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Tuesday 9th August 2011 (7pm) – friendly
STAINES LAMMAS (0) 2 STAINES TOWN XI (0) 2

With Saturday’s arrangements clouded by the road problems, Swans were pleased to accept this short-notice offer of a visit to their Combined Counties League neighbours’ ground in Laleham, but once again a few plans were thwarted as the London rioting meant that several players were advised not to travel. Martyn Spong and Chris Wainwright took the side (accompanied by both Paul Midwinter and Gareth Workman) which included five First Team players, 7 Academy players and 3 triallists. Lammas included ex-Swan Jamie Redrup, and Paul ‘Dogger’ Lucas’s son, Dan. A useful and entertaining game ensued, with several close calls but no goals in the first half. Chan Quan’s snapshot almost deceived Lammas ‘keeper Cox, but at the other end Baxter saw a drive just deflected over the bar. A rather harsh penalty for a challenge on Chan Quan gave Marc Charles-Smith the chance to put the visitors ahead in the 56th minute. Eight mins later, a long Kyle Merson ball was neatly controlled and expertly finished by Charles-Smith to make it 2-0 to Staines Town. Boyle was unlucky when his great drag back and shot struck the crossbar, and Dominic Ogun then saw a powerful shot deflect just over following super approach play by Jermaine Yamoah. But Lammas pulled one back on 82 mins when a looping Greenwood arced over Merson and Ryan Copeland was at the back post to volley home. And when the old gold shirts struggled to clear their lines 2 minutes later, Jamie Lee Smithers fired into the corner to make the final score 2-2.

Swans: 17 Kyle Merson, 2 Ben Laing (12 Tom Short 74), 3 Adam Everitt, 4 Scott Donnelly (19 Emmanuel Oladimeji* 62), 5 Richard Orlu ©, 6 Darryl Siaw*, 7 Marc Charles-Smith, 8 Dominic Ogun, 9 Abdulrahman Ruwes* (15 Jermaine Yaboah* HT), 10 Hanif Boyle*, 11 Chan Quan. [* = club début].
Lammas: 1 Dan Cox, 2 Jamie Redrup [James 76], 5 Ryan Copeland, 4 Ben Whatford ©, 6 Dean Greenwood, 7 Matt Brunt [Hardy 73], 14 Nick Hardy (3 Ben Jacob HT), 8 Dan Lucas (17 Regan HT), 11 Gary James (12 Jamie Lee Smithers HT), 16 Matt Baxter (10 Tom Owens HT), 9 George Baldock (18 Shane Rideout HT).
Ref: Ahmad Rafique (Hayes, Mx); ARs Andrew Herb (Sunbury-on-Thames), Dale Horsnell (Feltham); Att 48.

Saturday 6th August 2011 (3:30pm) – friendly
MERSTHAM (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (2) 3

Having downgraded last year’s friendly at this Ryman 1 South club, this one should have been a full dress-rehearsal for next week’s Conference opener, but the chaos on the M25 disrupted preparations to the extent that kick-off was put back from 3 to 3:30, yet five Staines players (Scarlett, Wells, Harris, Everitt, plus Butler) were still gridlocked in traffic as the whistle went – and by that I mean the final whistle! The side that took the field was nevertheless a decent one, with three of last year’s Academy involved, and they proved more than a match for hard-working Merstham. Weather had been drizzly, but it remained dry and mild if overcast, as Swans defended the Albury end on a decent surface. Merstham, who fielded ersthwhile Swan Roscoe Dsane, were again excellent hosts.

Merstham’s Harding essayed a powerful distance shot that flew just past young Kyle Merson’s goal early on, but Staines were quickly into their stride, with David Wheeler catching the eye with some glorious passes, and both Quiassaca and Charles-Smith drawing saves from Chatfield, the latter being a point blank smothering save by the home ‘keeper. Merson had to fingertip away a Tucknott corner, and this set up a swift Staines counter with Scott Taylor turning the defender before shooting across goal. The opener came on 33 mins, and stemmed from another good move involving Wheeler, with Marc Charles-Smith providing a clever chip over the advancing Chatfield. Aftert Merson had saved from the lively Harding, Gareth Risbridger tried an audacious curler which rattled the Merstham crossbar, before Staines extended their lead 3 minutes from the interval. Wheeler’s through ball gave Mario Quiassaca something to chase, and his pace helped him beat both the defender and the offside, before advancing and clinically planting the ball into the corner of the net.

On the hour, another Taylor effort was fingertipped over the bar, before the introduction of the only new face, ex Corinthian-Casuals forward Saheed Sankoh, 23, a strong bustling striker forward who put Chatfield under pressure several times. Shaun Allaway got an early test after coming on in goal for Staines, when Harding prodded the ball past him, but Allaway shepherded it past the post. The re-jigged defence was slow to settle, allowing Dsane space to get off a snap-shot, but Allaway fingertipped it past the post. When Quiassaca was tripped just outside the box on 69 mins, Taylor chipped the free kick to the young forward, but his header was saved on the ground. But 3 minutes later, Chris head tripped Sankoh, and Quiassaca stepped up to take the penalty, coolly beating Chatfield for 3-0. The final stages were very fast and open, with chances at both ends. Fort Merstham, these fell to Harding and Folkes, then Gunner headed just over, and Dsane screwed a half chance just wide. For Staines, Wheeler went close with a header, Quiassaca chased down a lost cause and flicked right across the goal face from a tight angle, and in then went just wide with the rebound after the ‘keeper had made a good save from Sankoh.

Staines: Merson (Allaway 62), Jackson (Ifura 65), Smith (A Thompson 65), Gordon ©, Orlu (Tyrrell HT), Ogun (Whittingham 65), Taylor, Risbridger, Charles-Smith (Sankoh 62), Wheeler; unused Scarlett, Wells (g), Harris, Everitt.
Merstham: Chatfield, Clark, Ottaway, (Head 64), Moriarty © (Walters 73), Broomhead (Graham 66), Gunner, Locke (Folkes HT), J Thompson (Rollinson 75), Harding, Dsane, Tucknott (Platel 75); unused Baker.
R: Chris Evans (Ealing); ARs: Ron Albert (Catford), Jamie Broughton (Deptford). Att 76.

Tuesday 2nd August 2011 (7:30pm) – friendly
BEDFONT TOWN (0) 2 STAINES TOWN (0) 0

Evo-Stik Southern League Bedfont Town entertained their near neighbours Staines Town for the first time since moving to the former Bedfont FC ground ‘The Orchard’ near Hatton Cross. Staines made a late switch back to their old gold & blue strip, as the home side have had the legality of their new navy kit queried, and so played in white. One new face was on show, Richie Whittingham, a midfielder who was at AFC Wimbledon last term. The evening was mild, and Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half. The home side are now managed by former Swan, Kevin Cooper.

The Peacocks made a very lively start, with Nankani hitting the woodwork after just 2 minutes, as Staines were beaten back for the first quarter hour. But they were almost given a lead on 17, when ‘keeper Ross threw the ball straight to Warren Harris, but redeemed himself by saving the fierce drive. Swans went on to dominate the rest of the half, but two more glorious chances to notch went begging. First, a clever backheel by Scott Taylor set David Wheeler away in the box, leaving defender Gallacher no option but to trip the Swans newcomer, but Taylor put the 23rd min spot kick wide of the post. Four minutes before the interval, Staines were awarded a corner, which Harris swung over, and Richard Butler planted a header into the net, but the goal was ruled out for a mystery infringement. In between, Bedfont T were forced into an early change through Odunaike’s unfortunate hamstring twinge, just after Wells had saved his last meaningful contribution. Then a neat visitors’ move saw Butler find Adam Everitt, whose drive was diverted over the bar by defender Vernon, Taylor getting on the end of the corner but volleying just wide. Butler again went close, but in first half stoppage time a clever Sealey run drew a fine save from Wells.

Following a raft of interval changes, Staines had one good early chance, Butler’s shot on the turn from an André Scarlett ball flying just over. But now it was Bedfont’s turn to dominate, and Gallacher was unlucky when heading a Brewer free-kick downwards to see it bounce up over the bar. Forner Walton man Sol Pinnock was proving a real handful in the Bedfont attack, and he opened the scoring on 52 mins when winning the ball in a deep position, weaving his way across field, and netting with a powerful shot from outside the box into the bottom corner. Wells did well to push a Sealey drive away for a corner soon after, but then it was the turn of his opposite number, Ross, to shin in making a double save from Wheeler and Marc Charles-Smith. The home side made the game safe on 72 minutes, B King linking up with Pinnock to set up Lee Scott, and he advanced before spanking the ball past Wells, who then made way for Kyle Merson. Swans’ young stopper immediately distinguished himself with a diving save from Scott, followed by one from B King, with Scott heading the rebound against the bar. Staines at least ended the game in attacking mood, with Taylor chipping wide, Gordon seeing a shot saved, and a 89th minute effort by Scarlett being scrambled off the line.

Staines: Wells (Merson 73), Tyrrell (J King 73), Smith [Harris 73, Shulton 81], Ifura (Gordon HT), Thompson [Ifura 73], Harris (Scarlett HT), Shulton (Risbridger HT), Everitt (Whittingham HT), Butler © [Taylor 73], Wheeler [Everit 73].
Bedfont T: Ross, L Cooper, Mitchell, Gallacher, Vernon (Herron 79), Brewer ©, Sealey (McLeish 87), Fletcher (B King 69), Odunaike (Scott 29), Pinnock (Garner 75), Nankani (Savage 84).
R: Steve Woodison (Ashford); ARs: Andrew Hickman (Northolt), Mohamad Reza (Wandsworth). Att 108.

Blue Square Stewards Cup . . .

The draw for the Blue Square Stewards' Cup has paired the Swans with outsider 'Cape to Rio' in Saturday afternoon's BlueSq Stewards Cup to be run at Goodwood at 3.45 (live on Ch4 racing.) A random draw was made at Goodwood this morning and the top 68 entries in the race were allocated between all Conference clubs. A maximum of 28 runners will go to post on Saturday, but there will be an extra chance to win for any clubs who miss out on the main event.

The horse which wins the valuable six furlong sprint - which takes place at the Sussex track at 3.45 on Saturday - will earn one club a cash windfall on the eve of the new season. Blue Square will give the club that 'owns'
the winner £2000 plus the equivalent of a £100 bet at the Blue Square SP on their runner. Last year Droylsden from the Blue Square Bet North scooped a huge £4200 when Evens And Odds scored by a narrow margin at 22/1 from AFC Wimbledon's Johnny Mudball.

In addition this year, for the first time, a special consolation race will be run on the same day. The bluesquare.com Stewards' Sprint Stakes will go off at 2.05 (also live on Channel 4) and will contain 28 horses which didn't make the cut for the original race. Any club with a horse in the consolation race will win £1000 if their runner is successful, with the extra boost of the equivalent winnings from a £100 bet on that horse at the exclusive Blue Square SP.

LATEST NEWS

Stuart Moore - 27.07.11

Cords’ adds another “one for the future”…..

As the Swans squad finds itself deep into some hard work on the training ground before their next pre-season match on Saturday 30th, Manager Steve Cordery further added to his squad, and in doing so, underlined his desire to bring in fresh, young talent with a view to progressing them over the coming seasons. This latest addition to the senior squad being 20 year-old central defender James Tyrrell who, at 6’2” looks very much in the mould of a classic No.5.

Joining the squad, the new defender brings some decent experience with him already for, during his formative playing career so far, he’s spent over two years progressing through the renowned Academy set-up at Bristol Rovers and has also since been on the books of the Glenn Hoddle Football Academy based in Spain. Most recently, James played in the Conference South with Havant & Waterlooville, making a dozen league appearances last term culminating in the season’s closing game versus the Swans down at Westleigh Park.

Having failed to make any senior appearances for the Pirates of Bristol – although three times selected as an unused substitute in Football League matches, he has experienced League football down in Spain where the former ‘Spurs and England players’ Academy is also registered to play Third Division matches for locally based Jerez industrial.

Swans fans will doubtless get their first chance to see this further new recruit as the senior side makes the short trip to Uxbridge in a weeks’ time for a further pre-season friendly fixture.

Stuart Moore
STAINES TOWN FC

"Swans defence of the County Cup to begin at Bedfont"

With the Swans attempting to lift the Middlesex Senior Cup for a third season in succession, we will kick-off our defence in the second round just up the road at Bedfont Town. The Evo-Stik Southern League side are managed this season by former AFC Wimbledon legend (and bit-part Swans player further back) Kevin Cooper and of course, the Swans can get a 'trial run' on the Heathrow based Club's pitch when we travel to the recently refurbished Orchard Ground early next month for a our penultimate pre-season friendly.
 
If successful, the Swans will face a stiff challenge in the quarter-final with another away tie, this time at either Hampton & Richmond Borough or Hayes & Yeading United (with a game against the latter to be played across the border in Surrey at Woking's Kingfield Stadium, where the U's are playing in the coming season.)
 
As last year, the Swans could look forward to a home semi-final at Wheatsheaf Park with either Hendon, Uxbridge, Hanwoth Villa or Hillingdon Borough as the possible opponents.

Stuart Moore 22.07.11

A busy weekend for the Swans…

Having lifted the inaugural Geoff Harvey Memorial Vase last season, hosts Corinthian Casuals had invited the Swans back to defend their honour in this four cornered competition with Ryman League Premier Division sides Kingstonian and Leatherhead completing the quartet.

The historic and world famous hosts shared an entertaining 2-2 draw with the Tannners to kick off the action on Saturday lunchtime with the traditionally chocolate and pink dressed side going into Sunday’s Final courtesy of a penalty shoot-out win, before assistant manager Craig Maskell arrived with the Swans to take on the K’s in the afternoon game in which both selected a strong looking line-up. The only ‘fresh’ face for the Swans being wide man Warren Harris who returned to action following a short week’s holiday.

The goalless result didn’t fairly reflect the game which did have its moments where the K’s came closest to scoring when the prolific Bobby Traynor found the upright denying him at the end of a tidy move inside the first five minutes of the second half. Earlier, the experienced former Woking defender Tom Hutchinson had sought to catch Swans ‘keeper Shaun Allaway off his line with a raking, wind assisted 50 yard punt from a free-kick, however Allaway recovered superbly to back track and acrobatically tip the ball over the bar for a corner – this underlining the keeper’s performance which was assured and confident following a brace of five goal defeats by professional outfits in the last two run-outs. The Swans enjoyed their own good chances also, including the first of the encounter when the lively Harris couldn’t quite control a high bouncing ball before shooting just over and later on both Scott Taylor and substitute Richard Butler saw their efforts only just go the wrong side of the crossbar. Also up-front for the Swans, triallist striker Craig Davies (last season with Stalybridge Celtic and Warrington Town) grafted hard, but would have felt somewhat frustrated to have not made more of a couple of half chances. New signing Adam Everitt again impressed, when introduced from the bench early in the second period – one inswinging corner almost catching K’s ‘keeper Tolfrey out at his near post.

Going to straight to penalties after the final whistle, the Swans netted five of the best from Everitt, Taylor, Butler, Richard Orlu and Victor Asombang, with Allaway saving well the K’s fifth spot-kick, denying Huckle.

Moving to Sunday, a team largely made up of Kingstonian triallists lost the 3rd/4th place play-off game to Leatherhead by six goals to three before STFC Academy director took control of a very inexperienced Swans side who lost out by the odd goal in three to the hosts, who lifted the glass trophy after a 2-1 win. The Swans welcomed first choice ‘keeper Louis Wells back for his first action of the pre-season, but in front of him seven Academy graduates took the field alongside three triallists including two previously unknown French players. To be fair, the talented, young Swans played true to their College traditions with some strong technical play, but maybe the additional strength and vigour of the Casuals was the difference as they scored a goal in each half before Portuguese substitute Nuno Oliveira halved the arrears with a good half-volleyed finish from Ashley Lodge’s deep cross from the left flank.

Stuart Moore
STAINES TOWN FC
18.07.11

Wheeler deal is signed ‘n sealed….
Highly prized midfielder is transfer coup for Swans.

In a very significant transfer deal, Staines Town manager Steve Cordery was delighted to capture the signing under contract of the very highly rated midfielder David Wheeler from Lewes FC.

The young, twenty year-old midfielder arrives at Wheatsheaf Park from his home-town club, despite the valiant attempts of newly returned Rooks manager Steve King to keep the homegrown player and Dripping Pan fans favourite down on the south coast. However, geography played a big part in the player’s decision now that Wheeler will soon relocate more local to Staines as he continues his further education at Brunel University in Uxbridge – the bright, young player is studying for a degree in Sports Psychology.

Originally a very promising schoolboy player with Brighton & Hove Albion, the gifted and tigerish midfielder played for the ‘Rooks’ with great success as a youth teamer, making his senior debut for the Sussex side as an eighteen year-old back in October 2008 – his debut in the BlueSq Premier came down at Torquay United and soon after, he earned a well deserved ‘Man of the Match’ accolade on his home debut versus Grays Athletic at the Dripping Pan. A former England schoolboy international, Wheeler became a very popular player with the Rooks supporters, despite appearing in two relegation sides. However, his own performances were more often than not amongst the bright spots and earned him plaudits and admiring glances from several opposition managers over the last two campaigns. So it is then that his desire to continue playing Conference football has been realized with this move to Wheatsheaf Park.

No stranger to hard work and dedication, Wheeler has recently turned his efforts to charity project work in west Africa and similar selfless effort on the pitch will surely only benefit the Swans on the pitch in the coming campaign.

Swans manager Cordery must be thanking his lucky stars however as he reflects on an earlier ‘phone call made by the out of contract player to the STFC office number a few weeks ago. Speaking on putting pen to paper on the contract in Uxbridge on Sunday (26th) the player explained how “the Swans were first on his personal list of prospective new clubs” and he called the general office number where his call was taken by Commercial Manager Angie Payne who passed on (what would have been to her) just another one of many similar enquiries from young players that come in on a weekly basis. However when Cords noted the name in an instant as the player he’d admired from afar for the last two seasons then, unlike many of those other ‘cold calls’, it was returned immediately and discussion regarding the transfer and a new contract were quickly taken-up. Wheeler added – “travelling between Uxbridge and Lewes over the last few months just became too much and I feel was affecting my game and so I needed to look more locally for a Club. Staines was top of my list and so I’m pleased things have been worked out so quickly and efficiently.” The player, who signed his contract during a short stop-off whilst travelling between Birmingham and his parents house in Lewes, will now take a weeks’ holiday in Cornwall before making his entry through the door at Wheatsheaf Park and commencing what is hoped will be a long and successful playing career with the Middlesex club.

Stuart Moore
Tuesday, 14th June 2011

Decorated Saint is latest Swans signing….

Full back Everitt arrives at Wheatsheaf Park.

Having seemingly lost last season’s regular left-sided full back since the end of last season, Staines Town manager Steve Cordery has successfully completed the task of recruiting a new No.3 for the coming campaign by bringing much admired defender Adam Everitt in from relegated St Albans City. The 28 year-old player departs the Hertfordshire club having scooped a whole host of awards at the Saints end of season event where the accomplished defender was crowned as both the player’s and supporter’s ‘Player of the Year’ having skippered the side to what was eventually a sad relegation, albeit that was not helped by off-field issues and an ultimately significant points deduction.

Almost ever present last term for the Saints with 38 appearances and four goals, the former Eastleigh, Hayes and Cambridge City player totalled 92 appearances for the Clarence Park club since signing from Bromley in November 2008, netting seven goals with the odd raid down the left-hand side. Indeed one of last season’s goal haul came during a terrific personal performance as the struggling Saints dumped Cordery’s team out of the FA Trophy back in November.

Stuart Moore
Tuesday, 24th June 2011

Super Mario to secure Swans future??

Young striking sensation to discuss his progression.

Following some spurious rumours mongering which linked him with Conference Premier club Newport County amongst others, Swans Academy goal grabber Mario Quiassaca will this week hope to be persuaded to put his signature at the bottom of a debut contract which could see the 19 year-old striker continue his footballing apprenticeship with the Swans at Wheatsheaf Park and under the watchful eye of experienced former Premier League strikers Craig Maskell and Scott Taylor – the latter, Swans ‘Player of the Year’ Taylor, having already agreed to act as the young protégée’s mentor for the foreseeable future.

Netting a fantastic haul of 38 goals last term, including 29 for the Swans under 18’s Ryman Youth League title winning side, the precocious young player’s only goal for the senior team came on the last day of the season and was arguably the ‘Goal of the Season’! Mario also had the singular honour of picking up three winner’s medals in the closing weeks of the season as he played his part in the Middlesex Senior Cup win and the Swans reserve teams’ Capital League Cup success as well as netting a hat-trick on the night the Academy side secured their league title.

A first football contract would see Mario join a successful line of former Kingston College Academy products who’ve served the Swans well over the previous years, such as Jake Newton, Jon McDonald and Dean Thomas.

Stuart Moore
Tuesday, 21st June 2011

Darty departs in Cords’ reshuffle….

Experienced midfielder Brown is released

In what is expected to be (only the second) and last voluntary release from Wheatsheaf Park, Swans manager Steve Cordery has advised experienced midfielder Darty Brown that he will not be required to report for duty ahead of the forthcoming 2011/12 campaign.

