COMMUNITY TRUST MANAGER: Helen Preedy (helenpreedy@maidenheadunitedfcorg)
MAIDENHEAD UNITED IN THE COMMUNITY: Mark Nisbet
The Club operates its commercial activities through Maidenhead United FC Ltd, York Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1SF Company No: 05691046, VAT No: 442328173 The Club is a member of the Vanarama National League and is therefore subject to the league’s rules and regulations The persons of significant control in the Club as defined in National League rule 213 are Peter Griffin and MUFC Ltd
CLUB NEWS
The Magpies Academy team bowed out of the FA Youth Cup in the First Round Proper at York Road on Thursday, 7th November following defeat on penalty kicks to an excellent Burgess Hill Town side who will now take on the Academy of EFL side Colchester United Both sides exchanged converted penalty kicks in the first half, before the Sussex-based side took the lead with a magnificent half volley in the second period following a corner that United could only half-clear The visitors then had a player sent off for serious foul play and Maidenhead knocked at the door and were rewarded when Enzo Pashaj made it a brace for the night with an injury time equaliser There was no further scoring in a thrilling period of extra time In the shootout, both sides scored their first two penalties apiece, before then failing to convert their next two. Burgess Hill scored their fifth penalty, their excellent goalkeeper saved the Magpies fifth which meant the away side progressed to the Second Round.
United will also play no further part in this season’s Berks & Bucks Senior Cup Alan Devonshire made eleven changes to his starting line-up for the tie last Monday evening at Binfield FC from the Isthmian League South Central, giving opportunities to a number of players who have made a return from long term injury along with a number of Academy graduates. United led early on thanks to a goal from Tobi Sho-Silva but two second half strikes from Mitch Parker – the first of which was from the penalty spot – ensured that Ross Weatherstone’s side progressed.
Talking of Binfield, our Step 4 neighbours have taken Josh McMenemy on a further one month loan spell Teenager Josh – who signed his first contract with the Magpies in the summer and who started for the Magpies in the county cup defeat –has already made 16 appearances for the Moles in his previous spells this season, scoring once, and has immediately reclaimed his starting berth in their side in their matches against Hanworth Villa and Westfield. Meanwhile, Christian Johnson has joined Combined Counties Premier North side Risborough Rangers on a onemonth basis, scoring the winning goal last Saturday in an all-Buckinghamshire affair against Burnham.
Last but by no means least – United have drawn an away tie at local rivals Slough Town in the Isuzu FA Trophy on 7th December. Look out for further details in the coming days as to ticketing arrangements
RYAN PETERS
We return to York Road this afternoon in particular need of points and a performance. We came up particularly short last time here against Forest Green Rovers and we certainly feel that we owe our supporters a performance today
We were pretty poor last Saturday at Sutton, especially in the first half There were a definitely a few choice words said at half-time, because the make-up of an Alan Devonshire side is always to work as hard as you possibly can, and we didn’t show that in the first half. The second half we were a lot better, but at the moment we seem to be lacking that clinical edge in front of goal – we’re not creating very much either. With a side like Sutton, if you get one chance, you have to take it, and we didn’t
Our last two league fixtures have been against sides recently demoted from the EFL and these are the kind of matches that in the past we have typically risen to But if we can get the performance element right, then the wins will follow suit So, we are looking at ways to try and tweak the system and change things in order to make that happen We tried something different at Sutton – it didn’t quite work out, but we’re going to keep trying all we can to change the flow of recent results.
There is still plenty to be positive about This is probably the first period in the entire season where the gaffer has had almost every player to choose from. We’re still a few bodies short, but once we get to a stage where we have all the boys back, it’s going to be a hard selection for the gaffer We have had a week back on the training ground since the Sutton game. With the depth of our squad at the moment, we probably would like to have a Tuesday game to be able to go again But the absence of a Tuesday night game this last week gives us a chance to really go through things on the pitch over the next few days and get ready for our game this afternoon
We come up today against a Gateshead side against whom we have some good recent memories Back in April our final home game of the season saw results elsewhere going against us as Gateshead took the lead and it looked like we’d be going to the final game of the season to secure safety Shawn McCoulsky, however, had other ideas with a brilliant winner in injury time which gave the fans cause for celebration at the end. We met with some of our fans last week at a sponsors eveningand it is heartening to see that you are still fully behind us
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Forest Green Rovers returned to the top of the National League with a thoroughly impressive victory over leaders York City in the late game, broadcast on DAZN. Steve Cotterill’s side leapfrog the Minstermen after second half goals from Harvey Bunker and Kyle McAllister.
