Spot-on Sargent seals points for Staines

Sep 3 2008 Staines News

Ryman Premier AFC Hornchurch..............................0 Staines Town....................................2

DEADLY Dave Sargent underlined his penalty pedigree as Staines Town kept up the pressure on neighbours Ashford at the top of the Ryman Premier.

Swans went two up when Sargent struck stylishly from the spot just before the hour, after Howard Newton was tripped inside the box.

Steve Cordery's boys, frustrated by a series of first-half near misses for Richard Butler and Dean Thomas, finally took the lead moments before the interval.

The Newton brothers combined on the right and the cross was helped on by Butler for Thomas to lash a shot from the edge of the area which glanced in off the post.

Despite being without Andre Scarlett (hamstring) and Gareth Risbridger (knee) Swans always looked the more effective outfit, with new striker Leroy Griffiths looking particularly dangerous.

It must have looked quite easy for goalkeeper Corrin Brooks-Meade, who was called in at the last moment with James Courtnage still sidelined. However, the former Fulham shot-stopper was involved in a flare-up in the 79th minute when he was caught by the raised knee of Hornchurch's Steffan Ball.

The Swans' stand-in keeper thrust the ball towards his opponent, and received a yellow card for his troubles.

Nevertheless, the hosts hung on for three vital points.

Staines Town.............................................4 Boreham Wood.........................................1

ELLIOTT Onochie was the hat-trick hero as Staines continued their early-season cavalier charge at Wheatsheaf Park last night.

In a thoroughly entertaining encounter, Jake Newton had an early header cleared off the Wood line and Wes Daly hit the home woodwork.

Onochie put Swans 1-0 up after 15 minutes firing home after good work by Leroy Griffiths.

Ten minutes later Chris Walters levelled for Wood when the linesman flagged his shot crossed the line after coming down off the bar.

Dean Thomas hammered Staines ahead nine minutes after the interval, before Elliott Onochie fired in his second from a free kick.

Just after the hour Howard Newton robbed the keeper and crossed for Davis Haule. His shot was blocked, but there was Onochie to complete his first triple in Staines' colours.