United are outclassed (21.09.04)

THE Magpies slumped to a depressing if not unexpected defeat at Hornchurch on Tuesday night by a margin that reflected the difference in the two clubs’ wage bills.
If lining up to face a team of full time professionals – many of whom were playing league football last season – was not enough, John Dreyer was forced to field a scratch 14 due to suspension, injuries and work commitments.
The first half hour saw both teams sharing periods of possession with Steve Hale going closest for United.
However, on the 30-minute mark a Jamie Stuart shot was magnificently saved by Michael Watkins, only for the ball to fall to Kirk Jackson who made no mistake with his follow-up shot.
The rest of the half belonged to the Urchins and they created chance after chance.
Wayne Purser scored twice, after 39 minutes with a shot from a tight angle on the left which squeezed between Watkins and the post, and on 43 minutes when he converted a cross with his head.
After the break, the Magpies came out fighting, Andy Jennings headed just over from a Rob Saunders free-kick, and Jamie Cook had a fine shot parried by Ashley Bayes.
Purser though was eager for his hat-trick and, after hitting the post with just the keeper to beat, notched up his third on 69 minutes with a clinical finish.
With the game now won, Hornchurch manager Garry Hill was able to replace both his strikers, and the substitutes Ship and Sigere both took the opportunity well, scoring in the 81st and 83rd minutes respectively.
Despite the humiliating scoreline the Maidenhead fans gave tremendous backing to the team right up until the final whistle and showed Hornchurch that they are not top of the league in all departments.