Brown, who turned 34 earlier this month, had made almost 120 senior appearances for the Swans since signing from Maidenhead United in the summer of 2008 and over that time he’d enhanced his reputation as bullish ‘winner’ on the pitch – however his tenacious and often ‘in your face’ attitude belied a craft and genuine ability which had been honed over an enduring and consistently successful career in the non-league game.
 
Cordery signed the former Yeading favourite in the summer after the Swans had agonizingly lost the Ryman play-off Final to AFC Wimbledon and clearly Brown’s abilities were a significant part of the team which went one better that season, winning promotion to the Conference South after a second successive runners-up spot had been achieved in the Ryman Premier Division. Similarly, the west London based midfielder’s nouse served the Middlesex side well during their inaugural season in the BlueSq Bet South when the Swans finished 8th with Brown making 34 appearances. Last season however, despite making another 39 senior appearances, the ‘scars of battle’ began to show more frequently in the way of injuries and suspensions and, indeed it is sad to reflect that Darty’s last action in the old gold ‘n blue colours was cut short and ended in a stretcher from the pitch down at Weston-super-Mare in April.

The Club wishes to place on record it’s recognition of Darty Brown’s service and wishes him well in his continuing playing career.

Stuart Moore
Monday, 20th June 2011

Swans to host FA Trophy holders in pre-season.

Via an unexpected request, the Swans will host FA Trophy holders
Darlington at Wheatsheaf Park in a friendly fixture on the evening of
Monday, 18th July. The Quakers are 'in Town' training and having been let
down by an NPower Championship club, have been delighted to accept the Swans request to put Mark Cooper's Quakers up for what should be an
intriguing match-up. Of course, this will mean three games in as many days
for Steve Cordery's fledging 2010/11 squad, but one expects that the squad will be fully flexed over the previous 48 hours as the side look to limber up in defence of our Geoff Harvey Memorial Vase tournament at Corinthian Casuals.

Swans scoop honours at Conference AGM….
A successful weekend at Celtic Manor.

With the national headlines taken up with news of the sad demise of Rushden & Diamonds and the shock transfer of Swans rivals Bishop’s Stortford into the BlueSq Bet North, the small delegation from Wheatsheaf Park who travelled to the superb Celtic Manor Resort in south Wales can be rightly proud of their efforts as they returned back across the Severn Bridge on Saturday evening.

The first award came when long-serving match programme production team Steve Parsons and Stuart Moore scooped the award for the ‘Programme of the Year’ (for the South division), beating the likes of Woking, Chelmsford City and Dover Athletic to the prize and picking-up an attractive glass memento. The Swans unique ‘It’s Massive!’ matchday magazine was well received by Swans supporters and many visitors to Wheatsheaf Park throughout the last season, with it’s brash A4 colourful design brimming with news, comment, interviews and pictures to give all subscribers plenty to digest when they returned home after every game.

Co-Editor Stuart Moore was quick point out the major contribution of their designer and publisher Steve Cooper from Yorkshire based ‘Spitting Lizard’ who was a driving force behind the avant-garde design and production in this his second season looking after the Swans matchday programme. “I met with Steve Cooper in Manchester last summer to sit down and really come up with a fresh new format for the match programme. I remember vividly Steve saying “Let’s go out and win the ‘Programme of the Year’ award with something special” and so Saturday’s accolade was a vindication of all the hard work and many hours every week that is put in by the three of us and of course, not forgetting our other regular contributors without whom our job would be nigh-on impossible.”

Further pride for the Wheatsheaf Park club was earned by the Swans quartet who lifted the Football Conference Golf challenge, with First Team coach Trent Phillips making up a foursome alongside former players Alick Brown, Steve Collins and Martin Snow who duly emulated the European Ryder Cup team by winning the tournament on the fantastic Celtic Manor course. Former Swans goalkeeper Trent Phillips, still on cloud nine following the weekend’s success said “It was not until after we finished our round and we were marking the cards that we realised we had a chance to win. If we had known that earlier, I think nerves would have kicked in. We had a fantastic day from start to finish although I understand our finish in the bar might have been a bit later than most!" A presentation was made to the quartet during the superb evening celebrations in south Wales with ‘Spurs manager Harry Redknapp watching on with interest. Other teams representing clubs Luton Town, Forest Green Rovers and Weston-super-Mare were defeated by the Swans along with teams from the PFA and the Conference League sponsors Blue Square Bet.

Stuart Moore
07803 207661
STAINES TOWN FC
Monday, 13th June 2011

09.06.11 - Latest Pre-Season Fiendlies

Here is the current state-of-play with Staines Town's pre-season campaign.
 
Sat 09 Jul 2011 home v Wycombe Wanderers (friendly) 3pm
Sat 16 Jul 2011 neutral v Kingstonian (Geoff Harvey Memorial Vase semi-final) 2:30pm at Corinthian-Casuals FC
Sun 17 Jul 2011 GHMV 3/4 Place match or Final (11am or 2:30pm @ Cor-Cas) v Corinthian-Casuals or Leatherhead
Sat 30 Jul 2011 away v Uxbridge (friendly) 3pm
Tue 02 Aug 2011 away v Bedfont Town (friendly) 7:30pm
Sat 13 Aug 2011 start of Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South) season, 3pm
Wed 02 Nov 2011 U19'A' team away v Sutton GSfB (friendly) 2pm at Northey Avenue
 
There may be a couple more high-profile home games from 2 July onwards, and also a Reserve team friendly or two away from home. In addition, we have yet to schedule the match v Wealdstone for the Middlesex Super Cup (George Ruffell Shield) that we won last season. More Soon.

First exciting new signing unveiled and more to follow….

A ‘fox in the box’ to give Swans extra cutting edge.

Manager Steve Cordery has today announced the first of two initial new signings that he plans will boost the Swans chances in the BlueSq Bet South next season and the first name to be released is one to strike fear into the hearts of any matchday announcer (!) as 26 year-old London born Moroccan Belal Aiteouakrim transfers from Ryman League Hendon to Wheatsheaf Park.

A habitual goalscorer throughout his time with the historic north London club, Belal bagged 45 goals in just over a century of appearances during two spells with the Greens – his admirable strike-rate, earning him a tilt at life in the Conference South when he took in a season with AFC Wimbledon during 2008/09 where, despite failing to make a regular impact on the starting eleven, he still took his chances with gusto, netting three goals in just a couple of first team starts. Returning to north London, where his reputation had earlier been garnered, Bel’ enjoyed a further successful spell, indeed netting all four goals in the defeat of Concord Rangers last August, before he completed the last campaign with eighteen goals.

The irony of Belal’s close resemblance to former Wheatsheaf Park favourite Ali Chaaban will not be lost on many and it is hoped that Belal quickly earns similar hero worship from the Swans ‘Massive’ when he kicks off his career in the old gold ‘n blue in a matter of weeks time.

Unveiling this first exciting new face at the Club, Manager Steve Cordery admitted – “Belal has long been on my list of potential recruits, I’ve admired him as a striker for a while now and I’m looking forward to him making an impact here with us.”

On the back of this first confirmed new arrival at Wheatsheaf Park ahead of the coming 2011/12 campaign, Swans manager Steve Cordery has promised that a further unveiling is imminent as he just awaits for a new left-sided defender to return from his summer holidays and put pen to paper on a verbal agreement sealed in the last few days. The player concerned has been a regular and consistent performer in the Blue Square Bet South over the last four seasons and his imminent arrival at Wheatsheaf Park will certainly resolve another issue in Cords’ squad selection.
Not sitting back on his laurels however, Cords is continuing to speak to one or two further potential signings with one, much admired Conference South player already in discussion with the Club – his signing would be seen as a real coup for the Swans.

Stuart Moore
07803 207661
STAINES TOWN FC
Wednesday, 8th June 2011

01.06.11 - Cords begins preparations for Swans new challenges….

Following just a handful of days’ break, Swans manager Steve Cordery has been busy in the last week by preparing the Swans squad for the influx of some fresh blood to bolster last season’s squad. The Swans finished a sometimes taxing BlueSq Bet South campaign in 16th place, whilst at least retaining the Middlesex Senior Cup to bring some tangible reward for the season’s efforts.

Having secured a welcome nod of agreement to continue their Wheatsheaf Park playing careers, Swans fans can look forward to seeing plenty of familiar and welcome faces led by skipper Danny Gordon, Andre Scarlett, Howard Newton, Warren Harris and several more although initially a couple of the starting line-up who appeared on the last day of the season at Havant will not be pulling on the old gold ‘n blue again in August. The first confirmed release is Toby Little who has been advised by the Swans manager that his services will not be required going into the coming season. Cordery however was more reticent to reveal that full-back Rene Steer’s agent is seeking to get the former Arsenal junior’s professional career back on track and so the player will be off in search of a contract with several trials at Football League clubs already booked. The 21 year-old player only appeared on the scene at Wheatsheaf Park on the eve of last season, but went on to establish himself in the left-back berth making 45 senior appearances. With Cords underlining that he’d never stand in the way of player’s ambition, Rene departs Wheatsheaf Park with all our best wishes for the future.

With a view to further releases, the Swans manager did refer to one or two more departures from the senior squad in the coming days, but this tinkering is serving the purpose to make funds available within the recently agreed budget to bring in new faces and freshen up the squad ready for the challenges on the near horizon.

On the credit side, Steve was “very excited” about two new signings with whom he’d agreed terms in the last 48hrs and, was “just waiting for the players to advise their current Managers.” News on this exciting duo of new faces will be released as soon as available. Furthermore, Cords didn’t rule out one or two additional signings as he seeks to improve the squad and bring it right up to the level he feels will be required ahead of another really competitive campaign. Cords confirmed – “I’m just waiting to get the nod from both these new players and all will be revealed. I’m really excited about their signing and I’ll be very happy to get them on board here with us. That may not be the end of it though, as there’s still a couple more irons in the fire and, after all it is early days and I expect there’ll be plenty of quality players still looking for clubs right throughout the pre-season campaign. You only have to look at the situation at Farnborough for instance to understand that there’s plenty of experienced and top quality players who don’t yet know what they’ll be doing next season. So you never know who might become available.”

Closer to home, Cords spoke briefly about the young talent coming through the Club and in particular regarding top Academy striker Mario Quiassaca who, of course, stole the headlines on the last day with ‘that goal’ down at Havant. So what is the news on Mario’s future with the Swans? “Mario’s very much part of our plans and we’re due to sit down with him in a week or so to discuss his future. If the lad is keen to pursue his progress here with us, then we’ll be looking to secure his future here and help him with his progression in the game.”

Stuart Moore
07803 207661
STAINES TOWN FC
Wednesday, 1st June 2011

Saturday 16th April 2011 (3:00pm) – Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South)

STAINES TOWN (0) 0 BROMLEY (1) 2

With Danny Gordon nursing a knee injury from last week (as is Allaway, from the Reserve game), and Howard Newton laid up with a hamstring problem (as is Butler, who was briefly at Bromley), Steve Cordery made two enforced changes, restoring Dominic Sterling and Elliot Onochie. The side also included Dwane Lee, who had a short spell with the Hayes Lane club. The afternoon was sunny and mild, and the pitch in very good condition, as Staines attacked the Penton Hook Road end in the first half. Bromley had not won away since November.

With both teams clear of relegation yet out of the play off race – indeed 11th placed Bromley started the day immediately ahead of Staines on the opposite side of the halfway point – this could easily have become one of those end-of-season nil-nil draws. However, that prospect was dispelled when Bromley took the lead after just 48 seconds of play. Charlie Ide and Harding played the ball neatly down the left flank and Harding picked out Warren McBean, who drew a decent save from Louis Wells, but unfortunately for the home side, the ball fell invitingly to Harry Harding who had the simple task of sidefooting into the net. Staines found it difficult to get any possession, and both Richard Orlu and Wells had to be alert to prevent Dunk from increasing the visitors’ early lead. The game was nearly 20 minutes old before Staines began to set their sights on goal, but Lee was denied by a well timed Harding tackle, and when Marc Charles-Smith was put through, ‘keeper Craig Holloway came off his line to make a brave save at his feet. Wells got behind an Ide snapshot, but when Harding tried to win a penalty by tumbling as Onochie challenged him just inside the box, referee Leach was suitably unimpressed and cautioned the Bromley forward. Staines came under severe pressure as half time approached, with first Henriques seeing a shot on the turn deflected just wide, after a clever combination with Harwood from a Harding corner. Then a Dunk effort met the same fate, and from the resulting corner, Harwood found Ide, whose shot was saved by Wells, with Finn crossing it back in only for McBean to flash a low, header against the post when it seemed that he must score from 2 yards out.

Perhaps the high spot of the afternoon was the presentation, carried out by Ken Williams as Alan Boon was confined to the stands, of a cheque for £1706.55 to Paul Ross, who on behalf of the Help For Heroes fund, received the money raised by February’s Staines Massive Supporters’ Club Walk-2-Woking.

It was Staines’ turn to besiege the Silver’s Farm end goal at the start of the second period, beginning with a 47th minute André Scarlett corner which Orlu headed against that same post. Wes Daly cleared, but only as far as Scarlett, whose next cross in was headed just wide by Orlu. Soon afterwards, another corner was met by a powerful Dominic Sterling headed, only to balloon up off the back of Charles-Smith. Staines’ brighter start produced chances for Charles-Smith and Onochie, and a headed just over by Lee from another corner. But Bromley were never more than a clearance away from causing havoc, and a deflected Daly shot tested Wells from distance before Ide did so from closer quarters. Harris was put through for the home side but was flagged fractionally offside, and a half-chance for Taylor was gathered by Holloway. On 62 minutes, Taylor cleverly played a pass through a defender’s legs for Charles-Smith to run onto, but Holloway spread himself well to save. Ide saw a shot deflect wide of Wells’ goal, and a Bromley corner was headed a little off target by McBean, before they as good as made the game safe on 67 minutes. Sloppy defending meant that Staines missed a couple of opportunities to win the ball and clear, McBean managed to keep his balance and play the ball forward for Harrison Dunk to run on and angle a shot beyond Wells’ reach from close in. Two minutes later it seemed that McBean might make it three, the ref playing advantage when Orlu tried to pull him back, but the striker advanced and shot too close to Wells. A good diagonal ball by Lee deserved better, but Duffy’s first touch was a little wayward and he ended up hastening a shot into the side netting. Then Orlu headed just too high from a deep Alex Duffy free-kick. McBean put another chance wide of the mark for Bromley, and the game closed with a yellow card for Jackson for pulling an opponent’s shirt in the last seconds.

The Staines Massive man of the match, selected today by Steve Cooper of the programme printers Spitting Lizard Ltd (visiting from his base near Leeds) went to Charles-Smith, while the NLP accolade went to Harding of Bromley. Staines dropped two places to 14th after this result.

Staines: Wells, Jackson, Steer, Sterling, Orlu, Scarlett ©, Onochie (Duffy 60), D Lee, Charles-Smith (Quiassaca 87), Taylor, Harris (Little 80); unused: D Brown, Allaway.
Bromley: Holloway, Graves, Dunk, Harwood, Nnamani, Henriques, Daly (Jones 89), Finn (England 84), Ide (Udoji 80), McBean, Harding; unused: A Fray.
Ref: D Leach (Eynsham, Oxon); ARs: JA Hollier (Basingstoke), SP Saunders (Eastleigh); Att 263

Saturday 9th April 2011 (3:00pm) – Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South)

CHELMSFORD CITY (1) 3 STAINES TOWN (1) 1

Staines made it no points from nine after this third successive defeat against strong opponents, in the shape of Chelmsford City. Steve Cordery made three changes to the side beaten in midweek, as Simon Jackson, André Scarlett, and Warren Harris returned after injury, suspension, and bench duty, to replace Richard Butler (possibly facing a long lay-off), and the benched Elliot Onochie and Dom Sterling. Scarlett was in fact appearing against one of his previous clubs, but lining up in claret against Staines was Ali Chaaban, something of a cult hero for the Swans for his FA Cup exploits, who recently joined City after a spell at Boreham Wood. Although breezy, the afternoon was warm and bright, and it was disappointing therefore that a below average (by their standards) crowd of 590 showed up. The far end of the ground had been shorn of its usual portable terrace on the area inside running track, ready for a new construction to be fitted early next week, and it was this end that Staines attacked in the first half. The pitch was well grassed, but has been heavily watered in some areas, whilst remaining firm and rather bumpy in others, overall making for a treacherous surface that saw a number of players from both sides slipping over.

It was Staines who might have drawn first blood as early as the second minute, when a long ball found Howard Newton in space, but his shot was deflected wide for an early corner. At the other end, ‘Tako’ Ake (who has been doing sterling work collecting for the Japanese disaster fund) emerged from the hammer-netting to loft a corner which Gray powerfully headed over after just 4 minutes both Gordon and Wells having slithered over when trying to defend the initial attack. Newton tried another shot from distance, but soon after Staines took a 21st minute lead in what had been a fairly even encounter up till that point. A City free kick was played by Gray to Chaaban but his ball into Rainford was wasted when the midfielder slipped under pressure from Dwane Lee, who then played an accurate long ball forward for Marc Charles-Smith, who ran onto it and kept his cool and his footing to despatch it low into the bottom corner of Pentney’s net. Almost from the kick off, Martin was presented with a good chance to equalise, but he shot wide from close range. However, Staines were unfortunate to lose Gordon to a knee injury, and although he had been beckoned back on after treatment, he was unable to get into the centre of defence in time to halt a surging City burst on the half hour that produced their equaliser. Following a deep long throw, Martin and Chaaban combined and when appeals for a penalty came to nought, Ricky Modeste carried the ball into a dangerous spot to the right of goal and clipped it into the far corner of the net with an expert finish. Gordon’s return proved futile, and Staines once again lost their skipper – this time for good – just two minutes later. Chaaban’s angled shot drew a save from Louis Wells and there was an acrobatic attempt from Gray, but Staines were not taking this set-back lying down, as René Steer got upfield to force a corner from a deflected shot. As the interval approached, Chelmsford forced a corner which led to Wells relying on his reflexes to save a deflected shot from Rainford. There were 2 additional minutes, and their highlight was a scramble in the home penalty box following a foul on André Scarlett for which Tann was booked, but no-one in an old gold shirt could provide the final finish.

Staines could not fail to be disappointed by the manner of the Chelmsford goal that put them ahead on 49 minutes. A long kick from ‘keeper Edwards was headed back over the halfway line by Steer, and from a position way out near the right touchline, and a good 15 yards inside his own half, Mark Haines pumped the ball back upfield. It bounced once on the edge of the 18 yard box, then again just outside the 6 yard area as Orlu and Chaaban converged on it, but the Staines defender missed his clearance and as Chaaban closed in, the ball took one further bounce before skittering past Wells and into the net. Chaaban was credited with the goal at the time, but later admitted that he did not touch it. Charles-Smith seemed unfortunate not to get at least a free kick when he chased a long Wells ball into the danger area at the other end, and seemed to get struck on the head by the covering defender, El-Abd. In contrast, a body check by Steer earned him a booking as City tried to break away. Moments beforehand, a Steer corner was clawed away by Pentney but Orlu closed in on the loose ball, but could not keep his shot down. Chaaban was withdrawn in the 67th minute, but it did not signal an end to Swans torment, as City added a third goal just 2 minutes later. There was some controversy about this one, as their sub Edmans seemed to do little more than stumble backwards into a Staines defender who had already slipped over. However, a free kick was awarded and taken quickly by Modeste to Takumi Ake, who was bundled over in the box by Steer, leaving the ref no option but to point to the spot. After Lee was cautioned for kicking the ball upfield, skipper David Rainford was unfazed and slammed home the penalty with his right foot. Taylor became the third and final Staines name to go into the book for a foul a minute later, Rainford’s long free kick being comfortably saved by Wells. Onochie and Alex Duffy were thrown on in an effort to add firepower, but the next save that Pentney had to make was from the unlikely source of a 70 yard Sterling free kick. Staines might have got a consolation 4 minutes from time, as Scott Taylor’s quick free kick found Charles-Smith, and he laid it off for Harris, but his shot was pushed away for a corner. Once Ake had volleyed over at the other end, the final whistle blew for time.

Adam Tann was selected as the Chelmsford and the Non-League Paper’s Man of the Match. With Weston-super-Mare suffering a heavier defeat (4-1), Staines actually climbed a place to 12th, and are now mathematically safe from going down, whilst catapulting a useful looking Chelmsford back up to 5th and towards a second successive tilt at the play-offs.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer, Gordon © (Sterling 32), Orlu, A Scarlett, Newton (Duffy 79), D Lee (Onochie 73), Charles-Smith, Taylor, Harris; unused Allaway (gk).
Chelmsford: Pentney; Tann, Robinson, Haines, El-Abd, Rainford © (Sanderson 90), Ake, Martin, Gray, Chaaban (Edmans 67), Modeste; unused Lapada, T Scarlett, Williams.
Ref: Antony Coggins (Bicester); ARs: Craig R Pullen (Ilford), Sean Smith (London); Att 590.

