LIFE VICE PRESIDENTS: Kenneth Chandler, Jean & Roger Coombs, Richie Goddard, Dave Harrison, Pat McDonald, Mark Smith, Jon Swan & Jon Urry
DIRECTORS & TRUSTEES: Graham Alfred, Bob Hussey, Steve Jinman, Mark Stewart
CEO: Jon Adams
GROUNDSMAN/KIT: Jason Stewart
CLUB SECRETARY: Neil Maskell (secretary@maidenheadunitedfc.org)
COMMERCIAL: Sian Lancaster (sian@maidenheadunitedfc.org), Helen Park (helen@maidenheadunitedfc.org)
MEDIA: Jack Stroudley (jack@maidenheadunitedfc.org)
COMMUNITY TRUST MANAGER: Helen Preedy (helen.preedy@maidenheadunitedfc.org)
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 2.13 are Peter Griffin and MUFC Ltd.
CLUB NEWS
Welcome to the first ‘digital only’ edition of the Maidenhead United programme since COVID times, available FREE of charge. A digital programme not only saves on costs and potential wastage, it also offers more value for our loyal sponsors, with the club able to offer clickable links on the digital version through to the web pages of our partners.
We also recognise the value of a printed programme to many suppoters. Therefore, we have retained an option to pre-purchase a printed version via our ticketing website at https://ethicalticketing.org/maidenhead-united-fc/ events . Orders placed through our website will be sent via the post to arrive on your doorstep on matchday. To facilitate this, orders will close at midnight on Thursday before a Saturday game and at midnight on Sunday before a Tuesday fixture.
Meanwhile, It has been a busy summer in the transfer market for Alan Devonshire, with 11 new players arriving at the club since the end of last season. In recent weeks since the season’s start, we have seen a number of players arrive on loan. Making their respective debuts against Altrincham were full-backs Thierry Latty-Fairweather and Own Cochrane. 21 year old Latty-Fairweather signed on an initial one month loan from divisional rivals York City. He started his career at Nottingham Forest and has EFL experience with Burton Albion. Cochrane – who turned 20 on Tuesday – arrived from Stevenage and his deal has been extended until the end of the campaign.
United have also welcomed experienced Miles Welch-Hayes to the club on a season-long loan from Scottish club Livingston. The defender has EFL experience with the likes of home-town club Oxford United, Macclesfield Town, Colchester United and Harrogate Town. The 27 year old came on as a substitute in the defeat at Aldershot Town last weekend.
During the week, Dev put pen-to-paper on a loan deal with James Golding from Championship club Oxford United. 20 year-old James became a real fans favourite here at York Road last season when he made 10 starts before being recalled by the U’s. Versatile James – who can operate in defence or midfield - has caps for Republic of Ireland Under 19s and has made nine appearances for Oxford since graduating through their academy programme.
Meanwhile it isn’t just Alan Devonshire who has been working hard on brining in new blood - MUFC Futsal have been busy signing new players following their successful 2023/24 season. The men’s team – who enjoyed a brilliant debut season in Tier 1 – have brought in multiple title-winner with Champions League experience Toluwa Sotonye. They have also secured the registration of Columbian Daniel Beltran, goalkeeper Jack Walsh and former East Riding man Rinaldis Jurkstis. MUFC Futsal Women challenged for Tier 2 promotion last season and they have added new faces in bringing in the likes of Charlotte Parrett, Paula Alvarado from Bloomsbury and French goalkeeper Clara Dete.
United’s men will host their second pre-season friendly at Bradfield College tomorrow afternoon when they entertain West London Futsal in at Bradfield College. Entry is £3 with Under 16s admitted for FREE. Food and drink will be available to buy as well as copies of their ‘Magpies Monthly’ magazine.
RYAN PETERS
Welcome back one and all to York Road. I have three matches to reflect upon since these notes were last written, three games which have brought contrasting fortunes and emotions.
The bank holiday weekend was a good one for us. We were kindly given a long trip up the M6 for the Saturday match at AFC Fylde, a side who had punished us on their patch last season and another club with a large budget. After a slow start to the season it is full credit to the boys that we dominated the match up there from start to finish. With a bit more clinical edge or good fortune we would have won the game handsomely. We defended well and came away with a goalless draw which was the absolute minimum we deserved.
