COMMUNITY TRUST MANAGER: Helen Preedy (helenpreedy@maidenheadunitedfcorg)
MAIDENHEAD UNITED IN THE COMMUNITY: Mark Nisbet
The Club operates its commercial activities through Maidenhead United FC Ltd, York Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1SF Company No: 05691046, VAT No: 442328173 The Club is a member of the Vanarama National League and is therefore subject to the league’s rules and regulations The persons of significant control in the Club as defined in National League rule 213 are Peter Griffin and MUFC Ltd
NATIONAL LEAGUE CUPDATE
Maidenhead United are knocking on the door of the knockout stages after a 2-1 win over Brighton U21 in the National League Cup ten days ago. Alan Devonshire made a string of changes from Saturday’s defeat at York, with new loan signings Aidan Coyne and Manny Onariase coming into the squad Harvey Collins was tasked with defending United’s goal, while youngsters Bradley Keetch and Jadyn Dundas were also brought into the first XI
It was a regular starter Tristan Abrahams, though, who would open the scoring after being brought down in the penalty area in the 10th minute The striker’s spotkick was initially saved, but Abrahams tapped home the rebound. Minutes later, Magpies’ stopper Collins was called into action after a well-worked attack from the visitors Louis Flower produced a looping header from a cross, forcing Collins into an excellent one-handed save.
United barely had to wait one minute before doubling their lead in the second half A wayward pass by the Brighton defence was collected by Keetch and passed onto Abrahams, who subsequently chipped an off-his-line Fisher in beautiful fashion From there on, the Magpies were defensively solid, albeit at the cost of an occasional yellow card. In the 76th minute, Joseph Ajose would see his second of the came for a challenge on Marcus Ifill, leaving United a man down for the last 20 minutes.
The visitors ramped up the pressure, and with three minutes remaining they got the goal they were looking for. Collins’ struggled to hold on to a half-volley in the 87th minute, allowing Caylan Vickers to hammer home the rebound
With Group A now three-quarters complete, United top the table with eight points and look firm favourites for a place in the quarterfinals A point from the final game at York Road on Tuesday 28th January against a Southampton side who can no longer qualify would potentially be sufficient to secure progression. Derby County and Woking are also both eliminated before the final round of fixtures Brighton may still progress with victory at Wealdstone on January 21st, with the result of the match at the EBB Stadium between Aldershot and Fulham likely to be pivotal Maidenhead have their fate in their own hands, with their fixture a week later closing out the group stages.
RYAN PETERS
Welcome back to York Road for our first home match here in three weeks. There is extra motivation to do well today given what happened the last time we played a National League match here.
Credit to the players after that horrible afternoon against Gateshead to then go to Braintree Town a matter of days later –a club that a number of us know well –and perform as well as we did in such an important match We hadn’t had a smile on our face for a while, so it was good to get that feeling back. The first 15-20 minutes of the game against Gateshead had been positive – of course the red card killed everything – but we bottled that, we harnessed that, and used that in the Braintree game. It wasn’t pretty, but effective
We went back to our brilliant basics – we’d probably neglected that for a little while. These include clearances being big, turning teams around when we’ve had to, being clinical in both boxes – we did that on the day We conceded a goal when we probably shouldn’t have, but that’s me being ultra-critical. I thought we were good value
The boys were in good spirits, and the win we felt set us up nicely for the trip to York City It is fair to say that was not a good day all round – and not just for ourselves. The first three goals were all our undoing. You can’t give a side like York the time and space that we gave them If you’re going to sit off a team like them, they are going to punish you We were frustrated with the way which some key decisions out of our control went during the day. To have to play 40 minutes of the match with one fewer player due to a case of mistaken identity is hugely disappointing and the verdict of the FA disciplinary commission last week in correcting that error in no way helps rectify the situation we were put in on the day.
I am writing these notes before we face Slough Town in the Isuzu FA Trophy. They are a strong National League South side with a magnificent home record on their artificial surface have myself played in this particular derby match before and we are well aware of what a passionate encounter it will be. Hopefully we will have given you all reason to be proud after that game
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Whilst Emirates FA Cup fixtures were being played elsewhere a fortnight ago, there were seven Vanarama National League fixtures played that day York City went top thanks to their victory over the Magpies after previous leaders Barnet couldn’t find a way through at Hartlepool United It ended 0-0 and that score was repeated at the Kufflink Stadium as the bottom two – Ebbsfleet United and Boston United –cancelled each other out.
