Chesterfield beaten
Chesterfield FC vs Maidenhead United FC: United deliver high-flying Spireites their
Chesterfield 1, Maidenhead United 2
League leaders Chesterfield were well and truly 'Devonshired' as Maidenhead United picked up one of the results of the National League season so far to win 2-1 away at the Spireites on Saturday.
The lowly Magpies headed north off the back of a dispiriting 1-0 home defeat by Gateshead, and with their unbeaten hosts flying high at the top of the table above both Wrexham and Notts County.
There was only going to be one outcome, right? Well, wrong, as it transpires as Maidenhead produced a resilient, characterful display to run out 2-1 winners, with the hosts' only goal coming in the dying embers of the match.
Teams should know by now that they write off Maidenhead United at their peril. However, without an away point - or goal - this season, the Magpies were clearly underestimated by the Spireites.
But it’s not uncommon for Maidenhead to raise their levels against the league's best. They did it time and time again last season, claiming the scalps of Wrexham and Chesterfield as well as others, however, more often than not those victories come on home soil.
This unexpected win means it's now two victories from three in the league for the Magpies and there were also positive signs their front players are staring to gel.
Alan Devonshire was hugely disappointed with last week's display against Gateshead and told his players that in no uncertain terms after the final whistle, however, he'll have moved on from it quite quickly, focusing his attentions on causing an upset at the Technique Stadium.
The creative Charlee Adams was recalled to the starting line-up, with Zico Asare also back in the team. Dan Sparkes was also fit enough for a place on the bench, giving Devonshire a few more creative options that have been missing in recent weeks.
Chesterfield did their best to apply pressure in the early stages, but Maidenhead sat in well and made life very difficult for them. The Spireites weren't afforded time on the ball, but after Will De Havilland made a crucial block, the visitors were able to impose themselves on the game in an attacking sense. In the 13th minute Adams whipped a dangerous ball into
the middle but AkwasiAsante was able to block the Magpies' attempt.
Chesterfield were limited to half chances, a free kick that was curled wide of the post in the 22nd minute, and Maidenhead quickly sensed there might be something in the game for them. In the 32nd minute, Remy Clerima won the ball and played Koby Arthur in down the flank but his cross just evaded Ashley Nathaniel-George who was looking to pounce.
There was a break in play as fourth official, Wayne Gray, took the place of referee Andrew Miller, but Maidenhead pressed on as the half came to a close. Emile Acquah saw an effort deflected behind for a corner in the 39th minute and, from the resultant set piece, Chesterfield managed to clear after Maidenhead tried to scramble the ball home.
They then scored the goal which changed the course of the match. Clerima again picked out Arthur who kept his composure to fire beyond Lucas Covolan to make it 1-0 to the Magpies in the 44th minute.
It was the perfect time to score, and it gave the visitors something to determinedly hold onto in the second half. Maidenhead remained a threat. Nathaniel-George saw an effort tipped over the bar by Covolan in the 49th minute before the Magpies bagged their second just a minute later.
It was Nathaniel-George who got it, firing a low shot into the bottom corner from inside the area to double the lead.
The goal stunned Chesterfield into life. Dan Gyollai pulled off a fantastic save to prevent Darren Oldaker's free-kick finding the bottom corner, while another free-kick from Oldaker flew over the crossbar. Tyrone Williams' header was cleared off the goal line in the 69th minute and he then turned the rebound onto the post.
Maidenhead survived and Chesterfield's challenge faded. Jamie Grimes headed wide in the 80th minute, but United also had chances to wrap up the game, substitute Shawn McCoulsky failing to beat Covolan after being sent through on goal in the 88th minute.
Williams did eventually pull a goal back in second half stoppage time, but it wasn't enough to prevent the Magpies claiming a fantastic away win.