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Maidwell 0 Akeley Wood 1
The first match of the season was greeted with a mixture of natural excitement as well as nervousness as we began the season after just two full sessions and found out that we were to play on astro. The boys appeared geared up for the task and immediately got stuck in, coping well with the unfamiliar bounce and run of the ball and although they made fairly limited progress in the opposition half they held them off well and Akeley had limited chances. Possession was probably about even, although they had territorial advantage but there were a few good runs from Webb and a couple of corners which inspired Maidwell and so when Akeley's goal came midway through the first half it was a little bit of a shock and there first real opportunity. Initially Pegley saved very well but Akeley were quicker to the ball as it dropped and Half time came with Maidwell a little stunned.
The second half started much more brightly and Maidwell were clearly determined to fight back and although they still struggled to find the 'killer pass' they dominate possession for large periods with Henderson and Sobrino looking particularly impressive in midfield. Akeley were limited to a few dangerous breaks, which were easily snuffed out, and Maidwell managed to fashion one golden opportunity with a one-on-one chance. It seemed to be a certain goal but the keeper stood up well and saved, he also touched over a long range effort from Henderson and despite Maidwell's pressure no further chances were forthcoming.
Overall a disappointing result on a day when we more than matched the opposition. The team deserve credit for fighting on to the end and coping with the unfamiliar surface but there are some fundamental areas that need tightening up. The defence must play a higher line against teams that pose limited threat and be quicker to get out once an attack has been cleared, midfield must be more physical from the start and the attack have got to adopt better positions, coming to collect the ball where necessary rather than waiting for the perfect pass.
Man of the Match: Tom Henderson
Maidwell 1 - 2 Bedford
Maidwell were determined to shake things up after a slightly lack lustre performance against Akeley. On a perfect afternoon for football they took to the field for the first home match of the season. Immediately it was evident that they had 'upped' their game and played a terrific pressing game in midfield which penned Bedford back although few chances were created. Unfortunately Bedford's first attack yielded a rather fortuitous goal from a corner that was deflected into our own net, this was largely against the run of play and Maidwell seemed visibly rocked but before long the situation got worse as Bedford continued to attack, clearly sensing weaknesses in the opposition. Maidwell should have learned their lesson from two previous attacks by the 'surging Spaniard' which were poorly defended and once again failed to clear the ball this time with disastrous consequences as the ball was poked into the bottom corner leaving Pegley stranded.
Half-time couldn't arrive too soon, Maidwell were in much need of a rocket and had to regroup and focus for the second half which they did superbly well. Wave after wave of attacks were launched, although they lacked the necessary guile to breakdown a very well marshalled defence and the best opportunities arose from individuals running at pace, Bedford struggling to contain Sobrino and Webb. Eventually a well deserved goal was scored. Following a terrific run - beating two men - a superb strike was launched by Alexander Webb, from outside the area, finding the net in the top right hand corner. From this point Maidwell looked certain to equalise but seemed to lose their impetus as Bedford defended resolutely and before long the counter attacks began. Some panicky defending led to Maidwell being reduced to ten men and although they continued to battle hard, the last seven minutes were just too difficult for them to mount any serious attacks. The final whistle announcing a rather misleading result.
Maidwell must 'go for it' from the start of a match and not be afraid to run at the opposition, defending simply must be more decisive and where there is little time available, the safe option should always be taken. I hope they learn quickly from their mistakes as the season is already almost halfway through.
Man of the Match: Archie Cleverly
Maidwell 1 Swanbourne 1
It's a long way to Swanbourne and the return journey feels a lot longer when you're on the receiving end. Maidwell started the match with a few changes - seconds players stepping up - and were determined to capitalise better on chances and ensure they kept things tight. The decision was made to persevere with the packed midfield and three at the back although with some trepidation as two thirds of the defence were new to their roles. However, the problem has rarely been with the defence but rather with the strike force not scoring and the midfield not making enough of their numerical advantage going forward and then being too slow in retreat.
