Dev praises spirit of 10-man United (Story posted 29/11/01)

IT HAS been another good week for Maidenhead United, drawing with Sutton in the league on Saturday, before thumping Hungerford in the cup on Tuesday.
However, the feeling at the club is that they have been short-changed – and should be celebrating back-to-back wins.
Coach Alan Devonshire said: “We should have nicked it but the referee was poor and his decision to give Sutton the free-kick for their second goal was disgraceful.
“The assistant had given a throw in and there was nothing in the challenge. I don’t know why the referee changed it to a free-kick. Set pieces were the only place they even looked like scoring from, because in open play we had sorted out what we needed to.
“We got a point out of it, but we should have had all three.”
But, despite the disappointment of two missed points, Devonshire was full of praise for his side’s plucky performance.
He said: “To be 1-0 down and then have Jarvo sent off, and rightly so, we did well to get back into it.
“We were 10 against 11 but you would hardly have noticed. The boys worked really hard and they were knackered when they came off. All I can do is give full credit to the boys.”
Building on Saturday’s gutsy draw, the Magpies travelled to far-flung Hungerford on Tuesday night for their League Cup clash. And, had it not been for the woodwork, they could have recorded a double-figure scoreline.
Devonshire said: “We played really well again. They had a 20-minute spell after we scored the opener, but in the second half we were in control.
“We passed very well and had very good movement. It could have been six. I think we hit the woodwork half a dozen times.
“It’s just carrying on from our league form really.”
Devonshire also revealed what he believes is the reason for his team’s dramatic improvement since their appalling display against Croydon in early October.
He said: “I’m using a rotation system. I’d thought about using it before but hadn’t risked it.
“But after Croydon I decided to bring it in and competition for places is the highest I have ever known it at the club.
“I think it’s really helping our performances and I would like to think we can push on from here.
“We have come a long way in the last six to eight weeks, but we have two hard away games coming up, which will be the real test of just how far.”
The new rotation system is certainly helping Devonshire deal with a minor injury crisis, with the influential Barry Rake and key defensive players Andy Morley and Steve Croxford all unavailable for tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) FA Trophy match against Hendon.
Tuesday’s hat-trick scoring hero Lee Channell also misses the game through suspension, but there is some good news on the injury front, as Adrian Allen returns to active service.
Devonshire has also signed a new defender from Burnham, Orlando Jeffrey, who made his debut against Hungerford on Tuesday.
Devonshire said: “He’s not used to the marking system yet but he did all right.
“He’s worked out well for us, although he’s cup tied for Saturday and won’t be able to play.”
Despite a recent victory over the Middlesex side, Devonshire is still expecting a stern test tomorrow.
He said: “I know all about them and it’s going to be tough. We beat them 3-1 at home in the league but this is the cup and they will be up for it."