United claw vital Win from Ravens
Maidenhead United FC: Nathan Blissett heads home to secure
Maidenhead United 1, Bromley 0
A header from Nathan Blissett earned Maidenhead United a narrow victory over promotion-chasing Bromley on Tuesday afternoon, as the side got back to winning ways in the National League following six matches without maximum points.
In the 66th minute, the Magpies’ number nine rose the highest in a sea of bodies to meet Dan Sparkes’ corner kick, diverting the ball into the back of the net in front of the ecstatic home support.
Alan Devonshire’s men had imposed themselves superbly before then, with Josh Kelly – arguably the man-of-the match – running tirelessly from the first minute until the
86th.
Asked of his emotions at full-time, Devonshire said: “I’m just so pleased for them. It has been a hard six weeks where we have worked on plenty of things. It’s a credit to the boys how they’ve taken it on board.
“They implemented what we asked of them well today. There’s a few who have only had one training session before playing this afternoon too – Remy (Clerima) and George (Wells). Hopefully, we can get more of the squad fit and firing soon, and enjoy more days like this.”
Signed from Peterborough United last week, Daniel Gyollai was the first name on the team sheet with Will De Havilland and Dan Sparkes also brought into the starting lineup.
Despite having not played competitively since their defeat to Solihull Moors (December 11), the Magpies were quick out of the blocks at York Road as Blissett thumped the first effort of the match wide within 60 seconds.
Following some impressive build-up play, the home side’s next attempt arose in the ninth minute when Kelly confidently attempted to lob the ball over Mark Cousins.
Devonshire was forced to turn to his bench 10 minutes later when Kane Ferdinand
picked up a match-ending injury, with Clerima chosen to replace the midfielder.
Gyollai was called into action before the half-hour mark when Bingham let fly from close range and moments after, the ball was down the other end as Sparkes whipped in a cross for Kelly to attack.
Next, Jude Arthurs blazed an attempt way over the bar before Chris Bush nodded an effort wide of the woodwork. The most glaring miss, however, was presented by Kelly when, five minutes from half-time, he was found in the centre of the box by Blissett but shot wide.
Another strong save by Gyollai ensured the teams would be level at the break as the debutant stopper got his fingertips to Bush’s spiralling effort from 25 yards.
In the second half, supporters from both sides witnessed the same intensity of the first 45 minutes but it was the Magpies’ fanbase who would be in ecstasy shortly after the hour mark.
Having seen Michael Cheek’s header sail over the bar from a corner kick, the home side showed Bromley exactly how to benefit from the set piece when Blissett nodded in Sparkes’ delivery.
Frustratingly, Ryan Upward was the next casualty in this encounter and he was removed for Dylan Asonganyi in the 71st minute.
Gyollai was in the right place at the right time with his feet to deny Corey Whiteley moments later before Charlee Adams acrobatically cleared away a cross.
To the raucous applause of the Magpies’ faithful, Kelly left the pitch as Devonshire’s final substitute five minutes from full-time, with Wells brought on to add resilience to the backline.
And with five additional minutes to play, the home side held firm, chiefly helped over the line by the passionate supporters who had been so desperate to see not just a win, but a performance like this for a while.