The Magpies pre-season preparations took another step up on Tuesday evening as they snatched a late victory at the Powerday Stadium, home to Step 3 Southern Premier League outfit Hanwell Town. 
 
The Geordies were the highest ranked opposition Dev’s men had faced thus far this summer, and the match in West London was a more physical affair than United had experienced to date since returning to training at the start of the month. 
 
In truth, it was a less flowing performance from Maidenhead than had been seen in slotting thirteen goals in total past Holyport and Binfield. The visitors started well and a Sam Barratt cross was glanced over the top by Shawn McCoulsky, the Magpies forward perhaps off balance when meeting the ball. The ever-likely Reece Smith slipped in summer signing Joseph Ajose who saw his shot saved well at his near post by the hosts former Maidenhead ‘keeper Sam Beasant. 
 
A Casey Pettit effort from the egde of the box was deflected a whisker wide of the goal with Beasant seemingly beaten and Ajose went close again before the break, by which time Sam Barratt had limped off with what looked to be a muscular injury. 
 
The second period was played at no less a tempo but with the referee’s regular whistling making the game ever more scrappy, most of the second period was short on clear scoring chances. Substitute Ruben Carvalho – one of six replacements used by Devonshire during the second period – tested Beasant from a free-kick and the promising Ajose was then denied by the home goalkeeper at the end of a flowing run infield. 
 
Hanwell had their chances in the final ten minutes but were unable to hit the target with a couple of presentable half chances and they were punished seconds before the final whistle as Casey Pettit refused to give up on chasing one last loose ball and pulling back to Carvalho to roll the ball past Beasant. 
 
United now go to another Step 3 side on Saturday, visiting Swindon Supermarine for the first time since a FA Trophy tie back in November 2003. 
 
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