A late first half red card and subsequent stoppage time goal saw Maidenhead United succumb to their second defeat of the season on wet Saturday afternoon at Chelmsford.
Ryan Peters made two changes to the starting XI. Christian N’Guessan and Finley Welch started in place of Owen Cochrane and Joshua Johnson.
The Clarets were the better of the two sides in the opening quarter of an hour. Largely pinned to their own half, United were forced to defend a series of Chelmsford corner. Jordi van Stappershoef was called into his first save of the afternoon after a charging run from new signing George Alexander. The cross found Leo Sery, who struck towards an obstructed United ‘keeper, but van Stappershoef was able to stick out a leg to keep the scores level.
The heavens opened as United worked their way into the game, and the Magpies were the first side to have the ball in the back of the net. Josh Coley’s corner was headed in at the far post by Joel Odeniran, but the official ruled a foul before celebrations could begin.
Chances were sporadic for the remainder of the half as both sides struggled to find an opening. Dan Nkrumah saw a promising effort well blocked by Ben Tompkins. Chelmsford, meanwhile, had a great chance of their own as Mandela Egbo played a threating first-time cross destined for Harry Barbrook which was well dealt with by the United defence.
The talking point of the match came as Matty Achuba was sent off for a challenge on Nathan Ralph on the slippery Melbourne Stadium surface. Referee Jack Bloxham deemed his tackle to be late and reckless, giving the midfielder his marching orders in the face of vocal appeals from the United bench and travelling supporters.
Chelmsford quickly made the most of their one-man advantage, with Alexander scoring on the cusp of half-time. Barbrook intercepted a loose ball, playing through Chelmsford’s new signing who won the one-on-one with van Stappershoef.
Half-time: Chelmsford 1-0 Magpies
The Clarets sought to wrap the game up early in the second half. Jack Bridge flew a great cross towards the United penalty area, but a touch to provide a near-certain goal never came.
Meanwhile, the ten-men Magpies sought an equaliser by exploiting the flanks. Finley Welch played through Josh Umerah who cut in towards the right. His looping strike was well held by Alfie Marriott.
van Stappershoef was again called into action two-thirds of the way into the game. A strong diving save denied Kian Ronan, followed by Alexander taking aim with United unable to clear. Another good block from the United ‘keeper prevented the hosts from doubling their lead.
A flurry of substitutions and formation change gave Chelmsford much to think about in the closing stages. Great build-up from Welch and Jayden Mitchell-Lawson linked up well, allowing Umerah to strike. Marriott caught just enough on it to see it away, but United’s attack didn’t end there. Coley collected the ball, firing towards goal. The rebound from the save found Mitchell-Lawson, but his cross was out of reach for Umerah to head home.
Full-time: Chelmsford 1-0 Magpies
Chelmsford: Marriott, Ronan, Barbrook, Tompkins, Ralph ©, Sery Crowther, Egbo, Bridge (May, 89’), Olopade, Alexander (Odiase, 76’)
Magpies: van Stappershoef, Ragguette, N’Guessan (Pendlebury, 86’), Abbott (Johnson, 79’), Coley, Nkrumah (Mitchell-Lawson, 78’), Umerah, Welch, Achuba, Clerima, Odeniran
Attendance: TBC
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