Despite a few key players absent, the ressies keet their good pre-season form going with a 2-0 win against a well organised Lordswood side.
Maidstone started the slower of the two sides, with Lordswood taking the early share of the possession. A shift of formation saw Maidstone take control of the game with Matt Garner being influential in the centre of midfield. The breakthrough came after 25 minutes with an excellent header from Lordwood’s Matt Turner, turning Sean Johnson’s corner into the back of his own net.
Other chances came fell to Man of the Match Ben Palmer, whose 30 yard volley just whistled past the left upright, also Ash Greenwood nearly connected to an excellent Sean Johnson delivery.
The second half saw Lordswood struggle to breakdown a very strong Maidstone defence, consisting of 16 year old Rhys Fox, Mark Swift, Jim Withers and James Abrahams/Synclare Adamson . At the other end Matt Wood found himself with two good chances in the box against his former club, both sailed over the bar.
The second goal was created when Tinotenda Mukura’s lightening pace closed down the keeper’s clearance, which fell kindly for Charlie Smith who dispatched calmly from 18 yards, shortly after coming onto the pitch. There were more chances for Maidstone to extend the lead towards the end but the keeper managed to pull of some good saves.
Reserves manager Jim Bodle said: “I really hope we can take this form into our first fixture on Bank Holiday Monday. We have a talented young squad, with good banter. The results reflect the hard work the lads have been putting in. It helps having assistant manager FodayTarawali, who has been great with the squad, especially while I have been recovering from my operation.”
Maidstone United Reserves: Pete Gill, Rhys Fox, James “Rio” Abrahams (Synclare Adamson 45), Mark Swift, Jim Withers, Ash Greenwood (Matt Wood 45) , Sean Johnson, Matt Garner (C), Junior Sampson (Matt Mills 75) , Charlie Tynhurst (Tinotenda Mukura 60) , Ben Palmer (Charlie Smith 65)
