Battling Magpies fight on to the bitter end (29.08.05)

UNITED went down fighting against a workmanlike Thurrock side at York Road on Monday.
In a bid to boost an ailing defence, containing an unfit Lee Kersey and Jason Cousins, manager Dennis Greene fielded a five-man back line.
However, his plans were blown out of the water after just 90 seconds, when Lee Hodges picked up a loose ball just outside the penalty area and rifled a shot past the despairing dive of Paul McCarthy.
Maidenhead picked themselves up and took the game to Thurrock but were unable to find a way through a disciplined rearguard marshaled by the industrious Jimmy McFarlane.
Thurrock almost doubled their lead on 19 minutes, when a long shot from Kris Lee was well saved by McCarthy.
The second goal eventually came just eight minutes before half-time, Terry Bowes converting a cross from close range off the woodwork.
United got themselves back into the game in injury time, Stephen Hughes fighting his way through a crowded midfield then carefully rounding the keeper before putting the ball into an empty net.
After the break, Greene pushed men forward and on 67 minutes a Ryan Parson cross eluded the Thurrock defence, but Hughes’ header lacked the power to beat the keeper.
On 74 minutes Kelvin McIntosh charged forward but with the Thurrock defence melting in front of him, he lost the ball, leaving James Partridge to fire a shot just wide.
As the game drew to a close Thurrock took control, as another Hodges shot forced an excellent save from McCarthy.
Mintues later a Craig O’Connor cross was met by Steve Harper, only for him to put the ball over the bar from close range. The former York Road hero then performed a theatrical dive to win a penalty, which Hodges dispatched to give the score a lop-sided appearance.

STRONG-ARM TACTICS: Maidenhead United’s Stephen Hughes battles for possession at York Road on Monday. Ref: 89858/7