Reading
(H) - 7/3/01|
Maidenhead
U (0) 1 |
Reading
(0) 0
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| MAIDENHEAD
United set up a Berks and Bucks Cup semi-final showdown with
former Magpie Chuk Agudosi after a superb 1-0 win over Reading
at York Road on Wednesday night. United faced a Reading side featuring several first-team names, including former Manchester United defender Chris Casper who was playing his first game back after suffering a broken leg two years ago. But the Magpies have proved over the years they can beat anyone on their day and secured the victory through a first-half Lee Channell strike, his 16th goal of the season. United will now entertain Ryman League Division 2 side Windsor and Eton in the last four, who will include former Magpies Adrian Nesbeth, Gavin Mernagh and Agudosi in their squad. The latter, who scored 72 goals in 164 career appearances for United before leaving the club over a contract dispute last summer, is sure of a warm reception when he returns to York Road. United booked their place in the semis through a combination of hard work, determined defending and just a little bit of luck. The home side have been hit by a series of injuries of the past couple of months, the latest seeing Obinna Ulasi limp off against Hendon the previous Saturday. However the versatile Andy Morley came in at left-wing back, and played a vital role in not upsetting the balance. Reading started the game stronger than United and dominated territory and possession in the first 15 minutes. However, as throughout much of the game, their play in the final third lacked the style and finesse of their build-ups. United came back into it and after Steve Croxford and Morley had both gone close, they opened the scoring in the 27th minute to reward the pressure. Channell beat the offside trap to collect the ball on the left wing, he cut back inside, somewhat fortunately bundled his way past two challenges, and then as he was falling he volleyed a low shot past Reading No.1 Jamie Ashdown inside his near post. The Magpies were fortunate to hang on to their lead just before the break when Joe Gamble struck the inside of the far post and, from a cross from the rebound, Darius Henderson somehow headed over from four yards. The second half saw similar huff and puff play from Reading but with no finishing product, Lewis Craker in the United defence particularly catching the eye. The visitors were also continually frustrated by the whistle-happy referee, but that suited Maidenhead who wanted to disrupt Reading’s rhythm as often as possible. United did have their fair share of luck, Neil Smith’s shot deflecting off Craker and dribbling just wide of the post with keeper Richie Barnard stranded, while Reading also came close with a couple of frantic goalmouth scrambles. However the Magpies had their own good chances through Chris Ferdinand and Steve Arkins, and in the end deservedly booked their place in the semi-finals of a competition they have won twice in the past three years. |
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| Maidenhead
United: Barnard, Woodhouse, Craker, Rake, Croxford, Hickey,
Cook, Ferdinand, Channell, Glynn, Morley. Subs: Arkins (for
Channell, 45), Creighton (not used), Beaton (for Croxford, 72). Reading: Ashdown, Polston, Shorey, Smith, Mackie, Casper, Gurney, Gamble, Henderson, Alcott, Tyson. Subs: Alloway (for Henderson, 69), Lockwood (for Casper, 45), Campion (for Gamble, 75). |
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