‘Our biggest achievement’

Devonshire hails team as win over Hartlepool all but secures National League safety

Alan Devonshire said retaining Maidenhead United’s National League status for another season will rank as the club’s ‘biggest achievement’ during his long managerial spell.

An assured 3-1 victory over Hartlepool United at York Road on Tuesday night leaves the Magpies eight points clear of the relegation zone with a clutch of teams below them in the table.

Second half goals from Sam Beckwith and substitute Shawn McCoulsky saw an outpouring of relief on the terraces after the visitors had levelled in the 51st minute from a well-taken strike from Callum Cooke.

Devonshire’s side had faced a challenging run-in to ensure survival but impressive victories over Aldershot Town, Eastleigh and now former Football League side Hartlepool United have lifted the Magpies to 13th.

Devonshire told the Advertiser: “This league is getting tougher and tougher every year. To do what we’ve done again this year is probably the biggest achievement so far.

“With all the big clubs that are down there and will go down, I’m delighted.

“I’m just so happy with my staff and the players. They’ve given me everything. We’ve had loads of injuries this year but we’ve battled through and the character of the team is so good.”

In the opening exchanges, Maidenhead’s intensity and threat from dead balls was clear to see with Remy Clerima nearly nodding the Magpies in-front from a Sam Barratt corner.

Devonshire’s side have made fast starts in recent home fixtures against Aldershot Town and Barnet and Casey Petitt gave the hosts another early lead as he stabbed home in the 14th minute.

Winger Sam Barratt proved a constant threat on the left-hand side through his strong running and he almost extended the lead shortly before half-time when he won the ball back and fired a strike against the outside of the post.

Pools had been kept at bay throughout the first half but Callum Cooke showed his quality as he lashed home an effort shortly after the break after Maidenhead failed to clear their lines.

That leveller momentarily shocked the hosts and Hartlepool almost took the lead after clever one-touch play from Cooke released Joe Frey in the penalty area but he saw his strike deflected narrowly over.

But defender Sam Beckwith sent the Bell Street End into jubilant celebrations 15 minutes from time as he danced through a challenge on the corner of the penalty area before sending a deflected low drive past Pools keeper Peter Jameson.

Substitute Shawn McCoulsky then secured the points, and most probably the club’s National League status, as he slid home at the back post following a weaving run by the effervescent Jayden Mitchell-Lawson.

The full-time whistle was met with loud cheers around the ground with Devonshire’s players sharing the pivotal moment with the throng of supporters behind the goal in the Bell Street End.

Goalscorer Sam Beckwith said: “It’s a big relief because I know how hard the boys have been working to try and build a bigger gap from relegation.

“I think it’s fair to say after tonight’s win, we’ve almost done it.

“I’m buzzing for everyone at the club.

“Everyone behind the scenes works so hard so for us to do it on the pitch for everyone involved at the club is a massive thing.”

Assistant boss Ryan Peters said: “I thought we performed really well on Saturday and didn’t get the points we deserved but we used that as fuel for tonight’s game. We were great value right from the start and we attacked at will.”

He added: “We’ve tried hard this season but you’ve seen a shift in our mentality the last four or five games. We’ve been a lot tougher to beat, attacked at will and shown a never-saydie attitude.

“This is a part-time team which punches above its weight and gives their all. Its been tough but the boys give their all and the gaffer only asks for that.

“On Saturday (against Gateshead) we’re going to ask these boys to go out again, give their all and try and put on a performance, score some goals and make sure we exist in this league again next season.

“It’s not going to be easy but based on the form we’re in, we’re looking forward to the challenge.”