SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2024
3:00PM
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE
CLUBNEWS
We are now very much into ‘cup season’ for our teams As reported in Tuesday night’s programme, The Magpies have been handed a trip to Binfield in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup Third Round The Step 4 Moles are in much improved form, with former MUFC Academy graduate Kickie Dzimba hitting the back of the net with regularity. As United disposed of Taunton Town on Tuesday night, Binfield were enjoying a cup victory of their own, defeating Tier 3 outfit Dulwich Hamlet with a superb 4-1 victory at Champion Hill in the Velocity Trophy. The tie has been arranged for Monday 11th November with a 7:45pm kick off at Hill Farm Lane, RG42 5NR. Admission prices to be confirmed.
United’s women bowed out of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup after a dramatic encounter at Fulham last Sunday, a report on that match will appear in Tuesday night’s programme They still have two competitions in their sights, however. Their Berks & Bucks Senior Cup campaign starts tomorrow when they
host Milton United at Bisham Abbey in a competition which continues to elude United’s women who last qualified for the final in 2020, with the competition eventually abandoned due to the COVID crisis.
The United Development team will take part in the BBFA Trophy, and they will also be in action tomorrow, at home to Aylesbury United in a 2pm kick off at Cox Green Leisure Centre The draw for the Combined Counties League Women’s Cup has been made and United – the defending champions after defeating Fulham on penalties after a thrilling final in May – will have a home tie with fellow Tier 4 side Actonians, to be played by mid-December
Meanwhile – with the identity of our potential First Round opposition due to be released yesterday – United’s men’s Academy will now host their rearranged FA Youth Cup Third Qualifying Round tie with Eastbourne United. The tie will be played next Wednesday 23rd October with a 7:45pm kick off. Admission will be £5 for adults, £2 concessions. Aaron O’Briens young Magpies triumphed 4-3 at Wealdstone in a thriller in the last qualifying round and will be looking to move into the competition proper for the first time since 2019/20, when they reached the Third Round Proper for the second consecutive season
ONOURTRAVELS
The second half would be very much a replica of the first, with Southend starting strong in the opening minutes Walker’s effort, this time with his right foot, was superbly blocked by defender Owen Cochrane to ensure United preserved their lead.
Substitute James Morton helped ramp up the Shrimpers’ pressure on Ross’ net His first involvement would be a direct free kick shortly after the hour mark, and the lack of a touch on the receiving end forced the ‘keeper into another good save
Minutes later, the Magpies would score their second in a similar fashion to their first. Albeit from a corner rather than a free kick, Ferguson would once again curl a cross into the box for Lokko to head past Collin Andeng Ndi and double United’s lead.
Any nerves among the 101-strong travelling faithful were lifted, especially after another fine stop by Ross shortly after the restart The Magpies cruised home in the final 20 minutes to ensure all three points would be coming back to Berkshire
AROUNDTHELEAGUE
You can read more about Hartlepool’s tie at Brackley Town on Page 16 of today's programme, but the standout shock result came at the Jakeman’s Community Stadium where a Lincolnshire derby went emphatically in favour of underdogs Gainsborough Trinity Declan Howe and Lewis Butroid fired the visitors into a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes, Howe beating Ellis Craven with a composed, low finish. before Jordan Helliwell crossed for Butroid to stab the ball home at the near post.
