Maidenhead 1 - 0 Dover

 8 thoughts on the Dover game as we sit agonisingly outside the play off places in Eighth. 

 

1. First half we played well and created a fair few chances we should have converted. Popoola and De Silva, who was playing in a more advanced role than I’ve seen him before, were causing the Dover defence issues. Their keeper’s distribution was straight from the school of Craig Ross, meaning that they were struggling to clear their lines which allowed us to control the game for the first 45 mins.   
2. Unfortunately our finishing let us down in the first half with De Silva and Umerah both missing presentable chances. Umerah didn’t have one of his best games but a lack of options off the bench meant he huffed and puffed for 90 mins. I hope this doesnt cost us against Hornchurch if he isn’t fully fit on Saturday. Whilst De Silva looked dangerous he was playing off the left despite not appearing to have any confidence to shoot or cross with his left foot. If Dulson was fit I’m sure he would have cleaned up here. 
3. Jordan Raguette, who I assumed had a season ending injury after the Slough game, was superb all afternoon. He put in some really dangerous crosses that any defence would have struggled to deal with. I know some have questioned his defending but I can’t remember him looking poor defensively in any games recently. I’m glad he’s been signed up for another season, although we could do with some back up on that left side for when he isn’t available.
4. JML played well on the right as well, he was a real outlet for the side and looked like he terrified the Dover defence every time he went forward. He does have a worrying habit of appearing to be injured in every game currently. On a number of occasions I’ve been convinced he’s had a season ending injury only to see him come back on the pitch a minute later. I suppose it shows his talent that other teams have to resort to kicking him. 
5. Second half we scored early after a great header by WDH which Bartley bundled in at the back post. I assumed he was offside before fully celebrating an overdue goal! Alas, in a tale as old as time, this goal led to Maidenhead sitting deep and allowing Dover far too many chances including a goal disallowed after a foul on JVS. Now I will say it was an improvement on the Slough performance as we at least had a few counter attacks and played a little in their half. But we still let a very limited team have far too much of the possession and gave away a host of corners which were a threat due to their giant centre back. Thankfully though, we managed to hold firm at the back and see the result out leading to some nice scenes between the team and the fans at The Bell End post match. 
6. As I said previously with Umerah not having his best game, we really struggled with options off the bench again on Saturday with Sam Barratt the only attacking player named. I’m not sure the extent of Alfie Pendlebury’s injury (assuming he is injured) but we could really do with him back for the weekend as he provides a lot of running, pressing, and effort off the bench which we lacked against Dover. I can only assume May-Parrott is injured as well which is unfortunate. If so, would it be worth calling Noah Stewart back from loan at Welling where I see he has scored a few goals? I was happy to see MWH back in the squad as I’ve been impressed by him in the back three. Lastly, it was good to see Dundas given more of a chance to show us what he can do. Still need to see more of him before I’m convinced either way but it was great to see him brought on before Pritchard or Odelusi, neither of whom have been particularly effective off the bench in the last few weeks. 
7. Now to off the pitch thoughts… the Canal End bar ran out of lager before half time and the quick pour bar outside Stripes ran out of beer at half time. On a sunny day it’s just not good enough. I appreciate Maidenhead United is a football club and not a pub but they are losing out on so much money by not stocking properly. I also understand that this was the last home game of the season so they may not want to order a huge amount that would go to waste over the summer but this isn’t the first time this has happened this season. On a more positive note I thought the walking footballers half time trophy parade was a really nice touch and the end of season awards were enjoyable. In my opinion, Josh Popoola’s goal against Hampton was better than Robinson effort but each to their own. As GMOSC has pointed out on the supporters group on FB, I also found it bizarre Robinson only won the POTY by 3 votes. For me he was by far and away our most important player. Was sad to hear the announcement by Peter Griffin that WDH was leaving at the end of the season, he’s been an excellent servant of us and it will be a big job in the summer to replace him. Dave Kitson also spoke very well about the club although he did appear to be a week early for the fancy dress with his “Premier League footballer sunglasses”. 
8. The other teams around the playoffs results really couldn’t have been much worse for us on Saturday. With Worthing losing to Maidstone it leaves Hornchurch looking for a result for a possible title win next week rather than resting a couple of players for the playoffs as I had hoped. A point should still be enough next week as Weston play Dorking and Ebbsfleet are away at Worthing who are also going for the title with a great home record. However, this is going to the wire and I can’t stop thinking about those points we threw away at Slough and at home to Farnborough… 

Until next time, see you on The Bell End. Up the Mags!