Cup heroics earns Jonny Accy move
SHELDAN KEAY
NEW Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Jonny Maxted admits he’ll never forget his penalty heroics that led to his former side Guiseley knocking the Reds out of the FA Cup earlier this season - especially now it’s earned him a move to the Wham Stadium.
The 25-year-old has joined Accrington for an undisclosed fee, just a few months after he helped non-league side Guiseley knock Stanley out of the FA Cup after saving two penalties during a dramatic shootout.
That performance has led to a switch to the Reds, and he’s now hoping to achieve success with his new club.
“It’s all happened quite quickly, it was one of those where I got the phone call and I just couldn’t say no to it,” he told the club’s official website.
“I spoke to Paul Cox and he told me that he wasn’t going to stand in my way, I’m thankful for that. It’s brilliant that I’ve got the opportunity to come in to a side pushing for promotion.
“For me, it’s a return to the Football League, which I’ve been out of for about three years now. I’ve worked hard for this chance to come and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the club.
“I can remember the shootout like it was yesterday. It was one of those nights that will stick with me forever.
“It was my first ever FA Cup appearance and we knocked out Accrington Stanley, so it was one of those, ‘non-league beats league club’, that everyone associates with the FA Cup.
“To make the two important saves in the shootout, made it even better. As soon as I walked through the changing room door ahead of my first training session, there was a bit of banter about me knocking them out of the FA Cup. They’re a great bunch of lads and I already feel like I’ve been here for ages.
“I did hear that it was the first penalty that Billy had had saved for a long time. Obviously I watched his videos prior to the replay and I managed to dive the right way, I did my homework and it paid off. I tried not to say anything to him on my first day!
“The manager wants promotion. I’m here to play my part.. From the first few training sessions you can see that winning mentality is amongst everyone.”