Magpies sign back-up goalkeeper
Maidenhead United have had goalkeeper Rhys Forster as back up for Taye Ashby-Hammond for the past few games after signing him on loan from Southern League side Metropolitan Police.
The 21-year-old was signed on an initial onemonth loan basis following the return of Josh Oluwayemi to parent club Tottenham Hotspur.
With the games coming thick and fast in the next month or so manager Alan Devonshire is keen to have cover in this area should Ashby-Hammond suffer an injury or need to be rested.
Forster has attracted plenty of attention from clubs following some excellent performances for the
Met Police.
Speaking about his move to the Magpies, he said: “From kicking my first football four years ago to now being part of a club with the amazing history that Maidenhead has, it is a crazy experience.
I am looking forward to working under Alan and his staff for the period of time I'm here and giving my best for the Magpies.”
Maidenhead United FC
Maidenhead United boss Alan Devonshire said he was pleased with his players’ character in their draw with Stockport after an underwhelming first 45 minutes on the evening of the club’s 150th anniversary at York Road.
On Tuesday night, the Magpies played out a 0-0 stalemate with the Hatters that moved them into ninth place in the National League. Nathan Blissett could well have stolen all three points for Maidenhead, however, when his header crashed off the inside of the post in the 75th minute.
It was an opportunity that Devonshire and his team lamented at the end of the match, but given the stature of their visitors, the Magpies boss wasn’t too displeased with the full-time result.
“They definitely had more of the ball than us, but we ironed a few things out at half time, and we were so close to nicking it,” said Devonshire.
“We hit the inside of the post, it went across the line and I thought it found its way in actually. But look, they’re a good side. They are one of the favourites to win the league, they’re spending lots of money and they’ve got good players there.
“I don’t think we played that well, but we showed a lot of character in the second half – the shape wasn’t how I wanted it in the first.
“We didn’t press the ball enough, put them under pressure, or get tight enough. We tightened it up in the second half and I felt we played a lot better.
“We put a good shift in and we’ve earned a 0-0 draw against a really good side.”
Devonshire had goalkeeper Taye Ashby-Hammond to thank for earning the Magpies a share of the spoils with the stopper pulling out some remarkable saves in the game’s dying embers, notably from John Rooney and Alex Reid.
“Taye is a good goalkeeper,” added Devonshire. “I don’t think he had an awful lot to do but late on he had a few hairy moments and he dealt with them well. Especially the one he tipped onto the bar - it was a wonderful effort from the lad who hit it on the volley.
“He’s a good ‘keeper and he’s done well for us.”
Maidenhead travel to Hayes Lane this Saturday for their next National League fixture against Bromley. Devonshire is hopeful his side can get one over their hosts having drawn with them 2-2 earlier in the season at York Road.
The Magpies were leading 2-1 courtesy of Danilo Orsi-Dadomo and Shaun Donnellan before
Chris Bush snatched a 95th minute equaliser for the Ravens.
“We’ve got to pass the ball better and get after them right from the start,” said Devonshire.
“Bromley are another side that have a big budget and are going for a place in the play-offs. It will be a big game.
“When we were 2-0 up against them at our place they pulled it back to 2-2. We will go into the match looking to improve and win the game as we do with most of them.”
W Alan Devonshire said it was nice to see Maidenhead United receive messages of support from several of the players he used to play with before the Magpies played their 150th anniversary match at York Road on Tuesday night.
West Ham United teammate Tony Cottee and England international colleague Luther Blissett were a few of the famous faces who sent kind words to Devonshire and the Magpies ahead of their special occasion.
“It was nice to see,” said Devonshire.
“I still keep in touch with the boys I played with and we chat together, but it’s great for the club and their 150 years. It’s sad because I think we would’ve had a full house with the fans [on Tuesday night] and that would’ve been the best way to celebrate.”
Several famous faces have shared kind words and delivered positive messages to Maidenhead United on the club’s 150th anniversary of the first football match at York Road. On Tuesday night, United celebrate the milestone when they host Stockport County under the lights, 150 years to the day Marlow were the visitors on February 16, 1871.
Sky Sports’ Jeff Stelling, who came to see his beloved Hartlepool United beat the Magpies 4-0 last October, said: “150 years at York Road – what an achievement that is and I have been there once. But I remember it so well because the greeting we got when we were was absolutely fantastic from literally all of the staff. It’s heartfelt when I say, 150 years you Magpies, hope you have a successful season and enjoy the anniversary.”
Heart radio presenter Toby Anstis tweeted his gratitude: “A huge thank you to my home town team Maidenhead United for the shirt. Good luck against Stockport
County on Tuesday night, and proud to celebrate a record
150 years playing at the same ground. Fond memories of us Desborough College lads going to watch them play on a Saturday afternoon!”
Adam Summerton, football commentator for BT Sport, said: “Hi to everyone at Maidenhead United. Just wanted to wish you all a happy 150th anniversary. It’s not very often you get to say something like that is it? I always enjoy visiting York Road and I tell you what, I can’t wait to see it and hear it with supporters back in there again as soon as possible. For now, wherever you are, enjoy the anniversary and congratulations.”
Former Watford legend and England player, Luther Blissett, wished the Magpies well on the occasion: “Hi everyone, Luther here. Now, we haven’t had a great deal to celebrate over the last year have we? But we can all celebrate in the achievement of Maidenhead United [playing] 150 years at the stadium. It’s an amazing feat and something we can all be proud of because they’re all a big part of the football family. An old teammate of mine from my England days, Dev, is the manager there and he’s doing a super job. Let’s hope today could be a very special night against Stockport. There’s another Blissett there and hopefully we can have a say in the game. Let’s celebrate with Maidenhead United a magnificent achievement. Congratulations everyone.”
And one of the most famous voices in football, Clive Tyldesley, was another to congratulate the club.