York Road bore witness to a bittersweet finale as Maidenhead United defeated Boston United 3-0, a result ultimately overshadowed by their relegation from the National League, confirmed by Wealdstone’s parallel victory.
The first half began tentatively, with both sides probing for weaknesses. The deadlock was broken in the 32nd minute when Shawn McCoulsky, assisted by Reece Smith, put Maidenhead ahead. The goal galvanised the home side, who began to dictate the game’s tempo. Will De Havilland’s yellow card late in the half was the only other incident of note.
Boston United manager Graham Coughlan responded to the deficit at half-time, introducing Bradley Nicholson in place of Mitchell Roberts in a tactical reshuffle. However, the change failed to halt Maidenhead’s momentum. Further substitutions followed, with Kieran Coates and Luca Alonzi entering the fray in the 55th minute, and Jordan Richards replacing Olly Green in the 56th, but Maidenhead remained resolute.
Maidenhead also made changes, bringing on Sam Barratt for Brendan Kiernan in the 62nd minute and Joshua Johnson for Kane Ferdinand in the 70th. The game’s pivotal moment arrived in the 65th minute when Jacob Scott conceded a penalty, earning himself a yellow card. McCoulsky stepped up and coolly converted the penalty in the 66th minute, doubling Maidenhead’s advantage. Boston’s Luca Alonzi also received a yellow card in the 70th minute.
A late substitution saw Tristan Abrahams replace Nathan Ferguson for Maidenhead in the 80th minute, with Boston also introducing Adam Marriott for James Gale at the same time. Abrahams made an immediate impact. In the 92nd minute, he sealed the victory with a goal, assisted by Remy Clerima, putting the result beyond any doubt. Abrahams then received a late yellow card himself in added time. Maidenhead made a final substitution in added time, with Owen Cochrane replacing Reece Smith, who had earlier provided an assist.
Despite the comprehensive scoreline, Maidenhead’s fate had been sealed elsewhere. Their win, orchestrated by McCoulsky’s brace and Abrahams’ late goal, ultimately wasn’t enough to secure their National League status.
Maidenhead United, despite finishing the season strongly with an undefeated run in their last five games, end their campaign relegated in 22nd place with 52 points. Boston United, meanwhile, finish in 19th position with 55 points.