Chairman responds to fans after Maidenhead United's woeful FA Trophy exit at Leamington

Josh Umerah. Photo credit: MUFC

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Leamington 2, Maidenhead United 0

Maidenhead United chairman Peter Griffin has responded to frustrated fans online after the Magpies abject exit from the FA Trophy at the hands of National League North strugglers Leamington. 

The Magpies are in the midst of an awful run of form, having lost five of their last six matches in the league coming into today's (Saturday) second round tie at the Your Coop Community Stadium. 

Supporters travelled to Warwickshire hopeful of an improved performance and result, but instead were deservedly dumped out of the competition by a team who'd managed just two goals in seven matches prior to kick-off. 

Leamington - currently bottom of the National League North - managed to double that tally inside 90 minutes as Maidenhead surrendered their place in the competition rather meekly.

Alan Devonshire reflects on this afternoon's 2-0 defeat at Leamington ️ pic.twitter.com/HBbOoqyBsH

— Maidenhead United (@MUFCYorkRoad) November 15, 2025

Patience appears to be growing thin amongst supporters on the terraces and online and club chairman Griffin felt the need to respond to fans on social media after the game. 

He said: "We’re all frustrated by the recent form and want this season to get back on track. 20 years and millions of my money suggests I do give a shit.

"We all want the same thing as Alan (Devonshire) and it is tough at the moment. If change is needed it will happen but I am Loyal and Optimistic and this usually means the club will be OK." 

⏹️ Full-time. pic.twitter.com/Ni9FHdzAFb

— Maidenhead United (@MUFCYorkRoad) November 15, 2025

Maidenhead made several changes for the trip to Leamington with Ryan Bartley returning in defence and Asher Yearwood starting in midfield.

The visitors began the game reasonably well, with Yearwood seeing an early attempt well blocked and Josh Umerah bending another shot narrowly over the bar.

But the Magpies’ bright start was wiped out in the 10th minute when Ewan Williams tapped home at the far posts to give the home side the lead.

Kai Yearn floated a headed over the bar from Sam Barratt’s cross as Maidenhead looked to respond but the remainder of the half was dominated by Leamington who should have more than doubled their lead with the chances that fell their way.

They went close twice in the space of a few seconds in the 24th minute when Tim Berridge latched onto a cross but failed to find the target. The ball skewed into the path of Seb Thompson who sent the ball back into the danger area, but Ant Lynn’s attempt was well saved by Jordi Van Stappershoef.

Berridge was then given the freedom of the Coop Community Stadium as he was played clean through on goal in the 39th minute. With time to think about what he was going to do, and the Maidenhead defence left in his wake, he tried a cute finish, but Van Stappershoef called his bluff and stood tall to save.

Leamington had one more chance before the interval when Williams was afforded far more space in the area than he should have been, but he contrived to pull his shot wide of the target.

Behind at the break and in need of a much improved second half display, United returned with resolve to put right their failings of the first half. Umerah fired straight at Ravenhill after giving his marker the slip in the 46th minute, while Liam Dulson also tested the Leamington keeper with a powerful shot at the near post in the 52nd minute.

But before they could reply, Leamington doubled their advantage when Berridge smashed home their second at the far post just before the hour mark.

A double change saw Corie Andrews and Josh Popoola come on for Yearwood and Barratt, and while the Magpies forced Ravenhill into a few decent stops, they couldn’t get their name on the scoresheet.

In the 70th minute Andrews flicked the ball over his man and fired goalwards with his left foot, but Ravenhill saved well with his feet. Then, in the 87th, Dulson cut in and fired in a deflected shot that Ravenhill tipped over.

The final whistle sounded soon afterwards, and Maidenhead left Leamington with their tail firmly between their legs. They’re now out of both national cup competitions, having fallen in their first match in both, while a poor run of form in the league has seen them slip to 14th, seven points off the play-off places.

They’re back in league action at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.