Earlier, Barnet’s stunning comeback at Dagenham upped the heat on the top two. It looked game over at 3-1, but a double from Nicke Kabamba and Rhys Browne really keep Dean Brennan’s side in the hunt An improving Solihull Moors turned on the style as they scored six at Ebbsfleet United Incredibly they did it despite being reduced to ten men minutes in. Connor Wilkinson’s hat-trick came amongst a flurry of second half goals James Norwood also hit a treble as Oldham Athletic eased past Tamworth 4-0.
Jack Barham rescued a point for Aldershot at Gateshead in the 2-2 draw whilst Matt Ward ended Woking’s long winless run - and extended Boston United’s. The Lincolnshire side have since appointed Graham Coughlan as manager to replace Ian Culverhouse Elsewhere, Florent Hoti – who scored the decisive goal at York Road earlier this season - brought to an end Yeovil Town’s fine form as FC Halifax Town left Huish Park with all three points
Inih Effiong’s goal helped Braintree Town to a priceless win against AFC Fylde while Hartlepool United survived for 75 minutes a man short to draw 0-0 with Eastleigh. Wealdstone are beginning to find their form after a slow start as Matty Taylor’s team beat Rochdale 2-0 Max Kretzschmar scored for the second weekend running First half goals from Joe Nuttall and Alex Newby fired Altrincham to a 2-0 win over Southend United at the J.Davidson Stadium.
The Isuzu FA Trophy draw was made on Monday afternoon, and our ‘SL Classico’ date at Slough Town is not the only local derby in store in Round 3. Altrincham will host Robbie Savage’s in-form Macclesfield in an all-Cheshire affair Old rivalries will also resume in the south-west when Yeovil Town take on Weymouth. Rochdale and Barnet will play Step 2 opposition as they take on Leamington and Aveley respectively Dagenham have a tie at Step 3 side Chertsey whereas holders Gateshead start at home against Farsley Celtic. Aldershot and Wealdstone meet again while Forest Green go to Braintree Town York City will host former winners Darlington at the LNER Community Stadium next month Third Round winners will receive £4,500 from the competition prize fund, while losing teams will earn £1,250
WOMEN’S TEAM
In-form Maidenhead United Women have hit five goals in a game on successive Sundays. United led after barely sixty seconds had been played against Keynsham Town just under a fortnight ago Izzy Stockton and Nat Cowell linked up with the former attempting to slot in Emily Norfolk The loose ball found Natasha Rasmussen around thirty yards from goal who hit a magnificent first-time finish into
the top corner past Klaudia Wojtyczka in the Keynsham goal The visitors will feel that they had as much of the play as United overall, but the Magpies were more clinical than their West Country opponents. It was two-nil after fourteen minutes when Izzy Stockton was allowed a second shot at goal as Keynsham struggled to clear a Simone O’Brien’s corner and the right footed effort from the edge of the box defeated Wojtyczka all ends up
The third goal came midway through the first half when Stockton and Rasmussen both regained possession in the Keynsham half and the latter exchanged passes with Tia Johnson before striking another right-footed effort from outside of the area which was too good for Wojtyczka. United’s fourth goal came on the stroke of half-time – Johnson leading the break from a Keynsham corner and chipping Wojtyczka with an inch-perfect angled effort from 35 yards. Keynsham enjoyed the better of the second period with the outstanding Kenny Clarke saving acrobatically from Ciara Lundy and then smartly with her feet from Bea Kretteis to maintain the clean sheet. The fifth and final Maidenhead goal came just before the final quarter of an hour as the outstanding Cowell won the ball and slipped in Stockton for a ruthless angled left-footed finish
Last Sunday afternoon United proved too good for Tier 6 side Beaconsfield Town, winning at a canter at Holloways Park to move into the semi-final of the Berks & Bucks County Cup. Again, it was an early goal that set United on their way, O’Brien’s finish from Katie Akerman’s through-ball coming after just 37 seconds Maidenhead were two ahead at the break thanks to Stockton, while Johnson and Cowell both scored in quick succession before the hour mark and the final goal was an opposition own goal
On the same afternoon, the Development team made their way through to the last four in the BBFA Trophy, recording a 6-2 victory at Holmer Green. A Liberty Dieppe hattrick led the way, with Alina Kerl, Jaz King and an own goal completing the victory
LAST TIME OUT
The Magpies succumbed to a 1-0 defeat away to Sutton as Finlay Barbrook’s first half strike was the difference between the two sides Sutton would have much of the ball for the first half-hour Will de Havilland and Kevin Lokko worked well to stop a flurry of counterattacks, one of which led to Ashley Nadesan coming down in the box but no penalty was given.
