters’ Man of the Match to Richard Butler.

Staines – Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Kersey, H Newton (Charles-Smith 52), Haule (Scarlett 58), Butler, Onochie, D Thomas (Cook 71), Brown; unused Fenton, McDonald.

Dartford – Kessell, Osbourne, Ketchell, Coyle, Guest ©, Dafter (Cass 80), Butterworth (Hayes 80), White, Haworth, Day, Noble; unused Norman, Flanagan.

Ref J Comley; ARs I Jempeji, L Walshe; Official Att 451.

On Wednesday, both the Academy and Reserve sides hit 4-0 league wins, to follow the results from the First Team and Vets, who had both won their most recent games 4-1.  Marc Charles-Smith bagged a hat-trick for the Reserves at Hayes & Yeading United, with Kerian Preddie netting the other.  The Academy scorers at Godalming Town were Harvey Suika, Florin Ramizi, and Jemelle Hudson (two).

Wednesday 3rd September 2008 (7:45pm) – Ryman Youth League (North West)

GODALMING TOWN Youth (0) 0

STAINES TOWN Academy (3) 4

Staines made it two wins out of two, with a clinical victory at Wey Court. Grosvenor went close with a free-kick, but were almost punished for giving the ball away when The Gs rattled the post. Harvey Suika made it 1-0 on 22 mins, after a receiving the rebound from a Vickers shot at the end of a lovely sweeping move from one side of the other. Four mins later, Florin Ramizi cut in from the right and fired a second in off the post.  And Staines made it 3 goals in 6 minutes when Thompson provided Jemelle Hudson with the opportunity to lift the ball over Dudley.  There was an odd moment on the stroke of half time, when a great attacking opportunity for the visitors, with two Swans players bearing down on a single defender, the ref blew to administer a caution for dissent against a Godalming player!  Staines continued to dominate after the break, and almost added another following a huge Darren Millard throw.  However, it was a misplaced throw from home ‘keeper Dudley which did set up the fourth on 61 mins, when it fell straight to Hudson, who controlled well with his first touch, and then slammed the ball home.  In the closing quarter hour, Danny Sonner made a good save from big Witter, and the home side also headed close following a corner, but the result was never in doubt.

Staines – 1 Danny Sonner, 2 Jon Vickers, 3 Fabion Grosvenor (15 Nassir Ali 66), 4 Alfie Arthur, 5 Darren Millard, 6 Frazer Douglas (12 Daniel Dunning 66), 7 Jemelle Hudson, 8 Elliott Thompson, 9 Will Marlowe ©, 10 Harvey Suika (14 Adam Nelson 56), 11 Florin Ramizi; unused 18 Ashley Burton.

Godalming – 1 Peter Dudley, 2 Davis Harris (16 Billy Page HT), 3 Chris Jackson, 4 Toby Goodship, 5 Adam Johnson (17 Stuart Woolmer HT), 6 Andy Lynch, 7 Ian Terry, 8 Will Grove ©, 9 Leon Vitale, 10 Gareth Witter, 11 Chris Hooker (14 Gwill Roberts 71); unused 12 Charles Weguelin, 15 Bobby Marlow.

Ref Brian Fish (Farncombe, Surrey); ARs Richard Garland (Pirbright, Woking, Surrey), Adrian Freeman (Bramley, Guildford, Surrey); Att 47

Tuesday 2nd September 2008 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (1) 4  BOREHAM WOOD (1) 1

By Steve Parsons.

Three more points saw Staines move to 3rd place in the table, but with only one seventh of the programme completed it was the manner of victory that will be of far greater satisfaction to Steve Cordery and his team.  Wood – now managed by ex Arsenal man Ian Allinson - were only reprieved from relegation last term by Halifax’s woes, but had made a much better start to the campaign with only one defeat in their first 5 games.  The teams convened on an excellent pitch, but with a strong wind and some rain blowing into Staines’ faces as they attacked the houses end in the first half.  Apart from the return of Louis Wells in goal, the only change was that Elliot Onochie came back after his rest, to replace Richard Butler.  Staines were able to show off their brand new electronic numbers board in this game!

The game started well for Wood, with two breaks into the box, and a telling free kick being cleared, only for Wes Daly to smash the rebound against the upright.  But Staines were in the thick of this pulsating match, too, with Leroy Griffiths setting up an Onochie shot which flashed across goal, and Dean Thomas thudding a snapshot into the body of ‘keeper Noel Imber.  It was Elliot Onochie who opened the scoring on 15 minutes, when he received a great pass from Griffiths, and steadied himself before beating Imber on the ground.  Two minutes later, Onochie was away again, and was very unlucky not to win a penalty, after the officials missed him being pulled back on the edge of the 6 yard box.  But Wood were not lying down – a Lee Allinson effort was not very far over, and when Chris Watters tried an equally ambitious shot from distance, he was rewarded by the ball cannoning down off the bar and although Wells caught it on the bounce in the 6 yard box, the assistant referee flagged that it had indeed crossed the line.  (If they could have held on for another 14 minutes, Staines would have had the last unblemished home defensive record in the division). Staines returned to the attack, with Onochie seizing possession after an error at the back, but shooting too close to Imber, and Darti Brown having the follow-up touched for a corner. Shotrly before the break, Jake Newton saw a header cleared off the line following a Davis Haule cross from the right. 

Wood were quickest out of the blocks for the second half, and it took a save by the feet of Wells to deny Leon Archer very early on.  But on 54 minutes, Dean Thomas scored his third of the season with a great strike from a H Newton cross, to give Staines lead that they then never looked like surrendering.  Haule was denied by a good save from Imber, and Onochie was desperately unlucky on 59 minutes, when he curled a delightful shot inside the post from just outside the box, only for the ref to blow for a free kick Staines’ way as the ball left his boot.  However, it turned out alright in the end, as Onochie took the free-kick and hammered it into the net for 3-1.  There were a couple of bookings to add to J Newton’s 1st half one for shirt pulling – Haule (persistent infringement) and Wood’s Daly (late challenge), but it was otherwise a swift and sporting match.  On 64 mins, H Newton stole the ball off the toes of Imber, who nevertheless forced him wide enough that he could only square it into the box, and although Haule’s effort was blocked, who should be following up but Onochie, driving home to complete his first Staines hat-trick, and the 10th under Steve Cordery’s reign.  Still Staines did not settle for 4-1: Griffiths saw the ‘keeper off his line and almost beat him with a long shot that Imber hurt himself in straining to save.  Then Griffiths had a header well saved, before making way for Butler (each side making a triple substitution in quick succession), and the Swans sub wriggled away from his marker but shot inches over.  Wells did have to make a save from Watters, but both Brown and Sargent went close for Staines, as they wrapped up victory.  Supporters Laurence Wakefield and Neil Digby presented the Man of the Match award to hat-trick hero Onochie.

Staines – Wells, J Newton, Sargent, Gordon ©, Kersey, H Newton (Cook 78), Haule, Onochie (Charles-Smith 78), D Thomas, Brown, Griffiths (Butler 78); unused Fenton, McDonald.

B Wood – Imber, Donnelly, Barber ©, Wordsworth, Juneja (Mason 70), Daly, Morgan (Buchanan 70), L Allinson, Archer (Ofori 70), Noto, Watters; unused Burgess, Harvey.

Ref I Crouch; ARs C Evans, M Sennett; Official Att 228.