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.
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CLUB NEWS
Introducing Our Brave Mascots. Today, we are proud to welcome our very own MUFC Juniors Braves U8’s as mascots for the match! This talented group of players has known each other since they were just four years old, starting their football journey right here at Mini Magpies at York Road, where they gathered every Sunday morning in the Cage. Last season marked their debut as MUFC Juniors, competing against other clubs in the TVDL. What makes this team truly special is that it was built on the foundation of friendship, not through selection — a bond that has only strengthened their unity on the pitch. The Braves excelled last season, capping it off with an unforgettable victory in a thrilling League Cup final at Slough Town Stadium. As we look forward to the season ahead, we are excited to see the continued growth and success of these remarkable young players. Go Braves!
Meanwhile, we wish a happy 7th birthday to Aaron whose party takes place here today. He and his friends will also be mascots today. Have a great day of celebration, Aaron!
Meanwhile, four graduates of the Maidenhead United Academy have had their loan spells at local Step 4 clubs extended as they look to gain further experience in men’s football to stake a claim for a place in Alan Devonshire’s matchday squad.
United have loaned teenager Jamie Davies and Jadyn Dundas out to Southern League Division 1 Central side Beaconsfield Town. Davies has made six starts for The Rams in all competitions and the winger has broadened his footballing horizons by appearing at left back for Garry Haylock’s side due to injuries in the squad. Midfielder Dundas has also started six times and appeared as substitute twice, scoring his first goal in senior men’s football on home debut against Kidlington last month. Both players made debuts for United last season in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup, Dundas scoring in the 4-0 victory against Milton United.
Josh McMenemy was the third teenager to sign terms with Alan Devonshire in the summer and the defender has extended his time with Isthmian South Central side Binfield after a successful initial month with the Moles. Josh is another who made his full United debut in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup in 2023/24 and he is currently lining up in a side which includes fellow MUFC Academy graduate Luke Wayborn. McMenemy scored his first Binfield goal in a 9-1 FA Cup victory at Longlevens.
Christian Johnson has been making the short commute up the A4094 to Flackwell Heath. The Heathens –following 17 competing seasons at Step 5 – were Combined Counties League champions last season and are competing in the same division as Beaconsfield. They have former Maidenhead legend Mark Nisbet as captain. Christian’s appearances so far have all come from the bench for the Wilks Park outfit and his first goal for the Heathens sealed a 3-1 victory over Hertford Town. Johnson scored a hattrick for United on full debut in the County Cup at Didcot Town last season having appeared from the bench at Oxford United in the FA Cup.
RYAN PETERS
We return to home comforts this afternoon, back at York Road after two road trips which have brought little reward and given the management team plenty to think over.
Last time these notes were prepared was prior to the match with Dagenham & Redbridge. Looking back on that game it definitely was not a superb performance from us. In fairness to the team, on the back of shipping four goals at Aldershot we wanted to make sure we stayed in the game. Their goal we felt we could have done a little more about but as poor as we were in the first half we did have the better of the chances and should have been two-nil up. We are still not quite firing on all cylinders and we have to start keeping a tighter ship to make sure we are not having to score three, four goals to win a game.
We were well beaten in the end at an excellent Rochdale side despite an excellent last half hour and from there we went to Tamworth. The feeling after that game was frankly one of embarrassment. We felt that we had the opportune moment to come back after the Rochdale game and show what we can do. We had shown some character at Rochdale and were not taking Tamworth lightly at all. We had a good training session on the Thursday and we expected a heck of a lot more than what we got on the day.
We have had a big following support us at Tamworth and what we gave them was poor in the extreme. Without making excuses we are missing a few players who have been with us for a while and who understand what an Alan Devonshire team looks like. We still expect the exact same desire from all our players and frankly we did not get that at Tamworth. The least our fans deserved was for us to put in a shift, run around and get close to people. I can’t apologise enough to the supporters and I don’t think any of us can honestly say we did enough on the day, and that includes the management team too and we all need to take a long, hard look at ourselves.
James Golding is back with us. He was terrific for us last season and he has great ability. At the moment we are struggling rather for numbers and we brought him in to add a bit of quality and also to give us some defensive structure. We are delighted to have him back.
