The Botwell Warren

Maidenhead gave as good as they got and more tonight and would have run out winners if it hadn't been for a great save from Josh Lennie in goal late on.
United started well with some neat play up to the box, featuring Hand and Holmes but again there was little punch up front even though Buchanan did well enough in the air. We rattled the bar from close in but little else until we scored the equaliser. As the game wore on we were put on the defence and when Cadmore was subbed it was worrying that the home side sliced through our middle a number of times. Keiron Knight scored for the Maidonians (remember him?) and should have got a second when one-on-one but missed the goal. Dubois replied for HandY when his overhead kick hit the bar and bounced over the line. The ref was in a good position to give it (Fifa please note!).
The off the field highlight was the attendance of Will Hendry who spent much of the second half talking to Cadmore when he came off. (Was he trying to persuade our Tom to follow him, I wonder??!).
My marks:
Lennie 7; not the most assured in handling but made a great save to deny Maidenhead a second goal.
Ferrill 7; Did most of his better work going forward
Cadmore 7; Had his hands full with his striker, not to mention covering Wassmer.
Wassmer 6; Tried hard but showed his inexperience at times.
Green 7; Made some vital interceptions.
Hand 7; Again showed up best in the first half - secondhalf he was helping out the central defence a lot of the time.
Holmes 8; United's best player again but had to work hard at it.
Dubois 7; Scored the goal and worked hard but like most, faded a bit in the second half
Kelly 6; New to me. Did well at the start but faded away.
Buchanan 6; Tried hard and good in the air but nothing went right for him.
Welsh 5; Didn't show for my money and this left wing position is open for grabs, imo. Pity Binns went.
There were subs in the secondhalf, notably Bygrave and Dreen, but not on the field long enough to really make a comment.
In short, based on just tonight's game against a lower league team, we are in for a torrid time in the Premier League this season but that won't surprise anyone. Most of the players will settle in but we need two more - a striker and a left midfield.

Thanks for the report sniffer.
Didn't realise we were playing in the Premier League this season though, can't wait to go to Stamford Bridge!

We played well enough, but lacked fire power up front. Our goal never was, as it never crossed the line. We always struggle at Maidenhead.
But for a friendly it was a pretty good match. Hayes fans enjoyed good banter with their keeper.

Just to make sure the right person is creditted, it was Dexter Burt, our substitute keeper, who pulled off those saves in the second half.

thought it was a good all round performance,

Josh Lennie did well in the first half dropped one cross but other than that looked good and had excellent kicking, dexter burt did well in the second half should have done better with the goal and looked too small to compete for crosses.

jamie hand looked superb in the first half spreding the play and has bite in the challenge that we will need with the young squad it looks like we'll have
holmes did well again and elliot upfront and the guy that got the goal look like they will score just need more time to gel

jury is still out on welsh for me

Not out for me. Seen him three times now and he can't seem to keep on his feet. Sorry about the mixup on the goalies. Never heard any announcement and I was at the far end in the firsthalf so didn't get a clear look at our goalies face!

Sniffer

Let the players Gel together as a Team and give them a Chance before scoring them out of 10,this early on.

This is not the Premiership!

Try to remember that if you can!