Boston's clearest opportunity fell to Tony Weston after the break, but his effort agonisingly hit the inside of Dylan Wharton's far post and bounced back to safety Weston was injured in the process and hobbled off with a foot problem Howe made it safe in the 68th minute with a firm finish on the end of Javelle Clarke's cutback and Trinity completed the rout 11 minutes from time when the ball fell kindly to Fraser Preston to lash home the visitors' fourth
Trinity will now travel to Steve King’s Hednesford Town in Round 1. The Pitmen –who now include former Magpie Dan Sparkes in their line-up – came from behind on Saturday to earn a replay at the International Stadium against high-flying Gateshead. The Heed once again scored first when Owen Oseni scored inside the opening ten minutes but the underdogs from the Northern Premier League were level midway through the half thanks to Jack Bearne A quick-fire two goal burst around the hour mark put King’s men through, Rob Stevenson and Sion Spence giving Hednesford daylight The Staffordshire club – who reached Round 4 in 1997 –are in Round 1 for the first time since 2013 when they were narrowly beaten at home to the Magpies upcoming opponents, Crawley Town
Another National League club to bow out on Tuesday night was Altrincham, who were beaten on penalties at Solihull Moors after a 2-2 draw over 120 minutes play. The Moors will now entertain 2023/24 giant-killers Maidstone United in a fortnight. Meanwhile, the Magpies are one of six National League sides to draw an EFL club at home in Round 1.
WOMEN’STEAM
Maidenhead United Women made it backto-back FA Women’s National League Division 1 South West wins with a disciplined performance at home to Portishead Town on Sunday, with two blinding goals securing the victory which moves Ed JacksonNorris’s Magpies into the top half of the table
The Somerset side had proven difficult to beat in the FAWNL this season, with just one defeat from their five league matches prior to their visit to York Road However, a first clean sheet of the season for MUWFC was the basis for a deserved victory given to them by a goal in each half
In a match which was generally short on goalscoring opportunities, the away side threatened when Lulu Watts sent a free kick over the bar. Natasha Rasmussen saw an effort from outside of the box well gathered by Amy Garrigan in the Portishead goal, while Macey-Nikiah Walters’ left-footed shot was offtarget after good work by Rasmussen.
The scoring was opened by Walters ten minutes before the break Izzy Stockton switched the ball into the right channel which Walters controlled on her chest before blasting a right-footed strike inside the far post from the acutest of angles
United thought they had a second soon after half-time when captain-for-theday Nat Cowell smartly finished a cross from Emily Norfolk, albeit from an offside position.
The away side’s biggest threat in the second half came from left-sided attacker Imogen Jones, who cut in but couldn’t beat Danni Hull in the United goal.
The points were sealed in injury time when a Maidenhead corner was cleared only as far as Megan Halfacree Her magnificent first-time effort found the top corner from 25 yards out
United start their Berks & Bucks Cup campaign tomorrow afternoon, Sunday 20th October at Bisham Abbey against Milton United in a 2pm kick-off.
ONOURTRAVELS
Alan Devonshire named an unchanged starting XI and bench following the midweek 2-1 win at home to Ebbsfleet United. It was almost a nightmare start for the Magpies after a mix-up in the box almost presented a golden opportunity to Dan Mooney, thankfully Craig Ross recovered and cleared the danger.
The hosts took the lead just before the ten-minute mark with a strike from distance courtesy of Zak Mills, his effort curled into the top corner Maidenhead were level early in the first half after a ball from Jayden Mitchell-Lawson found Shawn McCoulsky whose looping effort was too much for Aidan Stone in net
Following the leveller, both sides continued to jostle for possession in an end-toend game with both sides looking to create an opportunity to take the lead. Tony Weston was the next to test his luck for the hosts with an effort from outside the box, thankfully it was comfortably collected by Ross.
Half-time: Boston United 1-1 Magpies
It was an encouraging start to the second half from the Magpies who had lengthy spells of possession but failed to create any chances Maidenhead continued to assert themselves in the game, first Reece Smith saw his effort tipped wide by Stone before a scramble from the resulting corner almost resulted in Maidenhead going ahead for the first time in the match.
Jayden Mitchell-Lawson was the first of two Maidenhead players to hit the woodwork inside two minutes after Stone tipped his strike onto the bar, Reece Smith’s effort moments later clipped the post and hit the back of the net to give Maidenhead a 2-1 lead.
