TT MATCH PREVIEW – Maidenhead Utd (A) by Steve Harris

TT PREVIEW

Steve Harris – @steveharris84

Steve Harris previews the game at York Road

MAIDENHEAD UNITED VS TORQUAY UNITED

Venue: York Road, Maidenhead

Date: Monday 10th April 2023 – 3pm

CURRENT FORM

Maidenhead: L, D, W, L, D, D

Torquay: L, D, L, W, W, W

TOP SCORERS

Maidenhead: Emile Acquah (13)

Torquay: Aaron Jarvis (14)

HEAD TO HEAD

Maidenhead: 3

Draws: 1

Torquay: 4

MAIDENHEAD FACTFILE

Year founded: 1870

Nickname: The Magpies

Last season’s league finish: 17^th in the National League

Notable honours:

National League South champions: 2016-17

Isthmian League Full Members Cup winners: 1996-97

MANAGER: ALAN DEVONSHIRE

As a player, Alan Devonshire made his name with West Ham United, who he joined from non-league side Southall in 1976 when the Hammers paid £5,000 for his services. While at the Boleyn Ground, he helped the Hammers win promotion back to the top-flight and reach the 1981 League Cup final in the 1980-81 season. Devonshire was also part of the West Ham side that finished third in the ‘old’ First Division in the 1985-86 campaign.

Devonshire is currently in his second spell in charge of Maidenhead, he previously managed the club between 1996 and 2003, after returning to York Road in 2015. He led them to the National League South title in the 2016-17 season. In between his two spells in charge of the Magpies he managed Hampton and Richmond (2003-2011) and Braintree Town (2011-2015).

He is also the longest serving manager in the National League.

PLAYER TO WATCH: EMILE ACQUAH

Now in his second full season at York Road, Emile Acquah is currently Maidenhead’s top scorer with 13 goals and earned a call-up to the England C squad, which saw him make his debut for the non-league Three Lions.

Hackney-born Acquah started his career with Southend United and progressed through their academy before being loaned out to Harlow Town and the Magpies (twice) before joining Alan Devonshire’s side permanently in the summer of 2021.

ACQUAH STATS:

Position: Striker

Date of Birth: 13rd July 2000 – 22 years-old

Place of Birth: London

Height: 1.91m

Former Clubs: Harlow, Southend Utd

NL Stats 22-23: Played 40, Goals 13, Yellow/Red Cards 3/0

OLD BOYS

Maidenhead: Dan Sparkes, Ashley Nathaniel-George, Shawn McCoulsky

Torquay: Shaun Donnellan, Rhys Lovett

LAST MEETING

Torquay United 2-3 Maidenhead United

Tuesday 4th October 2022

Remy Clerima’s stoppage-time goal snatched all three National League points for Maidenhead in a 3-2 win at bottom club Torquay.

Clerima turned home the winner in time added on after Maidenhead had twice hit back to level through Emile Acquah and Charlee Adams’ penalty after goals from Torquay pair Will Goodwin and Aaron Jarvis.

The game was held up for several minutes in the first half when injured Torquay midfielder Kieron Evans was carried off on a stretcher and replaced by Brett McGavin.

The home side took a 24th-minute lead when Stoke City loanee Will Goodwin fired home into the bottom corner.

Maidenhead hit back during 12 minutes of added time at the end of the first half through Acquah’s far-post finish.

Aaron Jarvis regained the lead for Torquay, showing neat control before converting Dan Martin’s cross and the visitors responded again through Adams’ spot-kick, after a handball decision against Ben Wyatt.

The Gulls almost restored their lead in injury time when Ryan Hanson saw a header cleared off the line by Sam Barratt.

Torquay were then dealt a sucker punch when Clerima’s shot from the right beat Halstead to give the Magpies all three points with virtually the last kick of the match.