MATCH REPORT | Hemel Town 0 - 0 Maidenhead United

Written by Ollie Heathcote

Hemel Hempstead Town ended a run of three competitive defeats with a goalless draw at home to Maidenhead United. 

Despite a disallowed goal in the 80th minute from Ade Azeez, threatening chances proved to be at a premium as the Tudors picked up another vital point against a full-time side to remain in the National League South playoff positions.

The opening stages of the game saw a fast paced start as Hemel looked to attack the Maidenhead goal. This saw an early free kick from Kyran Wiltshire powered straight at Jordy Van-Stappershoef, who parried the ball away from danger. On the other hand, the visitors had their share of possession as they launched attacks of their own. The ball fell to Matt Robinson on the edge of the box, who fired his effort wide of the post, which proved to be Maidenhead’s most threatening chance of the first half. 

The Tudors continued to push as a driven effort from Samuel Adenola forced Van-Stappershoef into another good save to push the ball wide of the post. Following this chance, the majority of the first half proved to be a physical battle between the two teams as clear cut chances lacked throughout the game. The visitors did have a half chance in the 24th minute as Liam Dulson cut onto his right foot and curled his effort comfortably wide of the post, which was the final chance of a first half with little action.

 After the interval, the tempo of the game continued to be at the same pace as the first half with little chances at either end. Whilst the hosts had a header from a corner go over the bar from Jack Bateson, the defender saw himself make a vital intervention at the other end to deny Josh Popoola as he was about to shoot from close range. 

Half time score 0-0

As the second half was progressing, it was looking as if the first goal of the game was struggling to come despite a chance from Darion Dowrich in the 74th minute, which saw his shot flash wide of the near post. However, Hemel thought that the breakthrough had come in the 80th minute as the substitute Ade Azeez poked home from a Vilhete cross; but his celebrations were cut short as the linesman had his flag up for offside. After Hemel had shouts for a penalty waved away in injury time, the referee brought a game of few clear cut chances to an end. 

Manager Lee Allinson was proud of his side as he said: I thought the boys were absolutely magnificent. They've given absolutely everything for this football club today. They've left everything out there on the pitch. They've defended their box brilliantly well. We're very, very comfortable in the game. I don't think MJ's (Michael Johnson) had a shot to save.” 

He also credited Maidenhead’s setup, saying: “But I've also got to give Maidenhead some credit. They defended their box brilliantly well. They're a very good side and you've only got to see their last four results, how good they are.  We've more than contained them.”