| Steve Beard (19.03.08) |
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MAIDENHEAD UNITED 3 (0) |
UXBRIDGE 2 (0) |
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Although the score line suggests otherwise we
progressed into the Semi Final with a comprehensive win over a
battling Uxbridge. We decided to change our usual 3 -4- 3 formation
and go 4-4-2. The first half was very flat and dour. Uxbridge had the first golden chance to open the scoring when Hudson spilled a low cross shot, only to see the Uxbridge forward sky his 6 yard shot over the bar. At the other end we also had a golden opportunity when George Lock replicated the Uxbridge striker. We had another chance on 35 mins when Chris Sargeant headed against the bar from a corner. At half time a fairly stern team talk ensued. With my coach Emlyn Hill giving one of the most inspired motivational speeches I have ever heard in a dressing room. The players reacted and a different Maidenhead United Youth team emerged. We started playing fluently, at pace and with passion. This early pressure resulted in a corner. The loose ball from this ran to Xaviere Ettienne who slammed home a powerful low shot into the York Road goal. 12 minutes later Xav was the provider when after a corner he delivered a beautiful ball to the far post which centre back Jamiesh Holait slammed home. We continued to dominate with Uxbridge rarely venturing into our half and on 74 mins a great through ball from Nathan Lishman found Lee Barney free of his marker. Lee Cooley shot low to the left of the keeper to make it three. We could have added another couple but finishing let us down. We made substitutions to shut the game down in the last 10 mins. This was probably a mistake as it allowed Uxbridge to attack more. But we wanted to rest players as for a lot of them it was the 3rd match in 5 days. With 5 mins remaining Kieron Hudson, who is now standby keeper for Drax, made an uncharacteristic mistake when the lino adjudicated he dropped kicked the ball from outside his area. The resulting kick was thumped into the net. As is our nature straight from the kick off we attacked and Nathan Lishman hit a thunderous shot which was well saved. The resulting clearance saw Uxbridge run down the other end and earn a corner. This corner was converted into a second goal. We regained our composure and ran down the final few minutes without incident. As soon as I know our semi final opponents, venue and date I will post it on here as the lads appreciate support. They are a talented bunch. |
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Team: Kieron Hudson, Steve Deverall, Jake
Chance, Jamiesh Holait, Xaviere Ettienne, Nathan Lishman, Sam Lock,
Chris Sargent, James Gisbourne, Lee Barney, George Lock. Subs: Josh Waldron for Gisbourne (65), Jason Strowger for G. Lock (80), Lee Miles for Sargent (84) Not Used: George Bond, Andy Wells |