Pools struggled to deal with Maidenhead’s bombardment of their box and went behind after 14 minutes when Casey Pettit turned Will De Havilland’s knock-down beyond Pete Jameson following Sam Barratt’s corner from the right.
The visitors had to survive a number of scares, including when Barratt hit the post four minutes before the break, but were handed a lifeline when Callum Cooke volleyed in a leveller in the 51st minute after some excellent work by Louis Stephenson down the flank.
However, Kevin Phillips’ side were unable to make the most of getting back on terms and were behind again with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining when Sam Beckwith’s shot deflected past Pete Jameson.
And the hosts made sure of the result four minutes from time when substitute Shawn McCoulsky tapped in at the back post after Jayden Mitchell-Lawson dragged an effort across the face of goal.
Here’s how the Pools players rated from an underwhelming evening in Berkshire:
9. Chay Cooper: 5
Almost nothing went right for him during a difficult opening half-an-hour and he seemed to be feeling under pressure to make the most of a rare start. Lashed one left-footed cross out of the ground and misplaced a number of passes. To his great credit, he really grew into the game and delivered one excellent ball for Mani Dieseruvwe that resulted in his side's only effort of the first half. Was replaced by Terrell Agyemang just after the hour. Photo: Mark Fletcher
10. Joe Grey: 6
Was pretty anonymous in the first half and was frustrated with how well Will De Havilland marshalled him, getting his own back when he left something in on the defender while chasing a lost cause. Was much more involved in the second half and won a number of free-kicks following threatening runs full of his characteristic pace and intent. Photo: FRANK REID
11. Mani Dieseruvwe: 6
Had to feed off scraps in an attacking sense and was not helped by attracting the attention of the towering Kevin Lokko, who did a good job keeping him quiet. He was, however, the one man in a Pools shirt to defend set-pieces really well and he won a series of important headers. His one effort came towards the end of the first half when he nodded Chay Cooper's cross goalwards, although it never really troubled Craig Ross. Photo: Frank Reid
12. Terrell Agyemang: 6
Was given a chance to show what he can do in central midfield, which he feels is his best position, after coming on for Chay Cooper in the 62nd minute. Looked to move the ball quickly and with intent and had a couple of decent moments, although he also gave it away once or twice. Photo: Frank Reid