Maidenhead United weather the storm to close gap on National League South leaders

Maidenhead’s Matt Robinson battles for the ball. Photo: Darren Woolley

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Maidenhead United stretched their winning run to six matches in the National League South on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Worthing at York Road, and while assistant boss Ryan Peters admits the Magpies were far from perfect, he’s delighted they’re finding a way to win and continue winning.

United came into the game at a blustery York Road off the back of a two-week break and at least initially, it looked like they were much the sharper of the two teams, with Worthing penned in by Maidenhead’s press, as well as the weather conditions.

They scored a goal just after the 20-minute mark when Liam Dulson capitalised on a poor kick out from Rebels keeper Seb Stacey and fired home from just inside the box.

Liam Dulson scores goals!

3 goals in his last 4 league appearances for our number 17! pic.twitter.com/a9f0ritQU8

— Maidenhead United (@MUFCYorkRoad) October 6, 2025

United should have added to that advantage, with Remy Clerima and Josh Popoola going close to making it 2-0, and while Worthing improved with the wind at their backs playing down the slope in the second half, the hosts just about deserved to come out on top thanks to more diligent defending.

They did have two penalty shouts go their way, when Worthing’s Matt Burgess in the 71st minute appeared to be taken down by Jordi Van Stappershoef, and then Anointed Chukwu, deep into stoppage time, looked to be tripped by Manny Onariase, but the referee waved away the visitors appeals.

Between those two appeals Harry Ransom was sent off for Worthing following a couple of crude challenges on substitute Corie Andrews close to the dugouts.

Reflecting on their current ability to grind out results while not necessarily being fully at their best, Peters said: “Yeah, finding a way to win when you’re not necessarily playing well is even more beneficial to us.

“We know we can do more and there’s more to come. But those moments, when you’re not quite at your best, to still find a way to win and stay within that pack is good.

“With Liam Dulson and some other players, we know we’ve made some good signings. When we were in the league above it was harder to find the right individuals because we couldn’t necessarily afford the right players for that league.

“But coming down a step, we’ve now become a bigger fish and players seem to want to come here. Liam has got terrific pedigree. We’re delighted to have acquired his services and he’s providing for us.”

The players were buffeted by stormy conditions on Saturday afternoon, the wind whistling in down the slope towards the Canal End of York Road. Playing with that wind at their backs in the first half, United were so much in control, but their narrow 1-0 lead at half-time didn’t really do them justice and Worthing went into the break with a bit of hope for the second half because of Maidenhead’s failure to make their chances count.

“The weather was a leveller, and we were fortunate to attack with the wind in the first half, and it stopped them getting out as easily as they’d have liked to have done,” said Peters.

“We should have taken a few more chances in the first to make it a bit easier for ourselves in the second half.

“The question was, how bright and sharp could we be without playing last weekend, and our first half performance was good, but I still think we could have done a little bit more.

He added: “I think we would be doing them a disservice if we said it was just the conditions that were the reason why they played better in the second half. I thought they were really good value. A few times they were able to play through our lines and have some flowing attacks at our goal which we need to have a look at.

“They stuck to their guns and they’re very good at what they do. But we’ve been defensively very good for a little while now and we’re attacking a bit better.”

Dorking Wanderers continued run in this season’s FA Cup means the Magpies are without a game again next weekend and will return to action at home to 22nd placed Eastbourne Borough on October 18. Saturday’s sixth straight win keeps Alan Devonshire’s side in fourth place but they’re now only two points off second placed Weston super Mare and five behind leaders Hornchurch with a game in hand.

The difference between how they’re playing now and how they started the season is also stark according to Peters - even if they haven’t yet fully hit their straps.

“If you go back to the first four games of the season and how we’re playing now, it’s two different sides,” he said.