Substitute Keaton Ward attempted to get the Pilgrims level with ten minutes to spare but his free-kick was straight into the gloves of Ross Adam Marriott was the next to push for the equaliser Thankfully, his effort skimmed past the post and out for a goal kick and United had their first away win of the campaign and an incredible nineteenth different scalp of a former EFL club since our promotion to the National League in 2017
Full-time: Boston United 2-1 Magpies
MEETTHEOPPOSITION
It has been a tough season so far for Pools and they will be hoping that Tuesday night’s FA Cup replay defeat at National League North side Brackley Town – a result which cost manager Darren Sarll his job – will be the nadir
The proud North East club relieved manager Sarll of his duties after just 15 games in charge followed Tuesday’s match The former Stevenage, Yeovil Town and Woking bosswas only appointed in Aprilafter the club decided not to extend Kevin Phillips' contract Former Middlesbrough boss Lennie Lawrence will take over as interim manager with Pools sitting 16th in the National League, and the club’s board promising a further update ‘in due course’. Sarll had left Yeovil to take over at Woking in March 2022 but despite leading the Cards to a fourth-placed finish in the National League in 2022/23, he was sacked after a run of eight defeats in 10 games. Tuesday’s ‘final straw’ for Sarll’s employers came as the club suffered five defeats in their last seven games.
Sarll’s predecessor Phillips was in the dug-out when Pools last visited York Road for a crucial clash back in April this year A late-season improvement in form had seen United begin to pull away from trouble at the bottom of the division, and another three-points against Pools would put them on the verge of safety which looked so unlikely just a matter of weeks before United went ahead in the 13th minute when Casey Pettit converted Will de Havilland's knock down. Callum Cooke's brilliant volley brought Hartlepool level against the run of play after the break but two goals in the final fifteen minutes sealed it for the Magpies. Sam Beckwith made it 2-1 in the 75th minute with a deflected shot from the edge of the area and Shawn McCoulsky sealed it with a tap-in.
Pools – who lost the EFL spot they regained in 2020 just three years later – have a special place in MUFC folklore They were our first ever National League victims after promotion in 2017 On a glorious afternoon on 12th August 2017 in front of the BT Sports camera, Dave Tarpey scored twice Tarps opened the scoring in the 34th minute when a long ball down the middle was flicked on by Sean Marks and he tucked it past goalkeeper Scott Loach and into the bottom right-hand corner.
Tarpey – now playing his trade in Step 3 with our local rivals Marlow - doubled the lead in the 58th minute, collecting a poor back-pass from Louis Laing and rifling home a shot off the underside of the crossbar. Pools pulled one back when James Comley was penalised and booked for a late challenge in the box and Padraig Amond stroked home from the spot, but they left it too late to salvage a point as York Road celebrated
The Gaffer – Lennie Lawrence
76-year-old Lawrence starts his second stint as Pools caretaker manager this afternoon here at York Road. Lawrence appeared as a semi-professional in the south London area for the likes of Croydon, Carshalton Athletic and Sutton United but is widely experienced in club management. Spells coaching at Plymouth Argyle and Lincoln City earned Lawrence the opportunity to become reserve team manager at Charlton Athletic, later becoming manager of The Addicks.
Promotion to the top flight for the homeless London club came in 1986 and after four seasons as manager in the old First Division, Lawrence then took Middlesbrough to the top flight There was a brief spell in charge at Bradford City before Luton Town came calling Lawrence was unable to stave off relegation from what is now known as the EFL Championship and he stayed in Bedfordshire until 2000. After a short time with Grimsby Town, Lawrence took Cardiff City into the Championship and after a number of coaching appointments the experienced manager has held consultancy roles with the likes of Newport County, Stevenage and Hartlepool.
