Lewis Drives Swans As Third Place Beckons

STAINES remain firmly in the play-off picture after a strong display at Thurrock vaulted them into third place above a tight chasing pack.

- Tony Flood

Second-half goals from Lewis Driver and Ben Martin won the day after Thurrock were forced to introduce 16-year-old Toby Smith in place of concussed keeper Ben McNamara at half-time.

Smith was not faulted for either goal, as the ball appeared to be kicked out of his hands in a goalmouth melee prior to Martin netting on 73 minutes and the referee putting his whistle to his mouth but deciding to give the goal.

Thurrock boss Mark Stimson cut a frustrated post-match figure.

He told The NLP: “Staines are a very good side and they will be there or thereabouts for the playoffs. But the rest, you would have to have been here to believe.”