Maidenhead progressed comfortably into the County Cup semi-final away to
either Aylesbury or Wycombe following a 2-1 win at a wet and windswept Stag
Meadow writes Mark Smith.

The elements played a major part in the proceedings; The Magpies, with the
strong gusty wind behind them, dominated possession and play throughout the
first half, although the first golden opportunity fell to Windsor’s
dangerman, Michael Chennells, in the 4th minute when he blasted his shot
just over the bar when put clear. This was to be the Royalists only effort
in the first forty-five minutes, and it way one way traffic to the home
goal, although on many occasions the final ball or cross was inaccurate or
wind affected, although on eight minutes, after some neat work from Darti
Brown, Ryan Johnson headed his cross narrowly wide. Windsor worked
tenaciously to deny Maidenhead much room to manoeuvre, but some very clever
play from Brown lead to Maidenhead’s opener on 24 minutes. Being chased
across midfield, Brown turned and threaded a delightful ball into the path
of Yashwa Romeo and although Mazurek spread himself well, the ball
ricocheted off the goalkeeper back into his possession and he finished
cleverly from a tight angle. Twice in the next ten minutes, Romeo evaded the
Windsor back line and went clear, the first time on 30 minutes, he hesitated
and was tackled and three minutes later when well placed shot straight at
Mazurek. The Magpies final chance of an eventful half came five minutes
before the interval when Clarke shot narrowly wide after being set up by
Stephen Hughes.

When the second half began, it was obvious that Windsor were going to be
unable to utilise the conditions to their advantage and the Magpies quickly
assumed control. Although Chico Ramos was called upon in the 50th minute to
save well from Chennells, four minutes later Maidenhead extended their lead.
Romeo yet again found himself clear of the defence and keeping a calm head
slipped the ball underneath the advancing Mazurek for his 10th goal of the
season. Steve McNamara then went close with a long swerving shot following a
short corner. As Maidenhead continued to assert their superiority, Windsor’s
frustration grew and Mark Burgess was fortunate to receive only a yellow
card as tempers flared following a touchline fracas just after the hour. Sam
Mazurek was kept busy in the home goal and saved well from Hughes on 76
minutes and from substitute Errol Telemaque one minute later.

The Royalists rallied in the last ten minutes and after going close from a
corner, reduced the deficit six minutes from time when Matt Seedel scooped
home a cross from close range. However, Maidenhead held their nerve and the
game concluded without any further scares to the delight of their small band
of travelling supporters in a pitiful crowd of just 87.
 

Maidenhead United: Ramos, Smith, Parsons, Bunce, Nisbet, David Clarke,
McNamara, Brown De, Hughes, Romeo, Johnson. substitutes: Telemaque (for
Brown 67), Driver (for McNamara 72), Harry Edwards (for Romeo 84) unused:
Preddie, Newman

Windsor & Eton: Mazurek, Furmage, Burgess, Tilbury, Dunlop, Dolan, Coyne,
Edgerley, Porter, Chennells, Seedell. substitutes: Case (for Porter 72),
Tanfield (for Edgerley 84). unused: Cook, Cahill, O’Connor. cautioned:
Burgess 66