Cordery is defiant despite Staines Town stalemate

Mar 18 2009 By Steve Parsons, Staines News

RYMAN PREMIER Dover Athletic..........................0 Staines Town.............................................0

STAINES boss Steve Cordery is refusing to raise the white flag despite failing to beat runaway leaders Dover on Saturday.

The Swans needed maximum points to stand any realistic chance of catching Andy Hessenthaler's men.

But they couldn't find the breakthrough in front of more than 2,000 fans at the Crabble Ground, leaving Staines trailing the Kent coast club by 15 points ahead of last night's clash with Tonbridge Angels.

Cords said: "The fat lady might be warming up her throat but she isn't singing yet, so while she isn't we will keep going."

Howard Newton was ruled out by a niggling hamstring problem, while midfielder Andre Scarlett, goalkeeper Louis Wells and defender Marien Ifura returned.

Staines had a scare after just 90 seconds when a teasing cross by Frannie Collin was touched away by a diving Wells, who then had to spring smartly to his feet to keep out Shaun Welford's rebound.

Jon Wallis then saw a powerful free-kick comfortably saved by Wells.

But after a shaky start, the Swans found their feet and forced a couple of saves from Preston Edwards.

David Sargent fizzed a 25-yard shot just wide following an exquisite pass by Leroy Griffiths, while Welford volleyed over at the other end.

Wells made a super save to push James Rogers' powerful shot wide after the break, while Scarlett fired his shot just over.

Dover sub Jerahl Hughes forced Wells into a headed clearance, and drew another important block from Danny Gordon following Collin's flick to a Dean Hill throw.

The visitors pressed for the points in the closing stages, with Griffiths flashing a volley wide.

Dover were still menacing on the break, however, with Hughes swivelling to shoot just wide. But a swift counter by Griffiths almost won it for Swans.

He pulled the ball back across the 18 yard line, but Dean Thomas blazed just inches over the bar.