Has the Magpies bubble burst?

Has the bubble finally burst at York Road?

Three straight home defeats has seen Maidenhead United’s wave of optimism shattered as they threaten to implode and throw away all their hard work so far this season.

Just two weeks ago, the Magpies were presented with a chance to go top of the Conference South with two games in hand if they had beaten leaders Chelmsford City. There was even talk behind the scenes of drawing up plans to accommodate the Magpies in the Conference Premier next season. However, it is now clear that nothing can be taken for granted.

It seems remarkable to think that in the space of a month, United went from beating promotion contenders Worcester City and Team Bath to losing to struggling Newport County.

Manager Johnson ‘Drax’ Hippolyte must now get the confidence back into his players and find the way back to victory before they drop out of the play-off places.

“On Saturday we had a meeting straight after the Eastleigh game as you do when you suffer such a heavy defeat,” Drax revealed.

“There were a few things said in the changing rooms and some of the guys were frustrated. On the whole it’s been very disappointing recently.

“I expected better against Newport, especially being at home. It wasn’t the best performance.”

There has been a worrying sense of deja vu of late from last season when United could not buy a win at York Road, but Drax was quick to pour cold water on the home form debate, saying: “Yes we’ve lost our last three games at home, but in my experience it happens and its all swings and roundabouts.

“I think over the course of this year we’ll win home games and we’ll lose home games.”

Despite a wealth of strikers, United have scored just once in the last three games. Manny Williams is nowhere near his best and Lee Newman seems to have lost all confidence, but it is Richard Pacquette's dip in form which is most worrying.

The former Havant & Waterlooville striker is now four games without a goal, yet Drax has confidence in his top scorer and is sure Pacquette will find his scoring boots soon enough.

“I spoke to Richard before the Newport game and, being a striker myself, I know that strikers will go through spells where they can’t score,” he said. “But as long as they bring something to the team then they deserve their place.”

The midfield department has also been failing to match their earlier high standards and Drax pinpointed Ashley Nicholls and Ben Surey as two players who need to get back to form as soon as possible if the Magpies are to get back on track.

He said: “Ashley and Ben both have just had two of their worst games. From day one, Ash has been fantastic until two games ago, so has Ben since he came into the team. It’s annoying that they’re both having a poor run at the same time.”

It was not just morale that was hurt on Tuesday, but a number of key players too. Pacquette hobbled off with a twisted ankle, while Dominic Sterling landed awkwardly on his back and Jamal Fyfield injured his ankle. All three are now doubts for Saturday, giving Drax cause for concern.

“We’re picking up some injuries now,” said the Magpies boss. “As I said earlier this season, it’s the bigger squads who will handle injuries best. All three are doubtful for the next game. Dom probably has the best chance of making it.”

The Magpies have a much-needed break from league action at perhaps the perfect time as Chesham United pay a visit on Saturday in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.

Drax sees the game as a chance to relieve a bit of the pressure on his team. He said: “Sometimes when you're in the form we’re in, it’s good to have a break and play in a cup.

“But Chesham are in good form and I know a few of the players there and they’ll be wanting to win.

“I’m hoping we can get a win on Saturday and bounce back.”