Maidenhead United look to maintain momentum in FA Cup tie at Taunton

Nathan Ferguson set up both goals at Southend United but will miss the trip to Taunton as he’s on international duty. Photo: Darren Woolley

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Maidenhead United will look to maintain the momentum they've gathered over the past couple of weeks when they travel to Taunton Town for their FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies are looking to register their fifth straight win in all competitions against their in-form step 3 opponents, with manager Alan Devonshire keen for his side to continue their good form and grasp hold of the confidence that comes with it.

United had a challenging start to the season, losing their first three matches - and seven of their opening 10 matches to find themselves firmly entrenched in the relegation zone.

But they've managed to climb out of the bottom four in recent weeks, picking up wins over Ebbsfleet United and Boston United ahead of Saturday's impressive 2-0 win at Southend United. They also swatted aside Fulham's u21s side 2-0 at York Road in their first National League Cup tie.

The Magpies went into the Southend game having never beaten the Shrimpers at Roots Hall in the National League, but a brace of headers from Kevin Lokko - both supplied by the boot of Nathan Ferguson from set pieces - saw them claim a deserved win against the ex-league club.

Lokko looped home his first header over a crowded penalty area from Ferguson's free kick in the 14th minute and grabbed his second with a firm downward header in the 69th minute that defender Colin Andeng Ndi could only help into the roof of the net.

“Yeah, it was a good performance to be fair,” he said. “I was really pleased. We played well on the day and deserved the win.

“Everyone did their jobs, and it was a really good team performance.

“Yeah, I would say so (best win of the season so far). There’s a big crowd there who make it difficult, so it was a really good performance. All I can do is praise the boys because it was just a really good performance.

“At the end of the day, we did ever so well. I think we now just have a bit of confidence going on.

“The boys have got confidence from the wins that we’ve had, and the performances have been good, but we’ve got to keep it going now.”

They'll be looking to deal similar blows for two more ex-league clubs in Hartlepool United and Oldham Athletic at York Road on Saturday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 22. But before that they have the matter of Taunton Town at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium on Saturday, with a place in the first-round proper - when clubs from Leagues 1 and 2 enter the competition - up for grabs.

United will travel to Somerset as favourites to progress, but Taunton can't be taken lightly.

They might play in the same league as local rivals Marlow - the Southern League - Premier South - but they're unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions.

They've seen off Didcot Town, Poole Town and Basingstoke Town to set up Saturday's clash with the Magpies and hammered Marlow 5-2 in the league as they moved to within touching distance of the play-off places.

As Devonshire points out, they'll be chomping at the bit to have a go at a Maidenhead side playing two levels above them and perhaps cause one of the upsets of the round. United will also be without their Guyanese international Ferguson, who's been one of the key drivers of the Magpies' recent uptick in form.

“It will be tough,” he added.

“Nathan Ferguson is away on international duty, and he’s played really well in the last couple of games.

“We’ll be missing him, so we’ve got to get someone in to replace him. It’s going to be tough. They are going to be up for this big time, and they are undefeated in 10. But listen, we’ve had these games before and come through them, so we’ve got to make sure we’re on it again on Saturday.”

Saturday's win lifts the Magpies two points clear of the relegation zone to 19th place. They next have two home fixtures against Hartlepool and Oldham to cement their recent good form and lift themselves further clear of danger.

“We have Hartlepool and Oldham, both at home on the following Saturday and Tuesday,” said Devonshire.

“They’re both good games, big clubs, both ex-league clubs, so they’ll be good games and we’re looking forward to them.”