We now have two home games in four days. I can assure everyone, particularly our supporters, that the energy levels at the very least will be higher than that were on that forgettable afternoon last Saturday. The support here is fantastic, you get behind us win, lose or draw. We owe you one for what you watched last week but we do ask again that you get right behind us in the usual way and shout for us from first minute to the last whistle.
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The result of the weekend came in London as league leaders conceded their unbeaten run and place at the top of the tree after an emphatic 7-1 defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge. Early goals from Dion Pereira and Josh Rees gave the hosts an early lead before Gateshead got one back before half-time thanks to an own goal from Paul Kalambayi.
The Daggers blew the Heed away in the second half with Pereira and Rees getting both their second of the game, Junior Morais also scoring a brace and new signing Josh Umerah adding another for good measure.
York City are now the new league leaders after a convincing win at home to ten-man AFC Fylde. The visitors were reduced to ten men before half-time with Harry Davis seeing red. The Minstermen took advantage in the second half with Marvin Armstrong, Lenell John-Lewis and Callum Harriott all on target, the result drops Fylde to 23rd in the table.
Another side to drop into the bottom four were Wealdstone despite earning a respectable point away at 2nd placed Forest Green Rovers. The hosts took an early lead with Christian Doidge and Adam May both scoring inside six minutes. Fulham loanee Callum McFarlane scored a brace to ensure the spoils were shared including an 89th minute equaliser.
The final two relegation places are currently made up by Maidenhead United and Ebbsfleet United who had contrasting weekends.
Maidenhead United were defeated 3-1 away to Tamworth in a result which moved the Lambs up to 19th. The hosts took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Chris Wreh before putting the game to bed in the second half with goals via Ben Acquaye and Nathan Tshikuna. The Magpies got one back in stoppage time through Tobi Sho-Silva but it was merely a consolation.
Ebbsfleet United picked up their first win of the season with a narrow 1-0 win at home to Hartlepool United, Rakish Bingham the scorer in Kent.
Barnet moved up to 3rd in the National League with a 3-1 win at home to Braintree Town. The visitors took the lead inside twenty seconds through John Akinde but goals from Callum Stead, Mark Shelton and a George Langston own goal made it a comfortable win for the Bees.
Making up the play-off places are Rochdale, Eastleigh and Oldham Athletic. The Dale were defeated 2-1 at home to Solihull Moors who found themselves two goals ahead thanks to Conor Wilkinson, Kairo Mitchell got one back late on but it wasn’t enough.
Oldham Athletic moved into the play-off places with a 3-1 win away at Woking. Josh Lundstrum and Mike Fondop-Talum scored for the Latics alongside an own goal courtesy of Tunji Akinola, Charlie Kendall’s long-range effort turned out to be a consolation for the Cards.
Eastleigh found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-1 loss away at FC Halifax Town. The Shaymen found themselves two goals ahead at the break thanks to Billy Waters and Will Smith before Adam Alimi-Adetoro put the game beyond doubt in the second half, Richard Brindley got one back late on for the Spitfires.
Sutton United moved above Southend United in the table on Saturday after beating them 3-1 at Roots Hall. Gus Scott-Morriss gave Southend the lead inside the opening ten minutes but Sutton equalised on the stroke of half-time through Josh Coley. The U’s found themselves ahead early in the second period through Lewis Simper before Ashley Nadesan put the result beyond doubt.
The spoils were shared in the final two National League fixtures as Boston United and Aldershot Town drew 1-1. The Shots took the lead in the first half thanks to Josh Barrett but Jacob Hazel levelled the scoring in the second period. Yeovil Town and Altrincham drew 0-0 at Huish Park.
WOMEN’S TEAM
After back-to-back home victories, MUWFC are now undertaking a tough period of away fixtures against sides who look likely to be at the top end of the FAWNL Division 1 South West this season. United were consequently well-beaten at title-favourites AFC Bournemouth back on Sunday 8th September.
Maidenhead made a slow start and Erin Bloomfield’s chipped effort found the net inside the opening fifteen minutes despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Danni Hull. Maidenhead grew into the match and created some good openings prior to a heroic penalty save from Hull as she denied Jenna Markham from the spot.
That was as good as it got for United as a quick-fire double from Markham inside the last five minutes of the half put the hosts three up at the half way point, and goals came at regular periods in the second period – Lucy Cooper and Phoebe Williams scored a goal apiece and Ellie Strippel and Bloomfield both hit braces, Bloomfield completing her hattrick for the big-budget Cherries side.
