Magpies Grab League Leaders by the Horns

The Magpies extended their fine run of form as they defeated league leaders Hornchurch 2-0 on Saturday, 6th December.  

 

Coming into the game, the Magpies were the division’s form side, having scored nine goals without reply in their previous two outings. Hornchurch, meanwhile, arrived top of the table and full of confidence after a 4-0 win in midweek and were looking to strengthen their promotion push. 

 

With both sides heading into this game full of confidence, the tone of the match began at a high tempo. However, it was Maidenhead who carved out the first real opportunity on goal when Owen Cochrane found space on the edge of the area, but his low drive was held comfortably by the visiting goalkeeper Arthur Nasta. Moments later, an instant response came from the league leaders at the other end as a sloppy pass from Matt Robinson gifted former EFL striker Angelo Balanta a sight of goal, only for captain Will de Havilland to make a crucial block. 

 

Ryan Peters thought his interim reign began with an early lead when Liam Dulson tapped home following a scramble in the box, but the goal was ruled out for a foul as Josh Umerah had both hands on the Hornchurch centre-half in the goalmouth. The home side’s attacking intent did not stop after that early disappointment as just moments later Maidenhead broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, as captain Will de Havilland rose at the near post to meet Josh Popoola’s in-swinging corner, glancing home his fourth goal of the campaign to put the Magpies deservedly ahead. 

 

The black and white of Maidenhead continued to press with purpose, threatening through quick transitions and sharp combinations down the left leaving the away side unsettled at the back. Maidenhead nearly doubled their lead through an enticing cross from the in-form Josh Popoola down the right-hand side, but it failed to be converted by Umerah, who missed connection with the ball from just five yards out, before Popoola forced Nasta into an excellent low save from a free-kick. 

 

Hornchurch’s best chance of an equaliser came from a pull-back to Darren McQueen, but the forward couldn’t convert under tight and aggressive defensive pressure. Maidenhead went into the break good value for their lead, thanks to a strong defensive structure and relentless work rate off the ball, leaving Hornchurch a lot to think about at the break. 

 

 

The Magpies began the second half in similar fashion, as they continued to look dangerous on the counter, with Owen Cochrane leading several breaks that kept the Hornchurch defence worried. The visitors, sensing the urgency of the situation, pushed bodies forward and began to enjoy their most dominant spell as the half wore on, but the Magpies remained organised and difficult to break down. 

 

A huge shift in momentum came as Hornchurch continued to pile on the pressure after sending on more attacking prowess in search of a vital equaliser, which led to space opening up late on. Game, set and match as substitute Jayden Mitchell-Lawson sealed the all-important three points in the dying moments, as he found himself in bundles of space on the edge of the box and curled in a superb strike following a well-timed interception from Jordon Ragguette, who capitalised on a loose pass from Junior Morias on the halfway line. It was no more than Maidenhead deserved after a well-disciplined and energetic performance against top-of-the-table Hornchurch. 

 

As the final whistle blew, York Road erupted. Ryan Peters’ black-and-white army was being roared by the Magpies faithful as they boasted three wins and clean sheets on the spin. 

 

 

Magpies XI: van Stappershoef, Bartley, de Havilland, Ragguette, Robinson (Stewart, 92’), Umerah (Pritchard, 81’), Dulson, Cochrane (Headman, 88’), Clerima, Popoola (Mitchell-Lawson, 81’), Onariase 

 

Hornchurch: Nasta, Hare, Gibbs, Wraight, Balanta (Sandat, 71’), Weston, McQueen (Kelman, 81’), Philips (Morias, 45’), Ruff (Reese, 45’), Henry (Pegrum, 71’), Bertram-Cooper. 

 

Attendance: 1,013