Sutton’s objective was to channel the ball down the flanks, often finding Will Davies in the box A delivery from a free kick was awkwardly half-volleyed past the far post by the Sutton striker, as was his effort a minute later from a cross.
With the Magpies having worked out the Sutton threat down the right, the hosts switched to the left Jeremy Sivi beat his man on more than one occasion to fire crosses over the bar or into the safe hands of Craig Ross Third time was the charm, however, as Sivi found Finlay Barbrook in the box who fired home an opener in the 30th minute.
It could have nearly been two for the hosts as Barbrook looked to score a repeat of his first With Ross slightly out of position, Miles Welch-Hayes got a foot to his low shot to prevent a second. This turn of events spurred the Magpies to press for an equaliser. United won the ball back around 25 yards out, and Tristan Abrahams found space in a shooting position He could only watch, however, as his curled effort went just the wrong side of the uprights Maidenhead themselves would have a penalty appeal turned away when Thierry Latty-Fairweather was brought down as the half drew to a close.
A somewhat rejuvenated United came back out for the second half and threatened the Sutton defence Reece Smith was able to get into a crossing position, and his delivery was desperate for a touch which never came-to-be Latty-Fairweather would again be brought down in the box, although no foul was given, akin to the first half.
Fresh legs were brought on in time for a corner caused by a deflection from a Lokko shot. The resulting set piece was aimed towards the returning Remy Clerima, but it was cleared easily enough by the former League Two opposition.
The hosts were nervy, but Jack Sims was largely unchallenged throughout the match United’s counterattacks were dealt with before any real danger came to the Sutton ‘keeper, and the few shots Sutton were unable to prevent went well wide of the posts. United were arguably denied a penalty when a Sutton defender handled the ball on the ground, but referee Alan Dale ruled that he had been brought down unfairly
Despite unease among the home supporters, the reality was that there was little to write home about until the 90th minute. Sims fumbled a long throw-in from the right, but the Magpies were unable to get a crucial toe poke to it before he recovered It would be a goalless second half, one which would ensure all three points stayed in Sutton
Full-time: Sutton 1-0 Magpies
MEET THE OPPOSITION
Gateshead have had some good news with the club set for International Stadium assurances The Heed were denied the opportunity to compete in the National League play-offs last season by the EFL because they did not have a '10-year security of tenure' at their home ground.
Now, the Tyneside club have had an agreement signed off by the local council that would grant them the required English Football League licence The Heed will remain tenants when the running of the multi-purpose venue switches from the local authority to Greenwich Leisure Limited in April next year. Gateshead are currently fifth in the National League after 18 games and will be allowed to compete for promotion if they reach the top seven
“Following the situation between Gateshead FC (Licensee) and Gateshead Council (Landlord) at the end of the 2023-24 season in relation to the non-granting of a 10year licence between the parties, which ultimately resulted in the Club being unable to participate in the National League play-offs, the parties have been in negotiations to ensure the same would not happen going forward,” a statement released this week read “Negotiations have been concluded between the EFL and the Club whereby the form of wording agreeable to the EFL has now been reached This has now been agreed in principle with the Council and we expect this to be signed off at Cabinet tomorrow, this is a Letter of Guarantee which will confirm that should GFC be in a position to be promoted to the EFL, the Council will grant the necessary Licence to facilitate such, and which will fulfil the EFL’s entry criteria.”
The Heed will be looking for more good news here at York Road this afternoon. They are currently winless in November having let a lead slip at the International Stadium last weekend against struggling Aldershot Gateshead defender Robbie Tinkler rattled the crossbar with a 35-yard effort before Aldershot took an 11thminute lead through Josh Barrett, who converted Jack Barham’s cross The hosts hit back eight minutes later when Owen Oseni headed an equaliser at the far post and Callum Whelan turned home a rebound, after Jacob Butterfield’s shot had been saved, to put Gateshead 2-1 up Both sides continued to create chances in the second half and Shots drew level in the 58th minute when Barham smashed home a rebound after James Henry’s initial effort had been saved.
