Harper's last-minute heroics fire Magpies to vital victory at York Road

Maidenhead United players celebrate Megan Harper’s late winner against Bridgwater United. Photo: Darren Woolley

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Maidenhead United Women 2, Bridgwater United Women 1

Megan Harper coolly slotted home a last-minute winner as Maidenhead United Women overcame a tough and resilient Bridgwater United side at York Road on Sunday for their first since late August.

It’s been several weeks since the Magpies last savoured victory in either the league or cup, and few would have anticipated that after their dominant 3-0 success over Worthing at home on August 31.

But six matches have passed in all competitions since then, with the Magpies managing just one draw during that run, away to Bridgwater in the reverse fixture aptly enough.

The hosts needed to show all their grit and determination to come through for all three points in difficult conditions at York Road on Sunday.

The result lifts Dave Kitson’s side out of the relegation places and up to ninth in the table, only two points behind fifth placed Marine Academy Plymouth.

The Late Show | Full @fc_video highlights of Sunday's dramatic encounter with a tough and resilient @BridgwaterUtdW team are available below https://t.co/i6KG6Em4f9

— Maidenhead United Women (@mufcyorkroadwfc) October 20, 2025

The Magpies had the better of the first half with Molly McKeever rising high to head narrowly wide from a corner in the 17th minute.

Amelie Mayani - who scored with her first touch after coming on as a substitute in the recent FA Cup defeat to Worthing - was also replaced on the half-hour by Izzy Stockton after being on the wrong end of a nasty tackle.

The half was also notable for the caution shown to Kitson after he protested a decision a little to vociferously.

If that showed the Magpies’ determination and desperation for a win, the players displayed it with their excellent football on the pitch in the second half.

The hosts made a bright start to the half, pinning their visitors back inside their own half. It was no surprise therefore when Stockton fired them ahead in the 49th minute, steering the ball past the keeper after latching onto a really clever through ball which dissected the Bridgwater backline.

SUPERRR STOCKTONNN!!! pic.twitter.com/19Zv4CmORg

— Maidenhead United Women (@mufcyorkroadwfc) October 19, 2025

The visitors lobbed a great chance over the bar after the hosts gave away possession in midfield but did manage to level matters in the 65th minute - largely against the run of play.

Bridgwater managed to break the Magpies offside trap with through ball from the right. Magpies’ keeper Mia Smith came charging out of her area and came close to thwarting the attack, but the ball rebounded kindly for Connie Pengelly to sweep into the unguarded net from just inside the area.

Maidenhead defenders were adamant Bridgwater’s strikers had gone too early and should have been flagged offside, but the goal stood.

United regrouped well though and came close to restoring their advantage on several occasions in the final 15 minutes. Stockton was inches away from making it 2-1 when she turned brilliantly on the edge of the box and got in behind her marker before stabbing an effort just wide. She had to be brave with the Bridgwater keeper clattering into her as she poked the ball past the post.

Then, in the 85th minute, Sarah Sparrow unleashed a powerful left-footed drive from way out on the right which the keeper unconvincingly pushed behind for a corner.

But United wouldn’t be denied, and they won the match with one of their team goals of the season in the 90th minute.

Playing the ball out from the back, they swept a beautiful ball into the path of Stockton. She controlled it brilliantly before turning and playing the ball into the path of Harper who slotted home first time to the right of the keeper to make it 2-1.

MEGANNN HARPERRRR!!! pic.twitter.com/VPnLuUBACx

— Maidenhead United Women (@mufcyorkroadwfc) October 19, 2025

Harper may have been the match-winner, but Stockton also deserves credit for the role she played in the winning goal. With a goal and an assist to her name – as well as a desperately unfortunate miss – the first half substitute played a huge role in turning the game in Maidenhead’s favour.

The Magpies are back at York Road on Wednesday, October 29 when they host Abingdon United (7.45pm kick-off).

Abingdon sit just a place - and a couple of points - above them in the FA Women’s National League Division 1 South West table but the Magpies would leapfrog them with a home win.

Kitson’s side follow that with a long trip to Portishead on Sunday, November 2, 2pm kick-off.