Update on the Stones Reserves with coach Nathan White.
On Tuesday night we welcomed Sheppey United. Prior to the game we spoke about making sure we dominated the first 20 minutes and the players did this. After having more than the majority of the possession, Ash Greenwood finished from 25 yards with his ‘weaker’ foot after 33 minutes. In the second half, the reserves continued to control the game with the impressive Ash Greenwood again dictating from midfield. Further chances led to Mitchell Manson, Jordan Hill and Charlie Smith scoring to wrap up an almost perfect evening.
On Saturday, Bearsted visited the Gallagher Stadium. The Bears had already played the first team this pre-season and watching the game we knew we’d be in for a physical battle. The game couldn’t have started any worse as the Stones found themselves 2-0 down within the first 20 minutes after poor defensive play by the young Maidstone side. Things were made worse when Brett Fairman was brought off with knee trouble after starting well having just returned from injury!
After a disappointing first 45 minutes, the second half started slightly better with the fresh legs of Sam Blackman desperately trying to up the tempo from midfield. Maidstone continued to try and control possession but just two minutes into the second half, they found themselves three down after another straight and long ball from the visitors left the Bearsted striker only Pete Gill to beat.
However, the Stones responded excellently and the introduction of three youth team players started the Maidstone comeback as Jordan Hill fired back. The Stones were soon in control with Joe Reeves giving debutant Sam Norton some great service as well as delivering some terrific crosses, one of which Hill should have doubled his tally. Unfortunately, another lapse in defence put Bearsted back in control of the score line but the Stones came fighting back once again. Some great work from Josh West on the left hand side led to Norton scoring on his debut for the reserves after a great header at the back post.
A disappointing result but the biggest positive out of the game was under 18 players Sam Norton (who is only 16), Rhys Gilless and David Henn all coming on in the second half and not looking a foot out of place. With the amount of games coming up we will use our strong working relationship with both Jack Parkinson (Academy) and Tony Birchard (under 18s) to produce more players for the reserves and the first team.
Maidstone United vs. Lordswood
Friday 3 August
Kick off 19:45
Gallagher Stadium, James Whatman Way, Maidstone, ME14 1LQ
Maidstone United vs. Guru Nanak
Friday 10 August
Kick off 19:45
Gallagher Stadium, James Whatman Way, Maidstone, ME14 1LQ
