Magpies soar past Worthing as first-half blitz sets up dominant win

Katie Akerman netted twice in Maidenhead’s 3-0 win over Worthing on Sunday. Photo: Darren Woolley

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Maidenhead United Women 3, Worthing Women 0

Maidenhead United Women have lifted themselves into midtable in the FA Women’s National League Division 1 South West after a crushing first half display against Worthing saw the Magpies collect their first three points of the season.

Having been held to a 1-1 draw by Keynsham Town the previous Sunday, in a game which saw several first half chances go begging for the home side, the Magpies ensured they didn’t make the same mistake twice as they put this game firmly to bed before the interval.

The Rebels managed to take six points off the Magpies last season, however, under new boss Dave Kitson and assistant Sean Hillier, they atoned in part for that with a blistering first half display that brought them three goals.

The Magpies were the dominant side from the off, and only a strong of fine save from goalkeeper Ellan Hunkin prevented the visitors from going down to an even heftier defeat.

United had given themselves a two-goal cushion inside the first 25 minutes. Chloe Chapman, in her first start for the Magpies, sent a powerful drive just wide of the post while Katie Akerman - who’d hit the crossbar against Keynsham last weekend - put the hosts in front with an ambitious effort from close to the byline which Hunkin could only palm into the back of her net.

One quickly became two as United took control of this clash. Chloe Webb threaded a ball through to Macey Walters who skipped around Hunkin and walked the ball into the net for her second goal in as many games.

She also managed to avoid Mia South’s determined last-ditch attempts to stop the goal.

Simone O’Brien was inches away from making it 3-0 when she came close to turning home Webb’s cross and Hunkin pulled off another brilliant stop to deny Akerman her second.

However, the Maidenhead midfielder did eventually make it 3-0 in the 37th minute when her shot through a crowded area blindsided Hunkin who couldn’t prevent the ball from creeping inside her near post.

Highlights | @fc_video captured the best of the action from yesterday's @FAWNL clash at York Road with @WorthingFCWomen https://t.co/zK4Kcy6ZP1

— Maidenhead United Women (@mufcyorkroadwfc) September 1, 2025

Maidenhead continued to enjoy the better of the game in the second period and Megan Harper, Chapman and Molly McKeever all denied as the hosts went in search of a fourth goal

Harper’s clever attempt at goal bounced off the top of the crossbar while at the other end, the previously underworked Kody Cornish had to be alert to keep her clean sheet, diving to her left to deny Amber Hazelwood what looked to be a certain consolation goal.

The result lifts Maidenhead to sixth in the table. They’re only three points adrift of second placed Moneyfields with four points from three matches. Swindon Town Women lead the way with nine points from three matches.

Maidenhead’s next match is a tough cup game at AFC Wimbledon on Sunday (kick-off 2pm). They return to league action at fifth placed Bridgwater United the following Sunday (September 14).