Report: Magpies 3-0 Boston United

It was three points at home for Maidenhead United on Bank Holiday Monday as Shawn McCoulsky’s two goals ended the season on a six-game unbeaten run, but domination on the pitch did not transcend into survival as results elsewhere led to relegation. 

 

Alan Devonshire made no couple of changes to the line-up which beat Ebbsfleet the previous weekend. Even though Boston United was safe from relegation that season, their 850-strong travelling contingent meant both teams knew exactly what they had to achieve. 

 

The Magpies were the most exuberant in the first half thanks to a brilliant header from Shawn McCoulsky. The striker nodded home Reece Smith’s looping cross at the back with half an hour played, sending York Road into a much-needed celebration. 

 

Although 3,017 spectators had their eyes on the pitch, many also glanced at their phones as Wealdstone scored their third against FC Halifax Town. A win for them, and a point for Dagenham, would seal United’s fate regardless of the result at York Road. 

 

There was little else to report as the half-time whistle blew, and the Magpies held onto the lead heading into the interval. 

 

 

The second half was just as action packed as you can expect from two teams fighting it out to secure the three points. The Magpies were able to establish their dominance early, earning chances and making the hope feel more and more alive. Brendan Kiernan continued to impress the crowd, as he showed off his clean stepovers to race past the opposition, but nothing came of a chance, as his shot sadly glided past the post. 

 

United doubled the advantage in the 67th minute when Smith was upended in front of the Bell Street faithful. While not officially an assist, Smith effectively once against set up McCouslky as the referee pointed towards the spot. Calm and composed, McCoulsky fired home the penalty into the bottom right corner. 

 

The pressure was getting even hotter for the home side knowing their status within the league was being tested as the end grew closer. However, a brilliant shot by Tristan Abrahams sealed the three points for Maidenhead, sending Boston ‘keeper Cameron Gregory the wrong way after an over-the-top through ball. 

 

Despite a successful afternoon for the Magpies, results elsewhere meant they were relegated to the National League South, finishing 22nd and joining Dagenham & Redbridge, AFC Fylde, and Ebbsfleet United in the sixth tier of English football. 

 

 

Magpies: Howes, de Havilland (Massey, 86’), Ferguson (Abrahams, 80’), McCoulsky, Ferdinand (Johnson, 70’), Pettit, Smith (Cochrane, 93’), Clerima, Kiernan (Barratt, 62’), Welch-Hayes, Onariase 

 

Boston: Gregory, Roberts (Nicholson, 46’), Ward, Wadsworth (Coates, 55’), Rowe, Knowles (Alonzi, 55’), Green (Richards, 56’), Sloggett, Mills, Scott, Gale (Marriott, 80’) 

 

Attendance: 3,017