9:27am Wednesday 6th May 2009
By Lawrence Dunhill
Staines Lammas boss Nathan Wharf said winning the Lemon Recordings Division 1 Challenge Cup final was “unfinished business.”
After narrowly missing out to Hanworth Villa in last year’s final the Lammas put their bodies on the line to beat Mole Valley SCR 1-0 through Ashley Lodge’s first half goal.
Wharf hailed the defensive efforts of 21-year-old Ray Randall and the gutsy Adam Ridley, who was forced to hobble of the pitch after several bruising collisions.
“This means a lot after what happened last year,” said Wharf.
“It was nerve-jangling at the end but young Ray was outstanding and Adam was a deserving man of the match.”
The final was played at Ashford Town's Short Lane Stadium, where Wharf spent 22 years as a player and manager.
“It was extra special for me to go back and win it at Ashford,” he said. “It’s been a brilliant season and I’m just glad for all the players that they have got a bit of silverware.”
It could still be a league and cup double for the Lammas but they must wait until Saturday to find out if either Worcester Park or Knaphill have won their last two games and pipped them to the title.
Mole Valley started the cup final brightly and Ben Jacobs needed to clear Jayde Spence’s powerful header off the line after just four minutes.
Staines were sitting deep but showed their counter-attacking threat when Chris Baker broke free on the right and his low centre was skewed back across goal but wide of the target by Lodge.
Then an excellent combination between Randall and Steve Wilmore left the young full back with space to swing in a devilish cross that just evaded the outstretched leg of Baker at the far post.
Everyone in the stadium thought Mole Valley had taken the lead after Jay Holden volleyed into the top corner at the other end, but the moody striker’s celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.
There was nothing wrong with Lodge's goal just a minute before the break. Matty Adams latched on to Jamie Redrup’s long clearance and sped clear on the right flank.
The striker veered towards goal and his low cross-come-shot was gleefully dispatched at the back post by the late arriving winger.
Centre back Ridley was imperious in the second half, dominating the aerial battle with Holden and making some crucial last-ditch tackles.
With twenty minutes left Mole Valley threw on two attacking substitutes and Matt Kilty went close with a header.
As the final whsitle approached Staines survived a desperate goalmouth scramble as three defenders threw themselves in front of Holden’s shot.
Ridley then had to be helped from the pitch after winning his umpteenth header of the contest, but after three agonsing minutes of extra time the referee blew up and the celebrations started.
The battered defender typified Staines performance and was delighted to win his medal: “We were so determined today after missing out last year,” he said.
"We just showed that extra bit of desire I think. This is a great way to end our season.”
Wharf’s men are guaranteed a top-three finish in Division 1, but will not be promoted to the Combined Counties Premier Division this season as they require new floodlights at their ground in Laleham.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk