The first round of the Middlesex Premier Cup, which is open to clubs playing at steps 6 or 7 of the Non-League Pyramid and the Reserve or Under 21 teams of Senior clubs, was played in the midweek commencing on 14th October.   

Your Roving Team covered the match between Staines & Lammas (Middlesex) and Harrow Borough u23s on Wednesday, 16th October, at Abbey Rangers FC’s Addlestone Moor Stadium.

Staines & Lammas have made a solid start to their first season at step 6 in the Non-League Pyramid.   They currently occupy 10th place in the Combined Counties Division One table, with 7 wins and 7 defeats from their 14 league matches.   They were in particularly good recent form, having won their last two matches 6-0 and 5-1.

Harrow Borough u23 team play in the Premier Division of the Suburban League and currently have a record of 3 wins and 4 defeats from 7 matches.

The Middlesex Premier Cup was first competed for in the 1980-81 season, when it was won by Yeading, who were then members of the Middlesex League.   The current holders are Brook House, who beat Rising Ballers Kensington in a penalty shoot-out, after a 1-1 draw, at Hanwell Town’s Powerday Stadium.

The match was played on a miserable evening, in a persistent drizzle which varied in its intensity.   The pitch, which was in immaculate condition, stood up very well and encouraged both sides to play passing football.   Staines & Lammas created the most scoring chances and deserved to win.   They only capitalised on one of their opportunities but that proved to be enough to win the tie 1-0.

Harrow Borough’s Karl Bailey made an early run into Staines & Lammas territory but he was not able to create an opening.   He made another run through the middle but shot straight at goalkeeper, Oliver Mayer.

Staines & Lammas put on the pressure and Borough keeper, Marcel Staines-Norton and his defence were kept busy with a succession of corners.   Marcel dived to save at Rashane Wilson’s feet.

Telmo Lima tried a long range shot which Marcel saved.

Marcel then saved from Joe Cooper, who had cut in from the right and let fly from 25 yards.

Staines & Lammas scored in the 22nd minute.  Telmo Lima set up Joe Cooper, who drove it low into the corner of the net.

Carl Bailey’s long-range attempt was off target.

Fuad Banire cut in from the right and shot wide.   He had another try which was blocked.

Josh Stewart’s long ball released Telmo Lima but his shot was wide.

Score at half time: Staines & Lammas (Middlesex) 1   Harrow Borough u23 0

The home side continued to make chances.  The goalkeeper pushed out Jake Swain’s freekick from around 35 yards.  Bobby Cooper’s low cross-shot was cleared.  Joe Cooper burst up the wing but his cross was charged down. 

Marcel Staines-Norton left his penalty area to kick clear from Rashane Wilson, who had burst through the middle.   Then Marcel pouched Daniel Bamba’s shot after the latter had been released by Luke Rippon.

Fuad Banire beat the keeper to the ball but shot past the post.

Josh Hooks, who was introduced as a substitute in the 71st minute, made an immediate impact.   He added an extra dimension to the home attack and kept the Harrow rearguard occupied for the remainder of the match.

Staines & Lammas defender, Daniel Callan made a timely interception to avert the danger presented by two opponents on the left.

Bobby Cooper hit a good shot on the turn but the keeper saved low down.

Josh Hooks went close to scoring a second goal for Staines & Lammas in the 79th minute, when his shot was deflected onto a post.

Daniel Boyden broke down the left but his cross was taken high up by the keeper.  Rashane Wilson gained possession, with the keeper stranded out of his area but his lob was too high.

Josh Hooks cut through the visitors’ defence and Yannick Bamba did well to block his shot.   Josh set up Daniel Boyden, who shot over the bar and then he released Joe Cooper, who brought a low save from the keeper.   Staines & Lammas retained the initiative and looked the more likely side to score as time ran out.

Final score: Staines & Lammas (Middlesex) 1   Harrow Borough u23 0

Referee Pavel Krastev had a good game, controlling proceedings with a quiet efficiency.   He received good support from his colleagues.

The Guest of Honour and Matchball Sponsor for the evening, Norman McNicol, an active supporter who had come to the club after the unfortunate demise of Staines Town, was presented to the teams before the kick off.   He also chose the Staines & Lammas Player of the Match, namely Luke Rippon.

TEAM LINE-UPS

Staines & Lammas (Middlesex): Oliver Mayer, Luke Rippon, Max Benincasa (Sam Coles 59 mins), Jake Swain (capt), Josh Stewart, Daniel Callan, Telmo Lima (Daniel Bamba 59, Josh Hooks 71), Bobby Cooper (Daniel Boyden 74), Rashane Wilson, Joe Cooper and Fuad Banire (Josh Hieke 75).

Manager: Paul Burgess   

Assistant Manager: John Pomroy   

Player/Coach: Russell Canderton   

Physio: James Lewis.

Harrow Borough u23: Marcel Staines-Norton, Nasir Sharifi, Reuben Whittaker (Danna Parvaneh 75 mins), Rory Williams (Mostafa Jawad 76), Finlay Eames-Illingworth, Yannick Bamba, Reece Weekes (Richardo Nika 80), James Kennedy, Ezekiel Romain, Karl Bailey and Kevin Zie.

Manager: Danny Dyer   

Assistant Manager: Godfrey Torto.

Referee: Pavel Krastev   

Assistant Referees: Richard Coker and David Sampson.

Attendance: 64

The results of the other matches played in this round were:

Enfield Borough 2    Eagles Land Cricklewood 2   penalties 4-3

AS London 1   Brimsdown 1   penalties 4-3

Civil Service 4   Camden United 0

Bedfont 4   Spartan Youth 0

London Samurai Rovers 1   Brook House 5

FC Deportivo Galacia 1   PFC Victoria 2

Hillingdon Borough had a walkover in their home match against CB Hounslow & Abbots, who were unable to raise a team.

The draw for the quarter finals (scheduled for the week commencing 11th Nov) is:

Bedfont v Civil Service

Brook House v Staines & Lammas (Middlesex)

Hillingdon Borough v PFC Victoria

AS London v Enfield Borough

Report: Jim Taylor

Photography: Chris Benn

PICKS

FULL SET