It was a tale of what could have been at York Road as Maidenhead United and FC Halifax Town failed to find their stride in the final third.
The game finished goalless and was unfortunately not the most thrilling of 0-0 draws. This was not for lack of effort but it just seemed to be that neither side could really build up any momentum.
Perhaps the most positive instance in the match for Town was the eagerly awaited return of star man, Matty Kosylo. The winger came on just after the 70 minute-mark after a long spell on the side-lines.
Throughout the match there were just a few clear-cut chances with the majority falling to the home side.
The first 45 minutes had plenty of nearly moments for the sides but on two occasions Maidenhead had golden opportunities to take the lead.
Having started strongly, The Magpies could have been ahead after just 8 minutes of play as Remy Clerima burst forward down the right side of the pitch before delivering a low ball towards Moses Emmanuel.
The attacker looked sure to break the deadlock but his effort crashed against the crossbar before rebounding back to the number seven who couldn’t turn the ball into the net.
Town seemed to be utilising the wide areas well and supplying crosses regularly into the penalty area. However, the final ball was just a little off and on numerous occasions George Waring and co. were unable to get on the end of the crosses.
Emmanuel looked like the main threat for Maidenhead in the first half and was involved in an emphatic counter attack after half an hour of play.
The Magpies cleared a Town corner and were suddenly on the front foot. Emmanuel Carried the ball well into the Halifax half before picking out Sean Marks who had the whole target to aim at. Sam Johnson came to The Shaymen’s rescue as he superbly caught Marks’ strike to keep the scores level.
It was a heart in mouth moment for Josh Wilde just five minutes into the second period when he lost his footing allowing Emmanuel to pounce. The forward however, was unable to capitalise seeing his clipped cross sail over everybody and run out for a goal kick.
After 54 minutes, Waring departed for Tom Denton. Today marked the final day of Waring’s current loan deal from Tranmere Rovers so it may have been the last we see of the target man if he is to return to his parent club.
Arguably Town’s best spell came just after the 55-minute mark when they were awarded a series of free-kicks and corners. Jake Hibbs took the original free-kick that was deflected out for a first corner.
Set piece taker, Hibbs, whipped in a dangerous ball that was met wonderfully by returning skipper Matty Brown, although his goal bound effort was denied by Carl Pentney who made an outstanding stop in the home goal.
Following another corner-kick, Ben Tomlinson found himself free at the back post to tap the ball into the net. However, the linesman raised his flag and the effort was ruled out for offside, this proved to be the closest either side were to come to scoring.
The game rather dwindled out and both sides left York Road with another point on the board.
Maidenhead United: 1 Carl Pentney, 2 remy Clerima, 3 Rene Steer, 4 Harold Odametey, 5 Alan Massey (c), 7 moses Emmanuel (12 Nana Owusu, 71′) 8 James Comley, 9 Sean Marks, 14 harry Pritchard, 19 Ryan Upward, 24 Jake Goodman
Subs: 16 James Hammond, 20 Maximilian Kilman, 23 Ryan peters
FC Halifax Town: 1 Sam Johnson, 2 Cliff Moyo, 3 Josh Wilde, 5 Matty Brown (c) 6, Scott Garner, 15 Josh MacDonald, 18 Danny Clarke, 20 Jake Hibbs, 22 Michael Collins, 14 Ben Tomlinson (7 Matty Kosylo, 71′), 38 George Waring (9 Tom Denton, 54′)
Subs: 13 Tom Nicholson, 10 Connor Oliver, 39 Michael Duckworth
Goals: None
Yellow Cards: Comley 65’, Clarke 65’, Collins 74’.
Red Cards: None
Attendance: 1229
Maidenhead United 0-0 FC Halifax Town
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