Returning to a ground where they have won on three of their four visits, The Heed will be looking to record a fourth away league victory of the season to set them up for their play-off showdown with Rochdale on Tuesday night
The Gaffer – Carl Magnay
The Heed have effectively recruited internally once again After the departure of Mike Williamson to MK Dons last season, Gateshead entrusted Rob Elliott with the manager’s job and were rewarded when Elliott led them to FA Trophy success last season Elliott has since moved on to join the Magpies FA Cup conquerors Crawley Town and Gateshead-born Magnay was promoted having previously held the role of coach
A full-back in his playing career, Magnay won series two of Sky One reality show Football Icon and started off at Chelsea He enjoyed loan spells with MK Dons and Northampton Town prior to his first spell as a player at Gateshead – with whom he made more than 100 appearances across two periods on Tyneside. Magnay also represented Grimsby Town, Hartlepool United and Spennymoor – starting for Pools on a day of club history here in August 2017 when we recorded our first ever National League victory With one Northern Ireland Under 21 cap to his name, Magnay was part of old boss Williamson’s staff at MK and subsequently Carlisle United.
THREE TO WATCH
Regan Booty is a midfielder with plenty of experience at National League level, having served both Notts County and Maidstone United. The Huddersfield born player scored from the spot against the Magpies for the Stones in November 2022. Booty received an England C cap, representing his country against Wales in March 2023 alongside former Magpie Emile Acquah
Jacob Butterfield is a richly experienced midfield man who was with Manchester United as a youngster. He has played in the EFL Championship with the likes of Barnsley, Bolton, Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, Derby, Sheffield Wednesday and Luton Has also served A-League side Melbourne Victory and Scottish Premier League side St Johnstone.
Owen Oseni is a forward who joined the Heed in the summer He scored Gateshead’s opener last weekend against Aldershot Town Oseni caught Gateshead’s eye when scoring eight times in 15 games last season for National North side Rushall Olympic, on loan from EFL side Derby County.
FUTSAL UPDATE
Throughout October, Maidenhead United Futsal played eight games across their three different teams
The Men’s first team had a tough start to the month, but it was put right with two positive results to close out October Two wins and two defeats mean the first team have six points on the board from the opening month.
United continued their National Cup campaign with a round of 16 fixture against the reigning champions of England, Manchester. However, a
clinical Manchester side put Maidenhead to the sword and defeated United 8-1 Unfortunately, elimination from the National Cup means full focus moves to the league and League Cup In a positive light, Joe Huxter scored his first goal since returning from long-term injury
The league season commenced with a tough game against a much-changed London Genesis. An end-to-end game saw Genesis nick a 5-4 win late on, taking all three points. Goals from Joe Huxter, Seth Burkett and a brace from Harry Tozer were not quite enough.
United’s first away game and first three points of the season came in Derby. A Harry Tozer hat-trick lead the Magpies to a 3-2 victory, with a terrific penalty crashing in off the crossbar to secure himself the match ball To close out October, United ran out 6-2 winners against East Riding to earn their first points at home for the season A Carl Tappin hat-trick, a Joe Huxter double and Harry Tozer’s single strike saw out a convincing victory
It was also a busy October for our Development team. The boys played three highly competitive games two of which came against the teams at in first and second place. October started with a 6-4 victory over Wessex B, to open the Tier 3 South West season with a big three points. Two tough games followed for the youthful Development side against the top two teams in the league. A strong first half against Portsmouth & Southsea, going into the break level at 3-3, was unfortunately undone in the second as the game finished 9-4 Goals from Ricardo Andujar, Brayden Lissington and a brace from Rhys Thomas could not quite hold on to the points
Another challenge against Farnborough FC Futsal followed, a 13-3 defeat had a positive light on it as Max Barton grabbed a hat-trick with his first three goals for the club. Unfortunately, it was another slow month for our Women’s side in October, with just one game again, as they faced a tricky trip up North to WSS Tier One side Birmingham WLV. They were unlucky to come off on the wrong end of a 13-2 result against a clinical Birmingham first team. The game was the first of four in the NFS WSS League Cup group stage. Goals from Georgia Jones and Megan Packett were just consolation, but on the day the Magpies could have scored more. Lucindha Lawson deserves great credit for her fantastic efforts in goal, after United’s goalkeeper was forced off with concussion
OPPONENT REWIND
Maidenhead United secured an eighth straight season in the Vanarama National League with a dramatic late win against promotion-chasing Gateshead in their final York Road outing of 2023/24
The Magpies made a strong start to the match, forcing their high-flying visitors onto the backfoot with a number of dangerous set pieces. A foul on marked-man Jayden MitchellLawson was nearly punished as
Sam Barratt’s free-kick found Casey Pettit who volleyed over. At the other end Will De Havilland blocked a goal-bound shot from Ben Worman and Luke Hannant had a tame shot from the edge of the box easily saved by Ross
United dominated as the half wore on; Will De Havilland saw a headed attempt at goal gathered, the ever-lively Reece Smith saw his dangerous run snuffed out by alert Heed ‘keeper Nathan Harness and moments later Reece’s ball across the box found Shawn McCoulsky who nudged the ball wide of the far post Callum Whelan dramatically saw his low effort cleared off the line by Sam Beckwith and an end-toend first half could easily have seen an opening goal in stoppage time as firstly Casey Pettit dispossessed his man and fed McCoulsky who stabbed his shot into the side-netting.
