A deserved 3-1 win for the visitors, ensured manager Alan Dowson had an unhappy return as the Beavers’ manager.
After the former manager of Hampton & Richmond was reappointed earlier this week, there had been renewed optimism around the National League South strugglers.
However, goals from Ryan Bartley, Joshua Popoola and Josh Umerah put pay to a new managers’ bounce at the Beveree Stadium.
The hosts started fairly brightly, pushing Maidenhead back and building pressure.
It didn’t take long, though, for the visitors to gain a footing. In the 12th minute, they took the lead through Bartley, who scrambled the ball home after a goal-mouth scramble from a controversially awarded corner.
Maidenhead then took control of the game and they doubled their lead in spectacular fashion just eight minutes later.
Popoola picked up the ball midway inside the Hampton & Richmond half, before skilfully flicking it past his oncoming marker and firing a laser-like strike at goal.
The ball kissed the post on its way into the top corner. A goal befitting of the very highest level!
The hosts huffed and puffed, and nearly found a route back into the game in the 22nd minute from a Harry Gardner free-kick. His shot was well saved by Jordi van Stappershoef.
Popoola almost scored again before the break as he cut inside from the left and struck a shot into the side-netting.
The second half started equally as poorly for Hampton & Richmond, as Umerah headed a Popoola cross home from close-range.
With the game all but over, Maidenhead controlled the ball and looked likely to add to their tally.
Hampton & Richmond’s cause was harmed further, when Mike Atkinson received a straight red card for a poor challenge that saw him launch his studs into Umerah’s chest.
Matt Rowley made a fantastic stop with an outstretched leg, to prevent Liam Dulson from adding to the pain.
In the 82nd minute, there was finally some joy for the home crowd. Ronan Silva pressed high up the pitch to force an error from the Maidenhead defence, before going through on goal and firing the ball into the net.
Hampton & Richmond gained some encouragement after the goal but it was never likely to be enough.
The result keeps the Beavers in 20th place in the league table, with Maidenhead rising to 8th.
There is much work for Alan Dowson to do.
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