Maidenhead United’s first ever fixture against an international side ended in victory at York Road last night.
The Magpies’ scored the only goal of the game against the Kuwait national team in a rememberable night at York Road.
Both sides started well, with new signing Danny Whitehall forcing Kuwaiti ‘keeper Sulaiman Abdulghafoor into an early save from a free kick. The visitors responded shortly, as a Faizal Alazemi header flew wide of the United goalpost.
A few moments later, the visitors gave away a penalty after Josh Kelly was tripped in front of the Bell Street End. Whitehall would convert to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The Magpies continued to maintain possession, much to the frustration of Kuwait. Whitehall would see another chance from a free kick saved just before half time.
The second half saw plenty of changes for both sides, but the Maidenhead superiority continued with chances for Kelly and Joseph Ellul in his first game for the club. A brilliant link up with Seth Nana-Twumasi would see his header float inches wide of the post.
Ultimately, the game would finish 1-0 to make it three wins from three for the Magpies, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed from Head of Youth Development, Aaron O’Brien.
“I’m very happy with the start to pre-season,” said O’Brien. “We have faced different challenges across all three games so far which will help us when the start of the season arrives.”
“Against Kuwait last night we were very happy with our defensive shape as team without the ball. We now have back to back clean sheets which is a good habit to get into.
We now have tough tests against Hampton & Richmond and Stevenage which the squad and staff are looking forward too”
The Magpies next face Hampton & Richmond on Saturday at the Beveree, where they’ll encounter former Magpie Dean Inman who signed for the club earlier this week.
