Weekend preview: Maidenhead United target statement win over big-spending Clarets

Daniel Darlington

danield@baylismedia.co.uk

05:30PM, Thursday 04 September 2025

Maidenhead United vs Chelmsford City

Maidenhead United can stretch their winning run in the National League South to four matches when Chelmsford City visit York Road on Saturday (3pm kick-off), but to do that Alan Devonshire’s side will have to take down one of the pre-season favourites for promotion.

Chelmsford come into the season having been well backed by their owners and, like the Magpies, they’ve got off to a decent start - winning three of their opening seven matches to move into the top 10.

The Clarets were surprisingly beaten 5-2 at home by Farnborough on Monday night to take a little shine off their positive start to the campaign, while 24 hours later, the Magpies delivered possibly the result and performance of the season so far, as they dismantled Bath City 4-0 away from home.

United were ruthless in the first half, gaining the early advantage through Jack Batten’s own goal and running with it. The increasingly influential Josh Popoola netted twice, with Jordon Ragguette causing chaos with his dangerous crosses into the box.

Liam Dulson made it 3-0 just before half-time and he’s settling nicely into his career with the Magpies now.

United haven’t played the Clarets since their title-winning campaign back in 2016-17. That year they defeated Chelmsford twice, but narrowly on each occasion. Dave Tarpey scored the only goal in both matches, from the penalty spot at Chelmsford to register his 33rd goal in a record-breaking season and shortly after half-time at York Road, having run onto a flick from strike partner Sean Marks.

Alan Devonshire said this week he knew his side would be in for a tough test against a Chelmsford side that has recruited well, including from teams in the National League.

They’ll have nothing to fear coming to York Road, however, Maidenhead are now warming to the task in front of them at step 2. Having failed to win any of their first four matches, they’ve now won their last three in a row against Horsham, Dover Athletic and Bath City, and they have their sights set squarely on Chelmsford to make it four in a row.

In recent match ups, Maidenhead has the edge, winning six of their last 10 meetings with Chelmsford winning two of those.

Chelmsford also has some interesting football connections according to the Maidenhead United website.

Shay Bottomley wrote: ‘World Cup legend Sir Geoff Hurst grew up in the area. The father of the only man to score a hat-trick for England in a World Cup final, Charlie Hurst, played for City in the late 1940s while a young Geoff watched on.

‘Along with this, the late great Jimmy Greaves spent a singular season at the Clarets in the late 1970s. Widely regarded as one of England's best ever players, Greaves featured 38 times and scored 20 goals in all competitions - even enjoying a foray into the Anglo-Italian Cup.’

This is an unsegregated match, and tickets can be purchased online before 1pm on Saturday and on the gate with cash or card accepted.

Tickets prices are as follows: Adults: £18 (£20); Concessions (Over 65 years old, Student, UB40): £13.50 (£15); Next Generation (17-22 years old): £9 (£10); Under 17's: £4 (£5)

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Most recent results

Chelmsford City 0-1 Maidenhead United (2017)

Maidenhead United 1-0 Chelmsford City (2016)

Chelmsford City 4-1 Maidenhead United (2016)

Maidenhead United 1-0 Chelmsford City (2015)

Chelmsford City 1-1 Maidenhead United (2015)

Maidenhead United 2-0 Chelmsford City (2015)

Chelmsford City 0-3 Maidenhead United (2014)

Maidenhead United 1-1 Chelmsford City (2013)

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Torquay United vs Slough Town

Elsewhere in the National League South, Slough Town travel to Torquay United hoping to extend their own four-match unbeaten run against a Gulls side sitting seventh in the table.

Torquay were one of the sides pushing for the title last season and they missed out on silverware and promotion to the National League on goal difference to champions Truro City.

They’ll again be among the fancied sides for promotion this season, so this promises to be a tough trip for Scott Davies’ much-changed side.

They’ve shown signs in recent weeks they’re developing together as a unit, and three different strikers - all summer signings - found the net in Tuesday’s 3-2 home win over Chippenham Town. But a result at Torquay would really give their campaign some momentum.

Their results so far see them down in 15th place; however, it’s early days in the division and they’re only a couple of points behind Maidenhead in sixth place.

On Saturday, they showed the never-say-die character to come from behind and pick up a point at home to Enfield, with defender Peter Ojemen heading the Rebels level in the 97th minute.

They’ll need some of that same spirit to come away from the Plainmoor Ground with a positive result but write the Rebels off at your peril.

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AFC Portchester vs Flackwell Heath

Flackwell Heath are in FA Trophy first qualifying round action at AFC Portchester on Saturday having made a relatively encouraging start to the season in all competition.

The Heathens have lost most of their strike force from last season, with Wiktor Makowski moving on to play for Slough Town at step 2, however, so far, they’ve found a way to grind out results and pick up points.

They sit fourth in the Southern League Central Division table, having qualified for the play-offs last season. AFC Portchester play in the Isthmian League South Central Division and are currently ninth in the table.

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