Didcot Produce Cup Shock - Didcot Town vs. Maidenhead United

Sponsor's hot air balloons behind one goal.

As much as I enjoyed watching American sports while over there, it was great to get back to football and there was no better way to return to watching football then catching an FA Cup tie. The game I chose pitted Didcot Town of The Southern League South & West Division against Maidenhead United of The Conference South. The visitors were just outside of the play offs in their league while Didcot were in the bottom half of their division. Didcot had only reached this stage of the competition once before and Maidenhead had played over two hundred games in the FA Cup.

Stand with cooling towers in the background.

The game has a scrappy start and there are quite a few fouls which break the flow of the game. The big number 10 for Maidenhead is providing a hand full for the home defence and he looks the most dangerous for the visitors. The home side are creating most of the chances and it is Didcot who take the lead shortly before half time. The striker is played through and makes no mistake slotting past the keeper. They have a chance to double the lead before half but go in with just the single goal advantage.

Maidenhead on the attack in the first half.

Maidenhead look for the equaliser immediately after the start of the second half. This really opens up the game and there are chances at either end. Maidenhead have a decent shout for a penalty but the referee is unmoved by their protests. Didcot have a great chance to seal the win in the final quarter but the chance is missed. Maidenhead lay siege to the home side's goal but they are denied and their frustrations get the better of them and they are reduced to ten men in the final moments.

Dugout side of the ground.

The Loop Meadow Stadium is a ten minute walk from Didcot Parkway Station. Trains depart from Paddington on a regular basis and if you get the quick train the journey takes forty five minutes other wise the journey is an hour and a half. Right opposite the station is The Prince Of Wales which does the job and has a live departure board so you won't miss your train. The clubhouse is unfortunately quite small but has sky sports and is very friendly none the less.

Another view of the stand and balloons.