Windsor
& Eton - 3/4/01|
Maidenhead
U (1) 2 |
Windsor
& Eton (0) 1
Greene 75 (pen) |
| MAIDENHEAD
United reached their third Berks and Bucks Cup final in four
years on Tuesday night thanks to a last-minute strike from top
scorer Lee Channell. The Magpies’ semi-final clash at York Road against Windsor and Eton looked a formality on paper against a team two divisions below them in the Ryman League, but in cup football nothing is a formality. Windsor, featuring United old boys Chuk Agudosi, Adrian Nesbeth, Colin Ferguson and Trevor Bunting, gave the Magpies the fright of their lives, striking the crossbar, hitting the post and going close with several other opportunities. In an open first half with chances for both sides, ex-Windsor star Matt Glynn fired United into the lead with a superb individual goal. The game appeared to be heading the way of United as Windsor struggled to make in roads in the second half, but they were given a lifeline when they equalised from the penalty spot 15 minutes from time. Then, just as the game appeared to be heading towards extra-time, in-form Channell netted his 19th goal of the season to break Windsor’s hearts and resistance. It had been a brave display from the Royalists, but it is United who will now face Premier Division rivals Chesham United in the Berks and Bucks Cup final at Slough Town’s Wexham Park ground on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7. Windsor started on fire and they caused United major problems early on, hitting the woodwork twice in a frantic opening 45 minutes. Within three minutes a short free-kick was played to the impressive Mark Fiore, his left-foot strike was deflected onto the post and with Agudosi lurking, Tim Cook had to be alert to clear the ball off the line. And just four minutes later Fiore was once again denied by the frame of the goal, his brilliant 30-yard dipping free-kick beating keeper Richie Barnard, but striking the crossbar. Fiore, who had an outstanding game, then set up a golden chance for Nesbeth to score against his old teammates, but the unmarked striker headed over the bar from eight yards. United gradually started to work their way back into the match after the early scares, and after Channell went close with a header, the opening goal arrived in the 23rd minute. Chris Ferdinand started a good break on the right, Glynn eventually picked up the ball with purpose, exchanged a couple of neat one-twos with Andy Morley and Channell, and then struck an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top corner of the net past the despairing dive of Bunting. This spurred United on and Glynn almost extended his side’s lead when his ferocious shot from 10 yards cannonned off the post and away to safety. Fiore however remained a constant source of threat and screamed a couple of shots just wide of the target as the first half ended with United holding a nervy 1-0 lead. The home side tightened their game up after the break, and created the better chances, the hard-working Darren Grieves being foiled by Bunting when clean through and Glynn firing just over. However the Magpies were stunned when Windsor were awarded a disputed penalty 15 minutes from time. The ball was played into the box, it bobbled around, and left-back Garry Smart appeared to have his legs taken away from him by Cook, who was booked for his protests. Substitute Dennis Greene converted the spot-kick with ease and Windsor were back in the game. However Channell had the last laugh in the last minute when Gordon Hill miskicked in the box, Cook played the ball to the unmarked Channell and he fired the winner under the body of Bunting. It had been hard work but the Magpies have yet another final tom look forward to. Right, now back to the league. |
|
| Maidenhead
United: Barnard, Woodhouse, Craker, Rake, Croxford, Ferdinand,
Cook, Grieves, Channell, Glynn, Morley. Subs: Allen (for Woodhouse,
70), Arkins (not used), Durrant (not used). Windsor and Eton: Bunting, Eaton, Smart, Ferguson, Jordan, White, Fiore, Hill, Agudosi, Nesbeth, Holzman. Subs: Gale (not used), James (for Fiore, 84), Greene (for White, 45). |
|