MATCH PREVIEW: Maidenhead vs Chippenham Town | Saturday 29th November | National League South
The Bluebirds fly to the Magpies’ nest in search of away points.
CTFC round out November with a trip to Maidenhead United, in what is Alan Devonshire, the hosts’ manager, final match after a decade in charge.
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 is a watershed match, as long-term manager Alan Devonshire departs the Magpies after 17 years of tenure across two spells
Fixture history
We have played against Maidenhead United just four times, with the most contents 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.
Dangermen
Josh Popoola – A young versatile player who can play either in midfield or at right back finds himself as the club’s joint top goalscorer in the league alongside Liam Dulson. The former Buxton player joined in the summer following a successful trial with the club and has found himself involved in just under 50% of their goals this season having scored six and created four in 18 matches for The Magpies where he added another two goals to his tally against Salisbury during the week.
Liam Dulson – The 23-year-old attacker joined the club in the summer following his release from League Two side Cheltenham Town. Dulson can play on the left or through the middle in the attack and has notched up seven goal involvements so far, which he added to in their 6-0 win away at Salisbury and has played almost every single minute in the league this season having played 93% of the minutes with only Goalkeeper Jordi Van Stappershoef having played more.
Supporter Information
Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets can also be purchased on the gate.
We will be running MIXLR radio commentary for this match; Tune in from 14.50 to catch all of the action.
See you there #BlueArmy 💙
