Devonshire bows out in style as Maidenhead United cruise past Chippenham

Photo credit: Darren Woolley

--

Maidenhead United 3, Chippenham Town 0

Maidenhead United gave manager Alan Devonshire a fitting send-off as they delivered a controlled and dominant – if unflashy – victory over Chippenham Town at York Road this afternoon (Saturday). 

After 3,681 days in charge, Devonshire resigned on Sunday after a run of poor results. However, he managed to cap off his successful 10-year reign as manager with back-to-back league wins over Salisbury (6-0) and Chippenham (3-0).

Liam Dulson put them on the road to all three points just before the break when he strode forward from midfield and fired a low shot beyond Will Henry.

Chippenham saw plenty of the ball but were ultimately toothless in attack. Anointed Chukwu had their best chance in the 41st minute but Will De Havilland slid in to deny him what looked a certain goal.

The game opened up after the break as Chippenham chased a leveller, but they found themselves two goals down in the 64th minute when Josh Umerah rose brilliantly to send a towering header past Henry from Owen Cochrane’s cross.

United’s Dutch keeper Jordi Van Stappershoef made one splendid low save to keep out Ed James’ goal bound effort, but aside from that the hosts were rarely troubled.

Having gone close twice in the final 10 minutes through Josh Popoola and Dulson, the Magpies capped off an impressive display with a third goal in stoppage time.

Substitute Jayden Mitchell-Lawson was bundled over by Canice Carroll after taking the ball around Henry. The Chippenham player was sent off and Sam Barratt – one of Devonshire’s longest-serving players – coolly slotted home their third from the penalty spot.