Sights set on Enfield (Story posted 16.01.03)

MAIDENHEAD United’s game against league-leaders Aldershot was another casualty of the weather on Saturday, as the referee called the game off shortly before the kick-off, due to a frozen pitch.
And, while Magpies manager Alan Devonshire agreed with the decision to postpone the game, he did question the referee’s timing, as it came too late to prevent the players, officials and fans making the 50-mile round trip to Hampshire.
Weather permitting, United entertain struggling Enfield at York Road tomorrow (Saturday), looking to build on December’s surge in form.
In contrast to the Magpies, Enfield have failed to win a single game since November, with their best result being a 1-1 home draw with the resurgent but still lowly Ford United.
However, Devonshire has little respect for form guides, and predicted another difficult game.
He said: “Enfield are fighting for their lives, so it’s going to be a tough game for us.
“We have to make sure we’re right on it. You can’t take anything for granted.
“If you don’t prepare properly for every game in this league you get beat.”
This rings particularly true of United’s home form, where they have lost six of their 12 games to date. However, they have more than compensated for this on the road, where they have lost only twice all season – a record which can only be bettered by high-flying Hendon.
Devonshire added: “I would like us to have a good performance, but at the end of the day we just want a result.”
n United chairman Roger Coombs and club treasurer Jean Coombs this week officially announced their intention to leave York Road at the end of the season, although their departure has been something of an open secret for a while. The married couple have been the backbone of the club for more than a decade and have guided the Magpies through one of the most successful eras in its 132-year history.
However, they have now decided to hang up their boots and spend more time with family and friends.
Roger said: “We’re not getting any younger and we’ve reached the point where we want to put ourselves first.
“We’ve worked hard for the last few years but we can’t face the prospect of working at that level any longer. We’ve put so much time into it we’ve had no time to take holidays, or even see our family and friends.”
Many might wonder what the couple will do with their free time, but Coombs added: “We can fill the time. I assure you. We’re counting down the days. There’s 108 to go now.”
Manager Devonshire confirmed the couple’s loyalty to the Magpies, saying: “They’ve done brilliantly for the club. They’re going to be sadly missed.“