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Maidstone United were left to
rue a host of missed chances as they slumped to their
second defeat inside three days at Tunbridge Wells.
Despite dominating the first half, the Stones couldn’t
find a way past John Whitehouse. First, Jason Barton
squandered a good chance when one on one with the goal
keeper before Jimmy Strouts headed Nick Hegley’s
cross over the bar.
Tunbridge Wells could have scored in the 34th minute
though when Ryan Royston let the ball sail over his
head and into Joe Fuller’s path. Fuller pulled
the ball back into the box but Shane Hickmott, who was
sliding in, couldn’t divert the ball into the net.
At the other end, Lee Sperring saw his half volley
bounce wide and Mo Takaloo forced Whitehouse to tip
over his fierce drive following a good low ball from
Sperring.
Hickmott was involved in the action shortly before
half time when he slipped the ball into Stephen Ward
but Pat Mullin reacted quickly to stop the resultant
shot with his legs.
The Stones enjoyed a good spell of possession just
after half time with Whitehouse making a good stop from
Takaloo’ shot and Lynden Rowland’s cracking
shot just flying wide before Mario Celaire had an excellent
chance to put the visitors in front. United broke out
of defence quickly with Lee Sperring passing to Lacy
who then found Celaire but unfortunately for The Stones,
Celaire’s shot was stopped by Whitehouse.
Then with 66 minutes played, Tunbridge Wells found
themselves in front against the run of play. Bradley
Mortimer sent a high looping shot towards goal and it
dropped over the line with Pat Mullin desperately trying
to keep the ball out of the net.
From then on, the home side looked the better side
although United kept on pressing and they equalised
with 13 minutes to play when Hegley’s corner was
headed on by Celaire and Rowland powered a header into
the far corner of the net.
Any illusions that The Stones might have had of stealing
a win were shattered on 82 minutes though. Jason Bourne
found Stephen Ward out wide on the right and with the
box full of Tunbridge Well’s players he picked
out the unmarked Mortimer who scored with his head.
Then with just seconds left, substitute Dave Hassett
sealed The Wells’ victory with a well taken goal
after finding himself with just Mullin to beat.
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