Maidenhead View: Vale will be kicking themselves that they didn’t go through
Maidenhead Sports reporter Daniel Darlington thinks Vale may come to regret not beating Maidenhead United at Vale Park.
About the fan
I’m Daniel Darlington and I’ve been the Sports reporter for the Maidenhead Advertiser for the past two years. I’ve been covering Maidenhead United week in week out. I’m a life-long Newcastle United supporter so I’m generally interested in all things Magpies related.
Can you tell us something interesting about Maidenhead United?
York Road is the oldest continually used ground in world football and the club were FA Cup quarter-finalists in 1872-73, 1873-74 and 1874-75.
What were your thoughts on the first-leg game?
Vale should have put the game to bed after the interval but perhaps they underestimated Maidenhead…
Port Vale will be kicking themselves that they didn’t go through. They created the majority of the chances but failed to really extend Magpies keeper Carl Pentney in the second half. Vale should have put the game to bed after the interval but perhaps they underestimated Maidenhead who threw caution to the wind late on and earned themselves a deserved replay.
What is your favourite Cup game involving your team?
An easy one this: Maidenhead 3-0 Woking in the FA Cup final qualifying round a few weeks ago. Three fantastic goals from Kieron Forbes, Harry Pritchard and Dave Tarpey and a terrific atmosphere at York Road. I’m hoping for something similar in the replay next week.
Who should we watch out for in your squad?
I’m tempted to say Harry Pritchard, but he was very quiet on Sunday. Dave Tarpey was heavily involved in the best of the Magpies’ attempts. He could have scored before James Mulley’s dramatic leveller. I also have to say James Mulley if only to remind you guys of his 94th minute equaliser. A goal which will live long in the memory.
Who do you most fear from the Vale squad?
Uche Ikpeazu came on and dominated Maidenhead’s centre halves. I’m sure he’ll start the replay…
Uche Ikpeazu came on and dominated Maidenhead’s centre halves. I’m sure he’ll start the replay. I was also impressed with the lively Louis Dodds while Byron Moore and Michael O’Connor both played well, in my view.
A score prediction?
Both sides are now familiar with each other so that takes away the element of surprise for Maidenhead. However, with more than 2,000 fans cheering the Magpies on at York Road I’m going to go for a 1-0 win for the home team.