Staines Town's dismal FA Cup record continued when they lost at Ryman Division One North outfit Maldon Town on Saturday, writes Steve Parsons.

The opening half hour gave little hint of what was to follow as Staines began confidently, forcing several corners.

Town took the lead after 17 minutes when Mark Nwokeji forced the ball home from Howard Newton's cross.

It was nearly two after 28 minutes when Nwokeji found himself one-on-one with Darren Gould, only for the keeper to pull off a fine save.

Staines almost immediately had a let off when Leon Antoine's goalbound shot was needlessly helped over the line by Billy Holland, who was promptly flagged for offside.

Despite losing skipper Paul King to injury, Maldon finished the first half strongly with Antoine firing against the post and keeper Shaun Allaway bravely saving at Craig Huttley's feet.

Staines had chances to get a second in the second half with Kevin Warner's shot deflecting into the keeper's arms and keeper Gould turning Ali Chaaban's shot for a corner.

At the other end Allaway had to make smart stops from Antoine and Lewis but Maldon finally equalised in the 68th minute.

Dean Parratt's swinging corner deceived Town's defence and Ollie Blackwell forced the ball home.

Within a minute, Maldon were in front. Holland was put through and deftly sidefooted past Allaway into the net.

Staines threw on the evergreen Craig Maskell and top scorer Errol Telemaque in a bid to salvage a replay.

Gould did well to save one low, curling shot by Maskell.

But Staines were left with a mountain to clime when Andr Scarlett was sent off by Norfolk referee Mike George with 10 minutes to go.

Having shown him a yellow card early in the second half, Mr George later explained he had spoken to Scarlett about persistent infringements.

And he produced the red card after a studs-up tackle despite Scarlett's protests that he had taken the ball.

Antoine should have scored a third for Maldon, but shot wide of the gaping goal after sidestepping Allaway.

But Staines nearly grabbed a replay when Maskell's break saw Nwokeji help the ball on for Warner, who created space for a shot on the turn that hit the inside of the post before spinning across the goalmouth and just wide of the opposite post.

Staines: Allaway; J Newton, Sargent, Castle (Thompson HT), Flitter , Scarlett, K Warner, Risbridger (Maskell 72), H Newton (Telemaque 72), Nwokeji, Chaaban.

Staines visit Walton & Hersham in the Ryman Premier League on Saturday before heading to Worthing on Tuesday.

Despite having goalkeeper James Courtnage rasher harshly dismissed after 15 minutes, Staines reserves ended Farnborough's 100 per cent Capital League record and replaced them on top of the table, thanks to a 1-0 win at Cherrywood Road. Jordan Kiffin scored the only goal on the hour.

Lucy McNeil was on target for Staines women from the spot but they lost 2-1 to Northwood in Greater London League Division One.

Staines youth made comfortable progress in the FA Youth Cup by beating Broxbourne Borough V&E 6-0 at Wheatsheaf Park on Wednesday. Bryan Harrison, Lyle Taylor (two), Tom Windsor, James McShane, and Dominic Dwyer scored the goals.