County Cup dilemma for Maidenhead United boss

James Comley
James Comley. Photo: Darren Woolley / darrenwoolley.photos

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Selection for the Berks & Bucks County FA Senior Cup tie on Tuesday 3rd December may prove an interesting dilemma for Alan Devonshire as he looks to juggle priorities for a side struggling for form in the bread and butter of the Vanarama National League against the need for game time for fringe players and those looking to regain sharpness after periods out through injury and suspension.

Joe Ellul’s two match ban does not include County Cup ties so Devonshire may look to give his trusted centre-back some minutes when Binfield visit York Road. The match might also be used to give Shamir Fenelon a welcome run-out, the winger having been absent from the Magpies line up since the autumn.

Read more: Who’s who in the County Senior Cup Second Round draw

Alan Devonshire. Photo: @DarrenWoolley2
Alan Devonshire. Photo: @DarrenWoolley2

Elsewhere, Freddie Grant might be in contention for a starting place alongside James Comley, depending on whether the latter has recovered from a virus which has kept him out of the Magpies last two outings. Meanwhile, regular bench-warmer Bernard Mensah might hope for a start along with recent signing Ibra Sekajja.

The Magpies Under 18s have again remarkably won through four ties to reach the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup for the second consecutive season. Maidenhead fans will be excited to see whether Devonshire chooses to include teenage starlets such as English Colleges FA caps defender Taro Chitepo and goalkeeper Fred Chapman whilst the likes of left back James Dirkin, central midfielder Brandon Curtis and winger Reece Smith are amongst those who have also impressed for the side flying high in the Allied Counties League.

Listen to Maidenhead United fan Steve Jinman discuss Alan Devonshire’s first spell in charge at York Road. Click here to listen on your smart device.

The Berks and Bucks Cup is a trophy that Devonshire has lifted 5 times over his two spells in charge and Maidenhead fans have enjoyed seeing the likes of Josh Kelly and Bradley Keetch make goalscoring debuts in the competition in recent years. Devonshire will be hoping that, without the pressure of playing for crucial National League points, some of those who are waiting in the wings will impress in the County Cup.

Admission on the night via the turnstiles on York Road only will be priced at £10 adults, £5 concessions and £2 U16s for a Cup tie which must be settled on the night.

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