Manager Ed Jackson-Norris was unusually disappointed in his team’s second half showing: “We had spoken during the week about trying to change our mindset for these kinds of games and not seeing ourselves as something inferior and to start trying to behave as one of these sides.
It is our aspiration to be a side that eventually competes at the top end of this division so we want to start behaving that way, playing on the front foot, being brave in possession and being really aggressive out of possession. I think first half we showed lots of signs of that. Our decision-making needed tweaking on our build and we gave away a few chances and ultimately a couple of goals.”
The manager added honestly: “Second half however was different. It was one of those days where the game just got away from us. For a side that are the ‘Man City’ of our division - in all aspects – their quality really shone through and led to the scoreline being what it was.”
Looking ahead over the following fortnight with matches at Swindon Town’s County Ground and then Bristol Rovers Memorial Ground tomorrow afternoon, Jackson-Norris added: “We’ve got two big games to look forward to at Football League grounds. They’re the types of occasions you get excited for. You get involved in football for these kinds of games and they won’t need any extra motivation.”
Meanwhile, Ryan Robinson’s Development side fell to a 3-2 defeat to MK Dons Development. Robinson’s matchday squad contained eleven brand new players, so it was credit to the team that they competed so well against an established side, particularly one who are connected to a Tier Three club. Chloe Matmuja equalized for United in the first half, finishing a loose ball following a corner and Jaz King scored United’s second.
Forthcoming home fixtures (2pm kick offs):
Sun 29th September | York Road | vs Plymouth Argyle | FAWNL Cup
Sun 29th September | Cox Green Leisure Centre | Development vs QPR | FAWNL
LAST TIME OUT
United’s first ever visit to The Lamb Ground one turned out to be an unmemorable occasion for the large away following which travelled to the west midlands as the Magpies put in a forgettable performance.
They started the game well on the artificial surface at B77. Tristan Abrahams – restored to the starting line up along with Nathan Ferguson who returned from international duty with Guyana – saw an early shot blocked before Sam Barratt hit the underside of the crossbar with a typically audacious chip from fully 40 yards. Casey Pettit then fired an effort over the top from the edge of the box. That opening ten minutes was probably as good as it got for the visitors.
The home side began to gain control of what was a scrappy encounter low on quality. Captain Craig Ross denied the lively home favourite Chris Wreh at his near post before Tom McGlinchey’s goal-bound effort was blocked after Ross failed to gather a high ball into the box.
A corner from Ben Acquaye was glanced across goal by recent signing Munashe Sundire but no home player was near enough to gain a finishing touch. United suffered another injury blow before the break as the dazed Thierry Latty-Fairweather was replaced by Owen Cochrane, necessitating another defensive reshuffle. United were perhaps readjusting when Wreh prodded home a corner at the far post in first half injury time to open the scoring but the Magpies passed up a glaring opportunity seconds before the half time whistle was blown when Abrahams glanced a header wide at the far post from a rare United corner.
Hesitant defending with barely ten minutes of a nervy second half gave Tamworth daylight, Ben Acquaye with the decisive finish. From there on it was mainly one way traffic, with the Magpies unable to keep quality possession whilst finding the home side’s set-pieces too hot to handle, with Wreh nodding wide from another corner before a long throw with ten minutes left was neatly nodded home by Nathan Tshikuna.
The Lambs almost had a fourth moments later when Acquaye’s miscued shot found substitute Daniel Creaney whose shot from point blank range was blocked and Ross had to pull of a smart save from the outstanding Tshikuna. United actually had the last say in this one when Tobi Sho-Silva headed home a cross from the willing Joseph Ajose but the home side should ave had an even more decisive margin of victory when a flowing move gave Kai Williams an opening which he slammed against a post with only Ross to beat.
Consistent FC Halifax Town have made another solid start to their season as they look to push for a fourth playoff appearance in six Vanarama National League seasons.
