Maidenhead United undefeated run came to an end as Hemel Hempstead Town left York Road with all three points on Saturday.
The high-flying Magpies, who sat in second before Saturday’s game, had their wings clipped after goals from James Simmonds and Jorell Johnson gave the visitors a deserved victory, their second of the Vanarama Conference South campaign.
The first half ended 0-0 thanks to some excellent goalkeeping and fantastic defending from both teams.
Hemel had the first chance of the game when James Potton placed a shot slightly wide and goalkeeper Elvijs Putnins had to be at his best to deny Oliver Hawkins as the forward ran through.
Maidenhead’s Ashley Nicholls had a thunderous volley saved by Laurie Walker and Reece Tison-Lascaris found a gap in the Hemel defence only to be denied by some more fantastic goalkeeping by Walker.
The second half started with more purpose and Hemel took the lead after Hawkins found Simmonds, who controlled the ball and slotted it past Putnins. It was only a matter of time, similar to that feeling you get when you can sense a jackpot coming whilst playing online casino games, and there was a feeling of optimism around the ground that Hemel would go on to win this.
The lead was doubled just ten minutes later when Daniel Talbot’s swinging free kick was headed home by Johnson.
The Magpies pressed forward in hope however Hemel held on for a well deserved victory.
