'Moments of Brilliance': Tributes paid to former Magpies forward Peter Brinsden

Maidenhead United have paid tribute to former player Peter Brinsden who has passed away at the age of 89 after living with Alzheimer’s Disease.

The club released a statement on Friday saying it was saddened to hear of Peter’s death and former chairman Robert West paid tribute to a player who was capable of ‘producing moments of brilliance’.

Peter was a hardworking and enthusiastic inside-forward who played for the club between 1957 and 1969 having previously played for Wokingham Town.

While it took Peter a few years to establish himself as a first team regular he went on to play his part in a successful period for the Magpies.

He was a member of the 1965/66 Berks & Bucks Senior Cup winning side that defeated Hazells of Aylesbury 4-2 in the final at Wycombe, with Peter scoring a brace as the Magpies lifted the cup.

He played his first game for the club just over 68 years ago on November 23, 1957, when he scored a hat-trick on debut in a 7-1 win at Worthing. He made 202 appearances for the first team during and scored an impressive 70 goals.

His form for the MUFC reserve team was even more prolific, scoring 132 goals in 151 known reserve appearances.

Peter had the misfortune to break his leg during a reserve match at Epsom on November 14, 1959, but he recovered well to serve the club for many years to come.

Magpies President, former chairman and long-time supporter Robert West said: “I recall Peter's playing days very well. He featured most frequently at inside left, so ‘number 10’ in those days. He was always capable of producing moments of brilliance. I remember a goal scored left footed from the halfway line.

“It is worth noting this was scored with a football which was probably several pounds heavier than the current version!”

Peter’s funeral will take place at Reading Crematorium on Friday (November 28) at 12.15pm.

A tribute to Peter will be held before Maidenhead United’s match with Hornchurch at York Road on Saturday, December 6 when members of his family will be in attendance.

“All at Maidenhead United have Peter’s family and friends in their thoughts at this sad time.”