Maidenhead Magpies Football Club
www.maidenheadmagpies.co.uk
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Match Report
Star Player
Oliver MulleyStarting Line-up
| 1 | Scott Woolford |
| 2 | Harry McWilliams |
| 3 | Jake Hynard |
| 4 | James Sawle |
| 5 | Aaron Woolford |
| 6 | Paul Lewis |
| 7 | Robert Oliver |
| 8 | Oliver Mulley |
| 9 | Alexander Hirst |
| 10 | Adam Mellor |
| 11 | William Wheddon |
Subs not used:
| 12 | James Dover |
| 13 | Elisha Sohail |
| 14 | Tommy Adams |
| 15 | Jake Piper |
Sat 31 Mar 2012
League
| Bracknell Cavaliers FC | 2 |
| Maidenhead Magpies A Team | 4 |
Harry McWilliams (1)
Paul Lewis (1)
William Wheddon (2)
Paul Lewis (1)
William Wheddon (2)
Report
Magpies beat Cavaliers to secure promotion to EBYL Divison 1
Saturday's game pitted second against third with Magpies a point clear of their rivals Bracknell Cavaliers. Magpies could seal promotion if they avoid defeat; if Cavaliers took the spoils then they would have the advantage going into the final round of fixtures. Magpies would have to beat champions elect Yately whilst Cavaliers would need to overcome rock bottom Warfield.
Saturday's game pitted second against third with Magpies a point clear of their rivals Bracknell Cavaliers. Magpies could seal promotion if they avoid defeat; if Cavaliers took the spoils then they would have the advantage going into the final round of fixtures. Magpies would have to beat champions elect Yately whilst Cavaliers would need to overcome rock bottom Warfield.
Cavaliers set their midfield up with five across the middle meaning that play was stifled in the centre of the park but Magpies set up to bring in their wingers, Lewis and Hirst, and to utilise the pace of Wheddon and Mellor. After a nervous start from both teams Magpies were the first to test the opposition several attacks down the flanks were causing problems for the Bracknell back-line but the ball didn't find its way to a Magpie in a shooting position as Bracknell defended well.
Mid-way through the half there was a big shout for a penalty as Hirst was sent clattering to the ground but the referee didn't think so and play went on. Cavaliers were dangerous on the break and had plenty of pace to worry Sawle and Hynard at the back but they demonstrated why Magpies have the best defensive record in the division.
As the half came to a close Magpies were on the back foot. Cavaliers push hard to go in at half-time ahead and nearly did so when a cracking corner was headed goalwards but Woolford, who has been impeccable all season, was equal to it and tipped it over the bar.
Spoils shared at half-time and Magpies 40 minutes away from promotion.
The second half started badly for Magpies as some sleepy defending allowed Cavaliers to get to the by-line and cross for their striker to head Bracknell in front. Heads dropped but were soon picked up again as Magpies pushed for an equaliser and they didn't have to wait long for it to arrive. Wheddon fired in a corner from the right side which was met by right-back McWilliams who guided the ball into the top right-hand corner.
This should have been the catalyst for Magpies to go on and dominate the game but instead they found themselves behind again in what was almost a carbon copy of the first goal. Again, Magpies were undone on the right flank and poor marking in the middle made for an easy tap-in to nudge Cavaliers in front once again.
At this point Magpies made some changes putting Adams on for Oliver and Sohail on for Mellor. This changed Magpies style slightly but it proved to be the difference as Magpies started to tackle much higher up the pitch and get their passing game going. It was pressure at the top of the pitch that led to the equaliser; a defender was dispossessed and the ball squared into the box for Lewis to slot home.
Magpies kept up the relentless pressure and again forced Cavaliers into a mistake when Wheddon chased a hopeful ball, which looked to be a lost cause. his presence caused confusion between defender and keeper and the ball squirted out to Wheddon who pass the ball into an empty net.
The sense of relief was evident and Magpies, rather than defending their lead, pushed for another goal whilst having to be mindful of the numerous breaks from Cavaliers but the back four held true; they got their reward 15 minutes from time. Adams flighted a great delivery into the Cavaliers box from a corner which was headed clear but right back at the Magpies midfielder. He chested the ball down and drove in an even better cross which was met by an unmarked Wheddon who nodded the ball home and gave Magpies a two-goal cushion.
Cavaliers through everything at Magpies who changed their shape to go with five at the back, Piper coming on at right-back and McWilliams moving into the middle. Dover was a late sub and was left isolated upfront as Magpies were camped in their half however his work rate and drive meant that there were still chances to be had.
Mulley picked up man-of-the-match with a sterling display of grit and determination in the centre of midfield.
However, the game finished 4-2 and Magpies secured their promotion into the EBYL Division 1 for the first time; a worthy reward for what has been a great season.
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