The game took a dramatic swing towards the visitors from the north-east early in the second half. Will De Havilland was caught in possession and Dinanga forced the ball home, albeit from an offside position A flowing move involving substitute Ashley Nathaniel-George opened up a chance for Casey Pettit who saw his shot saved and United we made to pay the penalty – literally – a minute later. De Havilland fouled Connor McBride and Hannant stepped up to stroke home the penalty.
For a long while the visitors looked the more likely to grab the next goal Tom Allan was wasteful when breaking and smashing his shot wide, prolific Marcus Dinanga was spectacularly denied by Craig Ross at point blank range to keep United in the game And those efforts were rewarded in the final ten minutes of the game With time running out, Casey Pettit’s free-kick was headed back across goal by Alan Massey for Kevin Lokko to glance the ball home Ross had to deny substitute Dajaune Brown at his near post and Callum Whelan volleyed wide before the thrilling denouement.
Chasing a long ball, McCoulsky bundled past the defender and rounded Harness to score and send Bell Street ballistic. Tristan Abrahams was denied by Harness in time added on to time added on but Alan Devonshire was happy with two goals on his birthday.
MAIDENHEAD UNITED SUPPORTERS GROUP
Maidenhead United Supporters Group (MUSG) is the name of the new fan-led group dedicated to enhancing the experience that MUFC supporters have with their club and supporting the club in all its endeavours
MUSG have already seen a 50% increase in membership this season, which is really positive MUSG is now looking to grow representation across all teams operating under the MUFC banner.
The supporters coach to Eastleigh on 21st December will definitely run. The fare will be £25 for adults and £20 for Under 16s. The Silverlake Stadium is not the easiest to reach via public transport so book up with us by visiting our stand opposite the Kelme Club Shop today before the match. You will also be able to book up for the trip to Woking on New Year’s Day Fare will be: U16 Member £15, U16 Non-Member £18; Adult Member £20, Adult Non-Member £23
MUSG are proudly sponsoring Maidenhead United Women’s Captain Sarah Thompson this season. MUSG member Luke posed with Sarah after the Magpies women’s latest victory at York Road.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE TABLE
ON THIS DAY
The BT Sports cameras were at York Road five years ago today to broadcast an early evening National League thriller with Woking Recently retired legend Dave Tarpey returned wearing the number seven shirt for the visitors whilst their keeper was United’s current number one Craig Ross Woking dominated the first-half and led 2-0 at the break courtesy of goals from Moussa Diarra and Jamar Loza Second half substitutes Bernard Mensah and Danny Whitehall galvanised the Magpies, Jake Cassidy saw his shot palmed away by Ross before Whitehall got one back on the hour However another ex-Magpie, Jake Hyde put the Cards 3-1 up on 75 minutes; Whitehall pulled the score back to 3-2 with five minutes to spare but the three points would be heading back to Surrey
York Road had witnessed another 3-2 score line in 1991, this time in the Magpies favour: a vital Isthmian League 1st Division win over bottom club Aveley New captain Stuart Muir put Maidenhead ahead in the 20th minute, his powerful header from a corner giving Aveley keeper Mark O’Leary no chance O’Leary made a couple of fine saves from Steve Croxford and Benny Laryea before Gareth Gore equalised for the visitors on 28 minutes. Despite United’s dominance the Essex side took the lead on the hour when Stewart Harvey broke away to slot the ball past Peter Rackley As in 2019 a double substitution brought Maidenhead back to life as Gary Hall and Alvan Whittaker entered the field of play and United were back level in the 70th minute, Laryea bundling home Cliff Alleyne scored the winning goal five minutes later from a Paul Holder corner.
Four goals from PJ Hunt and a hat trick from Jack Deverall helped the Magpies record an incredible 11-0 Spartan League home win over Callender Athletic today in 1935 This more than made up for a 6-1 defeat against the same opposition at the end of September, Basil Day (2), Fred Gigg and F Baigent were also on the scoresheet. Despite this thrashing the Erith based side still went on to finish as runners-up at the end of the season whilst Maidenhead’s campaign fizzled out, eventually settling for a mid-table finish. Another victory of note occurred in 1957 when visitors Worthing were put to the sword in a 7-1 Corinthian League win, Peter Brinsden scoring a hat trick