The first half was tough, against a swirling wind and although Swanbourne had few clear cut chances there seemed to be a creeping feeling of inevitability as Maidwell's backs were pushed to the wall and they had to be satisfied with a few quick breaks. It appeared that Maidwell were going to get to half time with a hard fought 0-0 but two breaks from Swanbourne looked certain to change matters. However, a brace of terrific saves from Maidwell's #1 kept the scores level. There was a double save low to the ground in which Pegley managed to punch the ball to safety and a miraculous tip over of what seemed a certain goal.
Being equal at half time - unknown territory this season - Maidwell set out to make the most of the wind and pushed for the win. For the vast majority of the half the opposition were matched and possession was probably honours even but Swanbourne managed to score from a break against the run of play at the time. Heads dropped slightly but Maidwell pushed on again resulting in a terrific run from Webb who managed to beat the goalie only to see his strike cleared off the line. Despite this disappointment Maidwell continued to push on and a little later Sobrino deservedly found the net after a goalmouth scramble.
The rest of the match had few chances and both keepers had little to do as stalemate in midfield ensued. Unfortunately Maidwell were caught out in the last few minutes after a defensive collision and the Swanbourne striker raced clear to slot past Pegley, sealing the win for the home team.
This was a determined performance from Maidwell but one or two errors resulted in the loss. Having said this, the better team was victorious and Maidwell have Pegley to thank for keeping the scoreline respectable. They must communicate better across the whole team in the next match and seek to maintain possession using the ball back and forth rather than constantly looking to play the ball forward as soon as possible.
Man of the Match: Henry Pegley
Maidwell 5 Stoneygate 0
The firsts set out in this match to put right some of their slightly mediocre performances, to keep a tight defence and to actually realise their true potential. From the very start the difference in work rate and desire was evident as well as a cutting edge that had appeared to be sadly lacking in previous matches. An early header by Cleverly was unfortunately disallowed but it wasn't long before a slightly fortuitous goal was scored from a Henry Keith cross, beating the keeper and dropping in at the far post. To be fair this was the first real piece of fortune enjoyed by the Firsts this season and in that sense seemed overdue.
The second half continued in much the same vein and with their confidence sky high Maidwell tore into the Stoneygate defence, looking quite likely to score on most of their forays forward.
Sobrino soon popped up on the edge of the area after a surging run and slotted past the keeper, a ball dropped at Boscawen's feet to place it home, Henderson headed(!) home at the back post from a long corner and a lovely turn and shot on the edge of the area by Webb completed the job.
If Maidwell can recreate this level of performance and demonstrate such confidence on the ball in their next match they have nothing to fear.
MAN OF THE MATCH: BERTIE DUNCAN
Maidwell 2 Wellingborough 3
Maidwell entered their last match of the season slightly nervous considering Wellingborough's reputation for football over the last few years but really had no cause to be so in awe. Yes the opposition were a strong and well drilled team but it quickly became evident that the Firsts contained enough strength and guile to get a result. The loss of such an early goal was disappointing as the defence opened up to allow their striker to place the ball home with very little in way of a challenge. However, Maidwell were quick to respond and by the sixth minute had managed a great through ball to release Webb who beat the defenders for pace before calmly slotting past the 'keeper to draw the scores level. This seemed to inspire a short period of real belief in the team and for another goal to be conceded again came as a terrific shock. What followed was a period of midfield head tennis and a lot of good defending from both teams and some poor use of possession, allowing each other a number of opportunities but without any more chances converted.
At half time there was some disappointment but Maidwell were determined to fight back in their final 25mins. The battling spirit served them well and following some strong work in midfield Webb set off on another surging run, beating two defenders, rounding the keeper and finishing with aplomb. This was no less than the Firsts deserved and at times it seemed likely that they were going to snatch a late winner. Wellingborough tightened up in defence and snuffed out a number of half chances and Maidwell were left to rue what might have been as a particularly speedy forward caught the defence on the break and placed the ball into the bottom corner to break Maidwell hearts.
A super performance by Maidwell against a technically superior team and a result which could have gone either way.
MAN OF THE MATCH: ALEXANDER WEBB
Despite results the Firsts have played some really nice football this season and in each of the matches have stayed in contention throughout. They have been beaten by some teams which were genuinely better but the gap hasn't been wide at all and on another day with a little more luck who knows what may have happened?
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