Such a long trip and less than 48 hours to prepare for the title favourites. We arrived home late on Saturday so on Sunday the boys went to the gym at Braywick Leisure Centre to have a light recovery session. We then took on the team that we had only previously taken three points against in twelve National League encounters. The boys were on the back foot for the first ten minutes of the game and perhaps a little leggy. Our first goal of the season came at last which settled us down a bit against the team we feel might be the best in the league.
We scored an excellent team goal with Owen Cochrane and Jayden Mitchell-Lawson linking up to put one on a plate for Tristan. We knew that we would find it tough out of possession against Barnet but when we were on the ball we knew the areas we could exploit. They got one back right on the stroke of half time and that can change a game, but our strong performance at Fylde had been due to coming out for the second period with the impetus and we had to repeat that.
Psychologically it can be hard to come out for the second half but we had a third within fifteen minutes of the restart. I had been told it had been sixty years since we’d beaten Barnet and we fully imagine they will be in
the play-offs if not winning the league, so it really was a very good victory.
We wanted to follow up that performance at Aldershot. For the second game in a row we didn’t start great and that needs to be addressed. You can’t give teams like Aldershot chances and essentially that is what we did. You can’t concede four goals in any game and expect to win it. When you go away from home and score three it should be more than enough but it wasn’t on the day.
Our defending at times was a cause for concern after two really good defensive performances. We were surprised by some of the performances out there based on those previous displays. The game was really, really open for both teams and that is the opposite of what we want it to be.
It got stretched at times and that is not the way in which we play. We gave some uncharacteristic goals away but the positive is that we are creating chance and scoring goals. We will now go straight into analysis and assess the defending and we will have trained well this week also.
Today we face another tough side but it is important that we do well in our home games so please get right behind us today as you did here last time, as you did at Aldershot.
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Gateshead are now the only unbeaten side left in the National League as they rose to the top of the tree following a 2-1 win over Eastleigh. Owen Oseni gave the Heed the lead on the stroke of half-time but they were reduced to ten men on the hour mark when Tom Allan was sent off for deliberate handball in the box. The penalty was initially saved before Scott Quigley equalised for the Spitfires. Louis Storey’s 90th minute winner was the difference between the two sides with Gateshead leapfrogging Eastleigh who now sit in 2nd.
The remaining play-off placed sides had successful weekends with all five of them coming out winners in their respective games. The first of two seven-goal thrillers came at the Hive as Barnet comfortably dispatched of Tamworth. The Bees were 3-0 up before half-time thanks to a Zak Brunt brace and a goal from Ryan Glover. Brunt had his hat-trick early in the second half after converting a penalty and goals from Mark Shelton, Callum Stead and Harry Chapman made it a day to forget, dropping the Lambs into the bottom four.
The other seven-goal game came at Aldershot Town who ran out 4-3 winners against Maidenhead United. It was a dream start for the Shots when James Henry struck from outside the box inside three minutes to give them the lead, Maidenhead were bright in the first half and rewarded with Tristan Abrahams second goal in as many games.
Olly Scott reinstated the hosts lead in the second half in a frantic five minutes which saw Abrahams equalise for the Magpies before Kai Corbett give the Shots the lead for the third time. Hady Ghandour gave the Shots some breathing room before Kevin Lokko made the final minutes nervy, the result also kept Maidenhead in the bottom four.
Rochdale ran out convincing winners at home to Woking thanks to a brace from Kairo Mitchell alongside a goal from Aaron Henry. Today’s visitors Dagenham & Redbridge were thwarted at home to York City with two late goals from Lenell John-Lewis and Ollie Pearce with Forest
Green Rovers making up the final of the playoff places after beating fellow relegated side Sutton United 2-1 in Surrey. Christian Doidge gave the visitors an early lead but Jeremy Sivi would’ve thought he snatched a point with his late equaliser before Charlie McCann’s 89th minute winner gave the visitors all three points.