Tuesday 5th April 2011 (7:45pm) – Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South)

STAINES TOWN (0) 0 EBBSFLEET UNITED (0) 2

Although Staines went down to a second successive home defeat without scoring a goal, they could at least draw some comfort from a much better performance than Saturday, when they matched promotion chasers Ebbsfleet for long periods, and but for two fractional offside calls might have come off with a point. Steve Cordery was able to bring skipper Danny Gordon back from his recent injury, but at the same time his deputy, André Scarlett, had to sit it out owing to an additional one match ban imposed for his comments to the linesman after being dismissed at Wealdstone. He also rang a couple more changes, as Marc Charles-Smith was over his thigh problem and bringing back Elliot Onochie, whilst Warren Harris was on the bench and Simon Jackson was ruled out through a knee injury. Ebbsfleet were relegated from the top flight last season, and are looking for a speedy return, were making their first visit to Wheatsheaf Lane since being thrashed in an FA Trophy tie a quarter of a century ago. One of their subs, Gareth Williams, pulled up in the warm-up, and had to be replaced at the last moment by Jody Banim, who would later come on for his club début. On a cool evening, Staines played towards the Penton Hook Road end in the first half.

Louis Wells was tested early on with a teasing ball in from the right that he clung to at the second attempt, but the visitors’ most dangerous player of the early exchanges, Jacob Erskine, was forced out of the game with an injury after only 15 minutes. A late tackle on Howard Newton earned Ranbir ‘Ram’ Marwa a booking 9 minutes after this, and to further break up a scrappy opening period, Staines were then forced into an attacking substitution as a gloomy Richard Butler pulled up with a worrying hamstring problem, to make way a couple of minutes later for Warren Harris. Staines looked far more resilient than on Saturday, and even created a couple of half chances for the likes of Onochie against a very decent Kent outfit. Ten minutes from half time, a super ball by Ryan Blake to Giannoulis Fakinos threatened to put the ‘Fleet man through on goal, but Harris tracked back to make an important tackle. Staines were then almost caught out seconds later when the visitors took a quick free kick, but the home side were relieved to see Ricky Shakes’ strike skim wide. It was the 39th minute before either side were able to claim a corner, a neat Harris / Onochie move ending in a flag kick for The Swans, and Dwane Lee sent it deep, but ‘keeper Preston Edwards backpedalled and held onto the high ball.

The complexion of the game was changed as early as the third minute of the second half, however, when a surging run by Fakinos took him past one challenge before a slide-rule pass to sub Michael West put him through; the linesman’s flag stayed down and West supplied a clinical finish to make it 1-0 to Ebbsfleet. Staines quickly tried to hit back when a 53rd minute free kick was touched to Onochie, but his low drive took a deflection which diverted it straight into Edwards’ hands. A minute after that, a rather clear handball earned René Steer a yellow card, and as that was his 10th of the season and came within the deadline (which expired just 5 days later) he will unfortunately have to miss the upcoming Maidenhead and Weston-super-Mare fixtures. In the 58th minute, a foul by Ashley Carew brought the game’s third and final booking, referee Eaton confirming later that it was issued for the foul rather than the subsequent kicking away of the ball. The free kick set up a run for Newton into space, but his final shot went too close to the ‘keeper, and there followed a further scrappy interlude. The clinching second goal came on 71 minutes, when Marwa won the ball and fed Shakes, and he in turn slid it through for the unmarked Tom Phipp to beat the offside and pick his spot in the far corner of the net. Shakes limped off a few minutes later, then Onochie was withdrawn to give a first taste of Conference football in Swans colours (his previous outings having been in Middlesex Senior Cup ties and a friendly). Three minutes from time, an audacious chip shot from Scott Taylor flew just over, Mario Quiassaca made a cameo appearance and put himself about, but it was Ebbsfleet who might have grabbed a third right on time, when sub Joe Howe picked out West – again in rather more space than Staines should have allowed him – but this time he shot wide.

Staines dropped one place to 13th after this game, going below Weston-super-Mare on goals scored, while Ebbsfleet consolidated their positing in the third of four play-off positions.

Staines: Wells; Sterling, Steer, Gordon ©, Orlu, Charles-Smith, Newton (Quiassaca 87), D Lee, Butler (Harris 25), S Taylor, Onochie (Little 78); unused D Thomas, Allaway (gk).
Ebbsfleet: Edwards, Stone, Blake, Carew, Easton, Lorraine ©, Fakinos (Banim 62), Marwa, Erskine (West 15), Shakes (Howe 74), Phipp. unused: Ginty, Hawkes.
Ref: D Eaton (Tewkesbury); ARs: A Ricketts & J Madaras (both Bristol); Att 251.

Saturday 26th March 2011 (1:00pm) – Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South)

DORCHESTER TOWN (2) 3 STAINES TOWN (1) 3

Having defeated Dartford and Dover in the last week, Staines came within a whisker of making it a treble ‘D’ when they made the long trip to Dorset. It was an extra early start, too, as the clubs had agreed to advance the kick-off to 1pm, to avoid clashing with the Wales – England international. Steve Cordery made two changes to his side from midweek, as Darty Brown (hamstring) and Elliot Onochie (work) were unavailable, but were replaced by Howard Newton and Richard Butler, who were returning from injury and suspension respectively. Both Marc Charles-Smith and Danny Gordon travelled, but were only fit enough to be named as subs. Mario Quiassaca was making his début on a ‘loan’ spell with Corinthian-Casuals. Dorchester Player-Manager Ashley Vickers had his much publicised red card for downing the Borat impersonator rescinded, but the other two “Magpies” dismissed that day were both suspended, defenders Critchell and Smeeton. It was a pleasantly mild afternoon, on which Staines attacked the covered end of Dorchester’s impressive Avenue Stadium.

The only part of the stadium that was a little less impressive was the playing surface, which was deceptively hard and bumpy – rather like the game itself. Staines contrived to gift their opponents the lead after only 2½ minutes, when René Steer nodded an awkwardly Jermyn bouncing ball back towards his goal, leaving Louis Wells no option but to hurtle out to try to head clear, but the unpredictable bounce took the ball over his head, leaving Reece Connolly, Dorchester’s young loan striker from Aldershot, a simple tap-in. Staines were rocked back on their heels, and could have suffered further loss in a torrid spell, as Connolly again went close from a Crittenden cross, and a corner by Devlin gave Vickers a free header that he sent wide. But Staines managed to keep them out, and then got back in the game with their first real attack. Newton pushed forward through the middle but was taken out by a lunging tackle from Jermyn. However, as he was able to get his pass away to Butler, referee Wood played the advantage, only for the Swans number 9 to be scythed down in the box by ‘keeper Coward. Play was stopped, and the original offender, Jermyn, had his name taken, and although Coward escaped a card of any colour (a yellow looked the most likely) but Dwane Lee exacted due punishment by driving the penalty kick into the corner of his net. Dorchester lost their cool for a while after this, and a clatter of rash tackles were put in. Vickers escaped with a talking-to in the 27th minute, and Lee curled the 17th minute free kick inches wide, and Flood did get his name taken a minute later for bringing down Scarlett. As Staines pressed, Harris began to torment the full back, and Taylor was unlucky that a cross would not come down enough for him to keep his half volley on target. But Staines ignored the threat of Vickers at their peril, and when they conceded a free kick for a foul on Martin out wide on the left in first half stoppage time, Flood whipped the free kick across the box and big Ashley Vickers rose to glance his header into the far corner, and put the home side back in front.

Staines were straight at their opponents from the start of the second period, with a first minute corner – their first of the match – leading to Dominic Sterling heading just wide. However, in the 51st minute, Staines equalised for a second time, Taylor masterminding a neat passing move and finally centring to Howard Newton, who – though well outside the box – hit a superb low shot beyond the diving Coward’s fingertips and into the bottom corner. For a while the play was nip and tuck, but Staines came under pressure from a Devlin free kick from out by the corner flag, which saw the ball twice pinged back and forth across the goalmouth. However, with 20 minutes remaining, Staines moved ahead for the first time in the match, and again Taylor was the provider, rolling the ball across to Warren Harris, who scored a with a delightful shot – placed rather than powered – into the same corner as Newton had earlier exploited. Staines now did their utmost to condemn Dorchester to a third successive defeat, with a trademark long throw by Lee eventually finding its way to Butler – in clear space but at a difficult angle – to draw a spreading save from Coward. Charles-Smith came on for the exhausted Newton, and chances continued to accrue at either end, with Dorchester going close in the 82nd minute when a Bowles clearance was knocked across the box by Connolly towards Moss, but he failed to make a good enough contact with the inviting opening. Vickers finally had his name taken for a 90th minute foul, and as the board came up to indicate three additional minutes, it looked like Staines were heading towards three additional points. However, Dorchester had other plans, which came to fruition when Wells was tempted out wide to his right to put the ball out for a corner. The dead ball bounced off the perimeter fence and straight to Devlin, who took a quick corner while the Staines ‘keeper was still trying to get back to his goal, and Connolly somehow clambered past Sterling to head home the equaliser from the midst of a mêlée of players in the 6 yard box. After a booking for Butler (it looked like it was a harsh one for time-wasting, but the ref later explained it was for dissent) in the dying seconds, honours were thus shared – Staines’ third 3-3 draw in all games this season – enough to advance Staines one place to 11th, while simultaneously pushing Dorchester up a place to 16th, yet still not comfortably clear of the drop zone.

The NLP Man of the Match award went to Reece Connolly, whilst match sponsors Maiden Castle Garage opted for Ashley Vickers.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer, Sterling, Orlu, Scarlett ©, Newton (Charles-Smith 78), D Lee, Butler, S Taylor, Harris; unused Duffy, Gordon, D Thomas, Allaway (gk).
Dorchester: Coward; Bowles, Martin, Jermyn ©, Walker, Vickers, Crittenden, Connolly, Moss, Flood (Symes 79), Devlin; unused Coutts, A Taylor, Gleeson.
Ref: Tim Wood (Kingsway, near Quedgeley, Gloucestershire); ARs: Steve Oakey (Hatherley, near Cheltenham, Glos.), Steven Glyde (Cheltenham); Att 482.

Saturday 19th March 2011 (3:00pm) – Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South)

STAINES TOWN (2) 2 DARTFORD (0) 0

Steve Cordery successfully restored his men to winning ways after last week’s poor performance at St Albans, bouncing back with a deserved and welcome three points against a Dartford side that had started the day two places above them. Danny Gordon failed a pre-match fitness test, and Richard Butler started another two match suspension, but in came Dwane Lee after a knock, and Elliot Onochie, making his return after 11 weeks in which he was unavailable due to work. On a mild, sunny afternoon, Staines began by attacking the Penton Hook Road end. Ground staff Graham Gould, Jesse Richards, John Hanson, and Michael ‘Tevez’ Burgess had left the pitch in very good condition before belatedly taking up the offer to attend a game at Old Trafford, made when Sir Alex Ferguson visited Wheatsheaf Park a couple of seasons back. With a decent contingent of visiting fans sporting two enormous flags, the omens were good for an entertaining afternoon.

Staines made a blistering start, with Onochie looking as though he had never been away, and it was his industry that started the move from which the home side took a 5th minute lead. He sent the ball cleverly out to Warren Harris, who deceived defender Goodacre and square-passed invitingly across the six yard box where captain-for-the-day André Scarlett to sidefoot home the opening goal. Just 4 minutes later, and it could have been all over, as Onochie intercepted a square Dartford pass and raced away from the two shadowing defenders, only to be hauled down on the 18 yard line. Astonishingly, neither the referee nor his assistant saw fit to even halt the play. But Staines kept their composure, and continued to carve out chances with another great pass by Harris setting up Darty Brown who fired just over, and then Simon Jackson curling a long range effort just outside the ‘angle’. A foul on Bradbrook brought Lee Swans’ only caution of the game; the visiting skipper was already carrying a knock before kick-off, and looked sluggish both before and after this challenge, being subbed 10 minutes before the interval, having limped out of the action a couple of minutes beforehand. Louis Wells had a relatively untroubled day in the Staines goal, but when the ball did come his way, he was faultless in his handling. His first real test came when a free kick was met by a snappy Burns header, but he rose to claim it without fuss. The bookings tally was levelled on 27 minutes, Main having his name taken as Lee was this time the victim. Swans fans had a further ‘gripe’ with the officials as a very swift whistle for a home free kick denied them what was shaping up to be a good advantage on the flank, and when a loud obscenity went unpunished in contrast to recent red cards for Scarlett and Butler for far quieter examples. Perhaps Dartford’s best chance of a response came in the 38th minute, but a header whipped free kick by Hayes was glanced just wide, and Staines doubled their lead just 3 minutes later. Onochie was instrumental once more, turning the defence one way and then the other before delivering the ball for Scott Taylor to beat Young. Staines ended the half in inspired form, Young making a great one-handed save from a Jackson strike following more great work by Harris, and then Brown’s swerving shot beating the diving ‘keeper but zooming just past the post.

The second half was somewhat quieter, as Dartford rarely showed enough quality to suggest that they would erode the two goal lead, despite fielding two feared marksmen in Jon Main and Charlie Sheringham (son of Teddy). The visitors did enjoy an improved spell either side of the withdrawal of Hayes, with his replacement, Noble, providing a corner from which Goodacre flashed a header just too high. At the other end, Young again excelled himself, turning away a low Taylor drive following Scarlett’s no-nonsense winning of possession in midfield and accurate diagonal pass. A minute later, and Scarlett himself was denied by Young, just before the final yellow card (70 mins) was shown to Darts’ Champion for dissent. Duffy saw another decent strike diverted for a corner, and Staines moved serenely towards the three points during the remaining time, including 3 extra minutes.

It was a victory that moved the home side back up to 12th – ahead of Dartford – and reflects Steve Cordery’s reminder to his players that, although a play-off place is effectively out of reach this term, they are playing for their places in the longer term. One player who made an excellent impression on Saturday was Warren Harris, who duly collected the Supporters’ Club Man of the Match ‘bubbly’ from Göran Seger, President of the Swedish Massive who were in attendance at this match.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer, Sterling, Orlu, Scarlett ©, Onochie, D Brown, D Lee (D Thomas 73), Taylor, W Harris (Duffy 83); unused Perring, Quiassaca, Allaway (gk).
Dartford: Young, Jones, Bonner, Bruce, Goodacre, Champion, Hayes (Noble 54), Burns, Sheringham, Main (Burchell 73), Bradbrook © (D Harris 35); unused White, Burgess.

Ref: MP Webb (Knaphill, Surrey); ARs: D Sotimirin (Lambeth, London), M Carmichael (Frimley Green, Surrey); Att 402.

Saturday 12th March 2011 (3:00pm) – Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South)

ST ALBANS CITY (1) 2 STAINES TOWN (0) 0

Staines visited Clarence Park for the second time this season, hopeful that they could put behind them their earlier FA Trophy defeat which had been the low point of the season. However, up against the bottom side who are virtually resigned to relegation, lightning struck for a second time, as it was City who ran out deserved winners. Steve Cordery’s side showed two changes from midweek, with Dominic Sterling and Richard Butler returning to the side in place of Newton (still carrying a slight knock) and Dsane. Butler was able to squeeze in this one game, between two 2-match bans for dismissals; Dwane Lee came through a fitness test to take his place on the bench. St Albans were captained by Ben Martin, who played one game for Staines a few years ago. The pitch was firm and flat, with a slope upwards towards the park end which Staines attacked in the first half of an afternoon that was a little milder and sunnier than of late.

Against a slight breeze, Staines made a positive start, with Scott Taylor finding room for two shots that went fractionally off target, as the home side appeared to offer very little at the beginning. But Staines started to concede a number of needless free kicks in dangerous areas, allowing the home side to grow in confidence. There was another Swans chance when Taylor got away, but 40 year olf ‘keeper Bastock pulled off a good save at the cost of only a corner. However, on 21 minutes, Tony Battersby put the home side in front, embarking on a great run that took him past two Swans backs before letting fly with an unstoppable shot into the far top corner. Staines tried to respond, with Warren Harris whipping over a cross that Richard Orlu headed just past the post, and City had to respond to the loss through injury of Effiong after only 34 minutes. Another better spell for Staines saw a Taylor shot unfortunately diverted away from target when it struck an unsuspecting André Scarlett, and then a Taylor cross picked out Harris, but his final shot was too close to Bastock. Taylor showed great determination in chasing down a lost cause, but as he challenged City’s right-back, Hocking turned his ankle and became the second home player to be subbed before the half was over. During the 4 added minutes of stoppage time, Darty Brown picked up a caution for dissent.

Alex Duffy was introduced to freshen up the Staines attack, but with René Steer departing, the visiting defence was in the 58yth minute, and the game already looked beyond them. A throw-in on the right hand side found City’s returning favourite Jonathan ‘JJ’ O’Donnell, and he found the net with a spectacular over-the-shoulder scissors kick, that went in off the inside of the post, giving Wells no chance. It was St Albans who looked the more likely side to score for the remainder of the game, although Staines were not without their chances. A Duffy cross was met by Taylor’s 64th minute shot, which drew an excellent save from Bastock. Mario Quiassaca came on with 11 minutes of normal time remaining, but it was just as the clock ticked into the first of the 4 additional minutes that he got his best chance, Scarlett and Harris combining to give him a ball to chase, and the youngster’s pace taking him clear of the last defender, only for Bastock to save with his feet. This led to a corner which Duffy swung in, and Gordon’s header went just over.

This very disappointing result cost Staines a place in the table, as they dropped to 14th. For City, the situation is less clear – the official Conference website shows them having jumped up two places on goal difference, but even their own officials seemed unsure why the 10 point deduction for a ‘breach of financial regulations’ is not yet shown.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer (Duffy 54), Gordon ©, Orlu, Sterling, Harris, D Brown, Butler (Quiassaca 79), Scarlett, Taylor; unused Newton, D Thomas, D Lee.
St Albans: Bastock; Hocking (Shields 45), Smith, Magwood, B Martin ©, Everitt, Fisher, Kelly, Battersby, Effiong (Petrucci 34), O’Donnell; unused Abdulai, Chaves, Dedman.

Tuesday 8th March 2011 (7:45pm) – Middlesex County FA Senior Challenge Cup Semi-Final

STAINES TOWN (3) 4 HENDON (0) 1

Replacing the previously re-arranged league game with Ebbsfleet, Staines took on Hendon to contest a place in the Middlesex Senior Cup, which The Swans lifted last season. Staines famously defeated Hendon to win this cup for the first time back in 1975, but since then have won only two of 13 cup matches against them. On a chilly night, Steve Cordery made three changes from the weekend, as Taylor returned from taking care of his wife after her heart op, Newton from injury, and Dsane from illness, to replace Dom Sterling, Alex Duffy, and Dwane Lee, giving the side a more attacking feel, and in fact all three getting on the scoresheet. Hendon, thankfully eschewing their advertised grey and black kit for the traditional green, included Lubo’ Guentchev, the son of Bulgarian World Cup semi-finalist Bontcho. Staines attacked the Penton Hook Road ‘houses’ end in the first half, on a very good pitch.

The visitors made the better start, and Louis Wells had to pull off two cracking saves from Haule and former Kingston Academy player Belal Aite-Ouakrim, before Staines took a 19th minute lead with the first of their four cracking goals, Howard Newton turning smartly and driving low into the corner of Morgan’s net. Four minutes later, and a revitalised Staines nearly made it 2-0, Taylor racing down the left and drilling a shot across the face of the goal. But Taylor was not to be denied, as in the 29th minute he got on the end of a flowing move to give Staines a 2-0 lead. Darty Brown played a deep crossfield ball to Newton, who played it in to Dean Thomas, who in turn laid it off for Scott Taylor to run onto and clip the ball over the 6′8″ ’keeper and into the top corner. René Steer curled a free kick towards goal, Hendon’s confused defence having to divert it round for a corner, but Staines virtually made the tie safe on 39 minutes when Roscoe Dsane was put through – narrowly beating the offside trap and showing the composure that his experience brings to slot it just inside Morgan’s left-hand post.

After the teams came out for the second half, it was again Hendon who were quickest out of the blocks. Guentchev saw a close range effort diverted away from the near post, but 8 minutes after the restart they did get on the scoresheet. Louis Wells made a flying save to deny Scott Cousins, but Dave Diedhiou followed up to score a tap-in. Warren Harris nearly registered an instant reply, his shot from Dsane’s glorious through-ball requiring Morgan to save with his legs, but then the pressure was put back on Staines, and it could have become a nail-biter if Wells had not pulled off a fine save when Haule was put through on the hour mark. But Staines settled once more, and when a quality ball from deep released Taylor in a two-on-one situation, he unselfishly squared for Dsane to advance to the edge of the box and fire in number four. A flurry of substitutions characterised the middle of the half, with the game now a foregone conclusion, but late on Harris was unlucky not to add to the score when he saw his super drive fingertipped over by Morgan. Dsane’s chance of a hat-trick came and went in the 87th minute, when his centrally positioned free-kick thudded into the Hendon wall, and in the 89th sub Toby Little almost got an unwitting fifth when a scrambled clearance rebounded back towards the goal off his knee, only for Morgan to pluck it out of the air. Ryman Premier League Hendon gave an excellent account of themselves, contributing almost as much quality as Staines, but finding that the hosts greater sharpness in front of goal the most telling factor.

