Vickers strikes but MU21s suffer narrow defeat

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Albion beaten 2-1 at Maidenhead United in the National League Cup.

Bruce Talbot

2024-12-04T21:15+00:00

Marcus Ifill shows his frustration after another chance went begging against Maidenhead. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Albion suffered only their second defeat in their last 11 games, losing narrowly against Maidenhead United in the National League Cup on Wednesday.

Shannon Ruth’s side suffered their first defeat in the competition with Tristan Abrahams netting twice for the hosts before Caylan Vickers got one back in the closing stages.

It was no more than Albion deserved, having pinned Maidenhead back after Joseph Ajose picked up a second yellow card with 20 minutes to go. Albion created other opportunities but their finishing didn’t match some good approach work.

Cameron Peupion attacks the Maidenhead defence. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Despite a bright start Albion found themselves behind after nine minutes. Brad Keetch sent a long pass down the middle and Abrahams was bundled over in the box by Ed Turns, who had no complaints when the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Hugo Fisher dived low to his left to parry Abrahams’ penalty but the Maidenhead striker reacted first to find the net.

Albion nearly conjured up an equaliser two minutes later. Harry Howell started the move with a run from inside his own half. Marcus Ifill and Imari Samuels combined on the left and Samuels’ cross was met by Louis Flower who twisted in the air to direct it goalwards but Harvey Collins pawed it away diving to his left.

For long spells Albion had a lot of the ball but the Magpies were happy to soak up pressure and play on the counter. They were also menacing from set-pieces and Fisher prevented Aidan Coyne from scoring when he pushed his header over at full stretch.

Louie Flower twists in mid-air but can't quite beat Harvey Collins in Maidenhead's goal with his header. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Maidenhead went 2-0 up less than two minutes into the second half when Abrahams spotted Fisher off his line and chipped it over the Albion keeper from just outside the D. A great finish in fairness.

It needed Manny Onariase to bravely block Peupion’s shot after a fine move down the right started by substitute Zane Albarus. Peupion tested Collins from an angle on the left before smothering Vickers’ shot as Albion forced Maidenhead back down the York Road slope.

Ajose was sent off when he brought down Ifill to pick up his second yellow card. Collins got behind Ifill’s powerful shot from distance and Howell couldn’t find the target from close range after Albion opened up Maidenhead down the left.

Harry Howell looks for an option. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

The visitors finally got the goal they deserved with two minutes left when Collins could only push out an effort from Peupion that was heading for the bottom corner and Vickers side-footed home the loose ball. Deep in stoppage time Jamie Mullins’ pass found Ifill in space on the left but he blasted his effort over the bar with virtually the last kick of the game. It was that sort of night for Albion.