THREE TO WATCH
Gary Madine is a richly experienced forward, the 34-year-old having spent 16 seasons exclusively in the top three divisions of English football with nearly 500 appearances and scoring over 100 goals. Madine shone for Carlisle United in League One as a youngster before gaining a move to Sheffield Wednesday where he spent 5 years and was their top scorer in 2011/12 season as they gained promotion into the Championship. Madine has since gained a further 4 EFL promotions with Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff City, Sheffield United and Blackpool
Mani Dieseruvwe is a target man who has twice won promotion to the Football League and made an instant impact during his first season with Pools after notching 25 goals His hattrick helped secure three points against Sutton United in the Pools most recent National League run-out After progressing through Sheffield Wednesday’s academy, Dieseruvwe played for the likes of Chesterfield, Kidderminster Harriers, Salford City and Grimsby Town.
Anthony Mancini is a French midfield maestro who signed for Hartlepool in July 2023 after impressing during a preseason trial He spent his entire youth career in his homeland and gained his first senior experience with the Angers second team Mancini also represented France at U19 level The midfielder moved to England and enjoyed a two-year stay with Burnley before a spell with Accrington Stanley Mancini opened the scoring and was ‘man of the match’ in Pools 3-1 home win over Maidenhead last season.
SMITHSPEAKS
‘One of our own’ Reece Smith scored his fourth goal of another productive season so far against Taunton Town last Saturday afternoon, was involved in the buildup for the first and last goal in Tuesday night’s replay and put the match-clinching second on a plate for Ruben Carvalho. All in a week’s work for United’s laid-back, home-grown 22-year-old who represented Maidenhead as a teenager in the Allied Counties League, starred in the FA Youth and then became one of the most talkedabout players in the National League.
Modest Reece doesn’t like to talk too much about himself, but we pinned him down for a few words during a quiet moment in a busy period for Reece and his team-mates “My own form I feel has been good in parts but still I feel like the best is yet to come” says the much-admired youngster. With the team now unbeaten in six league and cup matches, Smith added: “I feel like it has been a collective thing, when the group gets that win that good feeling gets around and it’s contagious. Everyone becomes more confident, and I think better performances start from that”
Reece continues: “The team spirit is great; it always is when you’re winning, but even if we are not, we have good leaders that drag us through” A popular member of the changing room, Smith is rightly lauded by Magpies supporters as a local lad coming through and – after a match-winning performance on Tuesday night – it was heartening to see him sharing high-fives with the adoring Maidenhead public at the Bell Street end as he earned a rare breather when substituted deep in added time with the game done. He admitted: “I feel like [the rapport with the fans] is good. I personally have a great relationship with them, and when they sing my song, I really feel like ‘one of their own’.”
As infectious a personality as Reece is he does have his private side – after applauding the fans the next port of call at the end of the game is his supportive family – his brother Ryan also played in the MUFC Academy, and he says: “My personal ambitions are to help the team every week with good performances Obviously, I have number targets but those are private! My team ambition is to have the best season we’ve had in the National League and with this group it’s definitely possible.” Arsenal fan Reece admits that his ultimate ambition is “to play in the Premier League!” and whilst that seems some way off now, Magpies fans should enjoy watching ‘one of our’ whilst we can!
THANK YOU PARTNER MONTH
At Maidenhead United, October is a special time as we celebrate ‘Thank You Partner Month’ - an opportunity for us to showcase and highlight the incredible contributions of our valued partners. Throughout the next few weeks, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the businesses and organisations who support our club, sharing their stories, and thanking them for their vital role in our community
Showcasing Our Key Partners
Over the next few weeks, keep an eye on our social media channels as we’ll be sharing special content about our fantastic partners. From our Club Partners, who play a crucial role in the day-to-day running of the team, to our Community Partners, whose support makes a real difference in grassroots football and outreach programmes, we’ll be recognising their contributions to the club. In addition, we’ll also highlight our Football Partners, who provide essential backing to our teams across all levels, and our CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) Partners, whose support helps raise awareness around mental health, particularly within the footballing community
Get Involved
Thank You Partner Month is a chance to not only celebrate our existing partnerships but to invite new businesses to join the Maidenhead United journey. If you’re interested in learning more about how your business can partner with us and make a meaningful impact both on and off the pitch, contact our team to explore the various opportunities available Together, we can build something special for the future of Maidenhead United FC and our community
Follow us on our social media channels to stay up to date and join us in thanking the incredible organisations that support our club!
