Gary Johnson’s side are back on the road on Saturday as they head to Berkshire to face Maidenhead United.
Who’s the Boss?
Alan Devonshire is currently in his second spell as Maidenhead United manager following his return to the side in 2015. His first period in charge at York Road between 1996 and 2003 was also his first senior managerial position.
During his first stint at the Berkshire club, Devonshire guided his side to promotion to the Isthmian League Premier Division and ended the club’s 27-year trophy drought following victories in the Isthmian League Full Members Cup as well as winning the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup four times.
Devonshire’s managerial career has also seen him at Hampton & Richmond Borough where he guided his side from the Isthmian League to the National League South before spending four years at the helm at Braintree prior to his Maidenhead return six years ago.
As a player he won the FA Cup with West Ham in 1980 and went on to make over 400 appearances for the side.
Player to Watch
Kane Ferdinand signed on at York Road from Woking over the summer after spending five seasons with the Cards. The 28-year-old is Rio Ferdinand’s cousin and has had experience in the Championship with Peterborough United.
The midfielder has also had spells at the likes of Southend United, Northampton Town, Luton Town, Cheltenham Town, Dagenham & Redbridge and East Thurrock.
Ferdinand has featured in all three of the Magpie’s opening National League fixtures and netted the sides last minute winner away at FC Halifax Town on the opening day of the season.
Played for Both
31-year-old ex-Gull Nathan Blissett is currently in his second season at the Berkshire club. The striker arrived at Plainmoor in January 2016 on an 18-month deal and went on to score 12 goals in 41 league appearances.
Following his time at United, Blissett has since enjoyed spells at Plymouth Argyle, Macclesfield Town and Solihull Moors before signing for Maidenhead in July 2020.
Previous Encounter
Torquay 2 – 1 Maidenhead United, 8th December 2020, National League
Despite a dominant first half performance and chances to be 2-0 up within the first three minutes, United only found themselves 1-0 up at the break thanks to an injury-time strike by Ben Whitfield.
After the break United continued to pile on the pressure and in the 59th minute a great cross from Adam Randell found Danny Wright who directed his header into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
Maidenhead got a goal back in the 82nd minute to make the score 2-1 with a glancing header from Shaun Donnellan.
Ticket Information:
For United fans making the trip to Maidenhead on Saturday tickets are available to purchase online in advance here or alternatively can be purchased at the turnstile.