| After the excitement of last weeks FA Trophy win The Stones were brought back down to earth as they tasted defeat for the first time in five games.
The Maidstone defence were given a torrid time throughout the match by the lightening quick Dulwich attack and the visitors really should have added to their goal tally.
However, this was by no means a disappointing performance from The Stones and they could have even snatched a point close to the end of the game when they were awarded a penalty but unfortunately Nick Barnes placed the chance wide.
It was Maidstone who had the best chance early on when with only 7 minutes played Nathan Paul put the ball over the top of the Dulwich defence into the path of Jason Barton. Barton managed to bring the ball under control but then scuffed a tame shot wide of the right hand post.
But after this chance, the visitors began to enjoy the majority of possession and with 12 minutes gone, Chris Dickson got in behind The Stones defence and Pat Mullin managed to block Dickson’s shot with his chest.
Just 3 minutes later though, Dulwich did find the back of the net with a rather scrappy goal. Kenny Beaney’s corner bounced around in The Stones box as Maidstone struggled to get the ball clear and finally Justyn Roberts scored with a low shot from around the penalty spot.
Then with 27 minutes played, Maidstone drew level. Lee Shearer launched a long, high clearance out of defence which reached Lynden Rowland who was racing into the penalty area. Rowland let the ball bounce before hitting a terrific half volley into the far right hand side of the net.
Ryan Royston then headed into the side netting on 34 minutes and then a neat Stones move ended with Nick Barnes exchanging a one-two with Sam Tydeman and shooting inches wide.
But The Stones suffered a blow just before half time when Dulwich took the lead again. The Maidstone defence stopped as they thought Nicolas Plumain had taken the ball out of play and they allowed Plumain to slip the ball into Phil Williams who dribbled his way into the area and planted an excellent finish past Mullin.
Just after the break, Royston accidentally played Eniola Oluna in on goal but once again, Mullin made another good block but he was helpless to prevent the visitors extending their lead on 53 minutes. A quick break out of defence saw the ball played into Shaun Beveney who had too much pace for Royston and he shot past the Maidstone defender before finishing with ease.
The Stones were handed a way back into the game only 5 minutes later though, when Chris Lewington dropped a Simon Austin cross and Nick Barnes bundled the ball over the line.
Despite Maidstone pressing for an equaliser, Mullin was still being kept busy and he had to make a fantastic flying save to his right when he tipped Oluna’s goalbound effort wide.
Lewington then managed to divert Lee Shearer header over and with 82 minutes gone, Maidstone were awarded a penalty when Barnes was hauled over in the box. Unfortunately Barnes missed the spot kick and The Stones had another good shout for a penalty waived away when it appeared that Lewis Tozer had handled in the box with only 4 minutes remaining.
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