FOOTBALL

Staines Town 5
Leyton 1
(Ryman Premier) LEYTON put up a brave fight against Staines but were finally consigned to relegation on Saturday following a difficult season.

They matched their opponents for the opening 25 minutes and created some fine chances.

Daniel Lodge and Marvin McCoy both should have done better when well placed, while Ben Gracey placed his shot wide when through on goal.

The Lilywhites may be a side full of youngsters, but it was their two most experienced players that gifted Staines their two first half goals.

Victor Renner first allowed a cross to sail over his head where Staines' Richard Butler was waiting to prod home on 16 minutes.

Then, in the sixth minute of added on time, Des Thomas made a similar error as Howard Newton steered the ball beyond keeper Sam Tanner.

From then on, it was all Staines, who added three second half goals - Mark Nwokeji scoring the third and Butler added two more for his hat trick.

If not for the ever-impressive Tanner, Leyton would have been on the end of a hiding.

As it was, Andrew Thomas raced through to score a stoppage time consolation.

Coach Troy Townsend: "It's only in name that we are relegated but we were relegated a long time ago.

"It's a relief in terms of it stops people asking us about it.

"It has been a difficult period but relegation is now confirmed so we just get on with it and look forward to the future. We've got to finish the season on a high.

"This season has been a massive learning curve for everybody at the football club."

He added: "There are a number of massive positives to take out of it.

"With these young players, and a bit more experience, we hope to be challenging next season to get this football club back to where it belongs."

Leyton are at home to Ramsgate on Friday and travel to AFC Hornchurch on Monday.