Mixed results but just one message (04.11.05)

York Road boss sees positive signs in victory and defeat

A DISJOINTED performance was good enough to secure a 4-2 Berks & Bucks Cup win over Windsor & Eton on Tuesday night, while a superb display failed to prevent a 4-2 defeat at home to title-chasing Wellling United on Saturday.
The results certainly gave Maidenhead United manager Carl Taylor food for thought, but ever the optimist, the York Road supremo claimed both were signs that his team was improving.
He explained: “On Saturday we played probably our best game of the season. Welling are a very strong side and to go 2-0 down, on paper the game was over.
“But to their credit the boys got back in the game and opened up their defence with some great passing moves. We got back to 2-2 and, while other managers might have settled for the draw, we don’t think like that.
“We know we’re good enough to win games and we go for it. If that costs us the odd defeat we’ll accept that. But I believe we can beat anyone.
“At Windsor it was a patchy performance. I thought they (Windsor) started really well.
“We went behind but then we slowly took control and got back in the game.
“When Lee (Newman) came off at half-time it threw us a bit and Windsor came back, but once we scored our third it was over.
“We were poor compared to other recent performance, but we came from behind and won a game. Hopefully it’s the first of a few wins over the next few games.”
Fortunately, Taylor should be choosing from a nearly full strength squad for this week’s fixtures.
Bryan Smith and Ryan Ashe are both hoping to be fit for Saturday, while Lee Newman is rated as 50-50, after picking up a groin injury on Tuesday night.
New signings could also make telling contributions. Among these could be former Basingstoke goalkeeper Scott Tarr, who has been training with the team and is hoping to sign on as a player/coach, as cover for Paul McCarthy.
At the other end of the pitch, former York Road favourite Adrian Allen has left Chelmsford and was expected to sign for the Magpies last night (Thursday).
Meanwhile, Craig O’Connor is understood to have left Thurrock, due to the excessive commute, and is in talks with several clubs, including United.
And with Lee Newman and Stephen Hughes now finding their shooting boots, competition for a place in the starting line-up could be fierce.
To help balance the books, promising young striker John Bacon has joined Windsor & Eton on a loan deal to regain match fitness.

United are away to Dorchester Town tomorrow (Saturday), who beat Yeading on Saturday, before drawing with Lewes in midweek. Taylor said: “They’re a massive team physically, which is something we need to deal with, and they’re on a hell of a run.
“But we’re quite capable of doing damage to anyone in this league, and I’m confident we can do it to Dorchester.”

The Magpies travel to Bognor Regis Town on Tuesday night.
The Rocks lost 1-0 to Newport County on Saturday, a result which sent Maidenhead United into the relegation zone. But despite that result, Taylor is not anticipating an easy ride at Nyewood Lane on Tuesday.
He said: “Bognor are the sort of team where, if you catch them on the wrong day, you get beaten five or six nil. They like to play football, like us.
“We’re hopeful. We just hope we don’t catch them on one of those days.”

United have been drawn away to Burnham or Beaconsfield Sycob in the Berks & Bucks Cup quarter final.
The two Southern League sides are due to play on Monday night.

Former Magpies boss Dennis Greene has taken over the reins at Southern Premier League side Chesham United, where he is joined by Keith Scott as coach.
On taking the job, Greene said: “Chesham is a big club, a sleeping giant if you like, and we want to come along to help wake that giant.
“I understand the financial situation, but I am coming here to try and get the club promoted.”
Outgoing manager Steve Bateman will be less than happy with the club’s choice, as he re-applied for his old job after having a change of heart.
Unfortunately, for Bateman, the board decided it was time for a change.