The Shaymen arrive in Berkshire unbeaten on their travels in 2024/25. Their last defeat on the road was back in May when – following a fine seventh place finish – they were beaten in a thriller by eventual finalists Solihull Moors in the National League play-off quarter finals. The Shaymen, who were playing their fifth game in 12 days, were caught cold as Tahvon Campbell, Jack Stevens and a Tylor Golden own goal had them three down inside 38 minutes. Jack Evans and substitute Florent Hoti scored to give the Yorkshire side real hope, but they then saw a Rob Harker header hit the bar, and Jamey Osborne settled it with a fourth goal for Moors in the 86th minute. The Shaymen had gone into the game with just 48 hours’ notice after the National League’s decision to exclude Gateshead from the play-offs.
The 2024/25 season so far had seen a fairly modest start for a side which now come here unbeaten in their last four games. Adam Alimi-Adetoro scored on his debut on opening day for a Shaymen side which edged out promotion favourites Barnet, but then followed defeat in West Yorkshire to Aldershot and – again – to Solihull Moors with draws at home to Gateshead and at Dagenham in between times.
Three weeks ago today, Halifax won on the road at Ebbsfleet. Angelo Cappello’s first goal of the season handed Halifax a 1-0 win as the visitors needed just three minutes to get their noses in front when Jamie Cooke’s effort was deflected to Cappello, who made no mistake. Keeper Mark Cousins saved from Andrew Oluwabori and Cooke saw another effort blocked as Town pushed for a second, but their lead remained slim at the break. Oluwabori fired just wide three minutes after the restart and Ebbsfleet midfielder Jephte Tanga saw appeals for a penalty waved away. Defender Tom Dallison headed just wide with 13 minutes remaining as the hosts looked for an equaliser but Halifax held on despite Cooke being sent off in stoppage time for a second caution.
An unbeaten September to date started at Hartlepool as Town were forced to settle for a goalless draw in their encounter at the Prestige Group Stadium. Halifax goalkeeper Sam Johnson saved from Joe Grey, Greg Sloggett and Anthony Mancini in the first half and also denied Tom Parkes late on. The visitors had chances through Adan George and Cappello but were unable to beat Adam Smith. Hartlepool finished strongly with Gary Madine, Kieron Freeman and Adam Campbell all having chances but they could not find a way through and Smith saved from Ryan Galvin at the other end.
The Roses clash with Oldham saw Town claim a point thanks to Adam Senior’s header on 62 minutes and last Saturday they recorded a convincing win against high-flying Eastleigh. Billy Waters, Will Smith and Alimi-Adetoro had this afternoon’s visitors three up just after the hour mark and Richard Brindley’s late strike for the Spitfires was no more than a consolation. And if you’re looking to last season for a clue as to how today might go then both sides took three points on home turf last term. Kane Ferdinand’s first half goal was decisive here last November, Aaron Cosgrave’s injury time strike beating United in the return back in February.
The Gaffer – Chris Millington
Millington was appointed manager of the Shaymen at the start of the 2022/23 season following the departure of Pete Wild to Barrow, who Chris had been assistant to for three seasons. Wild has since left the Cumbrian EFL outfit but Millington continues to be a huge success at the Shay since taking the reins. He finished 11th in his first season and saw his side win 1-0 at Wembley against Gateshead to lift the FA Trophy. In 2023/24, his side finished 7th but lost to Solihull Moors in the play-offs.
Millington has a vast amount of experience in the game having been with Wild since his Oldham Athletic days. Millington has been at Halifax Town since 2019 and previously had a coaching role at Curzon Ashton on his CV as well as senior team and youth team roles at Boundary Park. Millington didn’t have a professional playing career but given the progress of today’s opposition under his stewardship you wouldn’t bet against him taking the Shaymen into the EFL.
THREE TO WATCH
Magpies fans know full well how good Johnson is. His shoot-out save from Shawn McCoulsky saw the Shaymen eliminate United from the FA Trophy en route to their success at Wembley in 2023. Johnson was on the winning side in shoot-outs three times in that memorable run, prior to keeping a clean sheet at the National Stadium.
The 6’5″ centre back has been amongst the goals following his release from Championship side Sheffield Wednesday. Adetoro came through the Leixlip United academy in Ireland before making the switch to Athlone Town’s youth setup. In the Summer of 2022 he made the move to England with Sheffield Wednesday and made his first senior appearance in February 2023 in a 1-0 defeat to Fleetwood in the FA Cup 4th round.
