Suspensions cause Magpies defensive crisis

The depth of the Maidenhead United FC squad will truly be tested this weekend.

Johnson ‘Drax’ Hippolyte faces a defensive crisis ahead of the visit by Basingstoke Town on Saturday.

On top of that, striker Staforde Palmer has returned to Hayes & Yeading United after his three-month loan deal came to an end.

Captain Mark Nisbet, Pat Sappleton and Jamal Fyfield are all suspended for Saturday’s match, forcing the Magpies boss to recall full-back Tom Baddeley from his loan at Bedfont Green.

Baddeley will be thrown straight into action, while the unknown Marcus Rose will also get a taste of 1st team football.

 “This week I’ve compared it to Chelsea losing Ashley Cole, Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry at the same time,” said Drax. “We’ve got no Pat Sappleton, Jamal Fyfield or Mark Nisbet – three of our starting back four.

“It’s going to be a struggle and will give the younger lads a chance to show they deserve to be here.

“Tom will go in, Nevin Saroya will play and Marcus Rose, who trained with us in pre-season, will get his chance to impress.”

Up front, Drax must also turn to youth following Palmer’s departure this week. Kieran Knight and Kieron St Aimie are expected to lead the attack, but United have only youngsters Alex Wall and Lee Barney to choose from as replacements.

“We’ve got Alex and Lee, but if I’m honest we need another body,” Drax said. “I spoke to Peter [Griffin] and we’ll give Alex and Lee a chance in the next month. If it doesn’t go well then we’ll have to look elsewhere, but it’s the same old problem – money.”

There is some good news on the horizon, though, as long-term absentee Gavin James has started light training following an horrific ankle break at the end of last season.

“Gavin trained yesterday (Tuesday), but he’s had no contact training yet,” revealed Drax. “That will be a couple of weeks away yet.

“It would be a huge boost to have him back and we’ll be having a look at him in training. He’s doing everything fitness wise like turning and running, but until he takes a tackle we won’t know.”