Battling Magpies end run of defeats (28.11.02)

MAIDENHEAD United put their recent run of defeats behind them on Tuesday night, to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw over cup specialists Lewes.
And, following last week’s debacle against Ford United, manager Alan Devonshire was delighted his team had rediscovered some of their early season form.
He said: “They’re a good side, Lewes.
“They’re flying in Division 1 South and they look like going up. I did feel we could have won the game, but I suppose they probably thought the same.
“But I’m quite pleased with the result. It was OK.”
Going into the game, the Magpies had recorded just one win in their previous 12 outings, a run they have now extended to 13.
However, despite this, Devonshire made it clear that he has put the past behind him and is now determined to move on.
He added: “I’ve said all I had to say about the Ford game. I don’t dwell on what’s gone wrong in the past.
“And to be fair, we had been okay until four or five games ago, when we lost Richie (Barnard). But we’ve got to go forward now. We had a good battling quality about our play on Tuesday and we’ll go forward from there.”
The game did have several upsides, not least the return of last season’s top scorer Lee Channell, who has been struggling with injuries since the summer.
Admittedly, he did not last the full 90 minutes, but he was instrumental in United’s first goal and is certain to play a prominent role in Devonshire’s plans for the remainder of the 2002-3 campaign.
Devonshire said:”He hasn’t played since the beginning of the season, but he lasted until the second half.
“I’m pleased with that. He did alright.”
Another talking point from the game was a fine hat-trick from new acquisition Lawrence Yaku, who is banging in goals for fun at the moment, despite a comparatively slow start to the season.
The hat-trick takes Yaku’s official league and Bryco Cup tally to 12 goals, which should put him comfortably among the top three marksmen in the league – not bad for his first season at the higher level. There is also some good news on the goalkeeping front, as Barnard returns to training on Saturday, and could be fit to play by Christmas.
Devonshire said: “It’s great news, but we can’t rush his injuries. We’ll just have to see how it goes.”
n There is no game scheduled for Saturday, however, United are due to play on Tuesday night, but do not know who their opponents will be.
They were hoping to play their postponed game against Heybridge Swifts, but their draw with Lewes on Tuesday night means a replay at York Road on Tuesday.
However, Lewes are involved in FA Trophy action on Saturday at Harlow Town.
If that match is draw, the Trophy replay takes precedence over the Bryco Cup replay. Meanwhile, Heybridge entertain Weymouth – also in the Trophy – on Saturday, and in the case of a draw they too will be busy with the replay on Tuesday night. The net result is that if both sides draw on Saturday, there will be no game at York Road on Tuesday.
But if both sides are free to play, the Lewes game takes precedence.
Clear as mud. So keep an eye out for an update on the website at www.maidenheadunitedfc.co.uk.