Report: Magpies 1-1 Solihull Moors

A valiant ten-man Maidenhead United suffered a gutting blow just before the final whistle after United’s best performance in weeks on Saturday at York Road. 

 

Having played a man down for the best part of an hour, United’s defence held out until the 96th minute when Alex Whitmore cancelled out Reece Smith’s opener earlier in the second half. 

 

From the get-go, Alan Devonshire’s men battled with the vigour seen during their eight-game unbeaten run across October. A more pressing Maidenhead won set pieces in the early stages of the game, but were unable to convert with Casey Pettit shooting wide after a poorly-cleared corner and Sam Barratt looping his free kick over the crossbar. 

 

Despite a wonky start, last year’s playoff finalists soon created chances of their own. Will de Havilland made two courageous blocks against Jack Stevens’ successive efforts, while Craig Ross ensured the Moors would not open the scoring throughout the first half. 

 

The key moment of the game came in the 43rd minute. Thierry Latty-Fairweather’s sliding challenge was deemed reckless by referee Abigail Byrne, resulting in a second half with only ten players and a third red card for United in four league games. 

 

 

United never looked like settling for a point despite their opponent’s man advantage as the sides emerged from the dressing rooms for the second half. Will de Havilland would find himself involved once again as he sought goal from Sam Barratt’s long throw-in. Casey Pettit also threatened Killian Barrett’s goalposts after a driving run through the Moors midfield. 

 

Reece Smith, however, would be the one to break the deadlock. Tristan Abrahams dispossessed his opponent following Ross’ goal kick, playing through Smith on goal. The midfielder calmly slotted past Barrett in the Solihull net with 20 minutes to play. 

 

An unlikely point at half-time had turned into a very possible three as the Moors failed to capitalise on their man advantage. However, the 10th-placed side would grab one right at the death as Alex Whitmore latched onto a set piece with only seconds left on the clock. 

 

 

Magpies: Ross ©, de Havilland, Latty-Fairweather, Ferguson, Pettit (Coyne, 90’), Smith (Bell, 86’), Welch-Hayes, Abrahams (Massey, 90+4’), Barratt, Onariase, Ajose (Cochrane, 45+2’) 

 

Solihull Moors: Barrett, Clarke (Warburton, 78’), Newton, Osborne, Whitmore, Stevens, Bowen, Wilkinson, Oakley, Bostock (Stevenson, 63’), Adu-Poku 

 

Attendance: 1,094