Joining Tamworth and Maidenhead United in the National League’s bottom four are Boston United and Ebbsfleet United who both failed to pick up points last weekend. It was a nightmare start for Boston as visitors Yeovil Town took an early lead through Brett McGavin before they equalised through Sam Osborne. Minutes later the hosts were down to ten men as Jordan Richards was sent off. Yeovil made this man advantage count with McGavin scoring his second of the game before Jordan Young put the result beyond doubt. The visitors were reduced to ten late on thanks to Jake Wannell but returned with all three points.
Ebbsfleet United remain the only side in the National League yet to win a game and FC Halifax Town capitalised in the third minute thanks to Angelo Cappello who scored the only goal of the game, Jamie Cooke was sent off late on for the Shaymen but the three points moves them up to 14th.
All three remaining fixtures ended in a draw, the first of those came at Hartlepool United who drew 0-0 to newly promoted Braintree Town. A point for Wealdstone away at Solihull Moors was enough to move them out of the bottom four but they were behind at the interval with James Gale scoring just before the break. The Moors were unable to hold on though and Alex Whitmore’s own goal ensured the spoils were shared.
In a local derby between the two sides, Oldham struck first away to Altrincham thanks to James Norwood before a second half goal from Regan Linney ensured both sides settled for a point. The result moves Oldham Athletic out of the play-off places.
WOMEN’S TEAM
United enjoyed home comforts as they deservedly edged out newly-promoted Bournemouth Sports last Sunday for a second victory at York Road inside four days following FAWNL Cup victory against Ashford Town on the preceding Thursday.
The away side Ashford Town settled better under the Thursday night lights at York Road. There was an astonishing moment in the opening five minutes when Ashford hit both crossbar and post in the same goalmouth scramble before the visitors Zuzanna Wojtaszewska struck the outside of Danni Hull’s near post with a shot from outside the area.
At the other end United began to get a foothold. Izzy Stockton shot narrowly wide after a cute through ball from the outstanding Emily Norfolk. United led inside twenty minutes when Macey-Nikiah Walters curling effort from outside the box deceived Maisie Swan in the Bridgwater goal and crept inside the far post. A lovely United move involving Ruth Topping and Simone O’Brien led to Natalie Cowell shooting wide at the near post but moments later Norfolk charged down Swan in possession, tackling the ‘keeper and being rewarded as the ball trickled over the line. United were two goals to the good after barely half an hour.
Ashford perhaps knew it wasn’t going to be their night when Alissa Down headed a corner kick against the post just minutes after that second goal and the impressive Brogan Moore tested Hull, making her first appearance of the season for United. Nicole Leys had a fine turn and shot fly narrowly over the top as the away side pushed at the end of the half, but they were rewarded in the first minute of the second period. A corner was only cleared to the Ashford right flank and a fine ball into the box was nudged home, with either Magpies defender Sarah Thompson or Moore getting the last touch.
A quick-fire two-goal burst would give United daylight after the hour; Norfolk’s clever
ball over the top was controlled and finished by Cowell before Stockton latched onto a long ball from Ashlee Withers to finish delightfully into the top corner with her right foot. The visitors pulled one back through substitute Lavana Neufville and United had to keep their shape and discipline for the final ten minutes and added time as the outstanding Norfolk limped off with all five substitutes having been used.
Against Bournemouth Sports it was Maidenhead who dominated chances from the start. Walters was denied at her near post by outstanding goalkeeper Sam Chrippes within twenty seconds of kick off and minutes later a ball from the right from Walters was intelligently dummied by Stockton with O’Brien bravely denied by the onrushing ‘keeper. Captain Thompson nodded a corner against the far post as chances continued to come. United went ahead deservedly when Norfolk put a delicious ball through for Walters to finish decisively.
Walters saw a firm angled drive punched over the bar by Chrippes and Topping side-footed a clear chance straight at the ‘keeper at the end of a good move before the visitors made United pay for missed chances, equalizing against the run of play on the stroke of half time with a composed finish by Rosie Eden, a first ever FAWNL goal for Sports.