Yeovil Town won 2-0 at Woking to keep the Cards looking over their shoulders at the wrong end. Southend United left FC Halifax Town with a fine 2-0 win as Adam Crowther made the points safe Braintree Town survived the second half sending off of Chay Cooper to earn a point at home to high-flying Gateshead. It was the Iron’s first game since the exit of manager Angelo Harrop the day after their defeat to the Magpies at the Rare Breed Meat Co Stadium Ashley Nadesan scored to help Sutton United make it three wins on the spin as they sent struggling AFC Fylde home defeated and on the end of a 2-0 scoreline
There was an upset at AFC Wimbledon as a Dagenham & Redbridge surprised the home side Ben Strevens midtable Daggers won away at EFL opposition for the second round in a row, Junior Morias and Josh Rees scoring either side of an equaliser for the Dons from Matty Stevens which had a hint of offside about it. Wealdstone and Oldham were eliminated by League One opposition; the Stones performed well in defeat to League One leaders Wycombe whilst the Latics hearts broken at the death by an equaliser from Leyton Orient goalkeeper Josh Keeley and the Londoners went on to score in the last minute of extra time to claim their place in Round 3.
In a repeat of the 2023/24 Vanarama National League play-off final, Solihull led their Wembley conquerors Bromley through Conor Wilkinson’s early goal, but the Ravens swiftly responded through Omar Sowunmi and Danny Imray’s goal on the hour settled it in favour of the EFL new boys. There was a surprise in the Staffordshire derby as Tamworth defeated local rivals, League One strugglers Burton Albion, on penalties at the Pirelli Stadium. The Lambs’ reward is a home Third Round tie against Tottenham Hotspur. The Daggers will travel to EFL Championship side Millwall in another attractive tie in the last 64
WOMEN’S TEAM
Maidenhead United Women Development have not one but TWO cup semi-finals to look forward to in 2025 following a dramatic victory against Billericay Town Reserves in the FA Women’s National League Reserve Plate competition quarter-final at Cox Green Leisure Centre on 1st December
The visitors first team operate a division above the Magpies first team at Tier 3 in the women’s football pyramid and their talented Reserve side won the league fixture between the sides in Essex 6-3 back in October This time the young Magpies trailed by two goals to nil at the break thanks to goals from Bethany Chambers and Casey King But Ryan Robinson’s team came roaring back after the break.
Captain Chloe Matmuja explained: “In the first half Billericay clearly wanted it more than us. We struggled in our reactions to quick transitions, causing us to go in two down. At half time we identified as a group what we were doing wrong and took that into the second half” Proud Chloe continued: “The second half was unbelievable. Each one of the girls took what was said and implemented it in the second half The desire to win the ball back allowed us to stay in the game Both goals were from our corner set-pieces; I scored directly from one, and the second saw Ava (Broke-Smith) cross for Ines (Cipriano) to get a header in at the far post”
In the shootout, United scored a remarkable eight out of nine kicks, the captain herself the only player who failed to convert Billericay sent two kicks off target, United winning 8-7 to spark scenes of great joy for a side who continue to show remarkable never-say-die-spirit Their reward will now be a semi-final tie to be played at Stoke City on 26th January whilst the following month they have the Berks & Bucks Sunday Trophy semi at Milton Keynes City to look forward to.
Coach Robinson added: “To be frank and honest I said to the girls at half time I was not happy at all. We said before the game that the match would be won and lost in transition and Billericay tend to be really good in transition, when they do win it back going from back-to-front very quickly. We had to find ways to stop that from happening”. He added: “Hats off to the girls for the second half – absolutely fantastic That’s the best we’ve been in the second half all season”
ON THE ROAD
Maidenhead United put an end to a four-game losing run with a well-deserved, and much-needed, three points at Braintree Town
The Magpies would open the scoring with no more than 50 seconds on the clock. A great bit of buildup play saw Shawn McCoulsky latch onto the ball in the box, dinking the ball home past a stunned Lucas Covolan. Braintree looked for a response, and had the ball in the final third for the next five minutes This grasp on possession left little in the way of clear-cut chances, with Craig Ross easily able to punch away a string of Braintree corners and throw-ins.