The Scouse attacking midfielder was picked up by FCHT after a compensation fee was paid to Colne, but it was at Fleetwood Town where Cooke first came onto the scene through their youth ranks. Cooke scored the only goal of the game for the Shaymen at Wembley to win the FA Trophy against Gateshead in May 2023, capitalising on a defensive mix-up.
SAM JOHNSON
ADAM ALIMI-ADETORO JAMIE COOKE GOALKEEPER DEFENDER MIDFIELDER
FA CUP ADVENTURE
The 144th season of the FA Cup has reached the Third Qualifying Round stage and whilst the Magpies do battle with Boston United in the National League next Saturday afternoon, local rivals Slough Town will be playing in the world’s oldest cup competition, looking to join Maidenhead in the Fourth Qualifying Round draw.
This season will be Maidenhead’s 143rd attempt at winning the FA Cup. We entered the first ever one in 1871/72 and one of the first four ties ever played in the competition was held at York Road on November 11th 1871. Marlow were sent back north of the river with their tails between their legs after a 2-0 defeat. York Road remains the only ground still in use for senior football which hosted a tie in that inaugural FA Cup season. A less proud stat is that in 1876 the Maidenhead FC committee decided for the first and only time not to enter the competition “to save expense and keep disengaged for other matches”.
Since our elevation to the National League in 2017 we have won through our 4th Qualifying Round tie in six of our seven seasons at this level. One of those ties came at the home of this afternoon’s visitors in 2021 which ended in an eleven-goal ‘thriller’…..which wasn’t so thrilling for us! Last season our Cup journey ended at Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium, a ground that now hosts EFL Championship football.
We have in fact reached Round 1 (proper) in ten of the last 17 seasons. If you’re indifferent to that stat, please consider that for 35 years between 1971 and 2006 we suffered a long barren spell where we failed to reach Round 1 (proper) once. Indeed, we only reached the 4th Qualifying Round twice in that period.
Looking in detail at the 3rd Qualifying Round draw, the Rebels of Slough – who have reached Round 2 (proper) three times in twenty years, a stage we have not graced since 1886! – will fancy their chances of joining us in the draw on Monday week as they travel to Chatham Town of Step 4. Way out west down the wrong end of the A4, fellow
Berkshire side Hungerford lost at home in a midweek 2nd Qualifying Round replay. They continue to seek a Round 1 (proper) berth for the first time since 1979 when they lost 3-1 at…..Slough Town.
Other notable names in the 3rd Qualifying Round draw include Chippenham Town, who gave us a real scare over two matches in 2018. Magpies fans of a certain vintage will remember a horror show in the competition proper at Horsham in 2007 – they travel to Margate. Winchester City – conquerors of Hungerford - will host National League South strugglers Weymouth; City were minutes away from eliminating the Magpies at the first hurdle in Dev’s first season back in 2015 before a last minute equalizer from Gavin James saved Step 2 Magpies from embarrassment at the hands of a Step 4 side.
Meanwhile, Plymouth Parkway – the club who owe so much to former Magpies chairman Jim Parsons – will make the epic trip from one corner of the south of England to the other as they visit Sittingbourne.
SEASON GRID
6 7 8 9
Dundas Ferguson Carvalho
Mitchell-Lawson Ferguson Carvalho
Substitutes
Sho-Silva(1) R. Smith Ajose Abrahams(2), Ferguson(1), Johnson(1), Mitchell-Lawson(1), + others
Sho-Silva(1) Pettit
Barratt Ferguson R. Smith McCoulsky
Davies(1) Abrahams, Barratt, Bell, Groom, Johnson, Lokko(1), McCoulsky(4), McMenemy, R. Smith
R. Smith McCoulsky Pettit Ajose Carvalho, Cochrane, Collins, Massey, McCoulsky, Sho-Silva(1)
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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ANJA ANSWERS
MUWFC CALL
From winning the Football In Berkshire Goal of the Season with almost her first touch of a ball in Maidenhead colours to sports therapist, the last couple of years have been a whirlwind for 20 year-old Anja Harper.
