Magpies Worthy Winners over Worthing

Maidenhead United made it six victories from as many games as a Liam Dulson goal ensured the three points stayed in Berkshire in a windy clash against Worthing. 

 

Alan Devonshire made two changes to the side which beat Maidstone a fortnight prior. Josh Umerah returned to the side with Kane Ferdinand, with Will de Havilland and Corie Andrews making way. 

 

A blustery afternoon got underway with United attacking the Canal End. A series of crosses from Josh Popoola found Remy Clerima and Manny Onariase in the opening stages, but neither were able to get a full connection with their headers. 

 

United had the better chances for the first quarter-hour, but were unable to capitalise. Josh Umerah scuffed an opportunity which turned out to be offside anyway, while Popoola won a free kick but was unable to threaten Seb Stacey’s goal with the delivery. 

 

Such was the intensity of the wind that both teams were forced to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible. This would prove advantageous for the Magpies, who produced a well-worked goal with a quarter of the game gone. Some strong pressure on the Worthing defence allowed Jayden Mitchell-Lawson to win back possession, before squaring it to Liam Dulson. A delicate touch preceded a powerful strike, which smashed into the back of the net. 

 

The Magpies had complete control over the game, and had several opportunities around the half-hour mark. A clever play saw Popoola’s strike blocked by Joe Cook, while Clerima mistimed a header to go 2-0 up. 

 

 

The tough conditions continued as the game resumed, with the Magpies battling into the wind which, by this point, was strong enough to send goal kicks back the way they came. 

 

These conditions suited Worthing, who had their first chance of the half – and best of the game – through Jack Spong, although the #10 was unable to keep his effort on target. United responded with a darting run from Liam Dulson, who was himself unable to find the top right corner. 

 

Jordi van Stappershoef had been kept twiddling his thumbs for much of the clash, but the Dutchman made a strong save on the hour mark to deny Nick Wheeler. 

 

A nasty challenge on substitute Corie Andrews saw Harry Ransom booked with ten minutes to go. Fortunately, the striker was fit to continue, only for a near-identical challenge by Ransom five minutes later. This time, the Worthing man was sent his marching orders. 

 

With their opponents down to ten men, Sam Barratt nearly solidified the victory with a downward header into the path of Seb Stacy. Nevertheless, United held on for the seven minutes of stoppage time, securing a sixth league win in a row. 

 

 

Magpies: van Stappershoef, Bartley, Ragguette, Ferdinand, Mitchell-Lawson (Yearn, 69’), Robinson (Welch-Hayes, 90’), Umerah (Andrews, 80’), Dulson (Barratt, 89’), Clerima, Popoola, Onariase 

 

Worthing: Stacey, Beard, Cook, Coleman De-Graft, Spong, Wheeler, Ransom, Babalola (Dolighan, 74’), Packham, Burgess (Smith, 78’), Jenks 

 

Attendance: 1,109