Staines draw a blank in rematch

This long trip on a Tuesday night was necessitated by the abandonment of the original fixture back in September, after just 34 minutes due to an injury to one of the linesmen. There had been no goals on that occasion, and that was how it finished at the chilly Bridge Avenue Stadium, whose surface proved to be deceptively uneven beneath its decent covering of grass.

There was a larger than average crowd of 389, boosted by the decision to allow free entry to all, thus removing any confusion over the issue of vouchers from the earlier game, and somewhat countermanding the ruling that the game should be replayed on cup tie' terms.

Steve Cordery is suddenly facing an injury crisis, and the latest to be ruled out was Gareth Risbridger with a back problem.

Adam Thompson and Victor Asombang were moved to the bench, and in came Leigh Mason (who played his first full League game since the opening day of the season), Dwain Clarke, and Dave Sargent.

The home side included former Swan Dean Green, and knew that a victory would take them ahead of Staines and into a play-off spot.

After only four minutes, Howard Newton got on the end of a fine move, but unfortunately his volley went over the bar, as Staines made a promising start to the game.

But Shaun Allaway was called into action with a good, close range save from a shot by Simon Parker.

With both sides struggling to control the ball on a very bobbly surface, chances were at a premium, and although Cook, Mason, and Charles-Smith all stretched the defence.

It was not until the 33rd minute that either keeper was seriously tested again, Dale Brightley leaping to his right to turn an H Newton drive around the post for a corner.

Allaway twice denied Kris Lee from dangerous situations, keeping out his header and then turning a shot round for a corner, and a few minutes later, Simon Parker put a shot into the side netting.

But in a taste of what was to come after the break, there was quite a delay while Lewis Cook received treatment for a painful calf injury, although he was eventually able to continue.

The start of the second period was, however, a bad time for Staines, as they picked up another worrying injury, and three yellow cards.

Victor Asombang came on when Mark Charles-Smith was forced to limp off after a taking a heavy knock on the knee, Mason, Adrian Toppin and Cook were all booked for fouls on Boateng, who came off soon afterwards.

The last was somewhat galling, however, as Cook's challenge looked a milder transgression than the one which left Newton on the ground just a second or two beforehand, and from which play was waved on.

For a while, the game seemed to be slipping away from Staines, and there was even the prospect of Craig Maskell coming on, as he undertook an extensive warm-up.

However, the tide then started to turn as the visitors forced a string of four corners to put some heavy pressure on the Urchins defence.

Once again, it was Newton who - in Nwokeji's enforced absence with a tight hamstring - looked the most likely to score, and he burst through and forced Brightley into a good save at his feet.

With 15 minutes to go, it was Allaway's turn to make a brave save, and as he dived at the feet of Parker, he was caught painfully, and there was another long delay for treatment.

With no action taken as Green belted the ball into the net long after the whistle, Staines were further disappointed that, when play eventually resumed, it was with a drop-ball.

Cook finally succumbed to his injuries nine minutes from time, to be replaced by Kerem Bashkal, and just seconds later, Allaway pulled up short as he prepared to take a goal kick, and immediately headed to the dressing rooms for treatment.

Fortunately James Courtnage was on the bench and Staines still had one sub left to use, so - despite carrying a slight knock himself - he came on to protect the point for the last eight minutes, plus six minutes of stoppage time.

AFC sub Mark Janney might have tested Courtnage when he was found in a good position, but his attempted lob cleared the crossbar, while John Mackie headed over.

In the final minutes, Staines collected a fourth booking for a Marcel Nugent foul, and Hornchurch got their first when Goddard handled.

So the first complete meeting between Staines Town and the reformed Hornchurch club ended with the honours even, a result which was not too bad for The Swans, especially given the other two results that night kept them in sixth spot.

Danny Glozier was awarded the home side's sponsor's Man of the Match award.

Staines: Allaway (Courtnage 82), Nugent, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter , H Newton, Cook (Bashkal 81), Toppin, Charles-Smith (Asombang 49), Clarke; unused Maskell, Thompson.

AFC Hornchrch: Brightley, Barnard, Glozier, Purdie , Mackie, Tomlinson (Goddard 86), Boateng (Janney 70), Green, K Lee, S Parker (Richards 86), Styles; unused Curley, Oakley. Ref: N Lugg (Chipstead); ARs G Bellingham & S Connor (both Essex); Attendance 389.