STAINES & LAMMAS AT STEP 6 (CONTINUED)
Staines & Lammas FC (Middlesex) achieved promotion to Step 6 of the FA’s Non-League Pyramid by finishing 3rd in the Surrey Premier League last season. Your Roving Reporting team kicked off another season of chronicling Middlesex football, with a visit to the Blue Swans’ away match against Yateley United, at the latter club’s pleasant Sean Devereux Park.
As we reported, Staines & Lammas (Middlesex) won that match 1-0. This victory, together with their previous 4-1 win at Oxhey Jets got them off to a flying start to their Combined Counties League Division One programme.
It seemed appropriate for us to also cover their first home game, which was played 4 days later on Wednesday, 14th August.
Staines & Lammas currently ground share with Abbey Rangers FC, at the latter club’s fine Addlestone Moor venue. The decision to do so was taken following the thwarting, by a powerful residents’ lobby, of the club’s plans to install floodlights at their Laleham ground and also by the slow progress regarding a move to Staines Town’s former home at Wheatsheaf Park.
In this match, Lammas entertained Belstone, who were also embarking on their first season of Step 6 football. Belstone had earned their place in the Combined Counties League by winning the Premier Division of the Hertfordshire Senior County League.
Belstone were formed in 1983, as a Sunday Club and moved into Saturday football in 2009, when they were elected to Division 1 of the Hertfordshire Senior County League.
They gained promotion to the Premier Division after 3 seasons and they were subsequently league champions on 4 occasions, with the last title win in 2024 earning them promotion. They were based in Middlesex in their time as a Sunday club, when they competed in the Harrow Sunday Challenge League and the Marathon Sunday League. Belstone had already played three Division One games before this one, losing away to Hillingdon Borough (2-0) and Brook House (2-1), before winning 2-1 at home to Holmer Green on the previous Saturday.
Staines & Lammas were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Spelthorne, Councillor Med Buck, who together with dedicated supporter and donor of the matchball, Ian Judson were introduced to the teams and officials before the game.
A competitive encounter was dominated by two solid defences and appeared to be heading for a goalless draw, until a goal in the third minute of added time gave the visitors all 3 points.
The visitors mounted the majority of the early attacks. A run into the Lammas box by Louis James, in the 3rd minute, was halted by Jake Swain’s timely tackle. Lammas keeper, Glen Andrews dived to push a cross-shot away to safety. Glen then saved low down from London Brookshaw.
London then broke away up the left and shot low across the face of the home goal. Emile Hohmann was tripped, outside the Lammas box. Glen Andrews saved the resulting freekick low down by his right-hand post.
At the other end, Max Benincasa’s shot from outside the area was blocked. Then the Belstone keeper, Connor Freeman leapt to take a dangerous high cross from Bobby Cooper.
Emile Hohmann cleared the home crossbar from a central position, around 20 yards from goal and then he made a good run before laying the ball back for Louis James, whose shot was blocked.
Ollie Salami’s dangerous inswinging corner was punched over the bar by Glen Andrews.
Belstone continued to dominate territorially but could not penetrate the home defence. Lammas defender, Luke Rippon made a timely tackle to foil Marley Wilson-Braithwaite.
Then Emile Hohmann’s run was halted by good defensive covering.
Louis James advanced into the Lammas box and squared to John Gyabaah but his shot was intercepted.
Dan Callan got his head to a cross from the Lammas right but Connor Freeman saved.
Marley Wilson-Braithwaite netted the rebound, after Glen Andrews had parried Louis James’ low shot but he was adjudged to be offside.
Belstone’s Harvie Gardiner launched a long throw into the home penalty area but the attack was repelled. The half ended following shots from Emile Hohmann and Ollie Salami, which were both wide of the target.
Score at half time: Staines & Lammas (Middlesex) 0 Belstone 0
In the 2nd minute of the half, Connor Freeman left his penalty area to kick clear from Jamie Ross.
2 minutes later, Glen Andrews left his box and incurred the only booking of the match for a foul.
Ollie Salami’s freekick, from around 25 yards, cleared the Lammas crossbar.
Glen saved at Louis James’ feet.
Emile Hohmann burst into the Lammas box but was foiled by the advancing keeper.
Josh Stewart’s shot hit a defender at close range. Vigorous appeals for handball were turned down.
Bobby Cooper’s long shot was straight at Connor Freeman.
Daniel Bamba gained possession and cut in but his shot was blocked at the expense of a corner.
The Blues were now taking the match to the visitors but neither side was able to break through for the vital first goal.
Bobby Cooper sped up the wing but was halted by Alp Agirbay’s well timed tackle.
Emile Hohmann released Louis James, who was also dispossessed by a timely intervention.
Bobby Cooper’s close-range shot was blocked and Daniel Bamba’s effort from the rebound was saved by Connor Freeman.
Connor Freeman made a good diving save from Jamie Ross’ hard hit low drive from the edge of the penalty area.
Glen Andrews was fouled by Emile Hohmann in an encounter at the edge of the Lammas box and required attention.
Josh Hooks released Daniel Bamba, who was dispossessed and then good defensive work by Alp Agirbay foiled Jamie Ross.
Lammas were now having the better of the possession. However, neither side appeared capable of breaking the deadlock and as the 90 minutes elapsed, a goalless draw looked inevitable.
Then in the 3rd minute of added time, disaster struck and substitute Noah Costin netted from close range, to snatch victory for the visitors.
Final score: Staines & Lammas (Middlesex) 0 Belstone 1
Referee Tom Lathey had a very good match, controlling the proceedings in an exemplary manner, with calm authority.
TEAM LINE-UPS:
Staines & Lammas (Middlesex): Glen Andrews, Luke Rippon, Max Benincasa (capt), Jake Swain, Josh Stewart, Dan Callan (Richard Bond 72), Bobby Cooper (Rashane Wilson 90+4), Jamie Ross, Daniel Bamba (Joshua Hieke 89), Josh Hooks and Fuad Banire (Joe Cooper 73).
Unused substitute: Archie Payne.
Manager: Paul Burgess Assistant Manager: John Pomroy Coach: Russell Canderton Sports Therapist: Dielle De Souza.
Belstone: Connor Freeman, Ollie Salami, Anton Johnson, Harvie Gardiner, Alp Agirbay, Max Gillard (capt), John Gyabaah, London Brookshaw (Edward Nash 78), Emile Hohmann (Noah Costin 83), Marley Wilson-Braithwaite and Louis James (Perry Dicker 70).
Unused substitute: Oureal Teferi.
Manager: Aaron Lincoln.
Referee: Tom Lathey
Assistant Referees: Ali Matour and Nigel Hickes.
Attendance: 149
Report: Jim Taylor
Photography: Chris Benn