On-song Tudors swoop to down high-flying Maidenhead United

Dean Brennan’s Tudors ended Maidenhead’s bright start to the campaign and put an end to their two-game losing streak thanks to an excellent performance at York Road.

In stark contrast to their two recent home performances, it was Hemel who took the game to their high flying opponents and fully deserved the points on the day.

The Magpies, second in the table before Saturday’s game, had their wings clipped as goals from James Simmonds and Jorell Johnson gave the visitors a deserved win – their second of the Conference South campaign.

The first half finished goalless, but only thanks to some outstanding goalkeeping and resilient defending from both teams.

Hemel threatened first when James Potton hooked a shot just off target, and Elvijs Putnins had to be at his best to deny Oliver Hawkins as the forward ran through.

At the other end, Ashley Nicholls’ thunderous volley was brilliantly pushed away by Laurie Walker, and Reece Tison-Lascaris scampered through the Hemel defence only to be denied by another excellent save from Walker.

Hemel, who started the second half with more purpose, took the lead when a flick from the excellent Hawkins put Simmonds in the clear and he slotted the ball past Putnins in the 63rd minute.

They doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Daniel Talbot’s in swinging free-kick from the right was headed home by Johnson, much to the delight of the Hemel fans camped behind the goal.

The Magpies pressed forward in hope rather than expectation that they could pull off a miraculous recovery.

Danny Green’s side-footed effort, which Walker beat away, was the closest they came as Hemel’s resilient defence, and the excellent Walker and Johnson, held on for a well-deserved away win.