Clueless Magpies lack direction and energy (04.10.03)

AGAINST a decidedly average Basingstoke outfit on Saturday, Maidenhead United failed to build on some early promise and steadily became more clueless as the match progressed.
Although Ryan Ashe and Kelvin McIntosh performed solidly in the middle of the park in the first half, the Magpies lacked someone with drive to push them forward and rally the troops, and someone with the class to deliver the killer pass to a frustrated front line.
To be fair few players increased their stature during the match apart from Brendon Gallen, who was constantly urging those around him to attack, and the excellent Brian Connor.
The Maidenhead Advertiser man of the match was playing his 312th game for the Magpies – three times more than the rest of the team put together – and his commitment and energy was as dependable as ever.
The same can not be said of those around him – and yet they started the contest on the front foot.
On three minutes Basingstoke keeper Scott Tarr was forced to save an underhit effort from Ashe at the far post, and on 19 minutes Lawrence Yaku failed to connect with an attempted volley when in space four yards out.
Towards the end of the half Michael Currie enjoyed the best opportunity when presented with a one-on-one with Tarr, but his fiercely-drilled effort was too close to the Basingstoke No.1 and he was able to save with his legs.
This goal could have made a huge difference to the momentum of the game, particularly coming just before the break, but the chance was spurned and in truth the Magpies never look looked scoring again.
Basingstoke did not need to raise their game after this as the Magpies lacked ideas and fell away timidly, and it was no surprise on 68 minutes when the visitors’ endeavours eventually paid off; Neville Roach working a give-and-go with Alex Ewin before slipping the ball past Nick Hart from close range.
When Basingstoke doubled their advantage on 84 minutes – David Ray running into acres of space between the central defenders and slotting home from 12 yards – the match as a contest and spectacle had already gone flat.
A late chip from Yaku was kept out well by Tarr, but it was a token effort on a cold, grey day for the Magpies.

Picture Caption: SHAPING UP: Brendon Gallen was one of a very few players to shine during Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Basingstoke.
Picture reference: 83005/6

Maidenhead United: Hart, Lovegrove, Connor, Ashe, Jennings, Gallen, Boyce, McIntosh, Yaku, Currie, Farley. Subs: Costello (for Boyce, 69), Sanders, Dreyer, Wilson (all not used).
Basingstoke Town: Tarr, Dickens, Ne Stamp, Hemmings, Bristoe, Ray, Na Stamp, Elad, McAllister, Roach, Ewin. Subs: Wallace, Allaway, Dyer, Watkins, Laider (all not used).