Magpies in the ‘desperate zone’ but hope remains (14.03.06)

A SURPRISE last-gasp victory at Basingstoke on Saturday maintained Maidenhead United’s faint hopes of survival in Conference South – if only for another week.
The Magpies, who are five points adrift at the foot of the table, entertain third-placed Lewes tomorrow (Saturday) at York Road, and then on Easter Monday travel to Essex to face Thurrock, knowing that two wins might still not be enough to save them.
However, manager Carl Taylor has not yet thrown in the towel, although he is realistic.
He said: “We will approach this match like a cup final. We know we need to win it, but we can’t show any fear and worry about consequences.
“It’s all about Saturday, Monday will take care of itself. If we don’t win on Saturday then it doesn’t really matter.
“Technically we should lose to Lewes, but you know what football’s like.
“It’s all about spirit and endeavour. You never know.
“We are capable of winning against good teams and have done so. We just have to do it again.”
Taylor also expects his players to respond to the do-or-die situation.
He said: “I’ll have no problem motivating the players for the clash.
“We are in the desperate zone and there’s no cushion. We have to perform. We can’t afford a bad game and the players know that. I’m looking for a disciplined performance like the one against Basingstoke and hope that fate is also with us.”
The always-optimistic Taylor also believes any negative influences behind the scenes have been banished, and whether or not the club avoid the drop he wants the remainder of his tenure in charge at York Road to be remembered for bringing back the positivity. He explained: “The changing room is positive again. We had a problem for a few weeks with a lot of negativity, especially surrounding some players, but that’s been sorted.
“We can progress from here. Whether we are relegated or not we have to get positivity back into the club.
“We need to get back to a scenario where the players are playing and fans are watching because they enjoy it, regardless of standard.
“That’s what football and supporting your local team is all about.
“We have a lot of negativity around, and it been here for a couple of years. It’s something I’ve tried to deal with. It’s time to change.”
He added: “Look at Hornchurch, who I was associated with.
“They went down to the Essex Senior League because of off-field problems, but have won the title this year, and enjoyed their football in front of crowds of 450.
“It’s not all about the standard, the players and fans enjoy being there.
“I want that here at Maidenhead United.”

Maidenhead United and Maidenhead Boys & Girls FC are holding a fun day between 10am-4pm at the Magpies’ York Road ground on Sunday, April 23.
The event is designed for children between 6-12 years old and will involve coaching sessions, a seven-a-side and a penalty competition.
For more information go to maidenheadfootball.com.