Harper initially came to the club as a teenager in Ed Jackson-Norris’s first season in charge and she made 12 substitute appearances in FA Women’s National League fixtures. In the Berks & Bucks Cup, Anja again appeared from the bench in the comprehensive victory at Southern Regional WFL side Woodley United. Within moments, Anja caught a first-time effort on the run with her right foot on the edge of the penalty area and her instinctive shot arrowed into the far corner, clean as a whistle – a strike in a million. Eight months later she was picking up the FiB Goal of the Season award from Sky Sports presenter Tom White at the awards ceremony in Reading.
In 2023/24, Anja joined up with our fledgling Development team to further her opportunities, however injury and University commitments meant that she was unable to feature as much as she wanted. However, studying Sports Therapy at Gloucester University she kept in close contact with staff and players at the club and when the team’s sports therapist left early in the season another door opened for the enthusiastic second year student.
Speaking about her degree, Anja said: “It was a no-brainer really. I have wanted to do this course since I was about seven years old!”
Ambitious Harper - German-born to British parents – added: “I want to work in sport, at a high-profile club. Perhaps overseas, as I enjoy travelling.” Whilst learning her trade, an opportunity to work with familiar faces was too good to turn down.
Anja has therefore been pitch-side for United’s last two games, at Bournemouth and Swindon. These matches have not been without challenges for Anja, particularly at Bournemouth as goalkeeper Danni Hull had to leave the game in the later stages of the match with a shoulder injury. As well as demonstrating her newly learned skills on the therapists couch, Anja continues to operate as a winger or striker for her University team. She reflects: “It is nice to play with the Uni girls. I feel I can relax a bit more out of the National League environment. It is a different standard and a bit more relaxed.”
As for ‘returning’ to MUFC, Anja insists that “I never really left!”. She admits: “I wasn’t really able to play and train properly at the same time as doing my degree. I learned that the club needed help and it is in my nature to help out where I can. It is ‘my’ team and the support from staff and players at the club has been great. I am really pleased to play my own small part in the community of this club.”
REWIND
FC Halifax Town are one of just five teams who we will face off against for an eighth consecutive National League season. Our league record against the Shaymen is a positive one – seven wins and two draws in the 14 National League fixtures to date.
Our history with this afternoon’s visitors dates back a little further than just National League matches however. Just over twenty years ago, under the management of John Dreyer, Isthmian League United embarked on a fine FA Trophy run. Having eliminated Swindon Supermarine, Histon and Wealdstone United drew the winners of the delayed Halifax Town vs Staines Town tie, rearranged for February 10th. That game ended in a draw with the replay held two days later with Halifax scoring an extra time winner.
Arrangements were made quickly for a coach trip on Friday with an overnight stay. Striker Steve Hale – signed by Dreyer from Northwood - recalls: “I was on duty the Friday, as I worked for The London Ambulance Service as a Paramedic and it was too late to book annual leave”. Steve’s prolific strike partner Lawrence Yaku had the same issue, so arrangements were made to fly up, Hale and Yaku met at Heathrow for a flight taking less than an hour. “There we were at the baggage carousel when it stopped. I was like, ‘hang on, where’s my kit bag?’ ‘Sorry Sir, it’s all off’”.
Hale continues “A few swear words were said, as I found out the bag had gone to Manchester but would be sent directly to the hotel in time for the game the next day. We got up Saturday for breakfast still with no kit bag in sight. The decision was made to be driven into Huddersfield by to buy the works - boots, kit bag, towel, pads, pants. But there was no shop that had a pair of size 10’s. Literally we’d given up hope when we went down some side street and there was a very small sports shop, and a pair of size 10 Mizuno were bought.”
The new boots did the trick, as Hale again cast his mind back: “We were under the cosh from the off, and we gave a free kick away 15 yards outside our box. The free kick was overhit and landed in (goalkeeper) Phil Wilson’s arms. He threw the ball out left to Martyn Lee who took two touches before a diagonal ball to Yaku before I hit the ball on the half volley from 20 yards before celebrating in front of the away fans”.
The drama didn’t end there, as Halifax were given a penalty. Craig Midgley took the kick, it struck the post rolled across the goal line and Wilson pounced on the loose ball. The second half began much like the first, Hale continuing “Phil made two outstanding saves which kept us ahead before a late strike by Yaks, rounding the keeper to seal a two-nil win. What an unbelievable feeling, beating a Conference side away from home. The celebrations continued late into the night in Leeds. I remember arriving back at the hotel in the early hours to be told ‘your kit bag has arrived Sir’.” The run ended in a quarter-final loss with ten men at Canvey Island, but that first visit to Halifax has gone down in MUFC folklore.
