Report: Magpies 2-1 Brighton U21

Maidenhead United are knocking on the door of the knockouts after a 2-1 win over Brighton U21 in the National League Cup. 

 

Alan Devonshire made a string of changes from Saturday’s defeat at York, with new loan signings Aidan Coyne and Manny Onariase coming into the squad. Harvey Collins was tasked with defending United’s goal, while youngsters Bradley Keetch and Jadyn Dundas were also brought into the first XI. 

 

It was a regular starter Tristan Abrahams, though, who would open the scoring after being brought down in the penalty area in the 10th minute. The striker’s spot-kick was initially saved, but Abrahams tapped home the rebound. 

 

Minutes later, Magpies’ stopper Collins was called into action after a well-worked attack from the visitors. Louis Flower produced a looping header from a cross, forcing Collins into an excellent one-handed save. 

 

New loanee Aidan Coyne made his mark on his debut appearance in black and white stripes. The Australian flicked a header towards goal in the 38th minute, prompting a fine save by Brighton ‘keeper Hugo Fisher. 

 

 

United barely had to wait one minute before doubling their lead in the second half. A wayward pass by the Brighton defence was collected by Keetch and passed onto Abrahams, who subsequently chipped an off-his-line Fisher in beautiful fashion. 

 

From there on, the Magpies were defensively solid, albeit at the cost of an occasional yellow card. In the 76th minute, Joseph Ajose would see his second of the came for a challenge on Marcus Ifill, leaving United a man down for the last 20 minutes. 

 

The visitors ramped up the pressure, and with three minutes remaining they got the goal they were looking for. Collins’ struggled to hold on to a half-volley in the 87th minute, allowing Caylan Vickers to hammer home the rebound. 

 

Collins and the Maidenhead defence would hold on for the three points, with the ‘keeper making a fantastic footed save with seconds on the clock to deny Brighton of a penalty shootout. 

 

 

The Magpies are now top of Group A in the National League Cup on 8 points. Although not through to the quarter finals quite yet, United should only need a point against Southampton U21 if results go their way in next month’s round of fixtures. 

 

Attendance: 160