The Home Of Maidenhead

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On the 23rd November, Maidenhead United played Woking, who brought along one of Maidenhead’s legends Dave Tarpey. With this is mind, the Magpies gave it there all but the away side knocked past three to defeat the boys. Maidenhead 2, Woking 3.

By Katie Dearling 04/12/19

The Magpies soured their way to victory last night over a 4-0 win against Binfield in the Berks and Bucks cup.

There was only 7 minutes on the clock when Maidenhead were given a dangerous corner which led to a very close call and forcing Binfield’s number 8 clearing it off the line. Binfield were unable to fully recover before Maidenhead created a 1v1 challenge against Binfield’s goalkeeper, but Shamir Fenelon couldn’t find the net.

Only a few minutes later, Maidenhead were shouting for a penalty after a bad tackle on James Akintunde but after the referee waving it away, the score was still 0-0 until Joe Ellul knocked one bottom right. 1-0 to the Magpies.

After that, Binfield had to drop back to ultra-defensive as Maidenhead took advantage of all the chances they were given, and by the 35^th minute, Danny Whitehall grabbed his first for the evening giving Maidenhead a 2-0 lead.

Binfield played well in flashes, but they were no match for Maidenhead. The second half was huge for the Magpies. 

Only seconds into the second half, an opportunity came begging for Maidenhead but just rolled off right of the post. Only minutes after, Freddie Grant won a header smashing the ball against the post. We spoke to Maidenhead number 3 Freddie Grant about this big moment for him in the game and his response follows ” yes it was a free header, so is should be scoring that…” ( full interview below) As the defender came up for the corner, he felt like heading the ball should be a strong point for him and was gutted he missed the opportunity to get on the score sheet.

When the 49^th minute came, Maidenhead were shouting for another Penalty after the same foul against James Akintunde but again was disregarded. Binfield started to get agitated about Maidenhead’s left side as the partnership of Akintunde and Grant were completely ripping up their defence. After the game, we asked Freddie Grant if the pair had been working on this obvious teamwork in training, the defender replied “No not really due to the fact that I have been out injured for so long, but we build on relationships in training anyways, so it is good that we have done well today.”

However, this partner ship added to the Magpies strengths as for the next 25 minutes Binfield’s keeper had to be on top of his game as the boys were dominating Binfield’s defence, taking all their chances.

The game continued on with back and forward play from both teams but Binfield soon gave in. With only minutes left of the game, Danny Whitehall took the advantage of a corner and headered the ball into the back of the net, Magpies 3-0

Not even a minute later, the hattrick hero came through. Danny Whitehall strikes the ball at the edge of the box straight into the right-hand corner, it was unstoppable. 

The last few minutes of the game played out and at the final whistle Magpies 4 Binfield 0. 

Man of the match deservedly awarded to the three time goal scorer Danny Whitehall.

After the game we spoke to Freddie Grant and asked him who he thought really stood out of the game. With no surprise, he replied ” Danny Whitehall, he got a hatrick and obviously it is his job to score goals” then continued to say ” even when he is not starting, he comes on … he always seems to get in around it and scores goals for us ” This player makes such a huge impact in all games for the Magpies and Yesterday he rewarded himself with the goals and MOTM, and all his team members look up to him and think so highly of Whitehall.

Maidenhead United was first founded in October 1870, and from this point, the club has been the link for many people surrounding Maidenhead, however Maidenhead moved into their ground at York Road a year after in 1871, believed by the FA to be the longest senior football ground. All throughout this time, fans and supporters have joined together to watch and cheer for the Magpies, it has become tradition for families over their generations to back Maidenhead United through all their highs and lows.

As Maidenhead are currently standing mid-table in the National league, some of the supporters that watch the Magpies, only watch the game when they cannot get to their higher league clubs. However this still shows the spirit of the community, as when these supporters come, they are with their mates and family, everyone around comes together to support their town and they just plainly enjoy the game. This creates a home for all these people when they just want to enjoy a game of football.

Taking it back to 2017, Maidenhead was victorious in winning the National League South, which lead to them being promoted to the National League. Joy and respect filled Maidenhead town as they came together to celebrate the occasion. The players paraded around the street, which were filled with thrilled and excited fans. This strengthened the Maidenhead family and is still being talked about 2 years after the promotion. Centre Midfielder Ryan Upward showed his views about the promotion by saying ” it shows how far the club has come in the past 5/6 years.” and continued on to say ” the togetherness we had the year we won it ( the National League South) was immense and it was the best season I have ever has as a player… it was a great honour” (see full interview in the link below)

Ryan Upward is currently Maidenhead’s longest signed and star midfielder for the club, and says “it’s a privilege to be at Maidenhead for such a long time” He is currently playing for Maidenhead for his 7th Season with it being his first season in the National League. Players within the first team play and try to encourage all the younger generations of players to step up, however when talking to the team, it is a clear understanding that they do not class themselves as two different sides (the first team to the reserves) but as one big family that train and push each other to get to their best ability. Games where it is unnecessary for a full “first team” player squad to start, gives more opportunity for younger players to come through. Recent game where the Magpies played Binfield in the Berks and Bucks cup, “reserve” players were able to step up. Even though majority of the original starting players were not in the listed squad, they still gave support by coming to cheer on the boys on the side lines. We asked Ryan why it was important to support the players and he replied “it’s good to be here, show your support, be here together” The word togetherness plays a vital role when talking about Maidenhead United as not only does it show how the team support one another, bathos the coaches, managers and fans all stick together when coming and supporting the team, no matter who is in the squad.

Even though Ryan has his side business of window cleaning, his sole passion is playing for Maidenhead. He first signed for Maidenhead back in 2014 at the age of 24 and it is clear that is was the best decision he has made to improve is career. Since then, Ryan has progressed through the club and is now the starting centre midfielder. He has made a huge impact within the club and many fans favourites and supports him, even making him his own chant. The fans are loyal to the club and the players, creating an atmosphere for the players where they feel safe and pushes them to play well for their fans.

Getting support is one of the most important factors for the players as they are still semi-professional players, meaning they do not get as much publicity compared to other bigger local teams. Ryan says for him “football is a big part of my life” showing that the players are not just playing for the small amount of publicity they receive, but because they genuinely love the game and the support they get. For the players, to be able to to be successful and achieve for the club/the fans, they have to be able to get the support from their parents, this loving support inspires these players and keeps the passion. Ryan said ” (his parents) follow me up and down the country… they are very dedicated” and continued on to say “it is why I am still so passionate” Playing for Maidenhead makes such a huge impact for not only the fans but for the players as it gives them an opportunity to express themselves and create a family where they trust and encourage each other.

Fans are very loyal and devoted to the team through all they win and losses both home and away, a fan commenting ” we go to every single match and love it” (see in the interview below) and as said above, it has been passed down generations within families to visit York Road and support Maidenhead. One fan even commented ” I’ve been coming here for 30 odd years since I was about 10/11″ Supporters enjoy coming to watch their local team for not only the enjoyment of the game, but it is a place where the town goes to enjoy times with their mates, talking and watching a team they are passionate about.

Maidenhead United do not only focus on the Mens senior team, they also try involve as much of the community as they can within the game. Maidenhead also have and support a very successful Maidenhead Women’s team who play at York Road, as well as having a 5-a-side court inside the stadium which is available to many teams and younger Maidenhead sides. This court allows everyone within the community to hire it out and play against different teams\sides whilst still representing their club and town.