The opening round of the Tier 3 Cup saw Maidenhead host Windsor at Altwood School. The teams had met in an ill-tempered friendly just weeks before, and the hosts were keen to ensure that this game ended more positively than the pre-season 3-3 draw.

Maidenhead started the game nervously, and the first chance fell to Windsor; the goal at their strikers mercy, he was only able to fire wide - a wake up call for Maids.

But the opening half remained a struggle, with Maidenhead unable to find any of the free-flowing hockey from previous weeks. Good chances came and went for Cory Swain and Nick Lloyd, but the game remained goalless.

Then, a flurry of cards. Marcus Foley, Maidenhead's on-field captain, received a five minute yellow for the home bench interfering in play, and Paul Brown picked up a green for a 'disagreement' with the umpire. Down to nine however, Maidenhead rallied, and no further threats came on the home goal.

Finally, as half-time loomed, the breakthrough. Great work down the right from Liam Gillooly was rewarded with a short, and Brown duly smashed into the bottom corner. 1-0 Maidenhead.

The second half saw a much more positive display. Better periods of possession and quality passing led to increased pressure from the men in white. The lead was doubled when Michael Forsyth's mazy run through midfield and pinpoint pass to the back post found Sam Kirkaldie in space, who slotted past the advancing Windsor goalie. 2-0.

Maidenhead's defensive display had been firm and resolute, and Windsor had managed no shots on target until two quick-fire short corners made for a nervy final quarter. The first, a low drag flick, was pushed wide by Karl Hoddell. The second however, got the better of him, deflecting in off his stick. 2-1.

Determined not to let their lead slip, Maidenhead rallied, and their dominance in the final third was rewarded. Another Gillooly run led to another short corner, and another short corner was hammered home by Brown. 3-1, and on to the next round.

Man of the match: Michael Forsyth