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A feeling of déjà
vu swept around Bourne Park as the Stones desperately
chased a victory against Tunbridge Wells.
For just like in the previous game
against Thamesmead Town, United found themselves on
the end of a potentially undesirable result with just
minutes left and so pushed Mario Celaire up front to
play as part of a front four. Then just like in the
game against The Mead, the opposition had a player sent
off, they then missed a one on one chance with Pat Mullin
and finally the Stones grabbed a 90th minute goal to
keep themselves in touch with the leaders Beckenham
Town.
Unlike in the game at Thamesmead though, the Stones
were quick out of the blocks and could have scored from
the kick-off but Mo Takaloo shot straight at John Whitehouse.
But with just 5 minutes played, Maidstone took the lead
with a goal that oozed quality. Nick Hegley motored
down the wing before playing the ball inside to Mo Takaloo.
His excellent chipped pass then found Nathan Paul who
whipped the ball in and Simon Austin volleyed the ball
into the far corner of the net.
The conditions were far from ideal with driving rain
soaking Bourne Park but the Stones kept pouring forward.
Austin’s flicked header put Takaloo in but again
he found Whitehouse’s hands and then Takaloo presented
Hegley with the chance to shoot and Whitehouse saved
well at his near post.
Mario Celaire also had two headers from corners which
both flew over before the Stones conceded goal with
half time looming. In only Tunbridge Wells’ second
meaningful attack of the half, Steve Ward exposed Gary
Kimble’s lack of pace and with Ryan Royston drawn
out of position as he tried to cover Kimble, Ward had
the simple task of playing the ball inside to Dave Hassett
who curled a unstoppable finish past Mullin.
Just after half time, Aaron Lacy nearly gave the visitors
the lead when he misdirected his headed back pass and
put it to Mullin’s left hand side. Mullin desperately
raced back to goal and just managed to prevent the ball
crossing the line.
The Stones were soon on the attack again however, and
with 58 minutes played Takaloo hit the post with a hooked
shot over his shoulder. Whitehouse then saved from Austin
after a low ball into his feet from a clever Sam Tydeman
free-kick and then both Royston and Nathan Paul couldn’t
force the ball over the line after Aaron Lacy’s
long throw wasn’t cleared away properly.
After all this pressure, the Stones still hadn’t
taken the lead and what was heading for a disappointing
result nearly became a disastrous one as with just 4
minutes remaining Tunbridge Wells broke clear from midfield
leaving Dave Hassett bearing down on goal with Barton
trying to catch up with him. Barton magnificently reached
the Wells’ striker though and got enough on the
ball to force Hassett wide allowing Mullin to gather
his shot.
Just a minute later The Wells were reduced to 10 men
when Joe Fuller was dismissed for a second yellow card
for fouling Barton.
And then just as it seemed as if it was going to be
one of those frustrating evenings for the Stones, a
Lacy throw confused the Wells’ defence, Takaloo
got a touch and Austin belted in the winner with the
game in stoppage time.
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