A last minute equalizer from Craig O’Connor earned Maidenhead their first ever point in Wales on a rain sodden afternoon in Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday.

The draw, which extends United’s unbeaten run to four games, was achieved against the best opposition of the season so far, with the Welshmen kicking themselves at the end after missing numerous chances to secure a win.

The game was dominated by a strong westerly wind which brought with it driving rain giving the team kicking with the elements at their back the advantage in each half.

In the first period this was Merthyr and they almost took the lead within a minute of kick off when a lethal cross from the left by Paul Keddle was spooned over  the bar by Jonathan Kift with the goal at his mercy.  Ten minutes later Chico Ramos saved an awkward skiddy long shot from Gareth Phillips but his defence undid his good work by returning the ball to Merthyr.  Captain Gary Shephard was first to capitalize and seizing his chance shot early and well to beat Ramos and give his team the lead.

Maidenhead hit back quickly when a good move down the right wing found Rob Hughes at the far post but his effort was well saved by Neil Thomas in the Merthyr goal.  With Craig Lewington limping off injured midway through the half United were on the back foot up until the break, Ramos saving brilliantly to after half an hour to deny Craig Stiens.

The second half saw Maidenhead use the conditions to set up camp in Merthyr’s half only to be regularly threatened by quick counter attacks by the Welshmen.  With several good chances for the Martyrs going begging, United’s persistence in taking the game to their opponents slowly paid off and in the final minute of normal time a Dwain Clarke corner from the right was knocked back to Hughes whose shot threaded its way through to O’Connor who made no mistake from close range to equalize, sending the Magpie faithful on their long journey home with a smile on their face.

Martyrs: Thomas, Williams S (79 Williams D), Smothers, Phillips, Wharton, Rewbury, Kift (64 Collins), Dimond, Shephard, Stiens, Keddle.  Unused Subs: Durham, Jeanne, Billing.

Goal: Shephard 12.  Gate: 363.

Magpies: Ramos, Johnson, Parsons, Osman (57 Haule), Sterling, Lewington (27 Kwakye), Hughes, Nisbet, O’Connor, Allen (79 Romeo), Clarke.  Unused subs: Burnell, Anaman

Goal: O’Connor 90.  Booking: O’Connor 27.   Magpie Of The Match: Parsons