Confidence soars as Magpies rally for Devonshire ahead of Hornchurch test

Liam Dulson celebrates his opener against Chippenham. Photo: Darren Woolley

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Liam Dulson’s goal shortly before half-time proved the catalyst for Maidenhead United’s convincing win over Chippenham Town on Saturday, and the forward said afterwards everyone was ‘buzzing’ to get the win in Alan Devonshire’s final game in charge.

Devonshire announced last week he’d be stepping aside after the games against Salisbury and Chippenham Town, and the players have responded magnificently to secure two big wins.

Having had a spell when they struggled to score - or even create decent openings in the final third - the Magpies have now scored nine in two matches while keeping two clean sheets.

It seems Devonshire’s decision to step down after 10 years in charge has released some of the pressure the players were under, however, a change of shape and system has also aided the Magpies in recent matches.

Playing five at the back when out of possession, the Magpies were able to counter everything Chippenham were able to throw at them offensively in the first half, and they gradually wore their visitors down.

With minutes left on the clock in the first half, Dulson managed to get onto a loose ball back from a Chippenham player and rifled a low shot beyond Will Henry.

Time to go through yesterday's goals, starting with Liam Dulson who capitalised on a Chippenham error before finishing with a composed strike on the cusp of half-time pic.twitter.com/QTEbKdrp2v

— Maidenhead United (@MUFCYorkRoad) November 30, 2025

Forced to come out and attack a bit more in the second half, Chippenham looked increasingly vulnerable as the Magpies took full control in the second half.

Josh Umerah powered home a fantastic header from Owen Cochrane’s right-wing cross in the 64th minute before substitute Sam Barratt put the icing on Devonshire’s leaving cake when he scored a third from the penalty spot in stoppage time. He celebrated by putting on a flat cap which was given to him by supporters - a fitting tribute to the man who has given so much to this club over his 10 years in charge.

Dulson’s striking performance against Chippenham was good enough to see him named in the Enterprise National League South team of the week.

Speaking after the final whistle, the man who got the party started on Saturday, said: “The main thing for us this week was getting back to winning ways. We’ve had a tough spell as you know and we really wanted to get the two wins this week to send the gaffer off properly, which he deserves.

“We’re buzzing we got the two wins for him (Devonshire).

Having drawn Chippenham out of their shell with Dulson’s first half strike, the Magpies caused their visitors all sorts of problems in the second half as they ran out comfortable winners.

“Sometimes, there are teams like that and they sit in,” added Dulson. “We knew we had to be patient and once we got the one goal, they then had to go for the equaliser, and it opened up.

“It always suits us when we have wingers who want to go forward and drive into the channels.

“When it opens-up like that it makes it easier for us to attack.

“Everyone is feeling confident now. We had a spell when we couldn’t really get a goal and now, we have nine in two matches.

“There’s also players on the bench who can come on and score goals as well, so everyone is feeling very confident at the moment.”

Maidenhead may need every ounce of their newfound confidence for the visit of Hornchurch on Saturday.

Hornchurch have led the way in the National League South for much of the campaign; however, Saturday’s eye-opening 5-0 defeat at Worthing has seen them fall to third in the table on goal difference behind new leaders Torquay United and Weston Super Mare in second (39 points). Worthing are breathing down all three of their necks in fourth on 36 points.

Hornchurch play again at Hemel Hempstead Town tomorrow evening (Tuesday) so may be back at the summit by the time they arrive at York Road on Saturday.