TUE 02 AUG 22 - BRITISH AIRWAYS v S&LMFC

BRITISH AIRWAYS (1) 4 STAINES & LAMMAS MIDDLESEX (1) 1

This match was also beset with staging problems, as Combined Counties Leaguers BA initially scheduled it to be played at their usual home ground at Bedfont FC [ex Bedfont & Feltham, The Orchard, Hatton Road), only for it to become unavailable. On Saturday evening, Ollie Ellery was able to secure Springwest for the game, but then BA responded by booking the training pitch at Bedfont FC – only for that to be damaged by the arson attack on Monday afternoon. The match was rescued, however, by being moved to Cranford on the morning of the game, thus becoming the Clubs’ first on grass this pre-season.

It was a warm evening, with a stiffening breeze. British Airways started well, and took a 10th minute lead when a handball decision went against them, goalkeeper Ben Clargo coming up to dispatch the spot-kick. Aram thought he had made it two 6 minutes later, but his strike was eventually ruled out for a foul during the build-up.

Staines levelled on 18 minutes when a BA defender could only help on a long pass from defence, and Adam Belahcene bustled on to it to shoot past Clargo. Staines gave as good as they got for much of the game after that, with Belahcene also rattling the woodwork and Lungu putting a great chance just wide. However, BA were fit and well-organised, and they were rewarded with three goals in the final stages, scored by Joel Onu (72 min) and Harold Ake (75 & 86 min).

S&LM:
1 Cameron Kennedy (g); 14 Paul Baker, 3 Russell Canderton, 6 Josh Stewart, 7 Richard Bond ©, 12 Jason Robertson, 10 Cosmin Lungu, 17 Aaron Petch, 9 Josh Hieke, 18 Calum Beauchamp, 11 Adam Belahcene; subs coming on: 1 Ben Appleton (g), Joe Green, 16 Jamie Ross, Tom Betts, John Pomroy, 19 Ethan Leeks; unused Luke Halsey [injured].

BA:
1 1 Ben Clargo; 16 Darren Sebana, 6 Peter Parfitt, 5 Macaulay Wheatley, 3 Brandon Jackson, 4 Charlie Rose, 14 Michael Tamou, 7 Shaun Aram, 10 Tyler Hayles, 11 Aaron Edwards, 15 Ethan Gillespie; subs used: 8 Charlie Quinnell, 12 Bradley Scott, 17 Joel Onu, 18 Harold Ake. [pink shirts (black trim); black shorts (pink trim); pink socks (black trim)].

Ref: Anthony Cox (High Wycombe); ARs: L Halsey (S&LM); B Scott &c (BA); att: 29.