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Maidstone United booked their
place in the Kent League Cup Final with a comfortable
second leg victory over Hythe Town.
But there could have been a different outcome to this
game for Hythe Town started brightly and nearly scored
with just 2 minutes played. Richard Sinden raced down
the left hand side and pulled the ball back into the
middle and Ryan Royston could only clear the ball to
the edge of the area to Dean Widnall who hit a rising
drive which Pat Mullin did well to tip onto the bar.
Widnall had another chance on 11 minutes but his effort
went wide of the far post before Jason Brazier's free-kick
on the edge of the box took a deflection off the Stones'
wall and just bounced past the post.
Lee Sperring was looking lively up front for The Stones
and had an effort held by keeper Paul Rodgers on 19
minutes as well as seeing a drive hit the advertising
hoardings.
Then with 36 minutes gone, Maidstone increased their
lead in the tie. Aaron Lacy sent a throw into the box
and Mario Celaire's header had enough power to squeeze
past Rogers.
However, 4 minutes after half time Hythe gave themselves
hope of getting back in the tie when Damien Abell flicked
the ball over Royston and lashed his shot into the far
corner of the net.
Two minutes later though, Maidstone should have scored.
Sperring found himself with only Rodgers to beat but
the keeper managed to block the shot only for the rebound
to come off Nick Hegley and fall to Nathan Paul who
couldnt force his drive past Rogers.
With the game approaching the hour mark, a Lacy corner
was headed goalwards by Mario Celaire only for Adam
Todd to head the ball off the line.
But a second goal was forthcoming however, and on 70
minutes The Stones re-established their lead. Celaire
went on a run forwards and won a free-kick close to
the edge of the area. Sam Tydeman played a good quick
low ball straight to Mo Takaloo, on as a substitute
for Sperring , and the Stones striker scored his 37th
goal of the season from close range.
There was still time for Scott Lindsey to see his curling
shot cleared off the line and then from the rebound,
Rowland's header was ruled out for a mysterous offence
in the area.
But the gloss was taken off the win when as the final
whistle blew, Lindsey kicked Dan Fisk after a tackle
in midfield. Fisk retaliated by kicking Lindsey back
and both players were shown deserved red cards.
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