United are stoked by classy win (27.12.04)

THE Magpies turned the Conference South upside down with a disciplined win at high-flying Basingstoke Town on Monday.
On a pitch which had barely defrosted, all the players understandably took a cautious approach to avoid a repeat of ‘Strictly Ice Dancing’ and the first half was largely devoid of goalmouth action.
Predictably it was third placed Basingstoke who had the lion’s share of possession but the home team struggled to find a way through a regimented and reinforced Magpies rearguard.
Town had just one meaningful attempt on goal in the 17th minute when left back Neville Stamp wriggled through and unleashed a fierce shot which was palmed away to safety by Magpies’ debutant keeper Ade Bankole.
The game changed following an injury to Luke Townsend, who landed awkwardly following a collision with Basingstoke keeper Scott Tarr.
The QPR youngster was replaced by striker Lawrence Yaku and his speed had the vital effect on the result.
Within a minute of coming on, Yaku slipped the defence and with his first touch beat the keeper and put the ball into the empty net.
A rampant United then ripped the home defence apart time and time again, with Yaku and fellow substitute Peter Adeniyi both going close to doubling the lead.
As full-time drew near Basingstoke launched everything at the United defence but, a Cristian Levis header aside, they never really troubled Bankole.
The final whistle cued a triple celebration for all associated with Maidenhead – the stay in bottom place lasting just 24 hours, a second consecutive clean sheet and three precious points all boosting the Christmas spirit.

TUMBLE: Magpies’ Simon Patterson succumbs to an awkward tackle at Basingstoke on Monday.
Picture: Nigel Keene