Devonshire likely to shuffle pack as Maidenhead United face AFC Aldermaston in County Cup

Maidenhead United are back in action tomorrow evening (Wednesday) when they take on Wessex Football League outfit AFC Aldermaston for a place in the third round of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup.

With the Magpies competing in the National League over the past eight seasons and also taking part in the inaugural National League Cup last season, the county cup competition has fallen down the pecking order of priorities at York Road.

It’s unlikely manager Alan Devonshire will name his strongest squad for the trip to the Mettal Stadium, however, with the club having already exited the FA Cup this season - leading to what’s been a stop-start month in terms of fixtures and activity - they may be more inclined to give it more of a focus.

United last lifted the Berks & Bucks Cup back in 2017, after they’d been promoted from the National League South as champions. They defeated Hungerford Town with a goal from Christian Smith in the final at Arbour Park - the match taking place during their pre-season programme ahead of their bow in the National League.

United will be expected to come through tomorrow evening’s tie - whatever their line-up for the second-round match. Aldermaston currently sit 19th in Wessex Football League Division 1, having won just two of their opening nine fixtures.

They edged out Langley 2-1 at home to advance to the second round while Maidenhead were given a bye to this stage.

Maidenhead’s focus remains on Saturday’s league game against Eastbourne Borough at York Road (3pm kick-off) and following that, their home clash with Tonbridge Angels at York Road on Tuesday evening (7.45pm kick-off). The Magpies have won six straight matches in the league and will feel quietly confident they can make that seven or eight matches if they can maintain the levels they’ve shown over the past couple of months.

The Magpies haven’t played since Liam Dulson fired them to a 1-0 win over Worthing at York Road on October 4.

Tomorrow’s match takes place at the Mettal Stadium from 7.45pm. Tickets are £7 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Also looking to reach the third round of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup are step 4 rivals Ascot United and Marlow who face each other at The Racecourse Ground this evening (Tuesday).

Marlow boss Mark Bartley has said he’s likely to name a much-changed line up for the tie, with the Blues focus on Saturday’s home game with third placed Biggleswade Town.