Development side claim well-deserved and long-awaited league victory

Maidenhead United Development

Maidenhead United Development recorded a much-deserved, long-awaited and first-ever FA Women’s National League Reserve South East & Central Division victory at Ruby Borough last Sunday afternoon.

The team – which was only established last summer – enjoyed success in cup competitions in the first half of the season but had thus far found the going tough in league matches against Development sides of clubs such as Watford and Queens Park Rangers.

However, recent performances have been much improved and manager Niall Irwin prophetically insisted that a victory was coming soon after their 2-1 defeat to QPR last time out which came despite a stunning equalizer by Alicia Taylor.

At Rugby, United had to show all their character to record the victory they had sought after for so long. The Magpies raced into a two-goal lead thanks to Amelie Mayani’s early penalty kick and an own goal forced by Ines Cipriano’s approach work.

The hosts were level by the 50minute mark but United held out and secured an overdue three points thanks to a second goal by Mayani with 20 minutes of normal time remaining.

Mayani – who is a graduate of the Maidenhead United Academy – spoke after the game: “The first was not the best penalty I have ever taken but it crept in under the ‘keeper. For the second goal, their ‘keeper sliced her clearance and the ball was spinning so I chested it and it bounced for me to volley it over the ‘keeper from the edge of the box.”

United have an immediate opportunity to put more points on the board when they host Hashtag United this Sunday (February 18).

Admission for this match will be £2 cash which includes a complimentary team sheet. The match will be played at Cox Green Leisure Centre, Highfield Lane, SL6 3AX with a 2pm kick off.