As the game wore on in temperatures recorded in the eighties the pace of the game slowed. Chrippes denied Maidenhead time and time again before former QPR player Katie Akerman won the game with barely two minutes of normal time remaining. Akerman admitted after the game that her effort which drifted over the head of the otherwise faultless Chrippes had been a cross.
LAST TIME OUT
The Magpies recent revival was checked at the EBB Stadium on Saturday as Aldershot Town edged a seven-goal thriller on an afternoon on which defences definitely were not on top.
There were ten goals across the two games between the sides last season, so it was no surprise to see the scoring opened as early as the third minute. A shot was blocked by the Magpies but the rebound fell to the Shots experienced summer signing James Henry who thrashed an excellent effort through a crowd of players and into the net from the edge of the area.
The hosts started like a house on fire, looking to avenge their 4-0 defeat at York Road back in March and they should have gone two up after a quick move down their right end with the ball moved into the box for Kai Corbett who saw his shot well saved by Craig Ross with Kevin Lokko clearing the loose ball off the line.
Having been given that let off, United rallied and equalized within minutes. Some familiar magic on the left saw Reece Smith dance to the byline and pull the ball back into the penalty area for Tristan Abrahams to score at the near post. Two goals in the opening twelve minutes and there was little let up in the action to follow.
Manager’s son Theo Widdrington threaded a ball over the top to Hady Ghandour for the hosts and despite Massey’s initial challenge the ball rebounded kindly for Henry who this time saw his shot from similar range blocked.
Ghandour was later denied on the turn by smart defending by the Magpies on loan Owen Cochrane at the expense of a corner. The Magpies had the last chance of the half when Smith and substitute Bradley Keetch linked up with the latter’s chipped effort drifting over.
Into the second period, United had a good early chance when this time Keetch fed Smith at the far post who was well denied by Shots stopper Marcus Dewhurst. Just as United had scored after a good opening for Aldershot, so did the Shots get on the scoresheet moments after a good Maidenhead chance as within minutes of Smith’s opportunity some hesitant defending let in Olly Scott to notch with a composed finish.
Back came Maidenhead within two minutes of going behind again when Abrahams turned in the box and scored from a tight angle but unfortunately it was three goals in five minutes when Craig Ross pulled off an excellent save from Ghandour only for Corbett to restore the Aldershot lead. With a little under twenty minutes to go the game looked done when substitute Jack Barham added a fourth with another excellent finish but United were back in it with the final goal of the game with twelve minutes of normal time remaining as a handball on the edge of the box was punished ruthlessly as Lokko diverted Abrahams free-kick home at the far post.
Aldershot Town: Dewhurst, Harfield, Maghoma, Widdrington (sub Tetek ‘76), Hargreaves, Corbett (sub Barham ‘64), Scott (sub Byrd ‘90), Akpan, Ghandour (sub Bray ‘90), Menayese, Henry (sub Jones ‘90).
MEET THE OPPOSITION
It has been a mixed start to the season for a Dagenham & Redbridge side who are undergoing their ninth consecutive National League season since relegation at the end of their EFL heyday in 2016.
Other than a two-legged play-off defeat to Forest Green Rovers at the end of their first season back and final day frustration at the end of 2021/22, the Daggers have not really come close to promotion back to the EFL – a coveted spot they first claimed as Conference champions in 2006/07. Last season’s disappointing fifteenth places finish came alongside exits from the two major FA competitions at the first hurdle to lower-league opposition – Peterborough Sports won at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on penalties in the Trophy whilst our Berkshire neighbours Bracknell Town defeated the Daggers with a last-minute goal in the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round.
Today’s visitors are winless since the opening day of the season when a crowd of 1,523 saw the Daggers defeat Wealdstone. Dion Pereira scored the winner nine minutes from time to thwart Wealdstone after they had looked set for a point when Sam Ashford scored 10 minutes earlier. A scrappy first half ended goalless after Dagenham’s Reece Grego-Cox’s effort was ruled out for offside. But Dagenham moved in front 10 minutes after the restart through a Josh Rees effort following impressive build-up play that saw Pereira heavily involved. Ashford then looked to have done enough for a share of the points, but Pereira had other ideas.
