Resurgent Magpies travel to Hampton after toppling league leaders

Matt Robinson

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Maidenhead United will look to extend their recent winning run in the league to four matches on Saturday when they take on Hampton & Richmond Borough at the Beveree.

Both clubs have seen plenty of changes in recent weeks, with Alan Devonshire stepping aside after 10 years as manager at York Road, and Alan Dowson replacing Alan Julian in the dugout for the Beavers.

Another familiar face, Alan Massey, led the club to a 2-0 win over AFC Totton in his capacity as interim manager, to lift the Beavers out of the relegation zone last week.

The Magpies have been in excellent form of late following the announcement that Devonshire would be standing down to be replaced by interim management team Ryan Peters and Aaron O’Brien. 

 After going eight matches without a win in all competitions, they thumped Salisbury 6-0, defeated struggling Chippenham Town 3-0 and then dismantled league leaders Hornchurch 2-0 on Saturday in what must be regarded as their most complete performance of the season.

United could and should have won by more than the two goals they scored through Will de Havilland and Jayden Mitchell-Lawson.

The result lifts the Magpies to 10th in the National League South table, four points outside of the play-off places.

Hampton, who sit 20th in the table and a point outside of the drop zone, will be hoping for a similar revival to the Magpies after Dowson was announced as the club’s new manager this week. Julian had been at the club for nearly six years, and manager since 2024, however, a run of 12 matches without a win in all competitions led to bis departure.

The two clubs last met each over just under a decade ago in a goalless draw in early March 2017, however, the reverse game earlier in the season was far more entertaining, Harry Pritchard, who played his first competitive football in more than 580 days in last weekend’s win over Hornchurch, opened the scoring at the Beveree. Jamal Lowe, currently at Sheffield Wednesday, equalised withing minutes but goals from Dean Inman and Ryan Upward gave the Magpies an unassailable lead, despite Lowe’s late consolation. 

 Ryan Peters played at right back for the Magpies alongside Alan Massey, however, the two will be on opposite sides this Saturday.

Massey played a big role in the Beaver’s much-needed win over Totton last Tuesday, stabilising the club from the dugout before Dowson’s announcement this week.   Reece Grego-Cox fired into the roof of the net to open the scoring soon before halftime, before joint top scorer Harry Gardner fired in low from the edge of the area.

Tickets for Saturday’s game are as follows: Adult: £15; Concession (65+ or student w/ valid ID): £12; Wheelchair Access: £12; Under 18s: £5; Carer: £1; Under 5s: FREE. Tickets will be available on the gate but please note: Beveree Stadium is a cashless venue. 

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Maidenhead United’s Shay Bottomley has been looking into the history of Hampton in his preview of the game.

“Despite not quite being in Hampton, Hampton Court Palace is its most notable local attraction our fun fact is brought to you from Henry VIII’s former dwellings. The Palace is home to many weird and wonderful draws, one of which being the world’s oldest and largest grapevine. Named quite aptly, ‘The Great Vine’ is over 250 years old and spreads four metres across the base and its longest branch extends over 40 metres long. The average crop of black dessert grapes is about 272 kilograms (600lbs). However, in the autumn of 2001 it was 383 kilograms (845 lbs): the best crop ever. The grapes are ripe for picking after August Bank Holiday and are available to buy in the palace shop in early September. Albeit from a different vine, guests to the Palace were once able to consume free wine from the Wine Fountain found in the inner courtyard.”

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Most recent results 

Maidenhead United 0-0 Hampton & Richmond (2017) 

Hampton & Richmond 2-3 Maidenhead United (2016) 

Hampton & Richmond 0-0 Maidenhead United (2012) 

Maidenhead United 0-2 Hampton & Richmond (2011) 

Maidenhead United 0-0 Hampton & Richmond (2011) 

Hampton & Richmond 1-1 Maidenhead United (2011) 

Maidenhead United 2-1 Hampton & Richmond (2010) 

Directions 

Address: Beveree Stadium, Beaver Close, off Station Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2BX 

Train 

From Maidenhead Station, the fastest suggested route is to take the Elizabeth Line to Hayes & Harlington. Then head to the Bus Stop just a couple minutes walk from the station, board the 90 bus to Fern Grove. From Fern Grove board the 285 bus towards Kingston, disembark at Uxbridge Road Hampton and then the ground is just 5 minutes walk away. 

Car 

A couple of routes are available to get to the Beveree, via either the M4 or the A308 both can then join onto the M3. Once on the M3 continue to the exit for Sunbury-on-Thames and leave the roundabout for the A308 for 3 miles and takes you into Hampton. Note: unfortunately, there is very little parking available at Beveree, so please use surrounding streets respectfully.