Maidenhead’s women kick-off 2022 in fine style with victory over Exeter
Maidenhead United Women started 2022 in style and made it seven points from their last three FAWNL Division 1 South West games with a fine victory against Exeter City at Exwick Sports Hub. The Grecians were unbeaten in nine league and cup fixtures going into this fixture with only Premier Division side Plymouth Argyle stopping City from scoring this season.
Simone O’Brien’s second half goal secured the victory and delighted manager Ryan
Taylor reflected: “It was a particularly pleasing performance. We had a good finish to 2021 and we have been working hard over the Christmas break to keep that momentum going. We were under no illusions how difficult today's game would be against a very strong Exeter team. It was a fairly tight game, with neither team creating many clear-cut chances in the first half. However, at the break we made a few adjustments to our system which enabled us to execute our game plan more effectively with the breakthrough finally coming midway in the second half, after which we managed the game well to see out the victory and claim another important 3 points.
Special mention must go to Gemma Harvey, who continues to impress in goal, Kajal Malhotra, who again was solid at the heart of the defence, and our captain Amy Saunders who put in a commanding performance.”
Long serving Saunders herself was thrilled: “We know our strengths and Ryan gave us the game plan, we just had to apply ourselves and we definitely did that. Every player gave their absolute all today. We communicated, we encouraged each other and more importantly we fought right until the end. I love the heart and desire everyone showed today.” United return to action at York Road next Wednesday njght 26th January in a derby fixture against Chesham United.