Scorers
Stones: Simon Austin 8, Lynden Rowland 76
Ashford:
Jon Palmer 66, Gavin Smith 75, Matt Baxter 90 (+7)
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Line-ups
Stones: Pat Mullin, Nathan Paul, Craig Roser, Lee Shearer, Mario McNish, Ryan Royston, Jim Strouts, Errison Ahwan (Aaron Lacy 45), Simon Austin (Alex Tiesse 62), Lynden Rowland, Jason Barton. Subs not used: Nick Hegley, Kane Rice, Michal Czanner
Ashford: Paul Burgess, Vinnie O’Sullivan, Brett Cooper, Russell Canderton, Jon Palmer (Matt Baxter 90), Lee Passmore, Ricky Wellard, Stuart Lake (Paul Johnson 44), Gavin Smith, Scott Todd, Darren Deegan. Subs not used: Micky cook, Ben Lander-Dykes
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Maidstone United’s FA Trophy run came to a halt in the most disappointing manner as a defensive horror show saw Ashford Town (Middlesex) steal a winner seven minutes into stoppage time.
Although this was a greatly improved performance from The Stones compared to the last time these sides met Maidstone conceded three poor goals to an Ashford side who didn’t even appear to be particularly strong opposition.
Maidstone have now kept a clean sheet in just three games this season and have let in six goals in the last two games which must be concerning the management team.
But just 8 minutes into the match against Ashford Town everything was looking more positive for The Stones took the lead with an excellent goal. Simon Austin initiated the move by spreading the ball out wide to Nathan Paul who took the ball to the by-line before sending over a cross. There to meet it was Lynden Rowland and it looked as if his header had gone in but the Ashford keeper Paul Burgess did well to prevent it crossing the line. Jason Barton’s follow up shot was then blocked but the ball came out to Austin who had time to chest the ball down before riffling it past Burgess.
Ashford Town responded with plenty of possession but all too often their final ball or shot were dreadfully poor and it was The Stones who came closest to adding a second goal in the first half when Jim Strouts threaded the ball into Austin who lofted his shot well over the bar.
At half time, Errison Ahwan had to be substituted and this seemed to have a detrimental affect on Maidstone’s shape and play. Unfortunately The Stones kept allowing Ashford to push forward and it was inevitable that the visitors were going to score. With 51 minutes played, The Stones failed to get the ball clear following a spell of Ashford pressure and only an excellent save from Pat Mullin prevented Gavin Smith’s glancing header from entering the net. But 15 minutes later, Town did equalise when the ball fell to Jon Palmer from a throw and he lashed a low shot into the left hand corner of the goal.
It was to get worse for Maidstone though as with 75 minutes gone, some dire defending saw Scott Todd’s scuffed corner reach Russell Canderton and he flicked the ball to Gavin Smith who scored from close range.
Just 60 seconds later though, The Stones found themselves back in the game when the hardworking Lynden Rowland found himself through on goal and he rounded Burgess before slotting the ball into the net.
Then just as Maidstone’s supporters were beginning to contemplate a possible midweek drive around the M25 their plans were scuppered when deep into injury time Ryan Royston missed a header and the ball got played to substitute Matt Baxter who was in far too much space and easily shot past Mullin.
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