The final day takes us on the road to Hornchurch, aware of the task at hand. 

 

When we welcomed the Urchins in December, they sat top of the table – a position which they could grasp this weekend. But in what was Ryan Peters’ first game in charge, United produced a statement 2-0 victory as an own goal and Jayden Mitchell-Lawson’s late strike secured three points. The visitors went close early on as Myles Weston tried to catch the United defence unawares, but to no avail. Liam Dulson’s early disallowed goal set the tone thereafter as United broke the deadlock halfway through the first half. Josh Popoola’s corner was flicked in at the near post, narrowly evading Will de Havilland, and Giles Phillips got the telling touch. Liam Dulson thought he had the opportunity to make right his disallowed goal, but gain he was left frustrated after his penalty, initially given by the referee, was overruled by the local linesman. The Magpies did eventually get the second as Jordon Ragguette broke forward with Jayden Mitchell-Lawson and the latter fired into the far corner from the edge. 

 

The most recent to have played for both of Saturday’s sides, and to have appeared in this section, is midfielder Charlee Adams. Three years, 114 appearances and ten goals in Berkshire ultimately ended with his departure to the Urchins. Joining Hornchurch ahead of the 2024/25 season, it proved to be a productive move for Adams as he made 39 appearances and found the net on seven occasions. He played another eight times in the early parts of this season but has since been loaned out to Chelmsford City. Adams has found a more secure role with the Clarets featuring 20 times and scoring once. 

 

The next to have played for both is Sean Marks, who took a rather similar path as he swapped York Road for Hornchurch Stadium in 2018. In two years with United, Marksy played 87 times and scored 22 as part of a prolific partnership with Dave Tarpey. Immortalised in Maidenhead history as part of the promotion-winning squad, he added the Berks & Bucks Senior cup to the National League South trophy. In his singular season at Hornchurch, Sean Marks once again showed his scoring touch as he found the net 18 times in 47 games. 

The final player to have played for both is Danny Green. A wide midfielder with an eye for goal, Green spent between 2013 and 2015 at York Road. In that time, he donned black and white 33 times, scoring an impressive 11 goals. His "exquisite finishing" was noted when he scored a late double against Hayes & Yeading United in December 2014. He replicated his impressive goal returns at the Urchins just in a slightly smaller sample size, with two goals in four games. 

 

Hornchurch have proven all season their ability to get results and have remained within the top three for the majority of 2025/26. Last time out they secured three points against already relegated Chippenham Town. A 3-1 victory for the Urchins, and with Worthing dropping points at Maidstone, means Saturday’s hosts remain in contention for the title. Angelo Balanta’s double either side of Henry Hearn’s goal made it three in quick succession before Ezio Touray scored a late consolation. Balanta is the man to watch with 21 goals and six assists this season, a total that accounts for over a quarter of their goals this campaign. 

 

The Magpies also come into the game on the back of a victory; a 1-0 win over Dover Athletic as Ryan Bartley scored his first goal for the club. It was full steam ahead for United knowing that winning was essential to sustain playoff ambitions. The breakthrough came five minutes into the second half as Will de Havilland headed down Josh Popoola’s set piece and Bartley was on hand to slide home. Going into the final day, the task at hand is one that won’t be lost on United fans as the permutations have done their fair share of circulation since Saturday evening. 

 

 

Maidenhead United supporters will enter the ground via Abraham Court, opposite the Windmill pub. Our volunteers will be on hand to direct you to the correct entrance on Upminster Road. The turnstiles will be open from 11.00am and close 15 minutes after kick-off (click here to view map). 

 

From Maidenhead Station get the Elizabeth Line towards Abbey Wood and disembark at Whitechapel. At Whitechapel swap over to the District Line and head to Upminster Bridge. Turn right out of the station, walk under the railway bridge and take the second right turning into Abraham Court. 

 

Take the M25 to Junction 29 on the A127 towards London. Come off at the next major turn-off (signposted to Upminster) and turn left into Hall Lane. Follow this road for about a mile and a half, passing Upminster station on your left, until you come to a major crossroads with traffic lights. Turn right at the lights into St Mary’s Lane. Continue down the hill and take the second turning on the left (Bridge Avenue). The away entrance can be found back on Upminster Road and by entering via Abraham Court.  

 

Car parking is available at the ground on for players and officials only. When full, street parking is available along Bridge Avenue and opposite the ground in Brookdale Avenue. Please be aware that there will be increased traffic enforcement in this area on matchdays due to parking across driveways and on double yellow lines. Please park responsibly and with consideration to local households. 

We expect this fixture WILL BE segregated. Tickets are available online and in advance only.  

 

 

Adult: £15 

Concession (65+, Students with ID, Disabled, Carers, Armed Forces/ Blue Light Card): £10 

Youth (12-18 years old): £4 

Under 12: FREE (with accompanying adult)