Credit should also be paid to referee Tony Power for his assured handling of the game, which helped it flow and the absence of any cautions was testament to his firm control of the match. As the players left the field, Adrian Storr of match sponsors AT&T (GB) Ltd presented the Staines Man of the Match award to two-goal hero Dsane. News then filtered through that Hayes & Yeading United had scored a late goal in the other semi-final at home to Bedfont Town, setting up an all Conference Final for the first time since 1984/5. That game will be played at Harrow Borough FC on the evening of Easter Monday (25 April), and Staines have re-arranged their scheduled home League game v Maidenhead from that day to 19th April.
Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer, Gordon ©, Orlu, Scarlett, Newton (Duffy 74), D Brown, Dsane, Taylor (Quiassaca 83), Harris (Little 86); unused Perring, Allaway (g).

Hendon: N Morgan, Diedhiou (K Maclaren 79), Cousins ©, C Maclaren, Parker, Sintim, Guentchev (Ngoyi 69), Haule (Burgess 79), A Morgan, Aite-Ouakrim, Busby; unused Ambrose, J Reading (g).
Ref: T Power (Harrow Weald); ARs: M Oakes (Hillingdon), A Hickman (Northolt); MCFA Rep Robin Filkins (Chertsey); Tie 018; Att 108

Tuesday 1st February 2011 (7:45pm) – Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South)

BASINGSTOKE TOWN (2) 4 STAINES TOWN (1) 1

Just three days after perhaps their best result of the season, Staines slipped to one of their worst, in going down 4-1 at Basingstoke. This game was a re-arrangement, having been snowed off on 4th December. The scoreline masks a somewhat closer match than might be imagined, however, with Staines punished for some isolated errors and just not getting the run of the ball on a cold, misty evening. The pitch was in decent condition, and Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half. Steve Cordery made one enforced change to the side that beat Chelmsford, with Griffiths having departed, Dominic Sterling was reintroduced having recovered from a bug, which meant pushing René Steer into a more advanced role than usual. Only four subs were named, one of whom was prolific Academy striker Mario Quiassaca, who signed his Conference forms just 24 hours earlier, and has netted 37 times in 45 non-1st XI appearances for the Club. Having lost Brentford loanee goalkeeper Moore, Basingstoke included a replacement, Simon Locke, who was on loan from Reading, and they also lined up a former Swan, Stuart Lake, in midfield.
The start could not have been worse for Staines, as they found themselves a goal behind in only 52 seconds. Attacking from the kick-off, ’Stoke’s initial raid seemed to have been thwarted, but then Nathan Smart picked up the ball, took it for a run, and bent a super shot just inside Louis Wells’ upright. Five minutes later, Staines might have levelled, Darty Brown feeding Scott Taylor, who in turn laid off for Marc Charles-Smith, who advanced on goal but put his shot just wide. At the other end, Tom Williamson wasted a grand chance by heading straight at Louis Wells, and Staines fans momentarily thought their favourites had drawn level in the 25th min through a Brown snapshot, but although it fond the netting, it was the wrong side of the post. Two minutes later, there was a half decent shout for a penalty as Charles-Smith seemed to be pulled over in the box, but the officials – all of whom were from Devon – had spotted an earlier offside. However, but for that first minute lapse, Staines had been giving as good as they got, and they were rewarded for their endeavours in the 36th minute with an unusual goal. The ref spotted an Adams handball some 35 yards out in a central position, and before the home defence had gathered their thoughts, Charles-Smith cleverly knocked the ball directly forward to Scott Taylor who – virtually unmarked – drew the ’keeper and shot into the bottom corner. But Basingstoke came straight back onto the offensive: Greg Draper had the ball in the net within two minutes but was well offside, but in the 40th he received a deep ball from Smart some 10 yards out, executed a deft turn and lashed his side’s second into the top corner. Staines almost snatched a second equaliser, but Warren Harris’ shot flew into the side netting, and so the half ended with the home side 2-1 ahead, but the game by no means ‘sewn up’ despite the scorers’ identities being Smart, Taylor, and Draper!
Once again, Staines were caught out soon after kick-off, but this goal, in the 49th minute, was most unfortunate, as Wells came out to effect a clearance, and struck the ball with venom, but it hit Delano Sam-Yorke (who had closed down to within a few yards) and rebounded beyond Wells, crossing the line on the bounce. Staines tried hard to get back on terms, and as the mist, which had hung around since 7 o’clock, began to thicken, they did most of the attacking but without seriously threatening Locke’s goal. Richard Butler came on for Simon Jackson and kept the defence guessing, but when a long, 68th minute attack broke down, they were caught somewhat exposed at the back, when an insightful backheel set Sam-Yorke away once more. He burst forward and delivered a hard, low shot to assure his side of the points. Staines’ only real hope now was that the fog might close in still further, but the visibility never quite reached the point at which an abandonment was justified. Having had five matched where he had warmed the bench, Andrew ‘Reggie’ Perring came on for his Conference début in the 79th minute, and helped to ensure that Staines never threw in the towel, and in fact they came close to pulling one back in the 84th minute, when Richard Orlu glanced a header just past the post from a Steer corner on the right.
Sam-Yorke, who did a pre-season at Staines, was awarded Basingstoke’s Man of the Match award, as his side climbed to 11th, whiles Staines held onto 9th spot despite their goal difference turning ‘red’. It should also be mentioned that referee Mr Hopkins had an excellent game, and that there were no cards issued during the match.

Staines: Wells, Jackson (Butler 61), Steer, Gordon ©, Orlu, Scarlett (Perring 79), Harris, D Brown, Charles-Smith, Sterling, Taylor; unused Quiassaca, Courtnage (gk).
Basingstoke: Locke, Rice, Gasson, Adams ©, Reynolds, Lake, Smart, Williamson, Sam-Yorke (Pattison 80), Draper (Downes 74), Warner; unused Finlay, Laidler, Ogunbote.
Ref: Adam Hopkins (Stoke, nr Plymouth, Devon); ARs: Paul Lister (Exeter, Devon), Andy J Quin (Thornbury, nr Plymouth, Devon); Att 284

Saturday 29th January 2011 (3:00pm) – Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South)

STAINES TOWN (0) 2 CHELMSFORD CITY (0) 1

Staines pulled off probably the shock result of the day’s Blue Square Bet (South) fixtures, in defeating second placed Chelmsford, despite being denied the opportunity to spy on their opponents owing to the midweek floodlight failure at Hampton. Steve Cordery was forced into one team change, as Newton – scorer of his side’s last two goals – was not over the injury picked up last week, and Warren Harris came in to the side. Each club was able to welcome back (albeit only as substitute) a talismanic forward after injury – Ricky Modeste and Richard Butler having been out since 3 Jan and 27 Nov respectively. The afternoon was chilly, the pitch in good nick, and Staines attacked the Penton Hook Road end in the first half.
City saw plenty of the ball in the first 10 minutes, but the home fans were heartened by a tricky run from Leroy Griffiths, and a Marc Charles-Smith pull-pack to Taylor which resulted in two early Swans chances. Charles-Smith looped a header just over and André Scarlett fired across the goalmouth from a Harris pass, but at the other end a David Rainford shot deflected kindly for Staines ‘keeper Louis Wells to save easily. Home defenders Danny Gordon and Richard Orlu both made vital blocks to halt efforts by Sam Higgins and Stephen Reed, and just before half time, a dipping shot by Higgins flew inches over the Staines bar. But as the half wore on, the sides largely cancelled each other out, with a booking for Lock for a nasty tackle on Steer (33 mins) and a dipping Higgins shot (41) which flew over from just outside the box the only real incidents of note before the half-time whistle blew after 2 added minutes.
All the real action came in the second period, however, with Staines starting positively, but conceding the opening goal in 52 minutes. The move began with an innocuous throw-in out on the right, and the ball was ferried through to Billy Bricknell to let loose from the edge of the box, but his low drive was aided by a big deflection that deceived Louis Wells before burying itself in the bottom corner. A goal down at home to a side aiming for the championship, the homesters’ mood tangibly dipped for a while, and City strove to add a second when Adam Tann thumped a 20 yard free kick into Wells’ arms. With Brown cautioned for dissent, and the visitors bringing on left-sided sub Edmans (after a short delay to change his unmatched undies) who immediately created a good chance that Bricknell fired wide, the tide seemed to be flowing Chelmsford’s way. But Staines soon regained their earlier composure, and were rewarded with a high quality equaliser in the 63rd minute. Darty Brown played a diagonal forward pass, and Taylor’s clever dummy threw the defence off balance, allowing the ball to go through to Marc Charles-Smith, and he in turn controlled well, advanced into the box, enticing ‘keeper James Pullen off his line before curling the ball into the bottom corner. Now it was City’s turn to be shell-shocked, and Taylor was desperately unlucky not to add to the score just secondsd later, when his curling shot beat Pullen but came back off the crossbar. Modeste came off the bench with 20 minutes to go, and gave the visitors a new attacking outlet. He was soon involved in a move that ended with Rainford firing just wide. But Staines continued to cause problems, and Taylor might have been set away by a Griffiths pass, but for a calculated foul that on another day may have brought a card for Lock. Griffiths thudded the resulting free kick into Pullen’s arms, and he in turn set Modeste free, only for the home defence to sweep the ball off his feet and launch a new attack, the game thus pulsing from end to end. Great skills by Modeste game him the chance to put his side ahead in the 79th minute, but Wells spread himself wide and saved with his feet. The same player sent another shot just wide, and Wells was again in action. But in the 83rd minute, Charles-Smith played the ball forward to Butler – who had replaced Taylor just 5 minutes earlier – and as he twisted away from his marker, Robinson brought him down, and Leroy Griffiths drilled a low penalty kick beyond Pullen to put Swans ahead. “The Massive” were not aware of it at the time, but this was to be Griffiths’ farewell to the Club, as he has agreed a move to Ryman Premier leaders Sutton United. Including the added time, there were still 10 minutes left, and City were not going to surrender without a fight. Their excellent supporters urged them forwards, a Butler foul brought Staines their third yellow card, and late on an additional defender in Dominic Sterling was introduced to help see the game out. City mustered one more half chance – Wells clinging on to a hanging cross-shot, and one really good chance but this was miscued by Bricknell.
As the final whistle blew, Staines climbed to 9th, their highest position since 18th August, and new Spelthorne MP Kwasi Kwarteng selected and presented the Man of the Match bubbly to Marc Charles-Smith. Clarets boss Glenn Pennyfather was gracious in defeat, accepting the penalty decision without dispute but highlighting his side’s suspect defending in the 18 yard box as their Achilles heel. His opposite number, Steve Cordery, praised Staines’ determination, and their willingness to close down opponents, allied to some neat passing football, as big factors in their haul of 10 points from their last 4 games.
 
Staines: Wells, Jackson, Steer, Gordon, Orlu, Scarlett, Harris (Sterling 89), D Brown, Griffiths, Charles-Smith, Taylor (Butler 78); unused Perring, Onochie, Courtnage (gk).
Chelmsford: Pullen, Nunn, Robinson, Tann, El-Abd, Rainford ©, Lock, Reed, Higgins (Edmans 58), Bricknell, Ake (Modeste 70); unused Haines, Henshaw.
Ref: A Fielding (Oxon); ARs: G Ions & K Welsh (both Kent); Att 459.

Saturday 22nd January 2011 (3pm) – Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South)

LEWES (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (1) 1

Staines showed that they had learnt the lessons from the Welling defeat, by making it 7 points from the three subsequent games, the latest being this narrow win at a Lewes side who are scrapping hard to left themselves from the foot of the table. Steve Cordery was able to name an unchanged starting XI (with Scott Taylor lining up against one of his former clubs), and – with injuries taking their toll – named Richard Butler on the bench, a sign that he is nearing fitness. The historic Dripping Pan ground was buffeted by a chilly wind, and Staines began by attacking the clubhouse end on a pitch that was well grassed but rather bobbly.
Staines nearly scored in the opening seconds, when a ball across the box was very close to being handled by a defender, before squirting out to Leroy Griffiths at the back post, but he was taken by surprise and volleyed wide. But then Lewes grabbed the initiative, winning every tackle and forcing two corners in the opening 10 minutes, before a clever reverse pass found Ben Godfrey, who could only volley straight at Louis Wells. A groin problem forced them to replace skipper Barness after only 12 minutes, but this did not seem to distract them, and Godfrey shot into the side netting from a good position. But as the 20 minute mark approached, Staines began to get back into the game, and a good move ended with Scott Taylor rifling a shot just over. The breakthrough came in the 24th minute, when André Scarlett was fouled out wide on the left. Howard Newton stepped up to take the free kick, floating it high and towards the centre of goal, but ‘keeper Winterton misjudged its flight, and as he was left clutching the air, the ball sailed in: after a moment’s hesitation, the goal was allowed. Lewes attacked from the kick-off, and saw a shout for handball in the box turned down, but meanwhile the Swans scorer had limped off, having tweaked his hamstring when striking the free-kick, and he became the game’s second early retirement, making way for Warren Harris at a time when Marc Charles-Smith was also down being treated for an ankle problem. Lewes’ Fuseini (who last lined up against Staines as an unused sub for Millwall) pumped in a couple of dangerous shots, one of which Wells beat away, the other going just wide. On 33 minutes, Staines won another free kick in an identical position to the one from which they had scored, Griffiths the taker, but this time Winterton was able to punch it to safety.
Darty Brown was cautioned on the ‘totting up’ system for a foul 8 minutes into the second half, and Wheeler took the free-kick to Welsh, who stabbed his shot just wide. Four minutes later, referee Corp played a good advantage after Taylor was caught late, Griffiths continuing the move but seeing Winterton touch his shot over the bar. Wells made an important claim at the other end, snatching the ball off a forward’s head, but Staines then had a good penalty shout overlooked as Taylor’s shot on the break was kept out by the diving Cobb, the centre back seeming to get both hands on the ball! Steer was yellow-carded for a late challenge on Hall, but Wells claimed the free-kick confidently, as Lewes tried their hardest to level the scores in the last quarter hour. However, Staines defended largely without any scares, the closest the Rooks came being when a Wheeler shot took a nasty deflection but it spun out for a corner. Dominic Sterling came on to aid the defence, Wright allowed his frustration to boil over into dissent and the Lewes man was booked, and – deep into an inordinately long additional period, Griffiths joined him in the book after a foul. But Staines held on to move into the top half of the table for the first time since the end of August. Richard Orlu was chosen as the Non League Paper Man of the Match, while Grant Hall received Lewes’s own award.

Staines: Wells, Jackson, Steer, Gordon ©, Orlu, Scarlett, Newton (Harris 27), D Brown, Griffiths, Charles-Smith, Taylor (Sterling 82); unused Perring, Butler, Courtnage (gk).
Lewes: Winterton, Barness © (Green 12), Cobb, Wright, Breach, Hall, Wheeler, Fuseini, Godfrey (Porter HT), Barker (Murphy 72), Welsh; unused Dossou, Rowe.

Ref: Richard J Corp (Frome); ARs: Andrew N Massey & Barrie A Small (both Bognor Regis); Att 509.

Bank Holiday Monday 3rd January 2011 (3:00pm) – Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South)

STAINES TOWN (0) 1 FARNBOROUGH (1) 2

After the drawn game with Hampton, Staines continued the new year with the first of two games whom they had never beaten in League or Cup action, and who moreover are flying high in the table: Monday’s visitors from Hampshire began this Bank Holiday afternoon in 4th spot. They were however plagued by a ’flu’ epidemic, that saw them able to name just one sub. Their top scorer, Byron Bubb, had a tenuous link with the Swans, as his brother Byron (also a former Boro player a couple of years back) trialled at Wheatsheaf Park in 2008; however, their next highest goal-getter Kezie Ibe was a real favourite in old gold ‘n’ blue, having bagged 30 goals during Steve Cordery’s first season in charge. Eight years on, and the same boss was able to recall three players who had been suspended at Hampton, with Gordon (resuming the armband from Griffiths) and Brown starting at the expense of Orlu and Harris, while Steer was on the bench. The pitch was in fine condition, but the weather very cold with a few flakes of snow in the air, and Staines began by attacking the Penton Hook Road end.
As if to shake off the cold, the beginning of the match was played at a fast and furtious pace by both teams, Bubb and Malcolm providing early tests for Courtnage in the Staines goal, while Newton’s run into the opposite box was only halted by a superb tackle by McMahon. Farnborough soon started to get into their stride, and Ibe flashed a header just over the bar on 14 minutes. However, Staines responded with a 21st min Griffiths free-kick that ‘keeper Jordan failed to hold, but with only defender Robinson to beat, Sterling’s shot went wide of the post. The home side were punished for this miss when Boro’ took the lead just 3 minutes later, although the home bench were fuming at the award of the free-kick that started the move. The ball was played to Daryl McMahon, who hit a crisp, low shot that nestled into the far bottom corner, from a couple of yards outside the box. Five minutes later, Courtnage was forced to make a diving save from Ibe’s low drive, and soon afterwards a low cross to Booth resulted in a Boro’ corner when his shot was deflected wide. There were a couple of bookings at this stage – the visitors’ King for a foul on Newton, soon followed by Newton for a foul on Braham-Barrett. Staines made a real fist of matters in the closing stages of the first half, with Mingle’s stretching shot well saved by Jordan, and moments later Griffiths for Newton to test the visiting ‘keeper. In stoppage time, Newton was upended just outside the box, and Griffiths’ free kick thudded into the wall and went for a corner.

Swans built on this encouraging end to the first half, by grabbing an equaliser just 3 minutes into the second. Once again, Griffiths’ deep free kick was instrumental, and it was Darty Brown who manoeuvred his powerful frame into position to crash a close-range header beyond Jordan. The stage now looked set for an exciting close to the game, but just 10 minutes after drawing level, Staines somewhat pressed ‘self destruct’, when they conceded what proved to be the winner as a consequence of their own corner, earned after Griffiths’ cross to Newton had seen his shot deflected wide. The purple shirted defenders dealt with the flag-kick well, and swarmed forward at pace, three against three, Warren was by-passed, and Bradley Bubb fired low and hard into the corner of the net. The tide now turned back in Farnborough’s favour, with Mingle yellow-carded for a foul, and Courtnage getting across well to palm McMahon’s well-struck 25 yard free kick round the post. A tongue-tying substitution saw Warren Harris come on for Freddie Warren, and soon afterwards Boro’ brought on their lone sub, Ciardini, whose first involvement was to go down unimpressively in the box to tyry to claim a penalty. The temperature rose again in the final 10 minutes, Onochie coming on to bolster the home attack, and Harris driving a corner right across the goalmouth. Brown’s dissent after Sterling was penalised earned him a booking, and Mingle might have joined him but escaped with a lecture after a foul on Holloway. Mr Quelch added 5 extra minutes, and these were almost up when Staines spurned a glorious chance to equalise, as Griffiths’ forward ball found Newton in unexpected space, but he had run himself into the ground and could only send his attempted chip tamely wide. Staines remain 14th, whilst Farnborough climbed to 3rd.

Staines: Courtnage, Jackson, Sterling, Gordon ©, Mambo, Mingle (Steer 86), Newton, Brown, Griffiths ©, Charles-Smith (Onochie 77), Warren (Harris 68); unused Taylor, Orlu.
Farnboro’: Jordan, Bubb, Braham-Barrett, King, Robinson ©, Stevens, McMahon, Holloway, Booth (Ciardini 74), Ibe, Malcolm.
Ref: A Quelch (Reading); ARs: J Hollier & J Balcombe (both Basingstoke); Att 511.

