Matches between these two sides are often close affairs, but this one proved to be the exception as United romped to a 5-0 win, a deserved 3 points but perhaps a rather flattering scoreline.

Put back 24 hours at the hosts’ request to avoid clashing with a first team game, it would probably have been called off if due to be played elsewhere, but the new 3G surface at the former home of Yeading FC was barely affected by the continuous swirling rain – which is more than can be said for the hardy spectators inside and outside the ‘cage’! 

Although Staines had contested a first team friendly at this same ground almost a year ago, this was their first senior competitive game on an artificial pitch since the old – vastly inferior – Feltham Arena Astroturf was torn up. 

The Staines side included five first teamers in Drage, Worsfold, newcomer Lodge, Bor, and Ocansey, alongside Sotonwa who signed his Conference forms on the night. There were also two triallist strikers, Otobo (who actually played a couple of games at the start of last term) and Bugday (whose previous clubs include Galatasaray). 

The first half was well-matched for the most part, both teams relishing the chance to play controlled and slick football on a true surface, but defences were well on top to the extent that there was barely a save to make for either ‘keeper. 

Otobo put a shot across the face of goal on 26 minutes after Robson started a move and Ocansey put him through.  But as United countered, an error at the back let Oyenuga in, and although Faith spread himself well to save the first strike, the ball rebounded to Ekim who put Kudus Oyenuga through again and this time he made no mistake. 

Staines tried to counter with a strong tackle by Bor, but a narrow offside decision denied Otobo and Ocansey a promising two-on-one situation.  United responded with Cowell’s strong run winning a corner, to which he got his head, forcing Drage to hook off the line, before the Swans countered with Otobo forcing a save from a good Robson cross. 

The last kick of the half was a raking volley by Bor that flew over. 

Robson failed to overcome a first half knock and went off soon after the restart, as – now against the wind – Staines made a ragged start to the second period and were punished by three goals within a 15 minute period. 

A 53rd min corner from the left was comfortably tapped in by Adam Richards, and five minutes later Calum Butcher was allowed to power through virtually unchallenged for a fine solo goal. 

On 68 minutes Staines were again found wanting at the back, failing to clear, and Oyenuga took full advantage to make it 4-0.  Worsfold tried to respond but his cross-shot flew across the face of goal, whilst a rasping Artwell shot rattled Faith’s bar at the other end. 

Sotonwa had to withdraw after being accidentally elbowed under the eye, and the home side added further gloss to their victory with low skimming goal direct from an 88th minute free kick by Ben Gladwin.

Report by Steve Parsons (Staines Town FC).

Photos by Keith Harris (Staines Town FC).