United’s next charge up the pitch would be the one which doubled their lead A looping ball over the top found Tristan Abrahams and bamboozled the hosts’ defence, allowing the striker to calmly slot home and double the lead It was all Maidenhead from there on in, with United working the ball into good spaces through Reece Smith and McCoulsky. Covolan was called into a hasty clearance on more than one occasion, although Town’s defence did just enough to prevent Maidenhead from wrapping up the game with only half-hour played
Braintree did have chances from time to time. Marley Marshall-Miranda’s effort on goal was hooked wide of the near-post, while Irons’ captain George Langston had a shot which was blocked by a stubborn Maidenhead defence before the first half came to a close
Half-time: Braintree 0-2 Magpies
United nearly started the second half in the same fashion as the first as McCoulsky fired at Covolan, albeit this time his effort was saved Moments later, United’s #9 would find himself through on goal, with the Braintree ‘keeper making a great block to deny McCoulsky’s second and United’s third.
The striker himself would find the back of the net, even if the ball didn’t! A good run by Thierry Latty-Fairweather culminated in a low cross destined for McCoulsky, although the contested ball would be reached by the Braintree defence first ahead of a sliding McCoulsky.
A comfortable lead was temporarily interrupted as Kyrell Lisbie poked one into the back of the net in the 66th minute The one-goal advantage wouldn’t last long, however, when Marshall-Miranda brought down McCoulsky in the penalty area. “Which way you going bro?” was the question asked of Sam Barratt by a member of the ten-man Braintree, to which the winger responded by powering home into the roof of the net
From there, United kept a level head to see the game out. A series of tactical substitutions, combined with a last-minute save from Ross, would ensure Alan Devonshire bid farewell to his former side by taking all three points home to Berkshire
Full-time: Braintree 1-3 Magpies
MEET THE OPPOSITION
The Moors are once again well-placed for another tilt at the play-offs in 2025. The Midlands club are not the most glamorous name in the division nor are they the best supported but year-on-year they are more than a match for the former EFL clubs in this league striving for a return to ‘The 92 Club’.
The Moors were only formed in 2007, the result of a merger between Solihull Borough and Moor Green FC, but they have reached the National League playoffs on three occasions over the last six seasons In 2022, they lost narrowly to Grimsby Town in the promotion final and at the end of 2023/24 they suffered an even more heartbreaking outcome
Coming up against Bromley in another promotion final in May of this year, the Moors levelled the game twice at Wembley only to miss out 4-3 in a penalty shootout after extra time in front of more than 23,000 spectators. Bromley twice led through top scorer Michael Cheek, who rolled the ball into the bottom to open the scoring Joe Sbarra hit back shortly after half-time before Cheek won and scored a penalty to put his side back in front. Solihull captain Jamey Osborne equalised for the Moors again to send the tie to extra-time Moors got off to the worst possible start in the dramatic shootout with Bromley keeper Grant Smith saving from Tyrese Shade and Joss Labadie, but Nick Hayes denied Ashley Charles to keep Solihull in contention They scored their next three kicks, but captain Byron Webster stepped up to net the Ravens fourth and send Bromley up to League Two.
Fate pitted the two sides against each other once again a fortnight ago in the FA Cup Second Round at the ARMCO Arena. Again, Bromley had their better of fine margins to reach the FA Cup third round for the first time The Moors however took the lead through Conor Wilkinson on 12 minutes But the Ravens hit back through Omar Sowunmi moments later and they secured the win - and a lucrative tie at Premier League side Newcastle United - in the second half through Danny Imray's clever finish
United did the league double over the Moors last season, but the early season encounter between us this term went the way of today’s visitors. Matty Warburton’s cross shot early in the second half found its way into the net and Tahvon Campbell doubled the lead Jordan Tunnicliffe’s own goal before the hour gave United hope but there was to be no equalising Maidenhead goal.
The Gaffer – Andy Whing
Birmingham-born Whing started his career with Coventry City where he made more than 100 appearances for the West Midlands side. The right back also represented Brighton & Hove Albion, Chesterfield, Leyton Orient and Oxford United Towards the end of his time with Oxford United he was appointed joint manager of the U’s Under 18 set up before leaving to become Kidderminster Harriers Under 23 coach in November 2017
In September 2019, Whing joined National League North outfit Hereford and was subsequently appointed as manager of Southern LeaguePremier Division Central club Banbury United on 12th May 2020 alongside former Oxford teammate James Constable. Whing led The Puritans to the Southern League Premier Division Central Title during the 2021/22 season, promotion being secured as early as 2nd April 2022 with four matches remaining to take the club into the National League Northfor the first time in their history Following survival in their first season in that division, Whing left Banbury and was appointed head coach at the Armco Arena, leading his new side to both the National League promotion and FA Trophy finals.