Saturday 27th November 2010 (3:00pm) – Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South)

STAINES TOWN (2) 4 BRAINTREE TOWN (2) 4

Wheatsheaf Park was a very chilly place on Saturday, but the fans who turned up to this game were treated to a red hot encounter which had eight goals and a bit of controversy, too. Whilst Staines were up against the team second in the table, they will be feeling that with a little more ‘rub of the green’ they would have pulled off quite an upset; whilst if Braintree were disappointed to let their excellent defensive record slip they could at least take solace in going to the top of the table thanks to their point. With Griffiths and Ifura still not fully fit, Steve Cordery named an unchanged starting XI, although Griffiths’ pre-match fitness test revealed that he was at least fit enough for a place on the bench. Here he was joined by a Andrew Perring, young midfielder, released by QPR last term, who has impressed in recent Reserve games and was signed 24 hours earlier. The Iron included Ryan Peters – who almost joined Staines in the summer, Jamie Guy (who had a successful loan spell at Wheatsheaf Lane), Matt Paine, who was briefly a Staines player, and on the bench Jack Clark, who trialled with the club in pre-season. After overnight frost, the pitch was passed fit in an 11:20 inspection by Charles Breakspear, and was looking in good condition by the time Staines kicked-off towards the Penton Hook end.
Having conceded only 7 League goals so far this season, Braintree found themselves behind just 55 seconds into the game, when an accurate Warren Harris ball slid Richard Butler in on the right-hand edge of the box, and he neatly slotted his low shot beyond McDonald from close range. However, they wasted no time in responding, when an awkwardly bouncing ball reared up and struck André Scarlett’s outstretched arm to earn them a penalty which was swept home by Jamie Guy after only 3¼ minutes. Peters had his name taken for a late challenge on Scarlett, and then Guy limped off to be replaced by Bryant – and all that happened in the first 9 minutes. Sean Marks started to make himself a nuisance in the Staines penalty area, forcing Wells into a reflex save when he got a backwards header on target, and then sidefooted another just past the post after being picked out in space in the 14th minute. Eight minutes later, Staines were caught hoping that the ball would run out of play, but in fact it was squirreled back to Harris, whose shot seemed to be defected wide, though only a goal-kick was awarded. But just as Braintree seemed to have settled to their task, Staines moved ahead again on 31 minutes, following some great skills by Charles-Smith. He picked out Mingle, and his ball across was possibly a shot, but in fact it fell nicely for Butler to smash in a second close-range goal. But again the lead did not last long – Steer was penalised for a challenge in the box that most home observers had down as a 50/50 challenge, and got his name taken, and with Guy now off the field, it was left to Sean Marks to equalise on 34 minutes. Staines claimed a penalty of their own 4 minutes later, but the free-kick for the trip on Harris was given a foot outside the area. Orlu had his name taken for dissent, but Reason was probably saved from a card for his dangerous lunge on Wells by the Staines keeper’s angry reaction, and both players got a lecture. Wells had to be at his best again in the closing moments of the half, racing out to take the ball off Marks’ toes in a one-on-one.
The second half saw both sets of players seemingly extend their breather for a little while, before the game burst back into life on the hour. First Wells made a super save when Starkey completed a spell of pressure by picking our Bryant who drilled a shot towards his bottom corner. Then on 64 minutes, Staines took the lead for a third time, after a scramble at the other end. Butler’s shot was cleared off the line by a stumbling defender, but skipper Danny Gordon followed in to force the ball over from close range. Paine was booked for a shove on Butler just outside the box, but the wall did its job when blocking Harris’s drive from the free-kick. But the goals continued to come in pairs, though this one saw Swans extend their lead on 68 minutes. Orlu received from a Scarlett corner, but smashed his shot off the underside of the bar; however, Jacob Mingle was following up to find the net from 2 yards out against his former club. But Braintree did not give up – they sent on a couple of subs, and one – Brad Quinton – was the provider of a 74th min cross that Wells could only fumble into his own goal. And two minutes later following a caution to Butler for delaying the restart – the visitors were level once more, Bailey Dennis prodding the ball from Wells’ clutches leaving Marks a simple tap-in. There was anger and concern on the Staines bench, claiming that Wells had been challenged dangerously, and the big ‘keeper did need several minutes of treatment before being able to resume. However, it was Staines who exerted the late pressure, as Harris sent over a swirling cross shot just too high. Two attacking subs were introduced late on, and they combined well on 88 minutes when Onochie sprinted onto a Griffiths pass – only to be pulled up for a push. Then, halfway through the additional 4 minutes, Butler found the net once more, but again an infringement saw the strike ruled out. Butler received the Staines massive ‘Man of the Match’ bubbly from Göran Segar, organiser of a small band of Swedish supporters who were making their first – but hopefully not last – visit to Wheatsheaf Park. Staines remain in 12th spot.

Staines: Wells, Jackson, Steer, Gordon ©, Orlu, Scarlett, Mingle (Griffiths 82), D Brown, Butler, Harris, Charles-Smith (Onchie 83); unused Taylor, Sterling, Perring.
Braintree: McDonald, Peters, Jones ©, Bailey-Dennis, Paine, Symons, Starkey (Quinton 69), Reason, Davis Lechmere 69), Marks, Guy (Bryant 9); unused Alaile, Clark.
Ref: P Harris (Maidstone); ARs: N Dunn (Deal), M Peck (W Malling); Att 248

Tuesday 9th November 2010 (7:45pm) – Middlesex Senior Cup, Round Two [tie 12] – att 296

STAINES TOWN (1) 6 UXBRIDGE (0) 2

FA Cup elimination, coupled with the progress of their intended hosts Dartford, had left Staines without a League game on Saturday 6th, but rather than rearrange something, the club decided that a break and a pulled-forward Middlesex Senior Cup tie would best serve their purposes. Uxbridge (now in the Zamaretto Lg Central) were happy to comply, and so this 2nd Round tie – not scheduled until 7 December, was brought forward into the week of the 1st Round games, and took place on a showery Wheatsheaf Park pitch, on which Staines began by attacking the Penton Hook end. The strategy paid off for Steve Cordery, as he was able to give both Danny Gordon and Richard Butler plenty of game time after their long injuries, without quite the same pressure as in a League game. However, this was not a game that either club were taking lightly, as it was a re-run of last season’s final, in which Swans were able to claim the old trophy for the first time in 13 years. Jackson was back in action for Staines, too, whilst The Reds fielded two players who had previously played at Wheatsheaf Park – Kevin Warner and Danny Julienne. Middlesex’s official rep on the night was highly respected former referee Colin Downey from Hounslow.

Staines opened the scoring after just 4 minutes, Darty Brown receiving some 35 yards out, muscling past one defender and then – using Butler as a decoy – hammered his medium-height shot to the left of ’keeper Plwonski. Two minutes later, Walcott found the net after seizing upon the rebound of a parried Butler shot, but was flagged offside, then Taylor stretched but his shot went too high. A better spell by the visitors saw Julienne fire over the bar on the half hour, but it was not long before Staines were back on the attack, Walcott driving just wide from a Taylor pass, and Taylor volleying too close to Plwonski from a Steer centre. But right on half time, Wells pulled off a super save to prevent Gumbs tucking away an Uxbridge equaliser from Green’s pull back.

A remarkable second half featuring 7 goals and including a 10 minute hat-trick, began with Jacob Walcott bagging the first of his three just a minute in, scuffing the ball past Plwonski from a Butler centre. Uxbridge fought back, with Gumbs again superbly denied by Wells, this time from Costa’s pass, with Howe thumping the rebound against the woodwork from Cicero’s resulting corner, but Staines failed to effect the clearance, and when Cicero’s shot rebounded, Tom Howe this time made no mistake (51 mins). Straight back at Uxbridge’s throats, Mingle slammed a shot against the post, and then on 54 mins, Taylor fed Butler, who drew the ‘keeper before centring for Walcott to coolly sidefoot in his second. Walcott completed his hat-trick just 2 mins later, clinically finding the corner of the net from a Steer pass. Walcott was withdrawn soon afterwards, Sterling picked up a booking for dissent, and Gordon came off with what was hopefully just a minor knock, but there was no let-up in the Staines onslaught, as Scott Taylor bagged a welcome goal in the 67th minute. This followed an Uxbridge attack that ended in Green going to ground, but Staines immediately countered, with Taylor finishing coolly, whilst the aggrieved Green was booked for continuing his complaints. Charles-Smith tapped in what would have been a sixth son afterwards, but was given offside, but Uxbridge pulled one back (73 mins) with a wonderful Jermaine Gumbs strike, from way out on the right he sent it spiralling in at the far top corner. A square pass from Griffiths set up Marc Charles-Smith to rifle home number 6 for Staines on 76 minutes, and we started to wonder if a rare “seven” could be notched in the remaining 14 mins. A Griffiths free-kick rebounded to Mingle who fired too high, Taylor sent another spinning just off target, and late efforts by Mingle and Charles-Smith were blocked in front of goal, whilst Uxbridge’s Costa controlled well but fired wide. Staines thus progress to a February date at Wealdstone or Northwood, but unfortunately also slipped 2 places down the Blue Square bet (South) table.

Staines: Wells, Jackson, Steer, Gordon © (Ifura 66), Orlu, Sterling, Mingle, D Brown, Taylor, Butler (Griffiths 64), Walcott (Charles-Smith 64); unused King, Harris,
Uxbridge: Plwonski, G Brown ©, Thomas, Howe, Hashi, Costa, Julienne, Warner, Green, Gumbs, Cicero; unused subs: Farrell, Moore, Tomkins.
Ref: Mark Engelbretson (Harefield); ARs: Isaac Jempeji (Alperton), Steve A Woodison (Ashford, Mx); Att 94.

Saturday 30th October 2010 (3pm) – Blue Square Bet Conference (South) – att 296

STAINES TOWN (0) 1 DORCHESTER TOWN (0) 2

The first game after the disappointing FA Cup exit was all rather flat, as only a small crowd braved the intermittent heavy showers to watch Staines take on a side just 2 points behind them in the morning’s League table. Steve Cordery made two changes to last week, Dominic Sterling having successfully come through a midweek Reserve game to earn his first senior competitive action of the campaign in Jackson’s stead, and Warren Harris preferred up front to Marc Charles-Smith. Despite the rain, the pitch was good, and Staines attacked the Penton Hook end in the first half, meaning that the bright, low sun would have been in Louis Wells’ eyes on this last day of BST.

The events of this game can be summed up in just one word – “Pants”. And that’s not just because the quality of entertainment was below par, or because all three goals were error-induced gifts, but its sole abiding memory was Staines being refused permission to introduce sub Kayan Kalipha because his undies were the wrong colour!

Dorchester began the more positive, and Ings did well on the right cutting in before firing into the side netting after just 6 minutes. Soon afterwards, Scarlett linked up well with Harris just outside the box before shooting just wide. Staines had a major let-off in the 18th, as Louis Wells came out to clear, but Ryan Moss charged the ball down but then contrived to miss the virtually unguarded goal as the ball dropped nicely for him. Wells overcame the dazzle effect to touch a curling Devlin free kick round for a Dorchester corner. Another free-kick, this time by Ings from an Orlu foul on Devlin 20 yards out. Gleeson showed great control in bringing down a ball after Moss had advanced well, but rocketed over the bar. Staines were now looking sorely stretched, and they survived a claim for hands as Jermyn cut into the box, but then shook off the slithering Sterling, only to commit a foul himself to end a promising Dorchester move. Staines best move of the half then followed, involving Walcott, Sterling, Griffiths crossing to Harris, who had his own penalty appeal waved away amid claims that Bowles had handled. A high challenge by Critchell on Steer brought the Dorchester man the only first half yellow card (35 mins), but the half ended with Moss heading just over after Ings had won a corner.

Dorchester also started the second period on the front foot, but Jermyn hit a tame shot from a good position, and Wells could afford to watch a huge shot clear his crossbar on the bounce. Leroy Griffiths had an excellent chance to open the scoring in the 50th min, after Harris burst down the right and laid the ball across, but he was slightly off balance and shanked his effort wide with his left foot. Griffiths then provided another low drive across the goalmouth to which no-one in old gold could connect, but just as Staines were starting to get a toe-hold in the game, Dorchester scored 10 minutes into the second half. A hopeful through ball should have been easy meat for Wells, but he missed his attempted clearance, Moss darted beyond him and caught the ball up on the line, rolling it across the face of the goal for Danny Ings to tap in from a few inches out. Staines suffered two cautions in quick succession, for a late challenge by Brown and a trip by Ifura, with the second resulting in an Ings free kick that Wells clung onto beneath his bar. Then out of the blue, Staines scored, with Griffiths guiding the ball between two defenders, who failed to spring their offside trap, allowing André Scarlett to nip in and slot the ball past the advancing Evans. Then came the pants incident – Kalipha was ready to replace Mingle, but the officials wanted to check to make sure his underwear matched his blue shorts, even though it was rolled so as not to show. When it was found that he was wearing white undies, he was prohibited from entering the game, but at least Mingle was allowed to stay on until Kalipha had donned something acceptable to the officials and could take part. The forward later confirmed that he was wearing only ‘normal’ underwear, and not undershorts. Returning to the action, Moss was probably relieved to see an offside flag go up after he had headed over from a good position; Orlu headed away a curled Ings free kick after a foul inches outside the box. In the 89th minute, an Orlu pass was well flicked on by Kalipha to Harris, whose low cross was fractionally beyond Griffiths. But when a 90th minute Staines move broke down, the ball was pumped upfield to Ryan Moss, who sidestepped his marker and then fired past the advancing Wells. Kalipha made another good intervention during the 4 added minutes, but Staines ended the game, in which they did not win any corners, 2 places lower in 16th. The Non League Paper man of the match was Dorchester’s Moss.

Staines: Wells, Sterling, Steer, Orlu, Ifura, Scarlett ©, Mingle (Kalipha 74), D Brown, Griffiths, Harris, Walcott; unused: Taylor, King, Risbridger, Charles-Smith.
Dorchester: Evans, Critchell, Martin, Jermyn ©, Walker, Bowles, Crittenden, Gleeson, Moss, Ings, Devlin; unused Nodwell, Wilson, Coutts, Ford, Coward (g).
Ref: Antony Coggins (Bicester); ARs Ian D Kitchen (Goldsworth Park, Surrey), Andrew Mawby (Woking); Att 296.

Saturday 16th October 2010 (3:00) – Blue Square Bet Conference (South)

STAINES TOWN (0) 1 WOKING (0) 0

Returning to League action, Staines snatched all three points in the derby clash with Woking at Wheatsheaf Park on a showery Saturday. With Danny Gordon (and of course Richard Butler) still sidelined through injury, Steve Cordery had the rare luxury of being able to field an unchanged starting XI, against a Woking side whose form has been patchy of late.

Before kick off, the excellent crowd of 914 – Wheatsheaf Park’s largest of 2010 – paid tribute with a minutes’ silence to Woking legend Colin Lippiatt who sadly passed away the previous day: both teams wore black armbands.

Jacob Walcott took the initiative from the opening minutes, seeing one header clawed away by ‘keeper Andy Little, and then a shot that did not quite dip enough to go under the bar. It was soon clear from where Woking’s main threat would come, as Moses Ademola showed a dazzling array of skills inweaving a good position, but his shot on the turn was deflected for a corner. But at this stage it was Staines who were on top, with a great move between Steer, Scarlett, Griffiths and Charles-Smith almost bearing fruit, followed by a surging Walcott run and lay off to Griffiths, who in turn teed-up Charles-Smith for a shot that was blocked as he latched onto it. In between, Ademola showed great control of a long diagonal ball, and Staines were pleased that his shot resulted only in a corner. With 20 minutes gone, Staines momentarily thought they had a lead, when Leroy Griffiths took advantage of some hesitant defending and slammed the ball into the roof of the net, but was offside. Woking’s best spell came in the 15 minutes or so either side of half time. A decent move was cut out by Marien Ifura, but then Craig Faulconbridge won the ball back only to shoot too close to Louis Wells in the Staines goal. More fine work along the goal-line by Ademola saw him centring to Ola Sogbanmu, whose snapshot looped up off a deflection and went out for a corner.

Woking withdrew Hurrell at half time, and Graham Baker followed it with two more changes in an open period early in the second period, during which they had penalty appeals for hands against Jacob Mingle waved away. The game’s only booking was handed to Woking’s McNerney for kicking the ball away in the 49th minute. Woking newcomer Elvis Hammond flashed a 20 yard free kick across the goal, but Staines introduced Warren Harris and again began to assert their superiority on proceedings. The Staines sub was quickly into the action, whipping in a low cross that Woking skipper Mark Rickets almost diverted into his own net at the near post. The resulting corner was sent long to Ifura, whose header flashed into the side-netting. Aswad Thomas had Woking’s last decent chance, curling a free kick just past the post, but the last 10 minutes saw Staines pressing hard again. But with only 2 minutes to go, and a draw now looking certain, the deadlock was broken. A René Steer throw was flicked on by Griffiths to André Scarlett, who advanced down the left flank and drilled the ball past ‘keeper Andrew Little from a tight angle, the midfielder’s third goal in as many weeks. Staines had two opportunities to rub salt into Woking’s wounds in the remaining time + 3 added minutes, but a Griffiths volley was well saved on the line by Andrew Little and the rebound scuffed away from Walcott, who himself then saw an angled shot beaten away. The narrow Staines win enabled them to hop over their neighbours and into 14th place, and extended a remarkable record against the Cards that has seen them lose just 6 times in 33 games since regular meetings began in 1975.

Rob Cooper, a long term Swans fan and 1970s Hendon player, presented the Man of the Match award to hard working midfielder Darty Brown.

Staines: Wells, Jackson, Steer, Orlu, Ifura, Scarlett ©, Mingle, D Brown, Griffiths, Charles-Smith (Harris 71), Walcott; unused, Taylor, Kamara, Risbridger, Kalipha.
Woking: A Little, Anane, Thomas, Ricketts ©, McNerney, Inns, Ademola, Quarm (Maledon 68), Faulconbridge, Sogbanmu (Hammond 64), Hurrell (Blake HT).
Ref: JW Scott (Buckingham); ARs DA Jones (New Haw), A Anastasiou (Hendon). Att 914.

STAINES TOWN (1) 2 BURY TOWN (0) 0

A somewhat surreal atmosphere pervaded Wheatsheaf Park on a cooling Tuesday evening, as Staines went into what was described as a season-defining match with 4th placed Ryman Premier side Bury Town, still frustrated that they had let slip a 2-1 lead in stoppage time in Suffolk on Saturday. Since then, the draw for the fourth and final qualifying round had given the winners of this tie an away fixture at the lowest remaining side in the competition – Kent League Hythe Town. So much at stake – including a £7500 prize – but the televised England game at Wembley kept the crowd down to a disappointing 274. On top of this, Staines went into the fixture without the presence of Manager Steve Cordery, who was waiting, patiently or otherwise, at St Peters Hospital for the arrival of his and Corinne Boon’s first baby. Craig Maskell was forced to make a single change, skipper Gordon having limped off early on Saturday, with Orlu stepping into the defence. Scarlett reclaimed the captain’s armband that he had temporarily ceded to Darty Brown at the end of Saturday’s match. Likewise, Bury were without only the injured Andrews from the first game.

Attacking the Penton Hook end in the first half, Staines began in confident mood, with Ifura and Charles-Smith going close with headers, and Griffiths thudding a free-kick into the wall. But Bury were always dangerous, Henderson starting and finishing a move that ended with him shooting wide. Ifura sparked a Swans move with a great tackle on the edge of the box , Wells picking out the advanced Brown, whose turn and shot forced Garnham into a diving save. The opening goal was taken in consummate style by André Scarlett in the 25th minute, chesting down after great work on the right flank by Mingle, and then lashing a super volley beyond Garnham to put the hosts into a slender lead. Griffiths’s crosses and throws threatened to set up a second, but one slipped just out of Charles-Smith’s reach, and Scarlett’s shot was deflected for a corner. Bury suffered a nasty setback on 33 minutes, as Kearns slipped and twisted his knee, being taken away on a stretcher and ambulance with a very painful suspected cartilage injury. Play resumed after 5 minutes and sub Nurse shot over from a good position. The half ended with Walcott receiving from Wells and sending in a cross which caused loud shouts for a penalty as a defender seemed to handle.

There was no drop in Staines’ levels at the start of the second, and a collective sigh of relief came when they doubled the lead on 53 minutes. Scarlett’s accurate through-ball reached Jacob Walcott, who skilfully wriggled between two defenders, and fired a powerful shot into the corner of the net. Ex-Swan Coulson’s outstretched toe diverted Scarlett’s shot away from goal, Walcott went close from another good Griffiths pass, and then drew a fingertip saved from Garnham after he robbed the hesitant Nunn. Bury poured all they could into attack in the last 15 minutes, but Wells held Leabon’s looping header, whilst Henderson’s overhead kick and Hipperson’s follow-up were both blocked. Steer importantly blocked a Nunn shot, and a corner reached James Scowcroft whose header bounced off the bar. Mingle had two chances late on, drawing the keeper from a super Mingle through-ball but missing, and then drawing a great save from an injury time volley. There were second half bookings for Bury’s Bullard (foul), Henderson (dissent), and Scowcroft and and Nurse (both fouls on Ifura). Swans’ Griffiths was cautioned for a push. After the final whistle, General Manager Ken Williams presented the Swans Man of the Match award to Reading loanee Jacob Walcott.

Staines: Wells, Jackson, Steer (Kamara 90+4), Orlu, Ifura, Scarlett ©, Mingle, D Brown, Griffiths, Charles-Smith, Walcott (Risbridger 81); unused Harris, King, Taylor, Courtnage (gk), Sterling.

Bury: Garnham, Nunn, Coulson, Steward (Sloots 67), Hipperson, Bullard ©, Kearns (Nurse 38), Scowcroft, Leabon, L Reed, Henderson (Chaplin 79); unused Short, S Reed, Pope (gk): only 6 named of the permitted 7.

Ref: DK Rock (Hertford); ARs P Crossland (Somersham, Huntingdonshire), S Podsadny (Northolt). Att 274.