The Daggers took a valuable point next up at Rochdale. Former Wealdstone Tarryn Allarakhia scored his first goal for Dale to salvage a point at Crown Oil Arena. Daggers opened the scoring from a swift counter-attack, with Ryan Hill picking out Pereira who buried his effort from the edge of the area after 52 minutes. The equaliser came when Tobi Adebayo-Rowling picked out Connor McBride and his cross was met by winger Allarakhia.
Defeat came at Woking the following Tuesday night. Substitute Charley Kendall scored the only goal of the game 10 minutes from time to seal the Cards first win of the season. Woking’s Matt Ward collected the ball centrally and set off on a driving run before being dispossessed. The ball broke loose for Kendall and he lashed beyond goalkeeper Elliot Justham to nick the win. Harry Beautyman twice went close during the first half, only to be denied by Justham before the substitute’s late intervention to win.
The DAZN-broadcast match with FC Halifax Town saw Andrew Oluwabori snatched a draw for the Shaymen after Dagenham went ahead after 27 minutes as Rees fired home a low cross from Hill from 10 yards. But with seven minutes remaining Oluwabori drove forward for the visitors and lashed in the equaliser. Substitute Florent Hoti almost won it for Halifax at the end but Justham tipped his shot over.
The bank holiday Monday derby at Southend saw yet another lead cancelled out at the death. Oli Coker fired Southend into an early lead after being teed up by Harry Cardwell, but the Daggers hit back before the break through Reece Grego-Cox’s penalty after Jack Bridge’s foul on Pereira. Southend goalkeeper Collin Andeng-Ndi tipped Junior Morias’ shot on to the crossbar just after the restart before Rees fired the visitors ahead after good work in the box by Pereira. But Gus Scott-Morriss was first to Jack Wood’s cross to glance home the Shrimpers’ last-gasp equaliser in front of 8,495 spectators.
This time last week, Substitutes Lenell John-Lewis and Ollie Pearce earned York a hard-fought National League victory late on at The Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Daggers hero Ben Strevens made his return to the Victoria Road when he was appointed as the successor to Daryl McMahon on the 10th of March 2023. Strevens, made 125 appearances for the Daggers, scoring 35 goals as a player, and returns to the club following a rigorous interview process. His playing career began at Wingate & Finchley and he subsequently gained legendary status at Barnet, subsequently featuring for the likes of Brentford, Wycombe and Gillingham in the EFL.
Ben, who was a part of the Daggers’ 2006/07 Conference National promotion side, started his managerial career at Eastleigh, originally taking on the Assistant Manager role. In 2018, he went on to become the Manager of the Spitfires which featured an impressive 7th placed finish for the Hampshire club. In his first full season in charge, Strevens guided the Daggers to a 15th Place finish. He was awarded the National League Manager of the Month award for March 2024 having guided his side away from the relegation zone with an impressive run of form.
THREE TO WATCH
Dion initially joined the Daggers in January 2024 on a six-month loan from Luton Town. The winger scored three goals in his first half-season, including a memorable goal away to Hartlepool, which earned the Daggers Goal of the Month award for April. Pereira then rejoined the Daggers on a season-long loan from Luton on June 4th 2024.
The Daggers captain came to East London after being released by Luton at the end of the 2015/16 season. The goalkeeper had previously played for Waltham Forest, Leyton, Redbridge, Brentwood Town, East Thurrock United and the Hatters, for whom he made his Football League debut for the Hatters at AFC Wimbledon in February 2014. Elliot is a multiple-time Dagger of the Year.
Rees joined the Daggers in June 2023 following the expiry of his contract at fellow Vanarama National League side Boreham Wood, where he spent the previous two seasons. The 29-yearold is a well-known and respected name around the National League, playing for Bromley over two stints, Aldershot Town and Boreham Wood.
DION PEREIRA
ELLIOT JUSTHAM
JOSH REES FORWARD GOALKEEPER FORWARD
FAN’S EYE VIEW
We caught up with Dagenham & Redbridge fan Joel Page.
How do you feel last season went Joel?
