A loss despite an outstanding performance

Two defeats on the bounce for the 2s despite an outstanding performance away to Wycombe 2s. After a disappointing reverse last week, Maids came out with more purpose and put in a very good performance against a Wycombe side that will be eying promotion at the end of the season.
The game started brightly with positive intentions from both sides and long-balls over the top from Marcus Foley causing havoc for a Wycombe defence looking in to the sun. From a ball won back by Maids from one of these Aran Wellman was unlucky to deflect a cross just wide of the far post. As the game continued, Wycombe cause Maids on the counter, with their pace up front leaving GK Andy Downing caught in no-man’s land before the forward rounded the keeper to score.
From then on it was the Andy-show, with Wycombe pressing forwards and Andy producing a string of fine saves to keep them out, while Maids looked to hit back on the counter attack. In particular, one save in the second-half where the ball deflected of a Maidenhead player and looked to be sneaking into the corner was particularly outstanding!
The game wore on deep into the second half with both teams receiving a green card – Wycombe for chat and Aran for a bad tackle from the wrong side. Neither side could make the most of the advantage, but Wycombe finally grabbed a second from a fast counter. The forward eventually working the ball around Andy, because Rob Gauld (having run back the length of the pitch!) was harshly adjudged to have cleared the ball with his body rather than his stick.
The resulting flick was put away and a third was added against a tiring Maids as Handbag deflected a shot past Andy to complete the scoring.
Next week Maids return home to Altwood to take on high-flying Thame.

MoM – Andy for a string of fantastic saves!
DoD – Andy for showboating with all of those brilliant saves!