Saturday 9th October 2010 (3pm) – F.A. Cup sponsored by E.On, 3nd Qualifying Round (tie 31)

BURY TOWN (1) 2 STAINES TOWN (2) 2

Staines Town made a rare excursion into Suffolk for the 220-mile round trip to face Bury Town for the first time ever. Both sides have enjoyed good FA Cup runs recently, and had their eyes on a £7500 prize pot for winning at Ram Meadow. Steve Cordery put aside his anticipation of the imminent arrival of his first child, to select a side which showed two changes from last week: the two Jacobs – Mingle and Walcott – came in for Harris and Chaaban; meanwhile Taylor and Kamara were recalled from their loans at Tooting to appear on the bench. Mingle was cleared to play by the FA, having only been an unused sub in an earlier round for Tonbridge. Bury, newly promoted to – and flying high in – the Ryman League Premier, included the former Ipswich, Leicester and Palace star James Scowcroft (a former England U21), and Mark Coulson, who had a short loan spell helping Staines at the end of their 2009 promotion campaign. The pitch was green but had taken a lot of water, the day mild. With the towering Silver Spoon sugar plant at their backs, Staines began by attacking the St Edmundsbury Cathedral end of the attractive ground, which was packed with 918 fans – the biggest crowd Staines have played in front of since April.

The visitors made a dream start, and for a while in the first quarter of the game threatened to kill the game off almost before it had started. Only 100 seconds had elapsed when a Griffiths corner was crossed by Gordon into the box, where defender Andrews could only volley the ball against his raised arms, leaving referee Mr Rock no option but to award a penalty. Forty seconds later, Leroy Griffiths had confidently despatched it into the corner for 1-0. But the goal came at a price, as skipper Gordon, having passed a pre-match test, jarred his hamstring once more, and was immediately replaced by Orlu, with fears of a lay-off of several weeks: the armband was passed to Scarlett. As Staines piled on the pressure, the lively Walcott had a low shot to which Bullard made a fine diving save, the defender’s handball 20 yard s out being punished by a free kick that Mingle thumped into the wall. The loose ball eventually rebounded to Scarlett, whose cross-shot was touched over the bar. However, after surviving a 20 minute pounding from Staines, Bury came back into the game, with Bullard firing just off target before they got back on terms in the 24th. A ball out of defence saw Orlu tussle with a defender on the halfway line, where the Staines man was penalised for shirt-pulling. Bury caught the visitors on the back-foot by taking the free-kick quickly, putting Kieran Leabon into space for a good finish. Jackson’s late tackle on Henderson brought Staines the first yellow card of the match, but Bury almost exacted greater punishment when the free-kick was played to Reed, who saw his volley headed out for a corner. However, Staines were not behind for long, as they regained the upper hand, and scored again in the 34th. A scintillating move involving Steer and Scarlett at the back, and went on via Griffiths and Orlu on the left, shepherded the ball forward to Marc Charles-Smith, who showed great skill after receiving just outside the box. He spun away from his marker, and then hit an audacious cross shot which dropped and curled in perfectly to the far top corner. Staines continued to look for the killer goal in the minutes that remained before the interval, with Orlu going closest when he rose to head a Griffiths corner into the side-netting.

Apart from an early Charles-Smith header that was hooked away 3 yards out, the second half was a totally different story, however, with Bury now in inspired form, keeping Staines pegged back for long spells. The pressure was briefly relieved by Charles-Smith – who was in superb form for the visitors – touching the ball one side of a defender and running the other, and then sidestepping the ‘keeper, only to find that this time the angle was just too tight even for him. On the hour, a Staines corner was swept upfield, and Griffiths halted the attack with a trip on Henderson that brought a caution. Scowcroft sent a header just over the bar from a deep Bury cross, and the hosts had a big penalty appeal dismissed after a left-sided drive was blocked. Steward marauded up from the back, seeing one effort blocked following a corner, and he too headed just over the bar. With 10 minutes left, Bury served warning of what was to come, as Coulson drove a low hard free kick that deflected for a corner, and Wells was soon in action again flicking away a hanging cross by Andrews. Staines subsbed their second captain of the afternoon when Kamara came on to bolster the defence, but Bury continued to pressurise. The home side allowed themselves to get a bit frustrated, however, as both Bullard and Leabon were booked for dissent. When Brown made a vital tackle in the 89th minute, it seemed that Staines would hold on for victory, and Griffiths might have made sure but volleyed Kamara’s through-ball into the side netting. But in the 3rd added minute, Ifura committed a foul a little outside the box, the wall lined up tiredly, and Mark Coulson curled a stunning free kick round the wall and into the gap to equalise. There was still time for a Steer shot, and for Charles-Smith to block a Bury drive, but Staines might yet have won the tie in the 6th extra minute, when a defender slipped instead of clearing Charles-Smith’s low cross, leaving Griffiths with only the ‘keeper to beat, but Garnham pulled off a fine save. Kearns was the NLP Man of the Match. The sides now meet again on Tuesday at Staines.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer, Gordon © (Orlu 4), Ifura, Scarlett (Kamara 87), Charles-Smith, D Brown, Griffiths, Walcott (Risbridger 79), Mingle; unused Harris, King, Taylor, Courtnage (gk).
Bury: Garnham, Kearns, Coulson, Steward (Hipperson 72), Nunn, Bullard ©, Andrews, Scowcroft, Leabon, L Reed, Henderson; unused Nurse, Chaplin, Sloots, Short, S Reed (gk), Pope.
Ref: D Rock (Hertford); ARs DW Pike (Letchworth), A Medlock (Biggleswade); Att 918.

Saturday 2nd October 2010 (3pm) – Blue Square Bet Conference (South) – Att 333

STAINES TOWN (0) 0 HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE (0) 1

Wheatsheaf Lane avoided the worst of the wet weather on Saturday, and although showery the pitch held up well even when the rain worsened after half time. Steve Cordery made two changes, as Danny Gordon returned from his lower back injury and replaced Richard Orlu in defence, whilst fans were denied the chance to see Jacob Walcott’s home début as he was ill, so Warren Harris returned to the starting XI. Havant & Waterlooville were without the suspended Hopkinson and Williams. Staines attacked the Penton Hook end in the first half. Leroy Griffiths was briefly with the Hampshire club, while they in turn fielded Jake Newton, who was later replaced by Jon McDonald – both ex-Swans.

The match was closely contested throughout, and Staines opened with a dangerous Chaaban free kick and a promising move between Harris and Charles-Smith, but there was an air of misfortune about Hawks first real goal chance, as Swans were forced to defend a dangerous 13th minute deadball to Tiryaki without big defender Marien Ifura, as a linesman spotted blood on his face, which sprang from a clash of heads inside the first 40 seconds of play. Once Staines were restored to full strength, Jackson robbed Robson and set up a half chance, and Selley got a talking-to after sparking a flashpoint with an ill-timed challenge on Brown, with Gordon delivering a telling free kick. But then Louis Wells had to palm away an Ian Selley drive, before Fogden flashed a shot wide after good work by Tiryaki and Pearce. On 27 minutes, Scarlett was cautioned for a foul, the first of 7 cards handed out by Mr Venamore in a game that did not seem especially ill-disciplined. Swans hit back with a 25 yarder by Leroy Griffiths that grazed the Havant crossbar, after Harris had been fouled 5 yards outside the box. Then Charles-Smith saw a header touched over the bar, but with Swans’ next attack, he seemed to have been released into a great position by Chaaban’s clever pass, only for Selley to clatter into Chaaban, and the referee to halt play when an advantage was clearly called for. Selley was cautioned but the free-kick came to nought. Right on half time, Brown volleyed away a dropping ball and in doing so caught the opponent who was aiming to do the same thing – and was harshly booked, with Gordon also finding his name in the book for apparently doing only what captains are these days encouraged to do. In stoppage time, a Wells punch and an Ifura clearance were vital as Staines repelled a double chance for Ramsey.

A super ball down the line was cynically cut out by Selley’s outstretched hand 5 minutes into the second half, and the Havant man was fortunate to escape further sanction. Staines were not so lucky, though, as Ifura and Griffiths quickly found their ways into Mr Venamore’s book, with the latter’s challenge on Selley seemingly dealt with most harshly. Staines feeling of frustration was not eased when penalty appeals were waved away when Charles-Smith seemed to be pulled down in the box, but as the rain worsened it was again Havant who looked the more dangerous, with another vital headed clearance by Ifura preceding Wells’ saves from shots by Fogden and Ramsey. McDonald came off the bench for Havant and conceded a corner which led to both Ifura and Chaaban getting attempts on target, then a Charles-Smith foul just outside the box gave Tiryaki a free kick that deflected wide. At the other end, Charles-Smith forced a defender into an important block, when he stabbed the ball goalwards from a Steer cross. Worryingly for Staines, skipper Gordon had to go off after falling heavily, but his replacement, Orlu, slotted in at the back, and also went close with a header at the other end after Scarlett had won a corner. McDonald’s throws started to cause problems, Ifura and Orlu defending bravely, whilst as play continued to ebb and flow, Charles-Smith pounced on a loose ball and forced Simpemba into a well-timed saving tackle. The only goal of the game came after 77 minutes, just as it seemed that both sides would leave with a point, but Hinshelwood powered down the wing and supplied a deep, accurate cross to which the always dangerous Mustaph Tiryaki applied a strong header. Staines were now forced onto the offensive, with Scarlett sending a snapshot into the side netting, and Kalipha coming off the bench to force McDonald into a saving defensive header. Robson almost capitalised when Wells lost his footing on the greasy surface, but sent his shot wide, and as Swans returned to the attack Griffiths again tested Howe. In the last minute, a developing Staines move was halted by the hand of Igoe, who was cautioned, but Chaaban’s headed cross from Griffiths’ free kick went just out of Kalipha’s reach. Havant thus made it three wins in the clubs’ three meetings, whilst Staines dropped to 16th.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer, Gordon © (Orlu 70), Ifura, Charles-Smith, Scarlett, D Brown (Risbridger 65), Griffiths, Chaaban, Harris (Kalipha 80); unused King, Sterling.
Hawks: Howe; Newton (McDonald 55), Hinshelwood, Selley, Pearce, Simpemba ©, Fogden, Robson, Ramsey, Tiryaki [NLP Man of the Match], Igoe (Sewell 90+1); unused Whyte, Woodford, Ashmore (g).
Ref: L Vennamore; ARs: S Kay & M Peck (all Kent).

Saturday 25th September 2010 (3pm) – F.A. Cup sponsored by E.On, 2nd Qualifying Round (tie 64)

TOOTING & MITCHAM UNITED (0) 1 STAINES TOWN (1) 4 

Tooting have a proud FA Cup record dating back to the 1950s, and rekindled some of those memories a year ago when losing at Stockport. Staines, in contrast, had a largely miserable record in the world’s oldest cup competition, until 3 years ago, then they too played Stockport – an won. Meeting their fourth “United” in succession, Staines knew that a pre-season victory over The Terrors would count for nothing on Saturday, when they met the Ryman Premier side, with a place in the next round and the not inconsiderable prize of £4500 of E.On’s sponsorship money at stake. Staines skipper Gordon had not recovered from an injury he picked up in the first half at Maidenhead, but Marien Ifura was back after his one-game ban. Leroy Griffiths was also back to full fitness, and he came along with Marc Charles-Smith, in place of Scott Taylor and James King. Walcott was permitted to play by Reading, but Kalipha was cup-tied following his spell at Potters Bar. The day was bright but with a gusting wind that aided Staines as they kicked towards the far end in the first half, on a good playing surface.

Staines were almost off to a flier, as Tooting ‘keeper Butler was forced to punch away a cross from the day’s captain, Scarlett, with Charles-Smith following in to head goalwards, only for a defender to hook the ball off the line. A quiet period ensued, but in the 20th minute, Staines took a vital lead when Ali Chaaban brought the ball up from midfield and picked out Jacob Walcott, and he in turn unselfishly laid the ball off for André Scarlett to drive the ball into the bottom corner. Staines did not seem to be unduly stretched at any point in the opening half hour, but the home side did have a good spell in the period leading up to half time. Louis Wells had to beat away a Jason Henry shot that swerved awkwardly in the wind, and when Dan Waldren followed it in, he was flagged offside. Two minutes later, Wells had to come out of his area and cleared decisively off Phil Williams’ toes.
 
Tooting also began the second half in determined mood, Waldren rushing through and poking the ball past Wells on 52 minutes – but again he was offside. But the half really belonged to Swans’ on-loan forward Jacob Walcott, 18, who had a steady but unspectacular début last week, but today really showed what he can do. On 52 minutes, his cross was volleyed across goal by Chaaban, with the ball striking Scarlett and bouncing just over. And on 59 minutes, he virtually made the game safe with a rather bizarre goal following good work down the left by Griffiths and Chaaban. They picked out Walcott in space 10 yards out, and he let fly at goal, with defender Hassan Nyang’s block failing to divert the ball away from goal, but it did take enough pace of the ball for him to chase it back towards the line. However, once he caught up with it, he got two ineffective touches on the ball, and still did not arrest it; the ball crossed the line with Butler stranded, and after weighing up the evidence, it was felt that Walcott’s original strike had probably been on target, and he was therefore credited with the goal. Walcott went close to another goal just 3 minutes later, but this time was offside. Wells was forced to spread himself bravely when Haworth was put through at the other end, then Waldron made space for a Tooting shot but aimed too high. And on 68 minutes, Staines made it 3-0, a good ball picking out Walcott to sidestep his marker and plant the ball firmly into the corner of the net. The game’s only booking came on 71 minutes for Tooting sub Hall, in what was a keenly contested but sporting contest by both sets of players, and well refereed by Mr Lavelle. Swans did have a penalty appeal waved away however when Deen challenged Walcott in the box, but only a corner resulted. Steve Cordery made a rare triple substitution, and for a while Staines looked a little disjointed, Wells having to claim a couple of Haworth shots, before the visitors chalked up a goal that was as unusual as Staines’ second. A powerful Phil Williams cross seemed to strike defender Richard Orlu – possibly on the arm, which might account for a slow-motion chase back, and with neither Orlu nor Wells able to apprehend it, this one did go down as an 85th minute Orlu own goal. Staines had a momentary scare, as Nyang tested Wells with a deep free kick, but there was joy for the visitors when Walcott completed his hat-trick in real style 30 seconds into stoppage time. Scarlett played a great ball up to Walcott just outside the right-hand corner of the box, and he steadied himself and hit a glorious shot that gave Butler no chance as it dipped just under the bar.

Amazingly, there is no record of any Staines player ever scoring a hat-trick in the FA Cup. There are only three untraced candidates – three 4-1 victories (over Harrow Weald, RASC, and Guildford) between 1923 and 1926 whose goalscorers are as yet unknown – but it is quite likely that Walcott has achieved an all-time first for the club, just a week into his loan from Reading.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer, Orlu, Ifura, Charles-Smith (Harris 82), Scarlett, D Brown (Risbridger 82), Griffiths (King 82), Chaaban, Walcott; unused Kamara, Taylor, Courtnage (gk), Sterling.
Tooting: Butler, Henry, Douglas, Gradosieski (Goode 67), Deen, Nyang, Waldren, Evans, Haworth ©, Cox (Hall 55), Williams; unused Garrard, Morgan, Beard.
Ref: P Lavelle (Southampton); ARs S Maynard & C Boyles (both Reading); Att 378

Saturday 18th September 2010 (3pm) - Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South Division) – att 515

MAIDENHEAD UNITED (1) 2 STAINES TOWN (0) 3

In claiming all three points from their derby at Maidenhead on Saturday, Staines completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent history, to turn despair into jubilation for their travelling supporters. Maidenhead had done well to boost the attendance by combining the match into a family fun day, complete with bouncy castle, face-painting, and a show by James Hooke, an X-Factor finalist. Respective managers Steve Cordery and Johnson ‘Drax’ Hippolyte are old friends, but it was the Staines boss who was experiencing the pre-match headaches, for not only was Ifura serving his one-match ban for the red-card he received on his birthday, but Leroy Griffiths was a late drop-out in the warm-up, having passed a pre-match fitness test, and James King was slotted into the line-up. Richard Orlu stepped in for Ifura, André Scarlett returned for Michael Kamara, and with Risbridger also nursing an injury he was replaced by Scott Taylor. The other change saw Harris move to the bench, to be replaced by one of the two players who signed only the previous day – Jacob Walcott. The young midfielder had impressed against Staines in a pre-season game for Reading, and joins on a month’s loan from the professional outfit – and is the cousin of England star Theo. The other new name was that of striker Kayan Kalipha, gaining a place on the bench after several impressive runs in the Reserves. The pitch was in very good condition, the weather warm and bright, and Staines began by playing up the slope towards York Road.

The visitors made a poor start, however, and Maidenhead took the lead after only 4 minutes and 20 seconds of play, when a Magpies free-kick was cleared back to Ashley Nicholls, who rammed the rebound back past the unsighted Louis Wells, formerly of Maidenhead. Ninety seconds later, Ashley Smith netted again, but fortunately for Swans he was offside. It was almost 20 minutes before Staines created a worthwhile attack, as they broke down another United raid for Scarlett to race down the left wing and pull the ball back towards Scott Taylor, who twisted to hook a shot just wide. The home side continued to press through Nicholls, St Aimie, and Brown, whilst Staines had their skipper Gordon booked for a foul 10 minutes before the break.

Staines made a somewhat improved start to the second half, and Darty Brown tested Maidenhead ‘keeper Williams after a corner, but it was still a far from fluent display by the visitors. Warren Harris was brought on after an hour for King, who seemed to have picked up an early knock, and within seconds Harris curled a good ball through for Walcott to run onto, but he was the victim of a questionable offside flag as he shaped to shoot. This disappointment was to be compounded, as Maidenhead immediately attacked, Gordon was penalised for a challenge on Nicholls, and Kieron St. Aimie drove home the 62nd minute penalty. “Can we play you every week” taunted the Maidenhead supporters behind the goal, and there was no disguising the fact that they were worthy of their 2-0 lead, which could have increased again 2 minutes later, but for good save from Wells after a corner was laid back for Sam Collins to shoot from just inside the box. Whether it was Maidenhead who got complacent, or whether Staines were inspired by the introduction of Marc Charles-Smith on 68 minutes, but just 2 minutes later the visitors pulled a goal back, and changed the whole complexion of the afternoon. A neat midfield move involving Charles-Smith, Scarlett and Taylor ended with Chaaban threading the ball through to Warren Harris, who deceived Steve Williams, shooting between his legs to make it 2-1 and score his first goal for Staines. Maidenhead took off the dangerous St Aimie, presumably to ensure they held on to what they had, but Staines had grabbed the game by the neck and were now seeking an unlikely equaliser. Orlu headed just wide after René Steer delivered a free kick to the far post, and on 73 minutes Harris headed just over following a probing Chaaban cross. With 12 minutes to go, Kalipha was brought on for his début, but next blood almost went to Maidenhead, as Wells did well to save with his legs from a low Anderson shot. In the 83rd, Scarlett received from a Simon Jackson throw and shepherded the ball across the box before Kalipha squared it just inches out of Charles-Smith’s reach, and Scarlett – backing up – could only find the side-netting from a tight angle. Maidenhead made a last minute change which seemed to have eaten up enough time to secure their victory, but at the exact moment that the 90th minute expired, Staines grabbed an equaliser, when Steer played a long ball forward from the back, and Richard Orlu got his head to it to take it beyond a defender, and then realised it was still within range of his boot, and he deftly toes the ball up and over Williams and into the top corner. Staines now had their tails up, and after Jackson had prevented a left-wing breakaway, Chaaban saw a shot diverted for a corner, from which Steer found Harris, whose audacious chip was cleared off the line. Still reeling, Maidenhead conceded another corner from a Chaaban shot, Harris whipped it in, and Danny Gordon grabbed only the 3rd goal in his 291 games for Staines, to secure a dramatic 93rd minute winner. The home fans were left feeling as deflated as the dismantled bouncy castle ... but at least they had James Hooke to look forward to, whilst Staines moved up 4 places to 12th in the table.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer, Gordon ©, Orlu, Taylor (Kalipha 78), Scarlett, Darty Brown, Walcott (Charles-Smith 68), Chaaban, King (Harris 60); unused Kamara, Courtnage (gk).
Maidenhead: Williams, Behzadi, Collins, Nicholls, Nisbet ©, Fagan, Smith (Sackey 89), Quamina, Knight, St Aimie (Anderson 70), Daniel Brown; unused Bradshaw, Powell, Munday.
Ref: T Wood (Quedgeley, Glos); ARs K Bailey (Studley Gr, H Wycombe) & AR Stevens (Hemel Hempstead); Att 515.

Match PHOTOS

Saturday 11th September 2010 (3pm) - Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South Division) – att 314

STAINES TOWN (0) 1 WELLING UNITED (1) 2
 
Staines fell to a very accomplished Welling side who thus maintained their excellent start. Manager Steve Cordery made just one change to the starting team, Darty Brown reinstated after serving his one match suspension, with André Scarlett the unlucky one who dropped to the bench. Also on the bench for the first time since a pre-season injury, his wedding and subsequent honeymoon was Dominic Sterling.

