By Scott Hargreaves 
 
Maidenhead United played out a 1-1 draw against Hartlepool United on a sunny afternoon at York Road. Sam Barratt’s first half penalty was cancelled out by Adam Campbell with a good strike from range. 
 
The first chance of the game fell the way of the visitors, when scrabble in the area landed at the feet of Tom Parkes. His shot through bodies looked goalbound, but the post came to United’s rescue. 
 
With 12 minutes gone, Reece Smith received a cross-field pass from Sam Barratt which he took down well. In trademark style, Smith cut inside on his right foot looking to bend his shot into the far corner, but Brad Young got a hand to it to turn it round the post. 
 
With fairly little happening, United were given a great chance to take the lead as for the second time in as many games Will de Havilland was brought down in the area. Barratt stepped up to the spot and smashed his penalty straight down the middle and into the back of the net. 
 
United finished the half with a half-chance from Miles Welch-Hayes. The fullback drove forward, but his cross-turn-shot flew just over the bar. 
 
Half-time: Magpies 1-0 Hartlepool United 
 
Within seconds of the second half starting, Maidenhead had a great chance to double their lead. Casey Pettit lifted a delicate ball over the top to James Golding, but the latter was unable to place his shot into the corner. 
 
Maidenhead continued to probe and test the Pool’s defence. A smart turn from Nathan Ferguson opened up space for him to play through Shawn McCoulsky in the 55th minute. All on his own, United’s number nine did well to create a shooting angle but dragged it just wide. 
 
McCoulsky again found some joy in wide areas when skipped passed his man who tried to scythe him down, but his shot in search of the far corner was easily collected by Young. 
 
Against the run of play, Hartlepool’s substitutes Anthony Mancini and Adam Campbell combined well to present the former with a shooting opportunity. Mancini looked to bend his shot into the corner but a strong palm from Craig Ross kept the score level. 
 
However, just seconds later the visitors did draw level through Campbell. A sweet strike from the substitute left Ross helpless. 
 
United were dominant in possession following the goal and looked to break down a deep Hartlepool defence, but the Magpies had no chances to cause Brad Young any danger. 
 
Full-time: Magpies 1–1 Hartlepool United 
 
Maidenhead United are at home again on Tuesday 22nd October as they welcome Oldham Athletic to York Road. 
 
Maidenhead United: Craig Ross ©, Will de Havilland, Kevin Lokko, Thierry Latty-Fairweather, Nathan Ferguson, Shawn McCoulsky, Casey Pettit, Reece Smith, Miles Welch-Hayes, Sam Barratt, James Golding (Ajose, 87’) 
 
Hartlepool United: Brad Young, Dan Dodds, Luke Waterfall ©, Tom Parkes, David Ferguson, Nathan Sheron, Nicky Featherstone, Greg Sloggett (Campbell, 56’), Joe Grey (Mancini, 64’), Mani Dieseruvwe, Roshaun Mathurin (Charman, 56’) 
 
Attendance: 1,305 
Tagged as: Club, Men
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