Maidenhead United showcase 'bouncebackability' in dominant win over AFC Totton

Maidenhead United have shown a better ability to bounce back from defeats of late, with Tuesday’s impressive win over AFC Totton coming hot on the heels of Saturday’s disappointment at Chippenham Town.

Earlier in the campaign, Maidenhead were guilty of allowing poor results to fester, and one or two disappointing results became five or six. That inability to nip those performances in the bud ultimately accounted for Alan Devonshire, who stepped down from his role off the back of seven winless games - and six straight defeats in all competitions.

It was ex-pro Iain Dowie who coined the phrase ‘bouncebackability’ and Maidenhead appear to have developed that part of their game, and it should stand them in good stead for the run in.

Tuesday’s deserved 2-0 win over Totton lifts the side to sixth in the table - now just two points behind fourth placed Torquay United with a game in hand - and captain Will de Havilland highlighted this improved aspect of their game in his post-match interview.

“It was nice to be back at home and to put on a commanding performance,” he said

“I felt we dominated the first half. Not so much the second half, because they came out and gave us a good test. But we handled them well and we managed the game well. We saw it out.

“It probably was one of the best performances of the season. We created a lot of chances and probably could have scored a few more. We showed a good intent and energy right from the start to take control of the game. We carried it through, so it was good.

“It’s always nice to go in with a two-goal lead because one, you know they’re going to change things up. You know that if you were on top, it probably won’t be quite the same. So, to get that second goal it gave us a bit of comfort going into the second half.

“We managed the game really well and killed the game off.”

Having lost 1-0 at bottom of the table Chippenham Town on Saturday, interim boss Ryan Peters had demanded a response from his players, and they delivered that response in emphatic fashion to overpower a Totton side who came into Tuesday’s clash in good form.

Josh Umerah bundled the Magpies in front in the 11th minute, despite the best efforts of keeper Ryan Gosney who was in excellent form for the Stags. Josh Popoola then sealed the win with an excellent strike late in the first half, and although the Magpies failed to maintain their level of performance throughout the second half, they were still comfortably the better team.

“Second half we had a lot of chances and their keeper has played very well,” added De Havilland.

“I thought Duls (Liam Dulson) deserved a goal because he was terrific and he runs teams ragged. He deserved a goal and was unlucky not to get it. If they had scored in the 85th to 90th minute it would have made things nervy, no matter how much you’ve controlled the game.

“It was nice to defend well and see the game out.

“When we’ve had defeats, we’re now bouncing back right away, and it makes a huge difference.

“We had the loss on Saturday, went down to 10th but one win and we’re straight back in it. We need to keep on that train and make sure we’re winning all our home games as well.”

The Magpies play five of their next seven league matches at York Road, and de Havilland is determined for the Magpies to deliver on home soil, starting with promotion rivals Maidstone United this Saturday.

“Yeah, they’re on good form as well so we know it’s going to be a tough game, but we fancy ourselves at home,” said the captain. “We’ve just got to go and take the game to them like we did tonight and dominate from the start. Hopefully we can do that and get another win.”