LAST-GASP SAM’S THE MAN FOR MAGPIES

SAM BARRATT’S last-minute header earned Maidenhead United their first victory in nine National League games against tenman Woking in front of the BT Sport cameras.

Alan Devonshire’s side twice recovered from a losing position to emerge victorious in this encounter with Joe McNerney’s dismissal for Woking just before the hour mark – for a foul on Kane Ferdinand – beneficial to their cause.

“It did change the game,” Magpies boss Devonshire said. “We’ve been red-carded this season, and we know how it makes a game difficult. But today, we ended up winning, and I’m delighted.”

The visitors took the lead in the 25th minute when Inih Effiong rose highest from Max Kretzschmar’s free kick and nodded the ball over the oncoming Rhys Lovett.

Woking then had strong shouts for a penalty five minutes later when Kretzschmar fell to the floor but referee Daniel Middleton waved away their appeals.

A firm hand by Lovett denied Effiong from doubling Woking’s advantage before Barratt was able to bring the game level down the on 38 minutes, volleying Sam Beckwith’s cross home from the edge of the box.

Capitalising on some disorganised defending, centre-back McNerney smashed in at the back post for his manager Alan Dowson in the 51st minute.

Following the goal, Maidenhead reverted to route one football but it was mostly unprofitable.

That was until Ferdinand was presented with a goal-scoring opportunity before colliding with McNerney, the last man in defence for Woking.

As a result, the visitors’ number five – after finding his feet – was shown the red card.

With their tails up, the Magpies went on to dictate the rest of the second half with substitute Reece Smith confidently striking a side-footed volley on target after being picked out on the left side of the field by Barratt.

In the 75th minute, Josh Kelly curled a sumptuous strike past keeper Craig Ross to restore parity yet again for the home side and set up a thrilling final 15 minutes.

In search of a winner, Emile Acquah went close first with a nodded effort, before Smith struck a fierce effort that only Ross could parry.

Eventually, their determination bore fruit when Barratt – amongst a mass of bodies – flicked Dan Sparkes’ corner into the back of the net – a photo finish for those at York Road or watching from home.

It’s now two straight defeats for the Cards, on the back of three straight wins.

Maidenhead, meanwhile, moved up to 16th in the table ahead of their visit of Wrexham to York Road on Tuesday night.

STAR MAN: Sam Barratt (Maidenhead) ATT: 1,165 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Daniel Middleton