Maidenhead United capped off an unbeaten pre-season with a 1-0 win over Oxford City on Saturday, 2nd August.
The Magpies had the first shot towards goal through Remy Clerima, who connected with a cross on the volley and forced Sam Lewis into an early save.
A cagey affair continued with a quarter of the game played. Some good build-up play allowed Sam Barratt to play the type of cross which any goalkeeper hates, but, to Lewis’ relief, the ball trickled past the far post.
As the game approached the half-hour mark, Will de Havilland, recently announced as club captain, flicked on a header which was screaming for a touch home, although it was just too far our of reach for a purple shirt.
Oxford came into the game shortly afterwards. Some good possessive play was almost rewarded when Josh Parker latched onto a cross along the floor, but his effort skied over the bar. A minute later, Jack Bearne tested Jordi van Stappershoef, which the ‘keeper easily held.
On the cusp of half-time, United took the lead thanks to the combination of Jordon Ragguette and Sam Barratt. A beautiful, looping pass from the edge of the box was headed straight into the back of the net.
Half-time: Oxford City 0-1 Magpies
The second half started without a single player called Josh on the pitch for United as Umerah and Popoola made way for Corie Andrews and Liam Dulson. It also started slowly, with Barratt almost scoring directly from a corner as his effort clattered the top of the crossbar on the hour mark.
The talking point of the half came as Clerima was booked for double dissent. A knock to the head for de Havilland caused frustration over the referee’s delay in stopping the game. As Clerima vented his frustrations, he received a yellow card, followed by a red for applauding the initial booking.
United weren’t reduced to ten men in the pre-season friendly, and Josh McMenemy entered the field as Clerima was sent down the tunnel. Trialist A and Stewart joined the Academy gradutate for the last 20 minutes.
Oxford’s best chance of the half came in the final ten minutes. A corner wasn’t best dealt with by United, and Bearne was on hand to head an equaliser towards the net, but the towering van Stappershoef collected the ball before his opponent could get a touch.
Full-time: Oxford City 0-1 Magpies
The National League South campaign begins on Saturday, 9th August as we welcome Chesham to York Road. Tickets can be purchased online, with Gold and Silver Members invited to bring a friend for free.
Magpies: van Stappershoef, Bartley (Stewart, 71’), Ragguette, de Havilland, Yearwood, Ferdinand, Umerah (Andrews, 46’), Clerima (McMenemy, 67’), Popoola (Dulson, 46’), Barratt, Dundas (Trialist A, 63’)
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