Magpies hit straps after break

MAIDENHEAD United came away from a potentially difficult pre-season friendly against last season’s Division 2 champions Cheshunt with a 1-1 draw.
In warm, humid conditions both sides tried to play football on what was little better than a cow field of a pitch.
Much of the surface was burnt and many areas were undulating and uneven.
Manager John Dreyer was hoping his side would get through the game unscathed but three minutes from time midfielder Martyn Lee twisted his knee.
The impressive new signing is now doubtful for the opener at Heybridge Swifts tomorrow (Saturday).
Cheshunt took the lead with the first shot of the game – a volley from inside the box giving visiting keeper Nick Hart little chance.
On 19 minutes United had a great chance to equalise when Michael Currie was put clear by Lee but his goal-bound shot was blocked by the Cheshunt keeper’s legs.
The rest of the first half was a quiet affair with very few chances on either side although Cheshunt looked the more dangerous with a fair amount of pace in the team.
United were much stronger in the second half introducing Martin Williams into the midfield instead of Jon Christopher and on 58 minutes they deservedly equalised when Lee rifled in a low shot from the edge of the box.
On 71 minutes Currie was again denied by the Cheshunt keeper and three minutes later a Lee cross from the left found Craig Farley at the far post and he headed narrowly wide.
On 84 minutes an appalling decision by the assistant referee denied United a great goalscoring opportunity.
Lee released Currie down the right and as the ex-Hayes striker beared down on the defence he was tripped, but kept on into the box and a great position to score – but the linesman waved for the offence and play was brought back much to Currie’s disgust.
He very nearly had the last laugh, though, when he found himself clear in injury-time but having gone round the keeper put his shot into the side netting.

Maidenhead United: Hart, Sanders, Durrant, Christopher, Geraughty, Paxton, Cruse, Currie, Yaku, Farley. Subs: Boyce (for Sanders), Williams (for Christopher), Costello (for Cruse), Flack (for Yaku), Adeyoe (for Farley), Wilson (not used).