Welling served early notice of intent with a good turn in the box and crisp shot by Pugh. At the other end, Wings ‘keeper Charlie Mitten was lured out of goal by Ali Chaaban and was pleased that Warren Harris’s angled shot floated just over, but then Welling began to take control. A free kick 25 yards out was touched to Jack Parkinson, whose super strike was parried by Wells, and Danny Gordon tidied up as Pugh closed in on the rebound. On 19 minutes, Wells pulled off the first of two saves that verged upon the miraculous, as Jack Obersteller’s cross from the left was met by a powerful Pugh header that was arrowing towards the bottom corner of his net. Three minutes later, Gordon had to clear off Cumbers’ toes as he shaped to shoot in the box. Darty Brown collected a yellow card after he challenged Fazackerley who crumpled alarmingly but quickly bounced back to full fitness. Chaaban raised Swans hopes with two chances in quick succession, one blocked on the line after a throw near the corner flag, and then had another shot diverted in front of the net. Then on 32 minutes, Harris got a good head to a René Steer corner but it flew just wide. But as half time drew close, Welling returned to the attack, Louis Wells pulling off an amazing save on 40 minutes to block Luis Cumbers’ close range header from a Loui Fazackerley cross. Having got within 2 minutes of the interval without conceding, Staines were disappointed to go behind at that point, but it was a fine individual goal by Andy Pugh, who somehow found space to dribble through the middle of the home defence before burying his shot in the bottom corner.

There was a dramatic start to the second half, with Leroy Griffiths netting the rebound from a Chaaban shot, only to see the goal disallowed for a tight offside decision. But within a very short time, Welling had pushed forwards and doubled their lead when Loui Fazackerley pounced on a rebound to score. Two goals down in a competitive home game since February, Mr Cordery reacted quickly to change the side, introducing Marc Charles-Smith and Scarlett, and following them with Scott Taylor. Ten minutes after coming on, Charles-Smith was unlucky when he nodded over the advancing Mitten, but saw his effort rebound off the woodwork – and straight back into the ‘keeper’s arms. In the 74th minute, Coyne picked up a needless yellow card for kicking the ball away, joining team-mate Healy who was guilty of the same offence in the dying seconds of the first half. With 10 minutes left, Charles-Smith was involved again, feeding Chaaban, whose good shot was well saved by Mitten. Then a neat Griffiths / Chaaban / Charles-Smith move lacked only a final shot in the 82nd. Now it was Welling’s turn to ring the changes, pitching on their remaining two subs, but this served only to unsettle their defence further, and in the 90th minute, Staines pulled one back. Scarlett’s deep corner was headed back across goal by Ifura towards Darty Brown, who cracked home a header from in front of the opposite post – his first goal in open play for the club. Just before the signal for 5 added minutes went up, Griffiths was only fractionally offside after being picked out in space by Scarlett. There was one more breathtaking save in this game, but this time it was by Mitten, somehow keeping out Griffiths’ close range 91st minute header. The final moment of drama came in the 5th extra minute, when a lunging challenge by Coyne on Griffiths saw the Welling defender dismissed for a second yellow card. But there was barely time for Swans to take advantage of their greater numbers, and they have as a result slipped to 16th.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer, Gordon ©, Ifura, Risbridger (Taylor 71), Kamara (Charles-Smith 56), Brown, Griffiths, Chaaban, Harris (Scarlett 56); unused Sterling, Orlu.
Welling: Mitten, Coyle [SO 90+5m], Obersteller, Day, Andrews, Parkinson ©, Fazackerley, Sambrook, Cumbers (Whitnell 89), Pugh (Cracknell 77), Healy (Billings 86); unused Omegbehin, Johnson.
Ref: AJ Newell (North Yate); ARs D Berry (Fareham) & SP Wales (Tewkesbury); Att 314

Match Photos - Match Video

Saturday 4th September 2010 (3pm) - Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South Division) – att 832

EBBSFLEET UNITED (1) 1 STAINES TOWN (0) 1

Making their first visit to Stonebridge Road in almost a third of a century, since when the host club has changed its name from Gravesend & Northfleet, Staines began the game by attacking the open end of this traditional old ground. The surface was decent, and the afternoon mild, as Steve Cordery sent his side out with one enforced change from Monday, as Darty Brown was serving his one match suspension, while René Steer was recalled.
 
The opening exchanges of this game were played at a fast and furious pace, with both Phipp and Willock testing Louis Wells at one end, whilst Warren Harris and Ali Chaaban each found the side-netting at the other, all within the first 10 minutes. Wells then made a terrific save to keep out a powerful West free kick from just outside the box, but he was unable to do anything about Ebbsfleet’s opener in the 12th minute. A corner from the left by Ashley Carew found the powerful Calum Willock in space in front of goal, and he flashed an unstoppable header past Louis Wells to give the Kent side the lead. The half continued to produce plenty of chances, with Staines feeling that they were getting the better of proceedings. Chaaban cannoned a free-kick off the Fleet defensive wall, and Leroy Griffiths fired one shot across the face of goal, and another just over. What appeared to be little more than an accidental collision between Gordon and Carew resulted in an uncharacteristic yellow card for the Staines captain, but he was to be joined in the ref’s book by half his team in a feisty second half. But before that, Staines had threatened again, the ball pinging back and forth across Edwards’ goal before finally going just too high from the boot of Griffiths. At the other end, Wells was by no means a spectator, pulling off a good save from a Phipp shot and another drive by Willock. However, after a mere one minute of added time, this lively half closed with United still a goal to the good.

That situation lasted only 3 minutes into the second half, though, as Harris brought the ball down well and threaded it through to Ali Chaaban, who burst between two defenders and fired clinically into the bottom corner. Nine minutes later, the mercurial Chaaban – who had to endure some unpleasant stick from fans taking advantage of ‘Non-League Day’ but emerged to claim the NLP’s Man of the Match accolade – centred to André Scarlett, who was just denied a second Staines goal by a despairing defender’s outstretched boot. Moments later, Ricky Shakes came on for the home side to much acclaim, and the returning striker almost made an indelible mark on the game when put away after a Staines corner had been cleared: however, his shot flew wide. Before that, Jackson was booked for a foul on Henry, who was also carded for retaliation, but worse was to come for Staines when Willock bore down on goal, and was brought down just outside the box by Ifura, leaving referee Parker no option but to show a red card. The first scare was survived when Lorraine curled his free kick round the wall gaining no more than a corner, but 10-man Staines were stretched for the final 25 minutes (plus 4 added). Extra height was added to the defence by replacing Steer with Orlu, whilst Taylor freshened up the attack, and Staines accumulated further yellow cards for Scarlett (dissent) and Kamara (foul on Sealey moments after the Fleet sub had come on). Wells made a brave 88th minute save from Henry and Staines took an age to clear the loose ball as memories of Dover haunted the fans, and the Swans’ keeper also leapt to hold a tantalising West cross-shot. In the added minutes, Risbridger received a final yellow card for shirt pulling, and Shakes showed that he can be a real handful, twice finding excellent positions but putting one wide and seeing the other well saved by Wells. But the final talking point was Staines’ claim for a very late penalty: from an all too rare attack, sub Marc Charles-Smith seemed to be away in the box, when Henry challenged him from behind, bringing him down, but the ref believed he had played the ball and waved play on. All in all, however, Staines cannot be too disappointed with a hard-earned away point from a big club who were in the Conference National last season. Five successive draws have seen them slip to 14th, but they have still lost only once. Former Hayes man Marwa was voted Ebbsfleet’s sponsors’ Man of the Match.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer (Orlu 75), Gordon ©, Ifura [SO 65], Risbridger, Scarlett, Kamara, Griffiths, Chaaban (Charles-Smith 89), Harris (Taylor 75); unused King, Courtnage (gk).
Ebbsfleet: Edwards, Henry, Udoji, Carew, Pooley, Lorraine ©, West, Marwa, Willock, Phipp (Shakes 57), Stone (Sealey 84); unused Sherlock, Benjamin, Hagen.
Ref: A Parker (Stanford-le-Hope); ARs Mark Potkins (Woodbridge) & K Theobald (Sudbury); Att 832.

Bank Holiday Monday 30th August 2010 (3pm) - Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South Division) – att 660

FARNBOROUGH (0) 0 STAINES TOWN (0) 0

Staines Town had met the old Farnborough Town six times, and never recorded a win, but this was the first contest with the reformed Farnborough FC, promoted as last season’s champions of the Zamaretto League. They play at the same ground – now rebranded as the Rushmoor Stadium – but it has undergone numerous enhancements over the years. The end further from Prospect Road now has an impressive electronic scoreboard, towards which Staines attacked in the first half, and there are large stands on three sides, with construction on a fourth having stalled several months ago. The weather was warm, and the pitch in good condition. With two games in three days, Steve Cordery took the opportunity to shuffle his squad somewhat: Michael Kamara, Gareth Risbridger, and Warren Harris all started, replacing Steer, King, and Charles-Smith. Butler, however, remained sidelined through injury, and Staines were to miss his tenacity in and around the box. Boro’s side included two former Swans – Kezie Ibe continuing the tradition of great Staines scorers ending up at Cherrywood Road, and goalie Dominic Jean-Zephirin, whose stay at Wheatsheaf Park was rather shorter. Among the spectators was Ken Ballard, who had long and successful managerial careers at both locations.
There was quite a fast and open pace to the game from the start, with half-chances at both ends, Staines’ coming from a Chaaban shot and a Griffiths free-kick. The first of the game’s five bookings went to Kamara for a crunching challenge on 22 minutes, but Farnborough almost exacted greater punishment as McMahon’s free-kick was not far away from sneaking in at the near post. The play became rather congested as the half wore on, and Farnborough began to gain the upper hand. But there were still opportunities for the visitors. Possibly the best move of the half linked Chaaban, Risbridger and Harris, with Griffiths efficiently closed down just as he prepared to pull the trigger. Then Griffiths sent in a long throw that Harris flicked on, but there was no white-shirted team-mate to apply the final touch, and as the half neared its single additional minute, Chaaban worked space but sent the ball into the stand.
Staines had a good chance at the start of the second half, with Darty Brown going close with a header, but again Boro had the greater share of possession. The Staines defensive wall did its job on two occasions from driven free-kicks, and Kamara had to stretch to clear another chance away for a Boro corner. At the other end, Harris’s shot went just too high after Risbridger and Griffiths combined from the latter’s throw-in. A foul by Risbridger brought a yellow card and another chance for Boro to threaten with the dead ball, but again McMahon could not find the target – a trick he repeated a few minutes later. Scarlett went close for The Swans, but play soon returned to the other end, where McMahon’s cross was allowed to reach McDonald, but his drive was blocked. After Farnborough brought on a pair of subs, play resumed and McDonald made a neat turn in the box but shot over. A foul on Kamara brought yellow for Holloway, quickly followed by one for Braham-Barrett who fouled Brown. The pressure on the Staines goal was mounting in the last quarter of the game, but the home team’s shooting was wayward, and in fact it was Harris of Staines who looked as likely as anyone to score, only to be denied by an offside flag. There was a nail-biting end, however, as the tricky Ibe made space for a shot but was impeded by Ifura. Cue another yellow card, and a frenetic piece of defending, as three times the ball was whipped across the box following the free-kick. Before Ifura’s superbly timed tackle relieved the pressure. Three extra minutes were signalled, just as Gordon bravely threw himself in front of a powerful shot by sub Binns, leading to another Farnborough corner. Jack Stevens was announced as the home side’s Man of the Match just as he picked up a heel injury which required him to go off, and also saw the added time extend to a fifth minute, during which an enormous Jean-Zephirin kick led to Staines conceding another threatening free-kick, but Jack King drilled it wide. The final whistle eventually signalled a second successive no-score draw with a promoted club, but Staines could draw considerably more satisfaction from this result than Saturday’s. They now lie 13th in the table.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Kamara, Gordon ©, Ifura, Risbridger, Scarlett, D Brown, Griffiths, Chaaban, Harris; unused Taylor, Steer, James King, Orlu, Courtnage (gk).
Farnboro’: Jean-Zepherin, Conroy, Braham-Barrett, Wolleaston (Ferguson 68+), Robinson ©, Stevens (Jack King 90+3), McMahon, Holloway, Ibe, McDonald (Binns 68), Bubb; unused Booth, Ciardini.
Ref: D Cook (Hants); ARs V Torre & P O’Hare (both Bucks); Att 660.

Saturday 28th August 2010 (3pm) - Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South Division) – att 295

STAINES TOWN (0) 0 BOREHAM WOOD (0) 0

These two old rivals had previously met in three different leagues, but their first engagement as Conference rivals was far from a classic. Marien Ifura was restored to the centre of the Staines defence, James King came into the midfield, and Ali Chaaban got a first start of the season. This meant that Richard Orlu and Gareth Risbridger were moved to the bench, whilst Richard Butler is expected to be sidelined for a couple of months as a result of the knee injury he picked up on Tuesday. Wood’s side contained two former Swans – Lee Kersey and Elliott Godfrey – but their pre-match was disrupted by a warm-up injury to Dewayne Clarke*, who was replaced by Junior Dadson at the last minute. The pitch was excellent, and Staines attacked the Penton Hook end in the first half, which started just on the cool side of mild.

The game started with early chances at each end, with a header from Wood’s Claude Seanla and a shot by Swans’ André Scarlett (following a Leroy Griffiths cut-back) both testing their opposing ‘keepers in the opening 12 minutes or so. But play quickly deteriorated, a couple of silly bookings compounding a catalogue of misplaced passes and squandered set-pieces. Staines were unhappy with a free-kick awarded against Scarlett for what appeared to be a well-timed tackle, and another similar one against Ifura which brought the first yellow card. Moments later, Darty Brown found himself carded when the referee and his assistant seemed to be at odds as to where a throw should be taken! In between, Chaaban showed a flash of inspiration, creating space in the box for a shot that required Williams to save. Two minutes before the interval, Staines were put under pressure by a huge kick from Wood ‘keeper Williams, but Dadson was adjudged to have pushed Ifura as the pair closed in on the ball in the box, and danger was averted. An angled snap-shot by Scarlett drew a save from Williams (whom Staines have rarely beaten, even since his days at Corinthian-Casuals), and after a minute’s stoppage time, a forgettable half was brought to a close.

The second half began with a snap rain shower, but not a great deal more excitement on the park. A foul by Seanla led to a yellow card for the Wood striker on 51 minutes, and a momentary flashpoint that was soon calmed down, but very soon he was involved in action of the ‘right’ kind, breaking ree athletically but shooting off target. “It’s just like watching Brazil ”, intoned the Staines Massive, but no-one was fooled: Wood became increasingly satisfied with the point they started with, and Staines lacked the guile to break them down. Sub Scott Taylor combined well with Chaaban and won a free kick, but Brown’s rocket was snuffed out by the wall, their other sub, Warren Harris, set up Griffiths for a shot that Williams saved, and when Chaaban was fouled some 30 yards from goal, all 22 players with the exception of Louis Wells were packed into the box, only for the wall to again do its job. Only in the last 10 minutes was there any concerted attacking play, and it was the unlikely boot of Simon Jackson (an angled shot that was saved) that started it. At the other end, Wells did well to divert a Godfrey shot round for a corner, following Lee Allinson’s good pass. Returning to the attack, René Steer controlled well to set up a chance that Harris headed just off target, then Griffiths and Chaaban combined in a move that saw the latter’s shot saved by Williams. In between, Mario Noto drove a telling pass across the Swans box, and although Kersey was unable to make good contact, he kept the move alive and Noto saw another drive touched for a corner. Staines momentarily thought they had won the game when Chaaban and Taylor combined for Harris to slot the ball into the net in the 88th minute, but he was offside. Play ended after 3 additional minutes.

Staines : Wells; Jackson, Steer, Gordon ©, Ifura, J King (Taylor 64), Charles-Smith (Harris 59), , D Brown, Griffiths, Scarlett; Chaaban; unused Risbridger, Kamara, Orlu.
Boreham W: Williams, Garrard, Brathwaite, Noto ©, Kersey, Moran, Dadson, Godfrey, Seanla (Blackburne 80), Allinson (D King 82), Morgan; unused Clarke, Hunter, Kirby.

Ref: Robert Ellis (Tile Hill, Coventry ); ARs I Kitchen (Goldsworth Pk ), A Mawby ( Woking ); Att 295.

Tuesday 24th August 2010 (7:45pm) - Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South Division)

STAINES TOWN (0) 2 ST ALBANS CITY (2) 2

Staines entertained St Albans on a mild Tuesday evening, with the playing surface in excellent condition despite some heavy rain earlier. Steve Cordery handed Richard Orlu a Conference début as Saturday’s centre back Ifura was sidelined with a toe injury, and he was flanked by René Steer who replaced Kamara. City were captained by the towering Ben Martin, who had a brief spell with Staines. Staines attacked the Penton Hook end in the first half.
The home side made a confident start, passing the ball around crisply and probing for gaps in the City defence. However, the visitors showed from an early stage that they were dangerous on the break, and it was they who grabbed the opening goal in the 16th minute, searing down the right and centring to James Fisher who crashed the ball into the bottom corner of Wells’ net. This setback seemed to knock the stuffing out of Staines, whilst City were now rampant, although Staines made one dangerous break through Scarlett and Butler that ended in Charles-Smith firing over. In addition to their speed on the break, their skipper and Roberts possessed the stature to make them dangers at any set piece. Steer picked up the only booking of the game for a mistimed tackle, in a game that was enhanced by the quality of referee Ben Knight, and the sporting attitudes of both sets of players. This was exemplified in the 28th minute, when Butler hurt his leg in attempting a shot in a crowded box, and although play continued, City ‘keeper Bastock was quick to see that the Staines striker had a real problem, and drew the ref’s attention to it. Butler received treatment, and limped back on for a couple of minutes, but his mobility did not return and he had to be withdrawn early to make way for Warren Harris. The former Ashford man thus enjoyed his first long contribution, performing so well that he was selected eventually as The Massive’s Man of the Match. But before Harris had got on, Staines’ task was made that much harder when Saints added a second goal on 28 minutes, Hassan Sulaiman picking out Inih Effiong who made no mistake with a close range bullet header. At this stage Staines looked a beaten side, but they started to get back into the game in the last 5 minutes of the half. Orlu smashed a volley across the face of goal from a Griffiths flick on, Harris provided a searching ball into the box that just eluded his team mates, and Scarlett sent a low shot just beyond Bastock’s post. But City showed that they were still a threat, Adam Martin stinging the Swans wall with a powerful free kick in the second of 4 added minutes.
Mr Cordery must have given his side a rousing rejoinder during the break for they pulled a goal back just 11 seconds after kicking off! Scarlett hurtled down the right wing, and Harris supplied a low ball across to Marc Charles-Smith, who gleefully forced the ball over the line from close range. Charles-Smith was involved all over the attacking half of the pitch, keeping the City defence occupied with numerous darting runs and tigerish tackles (notably one on B Martin that eventually led to a dangerous free kick), and closing in on the final ball after a swift Steer / Griffiths move down the line. The equaliser came in the 69th minute, from powerful close range header by Leroy Griffiths, after Darty Brown had shown his strength in midfield to create the chance. There were 21 minutes left, and both sides knew that they could win this one. Staines were grateful to Wells’ agility in twisting to punch away a goalbound deflection from a Fisher drive, but they showed their attacking intent by bringing Chaaban on for Risbridger for the last 11+4 minutes. In the 82nd, Wells made another superb save, clawing away a header from B Martin that was arrowing towards his top corner. Staines ended the game on the attack, but they were unable to break down City’s defence for a third time, and the match ended as an exciting and entertaining draw.
Staines had dropped to 12th after Monday’s games, and this point kept them in that position.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer, Gordon ©, Orlu, Risbridger (Chaaban 79), Scarlett, D Brown, Griffiths, Charles-Smith, Butler (Harris 29); unused King, Kamara, Taylor.
St Albans: Bastock, Deeney, Smith (Frater 78)), A Martin (Magwood 74), B Martin ©, Everitt, Sulaiman, Fisher, Effiong, Roberts, R Martin (Peters 82); unused Shields, Chaves.
RB Knight (Hants); ARs P Byfield & B Cobb (both Dorset); Att 307.

