Sixth final in six years (Story posted 21.03.02)

UNITED booked themselves a sixth cup final place in six years on Tuesday night, as they defeated old foes Slough Town in the semi-final of the Berks & Bucks Cup.
The Magpies were 3-0 up after 67 minutes, with goals from Lee Channell, Ricky Ibe and Jamie Jarvis. But they failed to quell the Rebels’ spirits and had to endure a 15-minute siege, as the visitors tried to force extra-time.
It was a tense and exciting finale to a high-tempo and thoroughly entertaining game, and both sets of supporters went away knowing they had been given value for money.
Manager Alan Devonshire said: “I’m delighted.
“It was a bit stressful but I’m used to it. We don’t do things the easy way.
“At the end of the day it was a great cup tie and I’m glad we held on to go through. We worked hard on a heavy pitch and we got our just reward.”
He was also full of praise for the spirit the Rebels displayed in fighting back from the brink.
He said: “All credit to the players on both sides.
“Slough have Premier players in their team and they really shouldn’t be in the position they are in.
“But it’s always better to be the under-dog. We knew in a one-off cup tie they could raise their game and do damage to us.”
A sixth cup final in six years is certainly something to shout about, especially considering that prior to Devonshire’s arrival at York Road, United had not won a trophy since 1970.
Devonshire added: “It’s a brilliant achievement for the club.
“I’m totally delighted.”
Maidenhead must now wait until next week to discover whether they will face Burnham or Chesham United in the final at Adams Park.
Tomorrow (Saturday), United travel to league-stragglers Croydon in the hope of ending their recent slump in form.
The Magpies have only won once in their last nine league outings and Devonshire is keen to stop the rot.
He said: “I am looking to pick some points up between now and the cup final, but we go back a long way with Croydon and they have already beaten us this year.
“It’s a cup final for them. They need to start winning games to stay up and they will be up for it on Saturday.”