Following Saturday’s draw, United are back at Plainmoor on Tuesday evening, where Maidenhead provide Gary Johnson’s men with their next test.
Gary Johnson’s men will be looking to build on Saturday’s point against Scunthorpe, when Alan Devonshire’s Maidenhead come to town tomorrow evening.
Who’s the Boss?
Currently in his second stint at the helm, 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 a top-half finish in the National League was achieved the following season.
Devonshire extended his stay at York Road last June, after achieving Maidenhead’s second highest National League finish in 13th. The contract extension sees him remain at the helm until at least the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
His first spell at York Road between 1996 and 2003 was his first in stint in management, and in between his time at Maidenhead, notably Devonshire enjoyed much success with Hampton & Richmond, where he steered The Beavers to the National League South from the Isthmian League. Four years at Braintree Town followed where he guided his side to three top-half finishes in the National League.
Devonshire also enjoyed much success in his playing career – a midfielder by trade, he made over 400 appearances for West Ham United and was part of the side that was victorious in the 1980 FA Cup Final. He also gained recognition on the international stage, with eight England caps, before finishing his playing career at Watford in 1992.
How have they been doing?
It’s been a mixed start for the Magpies so far this season, with 4 wins, 6 losses, and only 1 draw to date. Four of the sides six losses have only been by a single goal (Gateshead, Boreham Wood, York, Dagenham & Redbridge). However after causing an upset at the Technique Stadium against then, league leaders Chesterfield in a 2-1 victory, Devonshire’s side will not doubt be coming to Plainmoor full of confidence.
Player to Watch
Ryan Upward is currently the Magpie’s longest serving player, after arriving in Berkshire from Burnham back in 2014. The central midfielder has been an ever-present in Maidenhead’s side so far this season, tallying 10 appearances so far. The 30-year-old enjoyed his best season at York Road to date in 2017/18, which saw Upward surpass the 100 appearance mark for the Magpies.
Now in his ninth season at Maidenhead, Upward has clocked up over 250 appearances for the Magpies. His previous clubs include Flackwell Heath and Beaconsfield SYCOB. Upward is renowned for making his presence in midfield known, and has scored some important goals for the Berkshire side over the years.
Played for Both
Rhys Lovett started his full career at Cheltenham Town under United Manager Gary Johnson in 2015, after progressing through the youth ranks at Walsall. During his five years with the Robins he also had loan spells at Tiverton Town, Shepton Mallet & Shortwood United, before joining Gloucester City in 2020.
Lovett then moved to Maidenhead United and in 15 appearances for the Magpies there was also a goal, which came against Boreham Wood after being brought on as a substitute striker. Last season saw Lovett at Billericay before he joined the Gulls in the Summer, where he was reunited with Gary Johnson.
Previous Encounter
Torquay United 1 – 1 Maidenhead United, 30th April 2022, National League.
United came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Maidenhead United the last time the two sides met at Plainmoor, nearing the end of the 2021/22 campaign. Sam Barratt fired Maidenhead into the lead in the 56th minute before Joe Lewis levelled the scores in the final minute of normal time.
Despite Gary Johnson’s men enjoying many chances and most of the possession, the game went into half time goalless.
On 56 minutes it was Maidenhead who broke the deadlock. Barratt drove into the left edge of the United box before looping the ball over a yellow shirt before volleying into the roof of the net.
Gary Johnson’s side responded five minutes later and went close to levelling the scores. Dan Martin and Asa Hall linked up down the left flank before Martin’s cross found Danny Wright at the far post, whose header was tipped over the bar by Dániel Gyollai. United continued to pressure the Maidenhead defence and in the 70th minute Wright drove down the centre before playing Tom Lapslie through on goal who was denied by the ‘keeper.
United levelled through Lewis as the fourth official signalled five minutes of additional time. A corner from Armani Little was headed back towards the near post, and was headed towards the back post by Ben Wynter for Lewis who headed home, 1-1.
The men in yellow continued to press on for a winner in the five additional minutes. substitute Klaidi Lolos found himself through on goal, but his cross-shot was well blocked by Gyollai, before moments later a header from Wright heading towards the top right corner was forced away by Maidenhead’s number one, forcing United to settle for a point.
Vanarama National League | Torquay United v Maidenhead United | Date: 04/10/22 | K.O: 7:45pm