Saturday 21st August 2010 (3pm) - Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South Division) - VIEW Pictures

DOVER ATHLETIC (0) 1 STAINES TOWN (1) 1

Staines very nearly came away from The Crabble with a win at last season’s runner-up but were denied by an equaliser deep into stoppage time of a dramatic match. Steve Cordery made two changes to the starting XI he had fielded in the opening games, as Marien Ifura returned to fitness and Marc Charles-Smith were recalled, with René Steer and Scott Taylor moved to bench duties. Dominic Sterling continued to be unavailable, despite his improving injury situation ... because he was getting married today! Dover included Joe Tabiri in midfield, a player who had a short spell at Staines, whilst Gareth Risbridger once has a spell on loan with Dover.
The game got off to an explosive start, with Tabiri cautioned before 4 minutes were up for a shuddering challenge on Jackson, which led to a lengthy delay. Staines seemed somewhat unnerved after this, and endured a spell of wayward passes whilst Birchall threatened for the home side, his neat turn in the box being followed by a shot that was close enough for Wells to take comfortably. As Staines started to come back out of their shells, Charles-Smith played a great ball towards Griffiths, but as it dropped he misjudged it fractionally and sent his shot wide. Wells had to save with an outstretched foot after Birchill’s good ball to I’Anson, leaving Gordon to complete the clearance. However, the opening goal came in the 20th minute, as Charles-Smith drilled the ball goalwards and past ‘keeper Flitney, only for Schulz to scuff it off the line. While supporters appealed that it had crossed, Richard Butler left nothing to chance and forced the loose ball into the net from close range. This was the first goal between these sides for some while, as the last three encounters had all ended 0-0. Staines now began to assert their superiority on proceedings, and 8 minutes later, Griffiths almost doubled the lead, turning smartly but seeing his shot saved by a sprawling Flitney, to give the visitors their first corner of the game. Butler was then yellow carded for a crunching challenge on Wynter, who after treatment was not fit to resume. Griffiths saw another driven effort saved by Flitney, and there was another substantial delay as a clash of heads saw Charles-Smith coming off worse, but when the game restarted Birchill shot tamely at Wells. In the six additional minutes, Staines endured a scramble in which both Schulz and Charles squandered half chances, but they then broke away with a swift Gordon / Scarlett / Griffiths move that ended in Charles-Smith shooting just over. As Dover tried to clear their deficit before the interval, Jackson got a vital toe in to divert a Charles shot round the post.
The second half began more slowly, but 10 minutes in a Gordon back-pass worried Wells but slid just past the upright. As Dover racked up the pressure, Schulz headed just wide from a corner, before his team mate Wallis collected a yellow card for a foul. Wells saved at the dangerous Birchill’s feet, and then dealt with a Gillman stab from Wallis’s corner. A crazy moment ensued in the 69th minute, when Staines conceded a free kick in their own ‘D’. Attention was diverted because it seemed that a sub was about to come on, but referee Ian Crouch allowed Dover to take the kick quickly, only for the ball to be booted straight at Butler, who almost capitalised by getting off a shot on target. Fortunately for Dover, ‘keeper Flitney was attentive enough to touch it over for a corner, but he too was cautioned for dissent. Chaaban was brought on for Charles-Smith (who was still nursing his facial injury) and within a minute he tested Flitney after a good pass by Butler. Another made minute began with the 73rd minute dismissal of Darty Brown, who was adjudged to be the last defender when fouling Dover sub Hunt a yard outside the box. Dover’s free kick was smashed into the wall, and Risbridger set Butler away, only for the Staines man to be brought down by Tabiri who – having used up his final warning – was shown a second yellow card and dismissed. The Whites continued to press, Wells making a super save to deny sub Hill, and Wallis fired just over. Ifura had to be withdrawn with 8 minutes to go, allowing young James King to enter the fray, and the defence was reshuffled with Jackson moving into the centre and Scarlett dropping back to right-back. Attack was the best form of defence for Staines, however, and they threatened a second goal, while Dover had to leave gaps at the back. Chaaban saw a quickly taken free kick deflect just wide, and Butler went close with a header from Scarlett’s cross. But 10 v 10 left gaps all over the field, and in the last of the three additional minutes, Staines were finally caught dithering at the back, twice failing to clear their lines, to allow I’Anson space to get in a cross to which Ben Hunt supplied a powerful close range header to equalise. Only seconds remained, and Dover streamed forwards in search of a winner, but in the end both clubs had to be content with a point from a breathless encounter.
Staines’ point saw them moved from =10th to 10th. A Gomez, Dover’s match sponsor, selected the skilful Adam Birchill as their man of the match, while Swans’ keeper Louis Wells garnered the equivalent Non-League Paper accolade.

Staines: Wells; Jackson; Kamara, Gordon ©, Ifura (King 82); Risbridger, Charles-Smith (Chaaban 69), D Brown [SO 73], Griffiths, Scarlett, Butler; unused Harris, Taylor, Steer.
Dover: Flitney, Fish, Wynter (Hill 36), Wallis, Schulz, Gillman ©, I’Anson, Tabiri [SO 74], Charles (Hunt 57), Birchall, Nicolau (Baker 69); unused Rice, Humphrey.
R: Ian Crouch (St Paul’s Cray); ARs Andrew Massey (Bognor), Mark Lucie (Havant); Att 812.

Tuesday 17th August 2010 [7.45pm] - Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South Division)

BISHOP'S STORTFORD [1] 2 STAINES TOWN [1] 1

Stortford continued their successful opening to the new campaign with three points in an entertaining match against old rivals Staines Town. Despite being without Scott Shulton the Blues played some confident, fast open football on the deck with the midfield outstanding for a large proportion of the game. Reece Prestedge and Sanchez Ming were very prominent and it was no surprise that Ming, who scored what proved to be the winning goal, was Man of the Match. Again the defence did well and with Staines pressing late on, the back four gave few opportunities for Staines to equalise. With Shulton ill and Matt Judge unavailable, Leon Antoine and Ali Abdullahi were drafted into the starting line-up, whilst there were places on the bench for the first time for Steve Smith and Tyler Campbell. The Blues got off to the best possible start following a foul by visiting central defender Michael Kamara on Ali Abdullahi in the 4th minute. Sanchez Ming’s free-kick from 25 yards was not held by ‘keeper Louis Wells and after a couple of attempts REECE PRESTEDGE forced the ball over the line in a crowded six yard box (1-0). Staines retaliated quickly and following a swift break upfield Richard Butler was left with a half chance but Nicky Morgan came out strongly to force the striker wide and the danger was cleared. However, in their next attack in the 8th minute, the visitors levelled the scores. In a move on the left ANDRE SCARLETT gained possession of the ball some 23 yards out and although his first shot was blocked the diminutive midfielder struck a powerful angled low shot across goal into the corner of the net (1-1). After the early goals the match quietened down. Stortford had the edge in midfield whilst Duane Jackman and Leon Antoine looked lively. Ming tried a low shot from the edge of the area that flew just wide of the near post in the 29th minute and then a looping header from Abdullahi, after a Matt Jones’ free-kick, went close. There was a torrential downpour for the last 15 minutes of the half and the players had to battle the elements. With five minutes left before the break Staines striker Leroy Griffiths broke to lay the ball across the face of the goal but Scott Taylor, skidding in, just missed connecting. Then, in the 44th minute Aiden Palmer advanced some distance before seeing his shot deflected for a corner. From the flag kick taken by Prestedge, skipper Jones crossed into the box where Wells could only weakly punch the ball away. In time added on, Scarlett’s fierce free-kick went narrowly wide. Half-time: 1-1 There was a delay to the restart due to Assistant Referee Peter Georgiou suffering a pulled hamstring and having to be replaced by Stortford Secretary Ian Kettridge. The Blues started the second period well and in the 47th minute Antoine’s shot was blocked after good work by Ming on the right. Then Abdullahi drove in a 30 yarder that Wells held diving to his right. But Stortford’s second goal was soon coming. In the 53rd minute a free-kick was awarded when Kamara pushed Jackman near the left side of and just outside the penalty area. SANCHEZ MING’s low effort evaded everyone including the ‘keeper and crossed the line via the inside of the far post. Stortford nearly increased their lead in the next ten minutes as a Prestedge long range shot went close and Antoine’s near post header from a Jones’ cross went narrowly over the bar. In the 68th minute Antoine, again was close to netting, when his header from a Prestedge free-kick was just wide of the mark. Late in the match the visitors pushed forward, using all their substitutes. A Griffiths’ corner in the 76th minute fell to one of the replacements, Ali Chaaban, but his shot was deflected wide. Then another substitute, Marc Charles Smith, first had an angled shot across goal deflected away for a corner and then shortly afterwards, in the 81st minute, when in space, turned to shoot feebly straight to Nicky Morgan. Staines continued to have the majority of possession until the end but at the conclusion of five minutes added time it was Antoine who came the closest to netting a further goal when his low shot from 15 yards was held by Wells. Reece Prestedge picked up a late booking whilst there were yellow cards shown by Referee Jake Hillier to Staines’ Rene Steer, Michael Kamara and skipper Danny Gordon. Full time: 2-1

BISHOP’S STORTFORD: Nicky Morgan; Matt Jones; Aiden Palmer; Max Lette Jallow (Jason Mason – sub 84 mins); Lynvall Duncan; Stevland Angus; Sanchez Ming; Reece Prestedge; Duane Jackman (Hakeem Araba – sub 65 mins); Leon Antoine); Ali Abdullahi. Unused substitutes: Scott Smith, Ritchie Jones and Tyler Campbell
STAINES TOWN: Louis Wells; Simon Jackson; Rene Steer; Danny Gordon; Michael Kamara; Gareth Risbridger (Marc Charles-Smith – sub 65 mins); Andre Scarlett; Darty Brown; Leroy Griffiths; Scott Taylor (Ali Chaaban – sub 65 mins); Richard Butler (Warren Harris – sub 75 mins). Unused substitutes: James King and Richard Orlu.
Man of the Match: Sanchez Ming
Attendance: 381.

Saturday 14th August 2010 (3pm) - Blue Square Bet Football Conference (South Division)

STAINES TOWN (1) 1 LEWES (0) 0

Staines began their second season of Blue Square football by taking three well-earned points from hard-working Sussex opposition. In doing so, they made it 12 successive seasons without defeat in their league opener. Graham Gould had prepared an excellent playing surface, on which Staines attacked the Penton Hook Road (houses) end in the first half. The only dark clouds on the day were ... the dark clouds, which deposited several heavy showers during the afternoon, which also endured several thunder crashes. With Dominic Sterling still sidelined, latest signing René Steer (ex Gillingham, Oldham, Arsenal) claimed the left-back berth, and enjoyed a fine début for Steve Cordery’s team. Also included was André Scarlett, who had suffered a car accident on the way to the game, but was bandaged and passed fit to play by Gareth Workman and Paul Midwinter.

Staines dominated the first half, with Scarlett seeing an early shot ricochet across the face of goal, and Leroy Griffiths receiving from Darty Brown before seeing his shot on the turn blocked. Scott Taylor’s shot was tipped over by Chris Winterton following a pull-back from Griffiths, and Taylor linked up neatly with Richard Butler with the Bromley returnee drawing a good diving save from Winterton. Michael Kamara might have put Swans ahead after a foul on Butler led to Scarlett curling a free kick over the ball, but his shot was too high, and as the interval approached, Staines fans started to worry that their side may live to regret not converting. However, the goal came on 39 minutes, and began when referee Stuart Butler played a good advantage following a trip on Scarlett; Griffiths was played in, and he applied a super finish into the bottom corner. A rare opening in the Staines defence allowed Lewes a chance to draw level just 2 minutes later, but Anthony Barness fired wide of the far post. Staines could in fact have doubled their lead a couple of minutes later, Griffiths chipping the ball across to Scarlett, whose volley was blocked by Winterton.

Unfortunately, a niggly second half did not live up to the first, as the two sides largely cancelled one another out. There was a yellow card apiece, for fould by Risbridger and in stoppage time by the visiting Ide, but few scoring chances. The best of these fell to Lewes’ Rob Gradwell, who was put through by Simon Wormull, but Michael Kamara was on hand to defend successfully. Soon afterwards, the visitors were given possession by a disputed offside flag, and hastened forward to Wormull, but he was unable to control his shot. Marc Charles-Smith and Ali Caaban were late introductions for Staines, and during stoppage time they linked up in a neat move that might have produced a goal for Charles-Smith.

At the end of the game, Website founder Laurence Wakefield presented the Supporters’ Man of the Match award to Leroy Griffiths.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer, Gordon ©, Kamara, Risbridger, S Taylor (Charles-Smith 89), D Brown, Griffiths, Butler (Chaaban 89); unused King, Harris, Orlu.
Lewes: Winterton, Barness ©, Hamilton (Cobbs 65), Breach, Pearson, Manning, Ide, Wormull, Gradwell, Murphy (Hopkinson 49), Sutton; unused Rivers, Leach, Fenwick.

R: S Butler; ARs S Finnegan & K Walsh (all Kent). Att 411. 
[Steve Parsons]

Saturday 7th August 2010 (3pm) – Friendly: est att 102

METROPOLITAN POLICE (1) 1 STAINES TOWN (0) 2
By Steve Parsons.

Staines completed a treble of pre-season trophies in midweek, but were given a stern test in their ninth and last warm-up fixture by welcoming Ryman (South) hosts Met Police. After an early Richard Butler chance was bravely thwarted by Mets ‘keeper Mo Maan, the home side took the game to their Blue Square (South) opponents, rattling the post through Gary Drewett before taking a 31st minute lead. A super Elliott Taylor free-kick put ex Swan Craig Watkins free, and although Louis Wells thwarted his first attempt, he kept his balance to convert the rebound. But Staines rallied after the break, Gareth Risbridger deftly heading the 55th min equaliser following André Scarlett’s great run, and Marc Charles-Smith poaching the winner 17 mins from time, intercepting a weak back-pass to the keeper and slotting home from a tight angle.

Staines: Wells; Jackson, Steer, Gordon © (Orlu 82), Kamara, Scarlett (Thomas 82), S Taylor (Harris 58), D Brown (King 68), Griffiths (Chaaban 68), Butler (Charles-Smith 58), Risbridger (Yoffe 58).

Met Pol: Maan (Smalley 80), E Taylor, Broomhead, Sutherland (E Smith 80), Noakes © (Humphreys 63), Francis (Lampton 80), C Brown (Carr 80), T Smith, Watkins (? 80), Drewett, Field (? 80).

R: C Lymer; ARs Desborough & May.

Tuesday 03.08.10 - North Greenford United 3 Staines Town 3 - Swans win 5-4 on penalties

** Having already landed the Geoff Harvey Memorial Vase and Lord of Ashford In Middlesex Charity Bowl (property of Corinthian-Casuals and Ashford Town (Mx) respectively), Staines got something to take home on Tuesday, when they lifted the Middlesex FA George Russell Shield. As Senior Cup winners, Staines agreed to concede home advantage to Charity Cup counterparts NORTH GREENFORD UNITED, who were seemingly blown away by three first half strikes by Leroy Griffiths (2) and Gareth Risbridger. But it was a different story after the interval, as United clawed their way back through Sean Hillier, Gary Senior, and an own goal, sending the match straight to penalties. However, sub goalie James Courtnage was the hero, saving from Hiller, while all Staines five takers hit the target, to give them a 5-4 shoot-out win.

Staines played two low-key away games on Wednesday and Thursday. First, they defeated neighbours STAINES LAMMAS 2-0 (Conor O'Brien and Sam Boultwood), and then went down 3-0 to a good MERSTHAM side, whose goals came from David Smith, Tony Reid, and Billy Marshall.

Saturday 31st July
Ashford Town [Middx] 1 - Staines Town 3
[Report Coming Soon]

Wednesday 28/7/10
Favourite's beaten
by Stuart Moore

In what was a very good work-out for both sides, the Swans narrowly defeated one of the Ryman League title favourites over at Gander Green Lane. U’s manager Paul Doswell has added quality to the side that lost in the play-off semi-final again last season, particularly with renowned striker Craig Dundas and Richard Jolly coming into their squad. In the other dug-out, Swans manager Steve Cordery continued to look at young Warren Harris and former Wolves junior David Ijaha with additional triallists Dan Bailey (ex QPR and Rushden & Diamonds) and Kim Tae-Hun (AFC Wimbledon triallist) on the bench and awaiting their turn to impress.

The only goal of the game came as early as the second minute and came courtesy of Simon Jackson defence splitting throughball from full-back to the inside right role, where Marc Charles-Smith outstripped his defender and then drew U’s ‘keeper Shaw before hammering his shot low into the bottom corner. A perfect start for the Swans then, and they came close to doubling their advantage when Andre Scarlett’s free-kick whizzed through before being collected low-down by the busy home ‘keeper.

Mind you at the other end, the U’s began to find their own stride with skipper Tom davis unlucky to see his effort strike the post before a pair of efforts for Richard Jolly could both have easily have found the net – indeed the second seemed destined to do so before Marien Ifura cleared the ball from under the crossbar. In between, one of the moves of the game saw Risbridger’s terrific pass set Jackson free down the right flank for the Swans and he crossed low to the near post where Harris had the ball taken off his toe by a challenge from both ‘keeper and defender.

As per the preceding pre-season games, Cordery had changed his entire starting line-up by soon after the hour mark and with a couple of fresh legs themselves, Sutton continued to knock on the door with Wells and latterly Nick Jupp both making saves to deny the experienced Steve Watts and most notably Bradley Woods-Garness from fully 35 yards. It wasn’t all one way traffic however, with the Swans often likely to snatch a second goal, although the closest the visitors came was in the last two minutes when Scott Taylor manufactured a silky move which culminated in his own shot whistling across the face of goal.

Friday 23/7/10

SWANS TAKE BEES SCALP….AGAIN!

In what has become an annual event in the pre-season calendar at Wheatsheaf Park, Staines Town took on their closest Football League opponents, Brentford on Thursday evening in front of a crowd of some 700 and, much has been the case in the past, it was the ‘underdogs’ who raised their game and grabbed the win in what was a terrific pre-season match-up.

Swans manager Steve Cordery introduced Warren Harris to the home support, the diminutive, young wide-player seemingly set to make the short move from neighbours Ashford Town (Middx) ahead of the new Blue Square Bet South campaign. As for the N-Power League One side, manager Andy Scott chose a strong squad to continue their preparations with new signings McCracken, Spillane, Diagouraga and ‘keeper Richard Lee all starting alongside plenty of familiar Griffin Park favourites. However, it was the former Watford custodian who was first into the action, when he was expertly beaten by a perfectly judged lofted shot from Swans striker Richard Butler which opened the scoring for the home side inside the first five minutes. That boost set the tone for the home side who were confident and in the groove, ensuring that the Bees had to up their game and they equalized from a 13th minute corner when Spillane rose majestically to head home Saunders corner kick from the far-side. This didn’t spur the Brentford revival however and it was the Swans who regained the lead following further pressure, similarly a corner, this time by the lively Leroy Griffiths was floated deep to the back post where big defender Marien Ifura rose to head back across the goal and somehow the ball eluded everybody and crept in at the far post, although surely ‘keeper Lee and his defence would have been distracted by Butler’s attempts in vain to add a finishing touch.

A very unfortunate injury held the game up for the best part of ten minutes after young Jack Ward suffered a suspected broken-leg when he fell awkwardly following an innocuous challenge. The player was taken to hospital and went with the best wishes of all.

Thankfully the game didn’t suffer following this unfortunate stoppage and the Swans netted a deserved third goal midway through the second period when the effervescent Griffiths looped a clever finish over the heads of Lee and his defenders after the striker had pounced on a mistake at the back – late in the first half Griffiths had been unlucky when his drilled low strike smacked off the foot of the post with the visiting ‘keeper helpless to intervene.

Only in the last quarter of an hour did the Bees seek to grab a hold of the game after the Swans had made seven changes and with Leon Legge pushed up-front, the pressure was brought to bear when Sam Saunders smashed a terrific free-kick straight into the top-corner of the net, beating reserve ‘keeper Nick Jupp in the 80th minute.

After the match, a satisfied Swans manager Steve Cordery was largely pleased with the evening’s events claiming that his side had “played some good stuff during the game.”

Stuart Moore

Monday 19/7/10

SWANS TAKE FIRST HONOURS OF NEW CAMPAIGN

With two games in 24hrs, Steve Cordery was able to select two completely different squads for their games in the inaugural ‘Geoff Harvey Memorial Vase’ (four-cornered) tournament hosted by Corinthian Casuals at their home in Tolworth over the weekend. Pleasingly, by the conclusion of a hot afternoon’s work on Sunday, it was the Swans who were presented with the winners’ glassware trophy following a comfortable 3-0 win over the home side.

On the previous day, the Swans had defeated Ryman Premier Division outfit Tooting & Mitcham United by the only goal, although that narrow margin of success was maybe a little flattering on the Terrors who rarely threatened Louis Wells in the Swans goal. The only goal of the game came courtesy of full-back Dominic Sterling who rose high and twisted in mid-air before planting an unstoppable header beyond the Tooting ‘keeper just shy of the half an hour mark, the goal being set-up from a terrific delivery by Mazin Ahmad and his free-kick from the left flank.

Sunday’s game saw less than half a dozen senior players involved on the Swans side, but it was the experience of those few that helped to quickly turn the game into a rather one-sided affair. Striker Leroy Griffiths was particularly prevalent, returning to the ground where he first kicked-off his prodigious footballing career some fifteen years or so earlier. Griffiths bagged the first goal with an arrowing strike into the far corner on twenty minutes and he then continued to set-up the next two goals, firstly drilling a devilish cross into the box from the left-hand side, which big defender Chris Horwood could not cope with, turning the ball into his own net with an outstretched leg. The third goal came within a minute of the restart as skipper for the day Gareth Risbridger tried to work space for a shot just outside the box, thwarted he turned the ball out wide to Griffiths who beat his man and crossed into the box where Risbridger arrived and, falling, headed the ball over the ‘keeper and in at the far post.

The Swans now have a very busy schedule at their Wheatsheaf Park home this coming week as a Reading XI are the visitors on Tuesday before both Brentford and Dagenham & Redbridge send their full N-Power Football League squads down for games on Thursday and Saturday respectively.

Stuart Moore

Ian Buyers