Two drastically contrasting halves either side of Christmas levelled out to mid-table mediocrity in the end. The first was pretty abject - the most home defeats across England’s top seven tiers coupled with embarrassing eliminations in both FA competitions at the first hurdle. However, it must be said we were completely transformed thereafter, for a number of reasons, which made us far more pleasurable to watch.
What’s the expectation for Dagenham & Redbridge this season?
We would like to reach the play-offs. However, without forming concrete judgements before the league has really taken discernible shape yet, to get anywhere remotely near will require significantly improving upon an opening month made frustrating by conceding decisive late goals in each of its final four games. Those habits can’t continue, while the strikers have to get firing and we need to learn how to keep clean sheets, none of which feels overly likely on current evidence.
What have you made of Dagenham’s recruitment this summer?
It’s been a busy summer with several joining the club. We were able to secure the return of one successful loanee from last season in Dion Pereira, if not the other whom we targeted, Keenan Appiah-Forson, despite extensive efforts upon him becoming a free agent. Christian N’Guessan and loanee Tim Akinola have instead joined in midfield. There was also void up front as Inih Effiong departed, but we’ve got a few new options there. Paul Kalambayi has also replaced the outgoing Nik Tavares at centre half, while we’ve restocked the full back department too.
What have you made of Ben Strevens as a manager?
Everyone is desperate for Ben Strevens to succeed here given his past popularity as a player during a special era of our history, though whether that will happen is a whole other story, as the jury remains out.
Who are some players that Maidenhead United should look out for?
If his availability was guaranteed, then number one on the list would unquestionably be Dion Pereira, an exceptional footballer whose ability far exceeds this level. Elsewhere, Josh Rees is the other danger-man. Only our former, now Eastleigh striker Paul McCallum, and Fylde’s Nick Naughton, have scored more National League goals than the attacking midfielder’s fifteen this calendar year.
What’s your prediction going into the game?
I’m going to go with a 1-1 draw.
SEASON GRID
Substitutes
Dundas Ferguson Carvalho Sho-Silva(1) R. Smith Ajose Abrahams(2), Ferguson(1), Johnson(1), Mitchell-Lawson(1), + others
Cochrane Abrahams, Ajose, Carvalho, Collins, De Havilland, Keetch
Cochrane Ajose, Carvalho, Collins, De Havilland, Keetch, McCoulsky
Cochrane Ajose, Carvalho, Collins, De Havilland, Keetch, McCoulsky , Welch-Hayes
AB Walker are a family-run funeral director, helping families in the Maidenhead area plan and arrange funerals for their loved ones.
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DEV 800
There may not have felt like much to celebrate following the reverse to Aldershot Town last Saturday afternoon but the match marked a significant milestone for Alan Devonshire.
The seven-goal thriller at The Rec was Dev’s 800th game in charge of Maidenhead United, across two spells. Initially coming in at York Road in the summer of 1996, Dev shared management responsibilities with former QPR player Martyn Busby until March 1997 before going it alone after Busby decided to step down.
The club were immediately rewarded for their faith in Dev weeks later as they picked up the Isthmian League Full Members Cup in May 1997, defeating Aylesbury United in the final played at Marlow – the Magpies first trophy won in 27 years (see Page 20 and 21). The following season United won the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup for the first time in 28 years but narrowly missed out on promotion to the Isthmian Premier league. They secured that landmark promotion two seasons later, Dev taking us to the highest level at which Maidenhead United had ever played –a trick he’d repeat again 17 years later.
When Roger and Jean Coombs left the club at the end of 2002/03, Dev decied it was time for him to move on himself. He joined Hampton & Richmond Borough and took the Beavers to two promotions into the Conference South. In 2008/09 the Middlesex side lost in the Conference South play-off final to Hayes & Yeading. In 2011 Dev switched to newly-promoted Conference side Braintree Town and in four seasons with the part-time Iron he secured top-half finishes with a squad which included the likes of Alan Massey, Sean Marks and current Magpies assistant boss, Ryan Peters. Dev must be one of very few managers to have achieved ‘hero status’ at each club he has been in charge at.
