A masterful performance secured Maidenhead United’s first ever victory at Roots Hall on a glorious Saturday afternoon in Essex. 
 
Two crosses from the right by Nathan Ferguson were met with two converted headers by Kevin Lokko in either half, with a superb goalkeeping display by Craig Ross ensuring a 2-0 victory for the Magpies. 
 
A bright start by Southend United called the Magpies’ defence into action in the first couple of minutes, with headed efforts by Gus Scott-Morriss and Josh Walker threatening an early opener. However, it would be all downhill from there for the hosts when Maidenhead won a free kick in front of the dugout. Ferguson’s whipped cross was destined for Lokko, who headed home in the 13th minute. 
 
The Shrimpers had a chance to level ten minutes later, and Jack Bridge’s curled strike looked almost certain to be the equaliser. In a save which will be on highlight reels for years to come, Ross made a heroic, one-handed dive to prevent an equaliser. 
 
Frustrations among the home support escalated when Adam Crowther went down clutching his head in the 27th minute. Despite vocal calls for a high foot, referee Ruebyn Ricardo dismissed the Shrimpers’ pleas.  
 
United were unlucky not to double their lead on the cusp of half-time. Shawn McCoulsky did well to beat his man down the right-flank, and his subsequent low-flighted pass across the box was pleading for a touch, with Reece Smith just inches short of grabbing the second. 
 
Half-time: Southend United 0-1 Magpies 
 
The second half would be very much a replica of the first, with Southend starting strong in the opening minutes. Walker’s effort, this time with his right foot, was superbly blocked by defender Owen Cochrane to ensure United preserved their lead. 
 
Substitute James Morton helped ramp up the Shrimpers’ pressure on Ross’ net. His first involvement would be a direct free kick shortly after the hour mark, and the lack of a touch on the receiving end forced the ‘keeper into another good save. 
 
Minutes later, the Magpies would score their second in a similar fashion to their first. Albeit from a corner rather than a free kick, Ferguson would once again curl a cross into the box for Lokko to head past Collin Andeng Ndi and double United’s lead. 
 
Any nerves among the 101-strong travelling faithful were lifted, especially after another fine stop by Ross shortly after the restart. The Magpies cruised home in the final 20 minutes to ensure all three points would be coming back to Berkshire. 
 
Full-time: Southend United 0-2 Magpies 
 
Southend: Andeng Ndi, Scott-Morriss, Ralph ©, Crowther (Foran, 72’), Bridge, Husin, Bonne (Gubbins, 82’), Walker, Taylor, Moncur (Morton, 60’), Appiah-Forson (Pepple, 72’) 
 
Magpies: Ross ©, De Havilland, Lokko, Ferguson, McCoulsky (Sho-Silva, 86’), Mitchell-Lawson (Barratt, 74’), Pettit, Smith, Cochrane, Welch-Hayes, Abrahams 
 
Attendance: 6,774 (101) 
Tagged as: Club, Men
Share this post: