Free scoring Maidenhead United Women can't be accused of being 'boring' – Jackson-Norris

Maidenhead United Women have been in free-scoring form this season and boss Ed Jackson-Norris said they can’t be accused of being ‘boring’ after Sunday’s 4-2 win over Haywards Heath Town Women in the FANWL Plate competition.

The Magpies once again showed their resilience to come from behind at the break to book their passage into the quarter finals with goals from Macey Nikiah-Walters, Izzy Stockton, Sarah Thompson, and Simone O’Brien.

They may only be sat eighth in the FA Women’s National League Division 1 South West – with two wins from their opening eight fixtures – but this was their fourth win in five matches in all competitions. The sole defeat in that run being their disappointing exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton Women’s FC last weekend.

Reflecting on the tie, and their overall form this season, Jackson-Norris told Maidenhead’s Neil Maskell: “We’re not a boring side to watch this year.

“The group must be praised for the character and resilience they’ve shown to stay in games. It’s been phenomenal.

“And the number of games where we’ve been able to go behind and still come away with a positive result – this being another one of those – has been incredibly impressive.”

He added: “We do need to get to the crux of some of our issues. Whether it’s poor defending or not killing off games. But for now, we’ve been able to churn out positive results. That’s four wins in five.”

The Magpies are set to play their last league game of the year at home to fourth-placed Moneyfields on Sunday (2pm kick-off) and Jackson-Norris is hoping to see out a generally very positive 12 months on a high.

“We’ve got loads to look forward to now,” he said. “We’re through to a cup quarter-final after Christmas and will round off the year at home to Moneyfields.

“They’re a really good side but we’ve won four of our last five matches and don’t fear anybody.”

Sunday’s Plate win at Burnham’s 1878 Stadium was also bittersweet for Jackson-Norris and his players as they said goodbye to one of their most influential players, Imogen Fisher, who is moving away from the area with work.

However, the formation of a development team this season has seen a stream of talented young players come through to the first team and that should help plug the gaps when players like Imogen inevitably move on.

“She played very well today and was probably our best player,” Jackson-Norris added. “It feels sad that this is the second one of these I’ve had to do this year with Ava going on to pastures new.

“Imo is going to be a big loss for us. She came in and helped turn things around last season. She scored our first league goal of last season and was a big contributor in us being able to stay up in mission impossible circumstances.

“Again, this season she’s had a lot of trips away with football and work, but she’s still been able to contribute for us.

“Away from football, she’s a big character, she always has a smile on her face and is always laughing and joking. That’s what we’re going to miss the most, her personality around the group.”

He added: “There is talent coming through and we’re very happy with the development team in general.

“That’s why we pushed so hard for it this season because it’s a pathway for players into the first team.

“It also means that when we have injuries, and we’ve had some big issues with injuries this year, we’ve been able to supplement the squad with some talented players. Emily (Norfolk) did well today and got an assist. Amy (Norfolk) came on and did well and helped us sure up the game. Macey (Nikiah-Walters) is flying at the minute and has a goal or an assist in each of her last four or five appearances. Long may that continue to be honest. “