OPPONENTREWIND
Only Samuel James Barratt could follow up scoring from the halfway line on a Monday by scoring a hat-trick the following Saturday Not that many folk were present to see his achievements in the first week of May 2021 The country was still in a state of COVID-fear and gatherings were forbidden by Government. All bar seven MUFC games during that strange season were played in front of a handful of club officials.
On Bank Holiday Monday, Barratt scored an extraordinary goal at York Road against play-off hunting Wrexham from his own half. Five days later, the Magpies were up in County Durham to face another promotion-chasing side, Hartlepool United Pools had recorded a 4-0 victory at York Road earlier in the season, but the Magpies started off on the front foot this time, Danilo Orsi giving the visitors the lead with a typically composed finish after fifteen minutes A fine individual goal by Rhys Oates brought Pools back on terms but Barratt restored United’s lead prior to the break, benefitting from good, unselfish work from Orsi who is now scoring for EFL League 1 side Burton Albion
There was another potentially pivotal moment however before the half time whistle. Maidenhead players and staff were stunned as Ryheem Sheckleford was shown a straight red card by referee Martin Woods for an innocuous-looking challenge on Harvey Saunders United channelled their sense of injustice into winning the game for their hard-done-by colleague, with former Southend United man Barratt inspired
Berkshire-Born Barratt had the game sewn up by the hour as Maidenhead made a mockery of their one-man disadvantage. Barely two minutes into the second period, a goal kick from Rhys Lovett sailed over the heads of Pools defenders, Barratt latched onto the long ball and his second touch on his left foot sent the ball arrowing past Pools ‘keeper Henrich Ravas low into the corner of the net. Before long, the same corner of the net bulged, and Ravas beaten by a similar piledriver as Barratt collected a loose ball from fully 25 yards after Dan Sparkes saw a shot blocked 4-1 up with ten men at a side who had not lost at home since December
Danny Elliott grabbed a second for Pools five minutes from time, but it was little consolation and did not detract one iota from Barratt’s achievement Assistant boss Ryan Peters was full of praise for his former team-mate after the game, saying: “I’m really pleased for Sammy He’s had a torrid time with injury over the past few years so to come back to his home and score as many goals as he has, it’s been great.”
MAIDENHEADUNITED SUPPORTERSGROUP
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
MUSG is delighted with the recent upturn in away results and away support, with good numbers making their way to ‘new’ grounds at Boston United and Taunton Town and more than 100 away supporters easily out-singing more than 6,600 Southend United supporters at our last league game
MUSG will be running a coach for our trip to Yeovil on Saturday, 26th October Ticket prices are as follows:
Adult MUSG Member
£35
Adult Non-Member £40
U16 MUSG Member £25
U16 Non-Member £30
If more than 25 supporters sign up, each traveller will be reimbursed £5 This increases to £10 should more than 30 seats be filled Payment is available by cash/card/bank transfer - please see one of the MUSG Team opposite the Merchandising Stand during all home games or email: musgyorkroad@gmail.com
Please visit us today, join MUSG, buy a badge, a 50/50 draw ticket and a Golden Goal ticket and have a chat with us about our activities for the season
We are looking into the viability of further coordinated travel to away matches prior to Christmas – keep an eye our on the website, our programmes notes and our ‘X’ account, @MUSG YorkRoad
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE TABLE
A 2-1 Amateur Cup victory at Slough in 1912 helped erase the memory of a 4-0 defeat against our near neighbours in the same competition the previous season. A large crowd lined the ropes at The Dolphin to see Maidenhead take the lead in the 8th minute when Inglis broke clear to slot the ball past Werrell Slough pressed for an equaliser and duly did so via Lawes, despite Maidenhead appeals for handball Maidenhead created a succession of chances in the second half without finding a way through until the home side created their own downfall; an attempted clearance by Werrrell cannoned off Wooster and into the net The home supporters were none too pleased at the final whistle as the Maidenhead Advertiser reported “At the conclusion of the game, there was an unsportsmanlike demonstration outside the Maidenhead team’s dressing room, a fairly large number of the home supporters gathering and hooting the Maidenhead players as they came off the field. A missile of some kind was thrown and things looked ominous for a little while Eventually, order was restored”
Missiles were not the problem 70 years later, rather the finishing prowess of Hampton’s Peter Shoedeinde who netted four goals in a humiliating 8-2 defeat at The Beveree United’s two goals, scored by Richard North and Steve Cordery offered little consolation in what was described as one of United’s bleakest days in Isthmian League football.