THREE TO WATCH
Sam Bowen is a 23 year-old Welsh midfielder who joined the Moors in the summer from Newport County Having joined Cardiff City at the age of just six, Bowen made five appearances for the Bluebirds and he has three Wales under 21 caps. Bowen is the son of former Swansea City, Birmingham City and Cardiff City winger Jason
Jamey Osborne is a Solihull-born midfielder who came through the youth ranks at Hednesford Town After a spell at Redditch United, he joined Moors in April 2016 and was an integral part of the Moors squad that retained its Vanarama National League status in the subsequent season. Following a move to Grimsby Town, he subsequently returned on loan and then permanently at the beginning of 2018
Lawrie Walker is an experienced goalkeeper who joined the Moors in the summer of 2024 Walker has EFL experience with MK Dons, Oldham and Stevenage Upon signing at the ARMCO Arena Walker said: “I’m made up, it’s a great Club. It’s always going to be a pleasure to play for a Club like this who are looking to be on the up.”
ON THE ROAD
Maidenhead United suffered a 6-2 defeat at the hands of league leaders York City on a dismal afternoon at the LNER Community Stadium.
York kicked off the game with a clear intent to manage possession interrupted by the occasional threat down the left and right flanks. Alex Hunt came closest when he was squared a free kick, but the hosts would only have to wait until the quarterhour mark to grab their first Joe Felix whipped a cross into Ollie Pearce who connected with a diving header to open the scoring
Minutes later, Pearce himself was brought down in the box by Reece Smith The frustrated midfielder lashed out at the York striker as he rose to his feet, with Pearce going down clutching his head. Only a yellow was given despite the pleas from home supporters, before Pearce converted the spot kick.
York scored their third before half an hour had been played. A long ball over the top found Tyrese Sinclair, who chipped over Craig Ross in the 28th minute. Ashley Nathaniel-George scored in the previous encounter between York and Maidenhead, and he would repeat this feat for his new club in the 32nd minute ANG collected the ball on the left, beat his man, and struck his effort past Ross to make it 4-0
United clawed one back in the last ten minutes of the first half Sam Barratt, in a good position on the right-hand side of the pitch, passed back to Owen Cochrane for a first-time cross. His delivery found McCoulsky, who headed home to score Maidenhead’s first of the day.
Only five minutes had been played before United’s day turned from bad to worse when Will de Havilland tackled Pearce Although the centre-half was initially given a yellow by referee Steven Copeland, the decision was later changed to a straight red for Alan Massey despite United’s skipper being some distance from the incident
From there on in, the faint hopes for a historic comeback were extinguished with the Magpies a man down against the league leaders. It was a lacklustre affair for much of the second half, even the Magpies earned a second goal in the 64th minute. McCoulsky was brought down in the penalty box, with Sam Barratt calmly converting from the spot to make it 4-2.
York’s man advantage soon paid off when another long ball over the United defence was headed down by Malachi Fagan-Walcott to Adam Crookes, who fired home 15 yards out Pearce would have one last influence on the game in the buildup to the Minstermen’s sixth and final goal The striker played through substitute Dipo Akinyemi, who in turn delivered a low cross to the six-yard box The subsequent goal was given to Luca Thomas, who slid in alongside David Ajiboye to break York’s record for the number of goals in a single match at the LNER Community Stadium.
Full-time: York City 6-2 Magpies
OPPONENT REWIND
After four games without a goal, the Magpies picked up all three points at York Road against promotion-chasing Solihull Moors with a 2-1 victory in the Vanarama National League back o January 27th of this yea
The first chance of the game saw Maidenhead take the lead through Tobi Sho-Silva After a great pass out to the lef side by Nathaniel-
George found Sam Barratt in space, the Magpies number 25 hit an effort on target, saved by Solihull goalkeeper Nick Hayes. The loose ball fell to the feet of Sho-Silva in the 6-yard box and Tobi was able to find the back of the net to put his team in front after 11 minutes
Solihull Moors managed to equalise through former Magpie Josh Kelly before the break A loose ball in the box was picked up by Alex Whitmore who had the time to lift it into the danger area, finding Kelly who was able to equalise for his side by finding the bottom corner The away side nearly took the lead straight after the equaliser through Joe Sbarra who was played in behind the defence, but his low effort was saved by Craig Ross.
