Devonshire hits back (12.12.02)

MAIDENHEAD United gave their fans a reason to celebrate on Saturday, with a comprehensive 3-0 away win over Boreham Wood.
Understandably, coach Alan Devonshire was delighted with the result, which took United back into the top half of the Ryman Premier.
He said: “They (Boreham Wood) had won four of their last five games. They’re a big physical side but we played really well. The last three games we gave it everything but didn’t get out just rewards. But we got our reward on Saturday.”
However, there was also a hint of righteous indignation in his comments, as he hit back at United’s detractors, in response to widespread criticisms of his team following last week’s narrow Bryco Cup defeat to Lewes.
He said: “We’re 12th in the league and people make out there’s a crisis.
“They think we should be even higher. But it’s a difficult league.
“Every game is a hard game. Everyone can beat each other on their day.
“It’s easy to say we’ve only had three wins in the last 15 games, but we’ve only had four or five losses – in the league.”
And, as if to support Devonshire’s point of view, Lewes romped to a 6-0 win over Premier strugglers Hampton & Richmond on Tuesday night.
He added: “I told you they were a good side.”
With Saturday’s stirring win safely under their belts, United now head into one of the most difficult strings of fixtures imaginable, as they face four of the top-five sides in the next two weeks.
And, if that was not daunting enough, Lawrence Yaku and Orlando Jeffrey have joined United’s lengthening injury list, while Richard O’Connor has upped stumps and headed for Hampton.
United also announced two other departures from their 1st team squad this week, comprising ex-Chelsea player Mark Nicholls, and youthful but promising midfielder Rob Saunders.
Nicholls’ departure appears to have been purely a financial decision, while Saunders’ move to Windsor & Eton is no surprise, as he seeks regular 1st team football.
However, talented centre-half Chris Elsegood looks likely to make a return to fitness for tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) home tie with Purfleet, while Adam Durrant is expected to return in time for next week’s trip to Sutton United.
Devonshire said: “Purfleet lost to Aldershot last week, so they will be looking to bounce back on Saturday against us.
“They’re a very good side. They’re strong and physical and they’ve got some good players in there as well.
“I’m just trying to get 11 players on the pitch at the moment.”