'Bitter-sweet' week as thumping league win is marred by injury in cup

Aleasha Lunn

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It has been a bitter-sweet week for Maidenhead United Women, with a thumping win in the League subsequently overshadowed by a serious injury in the FA Women’s National League Cup, writes Neil Maskell.

Last Thursday evening at Test Park, United put struggling Southampton Women’s FC to the sword. Macey-Nikiah Walters gave United an early lead with a composed finish and the Magpies were two ahead inside the opening ten minutes when Aleasha Lunn’s deliciously whipped corner kick went into the net via the far post – the second time Aleasha had pulled off this trick in five days.

The dangerous Lunn also saw two further corner kicks bounced to safety off the crossbar as the home side struggled to cope with United’s set pieces. A smart volley from Simone O’Brien gave last season’s joint top-scorer her first of the season and the Magpies continued to hit the net at regular intervals in the second half. A brilliant team move was finished off by a neat close range volley from Nat Cowell before teenager Tia Johnson netted her first United goal, robbing the Sirens goalkeeper to score. Sarah Thompson stabbed home from close range from another United corner before Izzy Stockton hit the visitors seventh with a delightful turn and finish. Isobel Conti reduced the arrears after a rare defensive aberration from Maidenhead but manager Ed Jackson-Norris was delighted with the evenings work.

A young Magpies XI then took on Tier 3 side Plymouth Argyle at York Road in the FAWNL Cup on Sunday and although they were on the wrong side of a 4-1 reverse Jackson-Norris was thrilled with the team’s display. Trailing to an early Kathryn Dickson goal, Maidenhead recovered well and played some excellent football against their higher ranked opposition. There was however a sad moment prior to half time when full-back Lunn collapsed in agony following a collision. A visit to A & E revealed that Aleasha had suffered a broken ankle having recovered from a similar injury earlier this year.

Argyle scored a second goal through Ava Kuyken as Maidenhead had to reorganize and a third from Charlotte Whitmore came early in the second period. United continued to play their attractive brand of football and with ten minutes remaining MUFC Academy graduate Amelie Mayani scored her first ever MUWFC First Team goal with a composed finish. A fourth goal from Ellie Sara – with an obvious handball missed in the build-up – gave the result a flattering look but the manager ad positive words for his young team at the end.

The spirit amongst players at the club was further reinforced elsewhere on Sunday as the Development team drew 4-4 with Queens Park Rangers at Cox Green. The visitors led at various stages 2-0 and 4-2, but goals from Ava Broke-Smith, a brace from Liberty Dieppe and a late equalizer from captain Chloe Matmuja earned a draw.

The First Team are back in action on Sunday at York Road when they entertain Portishead Town in the FAWNL (2pm). Admission is FREE for MUFC Gold Members, otherwise £5 for adults and £2 concessions.