Following three successive victories, United head to Maidenhead on Bank Holiday Monday looking to continue their excellent recent spell of form.
Although United appear to be running into form at just the right time in their bid to retain their National League status, Gary Johnson’s side will no doubt face a stern test at York Road, where they will come up against a Maidenhead side still looking to claim a few more points themselves in order to preserve their own place in the fifth-tier next term.
Who’s the Boss?
Now in his second stint at the helm, Legendary figure Alan Devonshire has enjoyed much success with the Magpies. Upon his return to the Berkshire side in May 2015, he went on to guide his side to the National League South title in 2017, before following that up with a top-half finish in non-League’s top-flight the following season.
A glittering playing career saw Alan make over 400 appearances for West Ham, and was part of the side that was victorious in the 1980 FA Cup Final. He also gained recognition on the international stage, earning eight England caps, before finishing his playing career at Watford in 1992.
His first spell in management began at York Road four years later 1996 and lasted seven years, before Devonshire moved on to taste further success at Hampton & Richmond, where he steered The Beavers from the Isthmian League to National League South, and at Braintree Town, where he guided the club to three top-half finishes in the National League.
How have they been doing?
Although Maidenhead have been in mid-table for much of the 2022/23 campaign, a run of one win in eight games has come at an unwelcome time for Magpies fans, with many of the teams currently below them in the table belatedly appearing to find their feet as the season edges towards its climax.
There’s no doubt that Devonshire’s side can mix it with the best in the division on their day – a recent 2-2 draw with Wrexham is evidence of that – and Kane Ferdinand’s late leveller at Solihull on Good Friday could yet prove crucial in the final shake-up.
Player to Watch
Having arrived from Southend two years ago, Emile Acquah has constantly attracted attention ever since, with the forward’s lively displays and goalscoring ability further proof of his potential to ply his trade further up the footballing ladder.
After progressing through the youth ranks at Roots Hall, The 22 year-old enjoyed a loan spell at Harlow Town where he scored 8 goals in 28 appearances, before returning to Essex to feature in a handful of League One fixtures for The Shrimpers.
Acquah clearly enjoys life at York Road, and is currently enjoying the best season of his career in front of goal, with the Hackney-born hitman notching 13 goals so far.
Played for Both
Gulls favourite Shaun Donnellan arrived at Plainmoor last summer, becoming a Gull after two years as a Magpie.
Making 41 league appearances for Maidenhead, one of Donnellan’s 3 goals actually came against The Gulls, as United clinched a 2-1 victory at Plainmoor in December 2020, however Shaun has endeared himself to the Yellow Army following his move to Torquay, and has been a near-ever present in both midfield and defensive roles.
Former Republic of Ireland U21 man Donnellan, 26 began his career at West Bromwich Albion, before temporary spells at the likes of Stevenage, Dagenham and Walsall preceded a permanent move to Yeovil Town in 2017. Following a two-year stay in Somerset, Donnellan moved on to represent National League sides Maidstone and Woking, prior to moving to Maidenhead.
Previous Encounter
Maidenhead 3 – 4 United (04/09/21)
United banked their first win of the 2021/22 season away at Maidenhead, following a dominant first half performance which saw Gary Johnson’s side strike four times.
Two goals in five minutes from Armani Little, followed by strikes from Asa Hall, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and saw United go into the interval 4-0 up, before Alan Devonshire’s side responded in the second half with goals from Remy Clerima, Alan Massey and Emile Acquah. The home side couldn’t find a leveller though, as The Gulls held on for an invaluable victory on the road.
Vanarama National League | Maidenhead United v Torquay United | 10/04/23 3pm KO
Ticketing information for this fixture is available HERE, whilst supporters unable to make the trip can still enjoy the big match atmosphere by watching the match LIVE in Boots & Laces. Further information is available HERE. There will also be live coverage of this match via National League TV. To book your pass, click HERE.