The Magpies reclaimed the lead with a great strike from Sam Barratt with 20 minutes to go; a long ball forward from Craig Ross was half-cleared by the Moors defence and the ball fell to Barratt who hit a brilliant bullet of a left-footed effort from outside of the box finding the bottom right corner and putting his team in front again Maidenhead then nearly extended their lead with Tobi Sho-Silva, after a darting run into the right side of the box by Jayden Mitchell-Lawson he lifted the ball towards the 6-yard box where Sho-Silva was waiting but his header went just cleared the crossbar
The Moors nearly found the equaliser in the closing stages; a free kick swung in from the right side was met by Mark Beck, but his header was steered just wide of the post by Craig Ross. Jamey Osborne then found himself in space in the box and tried to bend one into the top corner, but his effort was cleared of the line by Sam Beckwith as United clinched a second ever league ‘double’ against the Moors
MAIDENHEAD UNITED SUPPORTERS GROUP
Maidenhead United Supporters Group (MUSG) is the name of the new fan-led group dedicated to enhancing the experience that MUFC supporters have with their club and supporting the club in all its endeavours
MUSG have already seen a 50% increase in membership this season, which is really positive MUSG is now looking to grow representation across all teams operating under the MUFC banner.
The supporters coach to Eastleigh on 21st December will definitely run. The fare will be £25 for adults and £20 for Under 16s. The Silverlake Stadium is not the easiest to reach via public transport so book up with us by visiting our stand opposite the Kelme Club Shop today before the match. You will also be able to book up for the trip to Woking on New Year’s Day Fare will be: U16 Member £15, U16 Non-Member £18; Adult Member £20, Adult Non-Member £23
MUSG are proudly sponsoring Maidenhead United Women’s Captain Sarah Thompson this season. MUSG member Luke posed with Sarah after the Magpies women’s latest victory at York Road.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE TABLE
ON THIS DAY
Recent results on 14th December have certainly been very favourable, United’s last reverse occurring 48 years ago – a 6-0 Isthmian League Cup defeat to Woking at York Road; the Cards were then a division above Maidenhead and dominated from start to finish in a one-sided affair Barking Town celebrated the opening of their new stand in 1929 with a 5-1 Amateur Cup win over the Magpies; Jack Palethorpe scored United’s consolation in the second half, although he looked suspiciously offside 50 years ago today Maidenhead suffered an embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Hellenic League side Rivets Sports in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup; trailing 2-0 the Magpies pulled level to take the game into extra time. However, it would be the Rivets who put the final nail into United’s coffin when Goodair capitalised on a loose ball to slot in the winner on 104 minutes and secure the home side’s finest ever win.
Moving swiftly forward to more recent times debutant Ken Jamieson was the hero of the day as Maidenhead recorded a 3-0 Isthmian League win over Finchley in 1985 The new signing put in an impressive performance in the middle of the park to inspire the home team United took the lead on 11 minutes when John Ling slotted home from a Garry Attrell corner. A mere 20 seconds later it was 2-0 when Lance Cadogan converted a teasing cross, again provided by Attrell On 29 minutes Jamieson got the third after being put through to chip over the Finchley keeper. Two outstanding saves from Peter Rackley prevented the Londoners getting back into the match before half-time Finchley came back strongly in the second half and went close on a couple of occasions, but it would be the Magpies who claimed three valuable points to move above Tilbury at the foot of the table
A 77th minute strike from Matt Glynn was enough to see off high-flying Purfleet in a Ryman League Premier Division match at York Road in 2002 A long trip to wet and windy Barrow in 2013 for a FA Trophy 2nd round match was rewarded with a 20 victory. Following a goalless first-half the Magpies went ahead in the 52nd minute, Richard Pacquette driving a low hard shot past the despairing keeper The visitors were now controlling the game and wrapped up a 2-0 win with five minutes left on the clock; Harry Pritchard ran down the left then cut the ball back to Danny Green who smashed the ball into the top left-hand corner from 16 yards out