After Johnson Hipployte’s long reign came to an end in 2015, Peter Griffin appointed Dev to the hotseat again at York Road. The 2015/16 camapign saw an excellent seventh placed finish after many years of National League South struggle. A memorable FA Cup run saw United earn a replay against EFL opposition for the first time ever, as James Mulley’s injury time strike secured a draw at Port Vale. How do you follow a season like that? By winning the division on the final day of the season the following season, picking up 98 points along the way – that’s how.
And now we are enjoying an eighth consecutive season at the top level of non-league football, one promotion away from the EFL for the first time in our long history. Who can forget magnificent victories at now-EFL grounds such as Leyton Orient, Chesterfield, Stockport, Wrexham, Notts County and Grimsby? It has been a truly thrilling journey.
Dev
– The Complete Record
Played 800 Won 327 Drawn 175 Lost 298 Goals For 1180 Goals Against 1061
1st Spell P348 W153 D74 L121 For 541 Against 421
2nd Spell P452 W174 D101 L 177 For 639 Against 640
REWIND
What’s in a name? This afternoon’s visitors were formed in 1992 and no fewer than six different clubs – Dagenham, Redbridge Forest, Walthamstow Avenue, Leytonstone, Ilford and Leytonstone-Ilford – make up the constituent parts of the modern-day flag-bearer for football in the East London/Essex borders, an area with a rich heritage in non-league football. Our own history is a long one too and therefore we unsurprisingly have played five of those six clubs in competitive soccer over the course of time. The exception being Redbridge Forest, the rebranded Leytonstone-Ilford FC – themselves the result of a 1979 merger – who later absorbed Walthamstow Avenue and who lasted three seasons before the merger with Dagenham FC.
It is difficult to argue that the most important match Maidenhead United have played against one of D&RFC constituent parts was the FA Amateur Cup semi-final against Ilford in 1936. The Magpies had overcome RAMC Aldershot, HMS Victory, Badsey Rangers and Southall – in front of a club record York Road attendance of 7,920 which still exists to this day – en route to the fixture against illustrious opposition; three times Isthmian League winners and twice Amateur Cup winners. United were a modest Spartan League side and started very much as second favourites.
A crowd of 18,000 spectators gathered at the ‘neutral’ venue of Upton Park – the former home of West Ham - for the big match including “a very large contingent from Maidenhead”, however the tie was played very much on the doorstep of the Essex club. Ilford were flying high once again in the Isthmian League and Maidenhead found themselves two adrift by the break. Firstly, Helland scored following up after a good save by Magpies ‘keeper Bunce and there was another blow on the stroke of half time when Watts headed home for Ilford after Maidenhead failed to clear a free-kick.
Hopes were lifted in the second period when top-scorer Hunt scored with a deflected shot. Two goals from Manley in the final fifteen minutes however put the game beyond Maidenhead. Maidenhead are yet to come closer to reaching the final of a national knock-out cup competition, albeit John Dreyer’s side reached the quarter finals of the FA Trophy in 2004. Ilford meanwhile were back at the Boleyn Ground for a replayed Final in 1936, this time losing 3-1 to Casuals FC after a drawn match at Selhurst Park.
Dagenham FC were regular opponents in the Corinthian League, Athenian League and Isthmian League between 1957 and 1974. The Daggers were promoted from the Isthmian League second division at the end of 1973/74 and the two sides never met again. United however did win the final game they played at York Road against Dagenham, Mick Chatterton – who will probably be watching from The Shelf this afternoon – amongst the scorers as we took a surprise 2-1 victory that was not to deny Dagenham the division title.
United’s promotion in 2017 to the National League brought them up against the Dagenham, Walthamstow, Leytonstone and Ilford hybrid. Dagenham & Redbridge have the better of our league meetings, taking victory in half of the 14 matches played in the Vanarama National League. United have won just four, with the other three drawn. We will however be looking for a hat-trick of home wins in three successive seasons. Last August a winner from Reece Smith – who made his senior debut at Victoria Road in 2021 – was rather overshadowed by Daggers forward Inih Effiong being taken seriously ill at the end of fiercely hot 90 minutes. The season before goals from Ashley Nathaniel-George and Emile Acquah gave us victory after Sam Ling had opened the scoring.
