MAGPIES’ TARPEY IS ON FIRE
MAIDENHEAD UNITED’S fans were singing “We’re gonna win the league” after Dave Tarpey struck down promotion rivals Dartford with a clinical finishing masterclass.
Not content with his scoring exploits so far this season, the striker added another four to take his league tally to 26 before the final whistle was blown.
From one to 11, United were hungrier than their rivals and stamped their authority over the match from the opening whistle.
Dartford arrived at York Road on a high after their FA Trophy replay triumph over National League Dover Athletic on Tuesday night but they could not cope with the intensity of the Magpies yesterday.
This was illustrated by the Magpies’ opener, scored by Tarpey who lifted a delightful chip over Deren Ibrahim in the 22nd minute.
But it was the desire of Christian Smith to win the ball in midfield and the lovely threaded pass from substitute Jordan Cox that had created the chance.
United’s second goal on 30 minutes was all about Tarpey. Receiving the ball with his back to goal, he back-heeled it past his marker and raced through to steer the ball beyond Ibrahim.
A third goal followed in firsthalf injury time when Cox’s snap shot was parried by Ibrahim, the Gibraltar international goalkeeper, and Tarpey swept home the rebound.
Dartford started the second half strongly and the imposing figure of Duane Ofori Archeampong looped a header over the bar in the 48th minute before steering a low shot just past Carl Pentney’s left hand post a few minutes later.
However, any hopes of a comeback were undone when Tom Wynter’s late challenge on Pentney saw him sent off in the 55th minute.
United were back on the goal trail four minutes later when Cox headed home Tarpey’s peach of a free-kick from close range.
Tarpey wrapped up the 5-0 win with a penalty in the 88th minute, drilling the ball beyond Ibrahim after he was tripped in the box by the keeper.
Tarpey told The NLP: “I love scoring but the performance was excellent.
“Dartford have been flying so we knew they were going to be solid.
“I think we surprised them and got a few early goals and took off.
“We had a break last week and I think that obviously helped us.
“They had a couple of hard games, Saturday and Tuesday, so we were fresh and we shocked them how quickly we came out of the blocks.”
Disappointed Dartford manager Tony Burman added: “Firstly I thought we played OK. There were some decisions and turning points in the whole game, that went against us. That happens sometimes.
“We could possibly have been 1-0 up but for a great save from their keeper and then we’ve come up against a real good striker who has a lot of quality about him.” STAR MAN: Dave Tarpey (Maidenhead United) ATT: 945 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Ian Rathbone 7/10