MATCH PREVIEW: Chippenham Town vs Maidenhead United | National League South | Saturday 28th February

We round out a mixed February with the visit of Maidenhead.

CTFC host Maidenhead United for the first time in the league in just under two decades, as Alan Peters’ team look to do a Bluebirds double. We are looking to gain some crucial points in a push up the table.

The opposition

Maidenhead were founded in 1870 and are believed to be among the oldest clubs in English football. They entered the first FA Cup in 1871 and became known for regular early-round appearances during the competition’s early decades including three Quarter-Final appearances against Oxford University, Royal Engineers and Old Etonians.

During the First World War, a merger between Maidenhead and Maidenhead Norfolkians formed what we now know as Maidenhead United.

This new look club began life in the Corinthian league, and between 1945 and 1962 they would win the league title a total of three times.

Following the disbanding of the Corinthian league, the Magpies moved to the Athenian League and subsequently the Isthmian divisions.

In 2004 they entered into the Conference South but reminded for just two seasons as as 20th and then 22nd in the table saw them relegated back to Step 3, and into there Southern League with ourselves.

Immediate promotion followed and title and they would go on to win the title during the 2016/17 season earning them promotion into the National League.

Eight straight seasons in the top tier of Non-League ended last season, as final day relegation was confirmed despite a 3-0 win against Boston United as Wealdstone’s win against Halifax.

Our match against Maidenhead in November was a watershed match, as long-term manager Alan Devonshire departed the Magpies after 17 years of tenure of two spells. He was replaced by his assistant Ryan Peters who took charge on an interim basis.

Maidenhead sit in the final playoff position, 7th, and are currently on the 2nd best run of form in the division at the moment, having lost just once this calendar year.

Fixture History

We have played against Maidenhead United just five times, with the most contentious and memorable in scintillating FA Cup 4QR tie in 2018/19.

Having already seen of Swindon Supermarine and Hendon we hosted Maidenhead with a place in Round One in our sights, for what would have been the third time in our history. Despite going a goal down, an injury time equaliser from Mike Jones sparked celebrations against the then National League side. Monday night’s draw paired Chippenham / Maidenhead against Portsmouth of League One.

Tuesday night’s replay now had an extra edge. CTFC had two ruled out for close offsides to deny opening the scoring, and James Guthrie sent off, Maidenhead progressed thanks to Adrian Clifton’s 74th minute finish.

We have also faced Maidenhead twice in league seasons, in the Southern League in 2006/07. A draw in the opening fixture at York Road was followed by a 2-1 win at home thanks to goals from Paul Milsom and Sean Seavill earned us all three points in Adie Mings’ first game as named CTFC manager.

The reverse fixture was not only Devonshire’s final match, but also his final win as we were defeated 3-0 thanks to goals from Liam Dulson, Josh Umerah and a late penalty from Sam Barrat.

Dangermen

Josh Popoola – A young versatile player who can play either in midfield or at right back finds himself as the club’s top goal contributor in the league. The former Buxton player joined in the summer following a successful trial with the club and has found himself involved in just over 35% of their goals this season having scored seven and created 10 in 31 matches for The Magpies.

Liam Dulson – Dulson is a man in fine form for The Magpies having added to his goal involvements with two assists and a goal in his last two games, as he found himself setting up the winning goal against Salisbury on Tuesday night and then just a few days before he set up Josh Umerah to fire home from close range and then also found himself on the score sheet to help Maidenhead to a 2-0 win against Dagenham & Redbridge. Not only is he the club’s top goal scorer he has also played the most minutes of any outfield player for United, having played 96% of the minutes he could have.

Supporter Information

This game is non-segregated, and tickets can be purchased via our INTIX page, as well as both cash and card on the day.

See you there Bluebirds 🐣