Magpies Recover Their Lost Prestige

The wind of change blew through York Rd on Saturday, scattering the gloom which shrouded the club after seven successive defeats. It breathed life back into a jaded side who but behind them all memories of a 6-1 thrashing at Slough only a few weeks previously.

Hero of the game was undoubtedly Gerry Olson who returned to Maidenhead on Thursday night from Wycombe Wanderers His presence gave the defence confidence, and for the first time for two months the side produced its best teamwork.

Although the result was a goalless draw, no-one could complain about a lack of excitement, Both goals had their fair share of scrapes, and the ratio of corners as fairly evenly distributed, with Maidenhead winning seven and Slough eight.

The match was marred by an unfortunate accident to Slough's international star All D'Arcy, who broke his nose in a tussle for a centre with Tommy James.

The accident happened midway through the first half, and Slough had to reshuffle their defence with Terry Reardon dropping back and Stuart Jamieson substituting in midfield.

But D'Arcy's absence had little bearing on the result. Maidenhead had gained a definite edge and the Slough defence were under pressure. They struggled throughout the first half, but displayed more of their attacking qualities after the interval.

The first indication that Maidenhead were in a determined mood came in the 10th minute, when left back Micky Shepherd chipped a free kick into the goalmouth. Ian Wolstenholme missed the ball completely, and Malcolm Kemp got in a header, which Roger Day cleared at the expense of a corner.

Maidenhead's midfield which had been almost non-existent in previous games, fought like terriers for the ball. The tightest marking was performed by Olson. He blotted former Maidenhead striker Mick Chatterton out of the game.

Gradually Maidenhead began to dictate the terms. Once David Kemp crossed the ball from the left to Malcolm Kemp who nodded on to Alan Tottman, but Wolstenholme just managed to fist the ball away.

Tottman was also unlucky in the 35th minute when, with Wolstenholme off his line, his shot dropped on to the top of the net.

Slough hit back and Ray Eaton centred from the right for Reid to head past the post. But Maidenhead replied with a Roy Davies shot which hit the bar. Maidenhead forced six of their corners in the first half, and it wasn't until the 44th minute that Slough gained their first, which led to a second right on the interval. The second half the advantage swung the other way and it was Maidenhead's turn to be under pressure.

New goalkeeper Peter Whitlock proved his mettle by making a daring save off Chatterton's foot as the Slough striker shook off Olson for the first time in the match. Indeed, any doubts about Whitlock's ability as a suitable replacement for Peter Spittle vanished during this half. He was in complete control of his six-yard box, and showed splendid anticipation.

Although play was hardly ever out of the Maidenhead half during the second half, defenders Malcolm Pike, John Englefield and Micky Shepherd remained the masters of the situation, and Slough had few clear cut chances.