A stoppage time goal proved to be the difference between draw and defeat for Maidenhead United in a 1-0 loss at Weston-super-Mare.
Alan Devonshire made two changes to the side who drew with Hemel Hempstead on Tuesday night. Remy Clerima made his first start of the season, while Owen Cochrane joined him in the back four replacing Manny Onariase and Jordon Ragguette.
Weston-super-Mare kicked off the afternoon’s proceedings and would have the first chance come the 10th minute. A lobbed pass was flicked on by Sam Pearson onto James Waite, allowing the striker to take a chance towards goal, forcing Jordi van Stappershoef into a low save.
Neither side had much in the way of chances throughout the remainder of the first half-hour, with the exception of a left-footed volley from Waite which narrowly cleared the bar. United threatened the final third, but incomplete passes and a pressing Seagulls defence limited their chances.
The Magpies had the ball in the net come the 33rd minute, but the celebrations were short-lived when the linesman’s flag was raised for Asher Yearwood.
Beyond the disallowed goal, Josh Umerah had the best chance of the half for Maidenhead when he turned Jason Pope and charged towards goal. Under pressure from the other centre-half, Emlyn Lewis, Umerah couldn’t connect as he’d like, and the ball fizzled out for a goal kick.
Josh Popoola continued this sudden burst of Maidenhead pressure, albeit was unable to capitalise on a promising chance thanks to a strong tackle from Pope.
Half-time: Weston-super-Mare 0-0 Magpies
The game resumed with an early half-chance for Umerah, who smashed towards goal from the edge of the area – a shot which was blocked before it could worry Max Harris in the Weston goal.
Owen Cochrane was tripped in the 53rd minute, and Asher Yearwood stepped up to take; a full delivery with a little too much on it as Will de Havilland was unable to reach with the header at the back post.
Weston responded five minutes later through Louis Britton. Charging towards van Stappershoef’s goal, the striker forced Remy Clerima and Ryan Bartley into a collision between themselves, but van Stappershoef was there to make a strong, low save.
Both managers made changes from the hour mark in search of what was destined to be the only goal of the game. Alan Devonshire brought Jayden Mitchell-Lawson and Callum Harriott, the latter making his competitive debut, into the field of play, while Scott Bartlett introduced Luke Skinner, Will Dawes, and Josh Salmon.
Skinner’s appearance would prove decisive in the closing stages - first latching onto a set piece which was parried away as far as the striker, who flew his effort over the bar. He’d find the target six minutes later, however, after he was first to a loose ball and knocked it past Clerima. In a one-on-one with van Stappershoef, Skinner powered home to leave United going home empty handed.
Full-time: Weston-super-Mare 1-0 Magpies
Weston: Harris, Smith, Jagger Cane, Pope, Coulson, Dodd, Britton (Dawes, 78’), Waite (Skinner, 67’), Pearson (Salmon, 86’), Lewis, Martin
Magpies: van Stappershoef, Bartley, de Havilland, Yearwood, Ferdinand, Robinson (Harriott, 77’), Umerah, Dulson, Cochrane, Clerima, Popoola (Mitchell-Lawson, 66’)
Attendance: 944
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