Ex-Chelsea striker spearheads Magpies (29.08.02)

Nicholls marks debut with winner at Braintree as United continue to impress

MAIDENHEAD United are enjoying a impressive start to the new league campaign, bagging six points from their first four outings – against some of the strongest sides in the league.
Only high-flying Purfleet and St Albans City – both perched at the top of the table – have managed to get the better of the Magpies, and then only by a single goal.
It is certainly a vast improvement on last year's faltering start, largely due to manager Alan Devonshire's ongoing commitment to squad improvements.
Signings such as Lawrence Yaku, Ryan Ashe and Grant Keywood have all proved their worth in the pre-season build up.
But, still not satisfied, Devonshire continues to bring new talent to the club, this week announcing the signing of three former league players.
Mark Nicholls, who made 50 appearances for Chelsea, also scoring three Premiership goals, made his full debut for the Magpies at Braintree on Monday – and promptly bagged the winning goal.
Also new to United's front line is Aibrahim Adeyou, a 19-year-old striker released by Leyton Orient.
But Devonshire has also been busy shoring up his defence, evidenced by last week's acquisition of Chris Elsegood, a 19-year-old sweeper recently released by Crystal Palace.
And, along with the new signings has come a new brand of football, with the long-ball now the exception rather than the rule.
All very encouraging for the York Road faithful, some of whom are already dreaming of a top six finish.
However, Devonshire is still refusing to speculate on his side's chances of finishing the season among the favourites, saying: “I'm pleased so far but I still haven't got a clue where we'll finish.
“To be honest, I'm not going to know until we're 10 or so games into the season.
“We had a very hard start but have won two games and picked up six points out of 12, but I don't know want to get carried away.
“We have come a long way in the last five years, and we're improving all the time.”
However, he appealed to the fans to be patient, after some negative feedback following United's narrow defeat at St Albans.
He said: “People made a few comments after the game at St Albans.
“I think we could have got a result there as well and I was a bit disappointed. But we played some good football
“I think some people expected us to roll them over after our 5-0 win over Chesham, but its just not going to be like that.
“I would really like people to be behind the club all the time.”
Tomorrow (Saturday), the fans have a chance to register their full support for the team when Billericay Town visit York Road.
The Essex side are one of the pre-season favourites for the title, and are currently riding high in fourth spot in the league.
Devonshire said: “It's going to be tough. They've signed lots of new players and I have lots of injuries at the moment, which I don't need this early in the season.”
Adrian Allen is out after pulling his hamstring on Monday, Lee Channell is injured, Steve Croxford is out, Andy Rose is doubtful, as is Craig Webster.
Added to this is the mysterious disappearance of Rickey Ibe.
Devonshire added: “I haven't seen him for a month and I don't know where he is.”
On Tuesday, the Magpies travel to Hayes, who were demoted to the Ryman last season.
“They are going to be strong. They still have six or seven players who played in the Conference and its also going to be a bit of a local derby.”