United dropped two valuable points at home to Staines Town in a display which perfectly summed up their time in the Isthmian League since relegation from the Conference.

For long periods they dominated the game and had far more chances, but they could not break down a stubborn defence frequently enough, while their own rear guard seemed all too willing to let the opposition through.

The Ducks started brightly, with the returning Steve Ketteridge's influence very much on show. His vision and ability to find a teammate with a pass, however long, had been missing for a number of matches and he was at the heart of his side's attacks.

Record signing Darren Collins was in a hot run of form, scoring seven goals in seven games, and was unlucky twice in the opening minutes. He should have done better when he missed after being played through by Cliff Hercules, but a number of his team mates were guilty of that as well, as Steve Lambert missed a guilt-edged opportunity shortly afterwards. Future Duck Sean Lahiff performing admirably in the Middlesex side's goal.

Staines took the lead against the run of play, when Neil Price was left unmarked at a corner and fired home from close range. The visitors had a chance to double their lead before the break and with six first teamers unavailable could have been forgiven for resting on their laurels.

Cliff Hercules eventually equalised five minutes into the second period and United should have taken the game by the scruff of the neck. As it was they stopped passing the ball around and reverted to hoof and hope tactics.

A lucky break five minutes from time saw Peter Hutter give the home side the lead, but a controversial Peter Newey penalty three minutes later denied United the points.