Magpies flounder (28.03.05)

UNITED were plunged deeper in the relegation mire following a humiliating defeat at the doomed bottom club Redbridge on Monday.
In a virtual repeat of Saturday’s clash with Weymouth, the Motormen took an early lead with just 90 seconds on the watch.
Former Hammer Keith Rowland launched a corner into the United penalty area from the right, which was cleared only as far as the edge of the box, where captain Greg Lincoln struck an unstoppable volley high into the top right-hand corner of the net.
Within two minutes the Magpies were back on level terms, when a Ben Townsend throw-in from the left was flicked on by Andy Dugdale for Dean Clark to fire home.
However, the penetrative runs of Redbridge repeatedly unsettled the United defence and in the 11th minute a cross from the right by Craig Johnston was not cleared, allowing Goma Lambu to pick up the loose ball and apply an acrobatic finish to restore the Motormen’s lead.
Redbridge almost made it 3-1 on the quarter-hour mark, when a strong run by Lloyd Opara was only foiled by a good save by Adam Federici.
As the first half drew on, Maidenhead’s direct approach began to pay off, Lawrence Yaku hitting the bar with a shot from the right corner of the penalty area on 22 minutes.
Yaku later combined well with Barrie Matthews on a tricky run, exchanging passes before forcing a good save from Alex O’Reilly.
But with half-time fast approaching another tricky run by Johnston was illegally stopped by Dugdale, and Opara stepped up to despatch the penalty kick.
The second half continued in much the same vein, Opara hitting the post then linking well with Steven McNamara, who was similarly denied by the woodwork within five minutes of the restart.
It was game over on 56 minutes when, following an agricultural challenge by Dugdale on Johnston, McNamara converted the second penalty of the afternoon.
In the last 20 minutes Craig O’Connor’s strong running saw him go close on a couple of occasions, but without hiting the back of the net.

HANDS UP: Barrie Matthews is held off during a challenge on Monday. Picture by Nigel Keene.