The Magpies had a much easier afternoon in 1988 with a comfortable 3-0 Isthmian League Division 2 South victory at Flackwell Heath. Goals from Jim Hartridge and Dave Harrison eased Maidenhead into a two-goal lead after just 19 minutes. The hosts had an excellent chance to reduce the arrears just after the hour mark when they were awarded a penalty after keeper Mark Whiffin brought down Andy Duncan; Whiffin atoned for his error saving Andy Styles’ spot-kick, eight minutes later it was all over, Mark Formosa flicking home a Vaughan Powell free kick
Two goals from Lawrence Yaku and a late strike from substitute Ibrahim Adeoye saw Maidenhead record another 3-0 Isthmian League Premier Division victory on the road at Ford United today in 2002. However, the Motormen exacted their revenge a month later winning 4-0 at York Road.
By Maurice Cann
MANAGER: Alan Devonshire
HARVEY COLLINS (GK) 1
ZAC BELL 2
TYRESE DYCE 3
WILL DE HAVILLAND 4
KEVIN LOKKO 5
THIERRY LATTY-FAIRWEATHER 6
RUBEN CARVALHO 7
NATHAN FERGUSON 8
SHAWN McCOULSKY 9
KANE FERDINAND 10
JAYDEN MITCHELL-LAWSON 11
BRADLEY KEETCH 12
CRAIG ROSS (GK) 13
TOBI SHO-SILVA 14
CASEY PETTIT 16
REECE SMITH 17
CHRISTIAN JOHNSON 18
OWEN COCHRANE 19
REMY CLERIMA 20
TARIQ UWAKWE 21
MILES WELCH-HAYES 22
TRISTAN ABRAHAMS 23
ALAN MASSEY 24
SAM BARRATT 25
JAMES GOLDING 26
JAMIE DAVIES 27
JOSHUA McMENEMY 28
JADYN DUNDAS 29
JOSEPH AJOSE 32
MANAGER: Richard Luffman
1. Joel Dixon (GK)
2. Dan Dodds
3. David Ferguson
4. Tom Parkes
5. Luke Waterfall
6. Kieran Wallace
7. Jack Hunter
8. Anthony Mancini
9. Gary Madine
10. Adam Campbell
11. Luke Charman
12. Joe Grey
14. Nathan Sheron
15. Greg Sloggett
16. Nicky Featherstone
17. Billy Sass-Davies
18. Roshaun Mathurin
19. Nathan Asiimwe
20. Mani Dieseruvwe
21. Louis Stephenson
22. Campbell Darcy
23. Manny Onariase
24. Max Storey
29. Alfie Steel
31. Brad Young (GK)
40. Adam Smith (GK)
TODAY’S OFFICIALS
Referee: Garreth Rhodes
Assistants: Michael Hayden and Christopher Darling
Fourth Official: Andrew Hickman
