MUWFC Earn Point Against Resilliant Abingdon

Maidenhead United Women were unable to break through a stubborn Abingdon United last Sunday afternoon at York Road and had to settle for a hard-fought goalless draw against the battling visitors. 

 

A game that in truth saw very few clear goalscoring opportunities was dominated largely by defences. Natalie Cowell saw an early turn and shot saved by the impressive Cailtin Crierie in the Abingdon goal before the dangerous Mimi Hodges fired a snap-shot wide for the away side. Maidenhead had failed to defeat Abingdon United in four encounters over the previous two seasons in league and cup and they were frustrated again in this local derby clash as Crierie turned away goal-bound Amy Saunders headers not once but twice from Magpies corner kicks. 

 

Between times, Molly Lygo tested returning goalkeeper Kenny Clarke from range after some sloppy play by Maidenhead before Hodges drilled another effort off target after a rare mistake by the hard-working Katie Akerman. Clarke also dealt with an effort from Erin Hartigan before the break as the Oxfordshire side ended the half well. 

 

The second period began with Maidenhead on top again and they worked plenty of openings, particularly down the right-hand channel, but the final ball never resulted in a decisive opening. Inside the final ten minutes, intelligent play by Izzy Stockton put substitute Tia Johnson through on goal but she was unable to generate enough power on her shot. The visitors had the ball in the net through the dangerous Hodges albeit from a position ruled offside by the officials as Abingdon ended the game the stronger side with both teams ultimately having to settle for a draw. 

 

Meanwhile, United’s Development side moved into the quarter-finals of the FAWNL Reserve Plate with a 4-3 victory at Cheltenham Town Reserves. Ryan Robinson’s side earned their passage with a hat-trick from Amelie Mayani which included a virtuoso strike from fully 40 yards for the teenage forward who earlier this season became the first player to score for MUFC Academy, MUWFC Development and MUWFC First teams. Molly McKeever scored United’s other goal and they will now face Billericay Town Reserves in the quarter-final on Sunday 1st December. 

 

Maidenhead’s First Team are back in action at York Road on Sunday 10th November when they entertain Keynsham Town in a 1:30pm kick off. Admission as usual will be FREE for MUFC Gold Members, otherwise priced at £5 for adults and £2 concessions with cash and card accepted at the gate.