Maids not at the races

Maidenhead could not make two wins on the spin on Saturday, despite dominating their match with Newbury & Thatcham.
It was a frustrating afternoon as chance after chance went begging and Maids eventually paid the price.

The visitors made a strong start, with man of the match Phil Cowell and Ant Jones combining well down the right wing.

The pair fashioned three clear-cut chances which were only kept out by some excellent work by the Newbury goalkeeper.
Jones then had, what appeared to be a clear goal, disallowed by the umpire.

But Maids wouldn’t be denied for long. Jones was soon on the scoresheet pouncing on a defensive mistake before applying an emphatic
finish.

Maids held the lead until half-time, but could have led by more at the break.

The visitors continued to dominate after the break but they were eventually punished for the inability to take their chances.

Newbury levelled the game with a well-taken goal that came from a swift move down the right and a sharp cross which was smashed high past Ian Osbon in the Maids goal.

But Maids showed real spirit to snatch the lead again, this time James Luff firing past the Newbury keeeper.
However the hosts weren’t finished and with time ticking away Newbury equalised with a dramatic reverse stick shot which flew in after a corner.

To read an interview with captain Neel Sood see this week’s Advertiser.