Magpies set 40-point target

Maidenhead United are on the verge of making history.

Just two more wins, six more points, would see the Magpies stay in the Conference South –  which would be their highest finish in the post-war era.

Remaining in the division season would certainly be an
historic achievement for Johnson Hippolyte’s team but it’s fair to say they haven’t done it the conventional way.

Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Bognor Regis Town was the club’s seventh away victory in the league this season, in stark contrast to their one home win.

With 11 league games remaining, five at home and six away from home,  the manager has set his side a target of 40 points which he feels will guarantee safety.

“Forty points will be enough,” he added.

“I think that might even be less than this this year unless on a few of the teams down there win six of their last 11 games.

But on their current form that looks unlikely.”

And despite the club’s woeful home form the manager admits he doesn’t care where the points come from.

He said: “A lot of managers are struggling for any kind of win, so I will just be happy when we get the points we need to stay wherever they come.

“Then I will get the brandy out and I will be happy days.”
Troubled striker Carl Wilson-Denis scored his first goal for the club on Saturday and the manager hopes it will give him the lift he needs.

He said: “I am happy for Carl. I suppose he was a surprise selection, but we just felt it would be his day.

“We’ve been disappointed with him so far this season, but we are hoping this will give him a lift.

“He’s a smashing lad, works hard and is always on the phone after training to ask what he should be working on.

“Eastleigh is one of his former clubs so he might just stay in the side on Saturday.”

In contrast John Hastings, a recent signing from MK Dons, was dropped from the squad following some poor performances.

But Hippolyte hopes his striker will bounce back.
He said: “John is still in my plans, but to be honest we have been disappointed with him since he came back.

“He was left out because we want more from him than we have seen so far, so I hope this has given him a kick up the backside and we will see a response.”