Carshalton
(H) 2.5.01|
Maidenhead
United (1) 2
Glynn 12, 49 (pen) |
Carshalton
(0) 0
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United went into the game on the back of two defeats and still needing two more points to guarantee their safety. But they produced one of their best performances of the season just at the right time, limiting Carshalton to wayward shots from distance, and creating plenty of chances themselves. And the majority of United’s best moments stemmed from their young, star midfielder. Glynn took his time at the start of the season to adjust to life in the Premier after previously having played in Division 2. But since breaking back into the team in November, Glynn has missed just two matches, and he capped a memorable season with a double against Carshalton. Not only did Glynn show sublime moments of skill to bamboozle the opposition, his workrate and hunger to win shone through admirably. Glynn might have taken the glory with his two goals, but he was not the only hero on the memorable night. Lewis Craker has come into his own in defence, and there cannot be too many young centre-backs better than him in the Premier Division. With Magpies skipper Tim Cook returning after a three-game lay-off, Craker formed a formidable defensive barrier alongside Steve Croxford, which meant Carshalton pressed and probed for 90 minutes but could find no way through. United boss Alan Devonshire will be deservedly delighted and proud of his troops, and now they can enjoy their last league game of the season against St. Albans tomorrow (Saturday), before refocusing for the Berks and Bucks Cup final on Bank Holiday Monday. Carshalton started the game with more composure than the home side, but in the 12th minute, and with their very first attempt at goal, the Magpies took the lead. A Cook long throw, a weapon United have missed during his absence, caused havoc in the Carshalton defence, Croxford lobbed the ball over the top and Glynn beat the offside trap to skillfully volley past Carshalton No.1 Paul Borg from 12 yards. The goal sparked United into life. Nathan Tyson saw Borg block his shot after a scintillating individual run from the halfway line, and Andy Morley struck a shot from the edge of the box just wide. Glynn continued to dominate in midfield, setting up a further chance for Tyson, while Darren Grieves should have scored when clean through on goal, but he lobbed the ball over Borg and the crossbar. The only action United keeper Richie Barnard was forced into was a routine save two minutes just before the break. At half-time Devonshire would have called for his side to push on and gain the crucial second goal. And they responded superbly, Tom Hickey forcing a good save from Borg within seconds of the restart. United did not have to wait long though. Glynn picked the ball up on the left, executed a brilliant step-over to fool Andy Walker, who dragged him down in the box. Referee Irvine Woodward had no hesitation pointing the spot, and it was Glynn who calmly sent Borg the wrong way to give United a two-goal cushion. Carshalton pushed three-men up front in an effort to get back into a game they had to win, but it was not until the 89th minute that top scorer Matt Fowler even had a shot on goal. In the meantime United controlled proceedings without creating too much more, Glynn making endless bursts from midfield, and frustrating Carshalton with his pace and control. It was a vintage display from United and one which deservedly put an end to any relegation fears. |
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Maidenhead
United:
Barnard, Morley, Craker, Ferdinand, Croxford, Hickey, Cook,
Tyson, Grieves, Glynn, Ulasi. Subs: Arkins (not used), Woodhouse
(not used), Durrant (for Ferdinand, 83). |
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