MATCH REPORT: Chippenham Town 1-0 Maidenhead United | National League South | Saturday 28th February

February rounded out with a gritty CTFC performance

We made it back-to-back home victories with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Maidenhead United, as Harry Parsons’ first-half penalty proved decisive at Hardenhuish Park.

The Bluebirds started on the front foot and almost struck inside the opening ten minutes. Sol Wanjau-Smith raced through one-on-one after a perfectly weighted through ball, but Maidenhead goalkeeper Jordi Van Stappershoef stood tall to deny him. Moments later, Caine Bradbury delivered an inviting free-kick to the back post where Olaf Koszela’s header was gathered by the visiting ‘keeper.

Maidenhead threatened briefly through an early set piece, with Josh Umerah heading over from close range, but it was Town who controlled the opening period. Wanjau-Smith and Anointed Chukwu both saw close-range efforts blocked in quick succession, before Bradbury tested Van Stappershoef from the edge of the area.

The breakthrough came midway through the half. A long throw caused problems in the Maidenhead box and Freddie Grant was hauled to the ground, leaving the referee Ben McDonald with no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Parsons dusted himself down and emphatically smashed the penalty into the roof of the net to give Town a deserved lead.

Chippenham continued to dominate the latter stages of the half, with Parsons firing over from a long throw and Reece Fleet trying his luck from distance just before the interval, with his shot being blocked.

Half-time: Chippenham Town 1–0 Maidenhead United

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Town pushing for a second while remaining disciplined defensively. Parsons slipped Chukwu through early on, but his curling effort was deflected just wide of the post. Debutant Rashawn Scott caused problems down the left flank.

Maidenhead attempted to apply pressure through set pieces, with Onariase heading wide from a free-kick, while Luke Haines was booked as the game became more physical. Town continued to create openings, with Callum King firing narrowly wide from range.

The closing stages were tense, as the visitors pushed numbers forward. Will King produced a vital clearance off the line to deny Alfie Pendlebury from close range, preserving the Bluebirds’ advantage. In stoppage time, Phillips nearly sealed the points as he twisted his way into the area, only for Van Stappershoef to push his effort away.

After six minutes of added time, Town held firm to secure a valuable clean sheet and three points.

Full-time: Chippenham Town 1–0 Maidenhead United

A disciplined defensive display, a ruthless penalty, and another positive afternoon at Hardenhuish Park for the Bluebirds 💙