Hale storms to United’s rescue (10.01.04)

UNITED put recent poor form behind them and turned in a sparkling performance to overcome Histon and claim a place in the last 32 of the FA Trophy on Saturday.
Histon’s credentials were clear - just two defeats all season, one in the league and defeated by Conference side Woking in the FA Cup – and they very quickly showed their capabilities.
After just two minutes, a free kick from Adie Cambridge crashed against the bar before being cleared to safety.
The Magpies quickly adapted to the very heavy conditions and shots from Farley and Hale went close enough to give warning to the home side.
But the Histon threat turned to reality just 12 minutes into the game, when Vowden unceremoniously cleared a Maidenhead attack with a long boot upfield.
Top scorer Neil Kennedy, looking clearly off-side, ran on to the ball and, as Phil Wilson came out to challenge, the striker neatly chipped the ball into the empty net.
Wilson made amends moments later with a fine save from Mintus, after he was set up by Ian Cambridge.
Histon’s lead lasted just six minutes, as McIntosh won the ball in midfield and made a powerful forward run.
A good pass to Martyn Lee produced a pin-point cross for Steve Hale in space at the far post and a powerful shot gave Barber in the home goal no chance whatsoever.
From this point on, Maidenhead took control and a fine blend of good passing and telling crosses kept the Histon defence very busy.
The best chance to take the lead fell to Craig Farley on the half-hour mark, but he panicked and clipped his shot over the bar.
The result was effectively sealed in the first few minutes of the second half, as Maidenhead came out with all guns blazing.
It took just 18 seconds for the ball to reach the back of the Histon net, when the ball was played wide on the left to Craig Farley, whose strong run down the wing was followed by a good low cross into the danger area, where Steve Hale executed a brilliant turn and shot in one flowing movement which left the Histon defence watching in awe.
Just five minutes later, Maidenhead extended the lead, this time with a flowing attack down the right flank.
Mark Boyce won the ball and found Ashe, and another superb cross reached Hale, who looked to have an easy chance to complete a hat-trick.
Somehow, he miskicked his shot which gave Barber the chance to get a hand to the ball, but Craig Farley responded quickly to hammer the ball home.
Histon responded well and mounted a series of good attacks, but the Magpies’ defence held firm and Wilson had little to do, other than one good save from a Kennedy half-chance.
Maidenhead soaked up the pressure and mounted a number of counter attacks, which came close to extending the lead.
In the last few minutes, Hipperson blocked Hale’s shot on the line, Barber pulled off a brilliant save to deny Hale yet again, and Farley hit a Yaku cross inches over the bar.
Histon were unlucky right at the death, when Mintus found substitute Munns with a good cross, but the woodwork came to Maidenhead’s rescue.
A thoroughly competent and confident performance from the Magpies, who now look forward to a clash with Wealdstone, from Ryman Division 1, in the fourth round in two weeks time.