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Be Part of The Bell End*
(But
don’t be one!)
See it, say
it,
stamp it out.
Welcome to the New Season!
It’s our 8th in the National League. An incredible achievement that we’ll look to build on this year.
The support of the fans is critical - our home energy is crucial to create a positive environment to spur the team on.
Banter with the opposition fans and players is part and parcel of the game - and should never change. However, we’ve had numerous incidents last year, that have impacted fans enjoymentand hit the club in the pocket!
We will be taking action against fans that engage in shouting derogatory, homophobic and unacceptable language and engaging in activity that’s an offence - throwing items, including coins - it’s not funny, big or clever.
Maidenhead United Supporters Group (MUSG) - and we encourage all supporters - to identity fans that engage in this activity - they’ll be asked to leave and not return.
We want our match day experiences at Maidenhead United to be enjoyable for all - let’s create an amazing experience and get behind the team - take positive actions; learn the club songs, encourage participation amongst your friends and make a difference.
We, MUSG, will be present at all Home Games and in amongst the fans. Ideally, we want to focus on the match, so don’t be ‘one’ otherwise you won’t be back!
* also applies to all other parts of the ground
MUSG UPDATE
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 are running coordinated away travel to Tamworth FC on Saturday 14th September.
At just £15 Junior / £25 Adult MUSA Members (£5 more for non-members), it’s excellent value so leave the car at home, ditch the awkward train journey and travel in comfort with fellow Magpies.
We will also be running a coach to Boston United FC on Saturday 28th September.
It’s just £25 Junior (U16s) / £35 Adult MUSA Members (£5 more for non-members)
Payment is available by cash/card/bank transfer - please see one of the MUSG Team inside the York Road turnstiles opposite the Kelme Merchandising Stand during all home games or email: musgyorkroad@gmail.com
Meanwhile, congratulations are due to Reece Smith who has been voted MUSG player of the month for August.
Please visit us today, join MUSG and buy a 50/50 draw ticket from us!
LEAGUE TABLE
ON THIS DAY
By Maurice Cann
James Dobson’s 47th minute penalty earned Dagenham & Redbridge all three points when they visited York Road exactly five years ago today. Following a dull first half referee Declan Bourne awarded the Daggers a spot kick right at the start of the second after Ryan Upward was penalised for handball. Former Slough Town player Dobson coolly converted sending United keeper Taye Ashby-Hammond the wrong way. Maidenhead substitute James Akintunde injected some purpose after arriving on the hour-mark but overall it was a deserved win for the Essex side who created the better chances.
Our previous 1-0 defeat on today’s date was a far bigger disappointment, minnows Abingdon Town recorded a shock FA Cup victory over the Magpies in 1957. Perhaps they should have heeded the Maidenhead Advertiser’s ‘Trifler’ who warned “In the past the Magpies have had things pretty much their own way in meetings with the North Berks club, but they should not allow themselves to be lulled into thinking they are on an easy thing tomorrow. This game may turn out to be anything but a pushover, for Abingdon were Hellenic League champions last season”.
The lacklustre visitors never recovered from Partington’s 7th minute goal, it could have been even worse but for goalkeeper Rex Avery (top, centre), the only Maidenhead player to come out of the game with any credit.
The 1970’s, not exactly the most successful decade for the Magpies, however the trio of games played on 7th September all resulted in 3-1 victories. A comfortable Athenian League victory at home to Lewes in 1971 was followed by our one and only win at Harlow Town in 1974. In blustery conditions the Magpies took the lead on 21st minutes, Steve Senior calmly placing the ball over the keeper from close range.
Hunter equalised for Harlow a few minutes later but two quick-fire goals just before halftime from Mick Shepherd and Dave Woolley secured an Isthmian League win. As Britain recovered from drought following the severe heatwave of 1976 the Magpies recorded their first Isthmian League win of the season at York Road.
Visitors Hampton led 1-0 at the break courtesy of MacFarlane’s 30 yard thunderbolt on 34 minutes; however three second half goals in the space of 18 minutes from John Watt, Ian McPhee and Matt Watt earned a much needed three points.
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