THIS EVENING’S MATCH PREVIEW – STAINES TOWN (AWAY) KO 7.45 PM

Can Dulwich Hamlet sink the Swans? Wheatsheaf Lane is the place to be to find out.

Such is the topsy-turvy world of the current Ryman League Premier Division campaign that, though Staines Town are eight places adrift of Dulwich Hamlet back in 13th spot in the standings, just five points are needed to bridge that between the midtable morass and the playoff places.

Few amongst the self-styled Staines Massive could have predicted the rocky road the season has taken them down so far. Summer saw experienced manager Johnson Hippolyte pledge his future to the club having turned around Staines’ fortunes since his arrival in February with the team in real danger of relegation. During the latter stages of the season the Swans rallied from a side ripe for the plucking as a hefty haul of points guaranteed safety by the start of April. With the former Maidenhead United chief fulfilling his remit of keeping the club in the Premier Division after a torrid season, new faces were sourced for a predicted challenge this term. A surprise departure saw prolific striker Pat Cox head for Merstham but Hippolyte had already eyed up some major replacements. Amongst these was the much-travelled Jefferson Louis, a player for whom that well-worn Jack Nicklaus quip could have been invented, Staines Town his 32nd club in just over 15 years in senior football. Another new arrival came in the shape of Max Worsfold, a former professional with Aldershot Town, who had left Wheatsheaf Lane for National League South side Hayes & Yeading 12 months previous.

Come the opening day of the season and the Swans’ woes seemed behind them as they slaughtered the Met Police at Imber Court. The final 6-1 score in their favour must have buoyed travelling fans too used to great expectations falling by the wayside in the face of stark reality. Four goals to the good after just 24 minutes De'Reece Vanderhyde, Daniel Brown, Max Worsfold and Tyrell Miller-Rodney Staines finished off the rout in the last ten thanks to Reece Tison-Lascaris and Jonathan Hippolyte, the boss’s son.

However, it was back to earth with a bump in midweek as Folkestone Invicta won 2-0 at Wheatsheaf Lane as results yoyoed. Billericay Town were beaten 3-2 with Jefferson Louis converting the match winning penalty but back-to-back 2-0 defeats away to Bognor Regis Town and at home to Kingstonian left the Swans floundering in mid-table. Bank Holiday Monday sent Staines off to Aveley to face Grays Athletic, a point secured with just 2 minutes left when Daniel Brown equalised after the Gravelmen had turned around a first half lead secured by Tyrell Miller-Rodney.

Sparked into life by that “Get Out of Jail” Card, the Swans began to flourish picking up four wins in their next four games. Godalming Town were comfortably dispatched 4-0 in the FA Cup, leading scorer Mohamed Bettamer grabbing a pair. Jefferson Louis and Max Worsfold found the target as Lowestoft first half advantage was erased then eclipsed in a league encounter. Tooting and Mitcham proved easy pickings as the Alan Turvey Trophy hunt began with a 3-0 victory at Imperial Fields before a major scalp was claimed in the Emirates FA Cup. When Johnson Hippolyte’s former employers, Maidenhead United came to Wheatsheaf Lane for a Second Qualifying Round tie they were in pole position in National League South having lost just once all season. Quite a contrast to the Swans’ roller-coaster ride but on the day, the Magpies had no answer to Max Worsfold’s neatly taken goal as Staines kept their eye on the prize.

Three league between then and their next FA Cup, away to Chesham United, shockers of Bristol Rovers in last season’s competition. Three more games unbeaten, draws at home to Enfield Town and, most satisfyingly away to Havant and Waterlooville were followed by a single goal win at Leatherhead before the next instalment of the FA Story could be written. Unfortunately, it was not a happy chapter as the curtains came down on their run, Drew Roberts’ double making sure of victory for the Generals.

With that a hangover kicked in. The Alan Turvey Trophy Second Round tie at home to Harrow Borough produced a thriller for the fans, a headache for the management as Boro’ got the better of Staines by the odd goal in seven. A blow followed as Jefferson Louis departed for club number 33, making the move to Oxford City of the Vanarama North. The strike power was sorely missed as the Swans went down 1-0 away to Harlow Town, Bamba Ngamb 85th minute goal the only score in a numbing encounter. A fifth straight defeat followed as late goals from Sami El-Abd and James Crane sent Bognor Regis Town home happy, 2-0 victors at Wheatsheaf Lane.

The rot was stopped at home to the Met Police though it was a far tighter affair than earlier in the campaign. Mohamed Bettamer added to his tally with a brace, one cancelled out by former Hamlet hero Laurent Hamici, the first a penalty shortly after Mitchal Gough had been dismissed for the Swans. The mantle of matchwinner fell upon the shoulders of Brandon Adams who tucked away a spot kick with two minutes to bring much needed relief to the team. Bettamer was again on target down at Folkestone Invicta but this time it was the opposition who had the last laugh when Ian Draycott found the net at the death to salvage a share of the points for the Kent club. The striker made in four in three games in last Saturday’s FA Trophy meeting with Basingstoke Town but his goal proved but a late consolation against a fulltime ‘Stoke side who romped to a 4-1 win.

This evening’s game takes place at Staines Town Football Club, Wheatsheaf Park, Wheatsheaf Lane, Staines, Middlesex, TW18 2PD. Kick-off time is 7.45 pm.

Admission Prices:

• Adults £12
• OAP £6
• Students £6 with proof
• Under 16's £5
• Under 5 free.