UXBRIDGE missed out on silverware as they failed to upset the odds in the Middlesex Senior Cup Final against Blue Square South high-flyers Staines at Wheatsheaf Park tonight.

It was always going to be a mammoth task for Southern Leaguers Uxbridge against a side two divisions above them, but it needed a wonder strike from Staines favourite Ali Chaaban five minutes after the break to turn the final in favour of the favourites.

Playing against a virtual full strength Staines side, the underdogs had the first real chance when Chris Gell beat Staines goalkeeper Louis Wells to the ball, but his flick was just cleared off the line by Marien Ifura.

However, the hosts gradually began to show the difference in class with Chaaban first foiled by Dennison and then Gavin Brown blocking a goal-bound strike from the Staines forward.

But it was Uxbridge came close again when Ryan O'Toole smashed a cross goalwards that almost caught Wells off guard, but he just got back to tip over the bar.

Staines came out determined to stamp their authority on the second-half Chaaban scored a goal worthy of winning any final with a turn and shot into the top corner that left Dennison with no chance.

Then came that fine delivery from Newton that inadvertently provided the second and Staines should have made it more before the end with both Newton and substitute Scott Taylor firing over.

However, Uxbridge refused to go down fighting and they came so close to a consolation with O'Toole and skipper Wayne Carter both just firing wide.