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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 Boston United FC on Saturday 28th September. This is our first ever visit to the home of The Pilgrims. We note that many Magpies fans had disrupted and frustrating train journeys to and from Tamworth last Saturday on our expensive and unreliable railways. Leave the car at home, ditch the awkward train journey to Lincolshire and travel in comfort with fellow Magpies to Boston.
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
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
LEAGUE TABLE
ON THIS DAY
By Maurice Cann
A 4-0 FA Trophy victory against Canterbury City in 1991 represents United’s last success at York Road on 21st September. The game was over by half-time, goals from Benny Laryea, Stuart Muir, Gary Hall and a rare headed effort from Paul ‘Noddy’ Holder saw Maidenhead cruise into the second qualifying round. The Magpies took their foot off the gas after the break but faced little threat from the Kent side, their best effort coming in the 53rd minute when Gene Clout’s 25 yard strike flashed over Peter Rackley’s crossbar.
The FA Cup has provided the main talking points for today’s date, a then record York Road crowd of 3,000 witnessed an upset when in 1929 when Spartan League hopefuls Maidenhead United beat Isthmian League Wycombe Wanderers 1-0. A couple of brilliant saves from United keeper Gerry Richens kept the Bucks side at bay before the Magpies took the lead on the half-hour.
Following good build-up play the ball came to Jack Palethorpe who threaded a pass through to Basil Day to score with an excellent shot. With the wind in their favour United created the better chances in the second half but had to rely once again on man-of-thematch Richens to make another stunning save in the last minute to secure the victory. Moving on to 1963 and the Magpies had a tough challenge in the second qualifying round with a visit to professional side Banbury Spencer.
On an immaculate pitch Maidenhead took the lead on 17 minutes when Jimmy Hay raced through a gap in the home defence and passed to Peter Lowen who hit a cool, confident shot past Sewell. Banbury equalised shortly after but early in the second half a slice of good fortune put United back into the lead when Mick Rockell drove the ball on to the hand of player-manager Keith Volpe and the referee awarded a penalty.
Brian Pitts smashed home the resulting kick which boosted the visitors’ confidence and on 68 minutes a pass from Peter Lowen found Hay who scored with a sharp shot to make it 3-1. Perkins got one back for Banbury when he converted a loose ball after Ken Brown beat out a stinging shot but they were unable to find another chink in the Maidenhead defence.
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MANAGER: Alan Devonshire
(GK) HARVEY COLLINS 1
ZAK 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
(GK) CRAIG ROSS 13
TOBI SHO-SILVA 14
CASEY PETTIT 16
REECE SMITH 17
CHRISTIAN JOHNSON 18
OWEN COCHRANE 19
REMY CLERIMA 20
MILES WELCH-HAYES 22
TRISTAN ABRAHAMS 23
AL AN MASSEY 24
SAM BARRATT 25
JAMES GOLDING 26
JAMIE DAVIES 27
JOSHUA McMENEMY 28
JADYN DUNDAS 29
JOSEPH AJOSE 32
MANAGER: Chris Millington
1 Sam Johnson (GK)
2 Jo Cummings
3 Ryan Galvin
4 Festus Arthur
5 Adam Senior
6 Jack Evans 7 Max Wright
9 Aaron Cosgrave 10 Jamie Cooke 11 Angelo Cappello 12 Nathaniel Ford (GK) 14 Harvey Sutcliffe 15 Will Smith 17 Jimiel Chikukwa 18 Florent Hoti 19 Adan George 20 Jack Jenkins 21 Zak Emmerson 22 Andrew Oluwabori 23 Tom Pugh 24 Frankie Sinfield 25 Ted Lavelle 26 Owen Bray 27 Adam Alimi-Adetoro 28 Justin Iwobi 29 Billy Waters 30 Scott High
TODAY’S OFFICIALS
Referee: James Bancroft
Assistants: Marcus Carmichael and Grezgorz Kornasiewicz
Fourth Official: Sam Ogles
WE DON’T KNOW YOU’RE DOIN’
LET’S TACKLE IT TOGETHER
Stand with us and show anyone who’s struggling, that there’s always someone on their side.
