Belief rewarded but relief is palpable (12.01.06)

A DELIGHTED Carl Taylor was cock-a-hoop this week. after Maidenhead United finally recorded a home win in the league.
It was their first in nine months, but according to the York Road supremo Saturday’s result was never in doubt.
He said: “It was a relief, definitely, but we only got what we deserved.
“After the Farnborough game, I knew we’d win that match.
“When I got to the ground the changing room was buzzing.
“It was only a case of going out there and doing the job.
“Sutton would’ve had to have been the best team in the league to beat us.”
Taylor was also flattered by suggestions that United had won the game without being at their fluent best, saying: “In terms of the fluency of our play, it’s a credit to the players that people are talking about it.
“The pitch isn’t conducive to passing football at the moment, but when it firms up over the next few months the flowing football will come back and give us the competitive edge.”
The presence of loan signing Graham Porter in the heart of United’s defence on Saturday also played a part in the win, as his rock-steady performance gave the midfield the confidence to go forward and try out their shooting boots.
Taylor was impressed with the former Margate skipper, and hoped the one-month loan period would become more permanent.
He added: “If he enjoys playing for us, I would say there’s a good chance he’ll stay.”
Taylor is also looking at signing a few more players before the end of the season, but claimed he was pretty happy with the squad as it stood, and believed they would be a mid-table side by the end of the season.
In pursuit of that aim, United have a date with Newport County tomorrow (Saturday), a genuine six-pointer if ever there was one.
However, despite his side’s win on Saturday, Taylor did not sound over optimistic about his chances in Wales.
He said: “The games Newport have lost recently have all been away. They’ve been quite good at home.
“They have won three of their last four and drawn the other one. They will be difficult to beat.
“But we’re not bad away from home and, if we play the way we have been, they’ll have to be very good to beat us.”
On Tuesday the Magpies entertain Basingstoke Town at York Road, in what might be considered another six-pointer, as a win could take United within striking distance of the Hampshire side.
Taylor said: “They’ve picked up a bit recently. They work hard and they won’t be easy.
“But we’re desperate to win the game and we’ll certainly be up for it.”