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After many years of playing in
front of minimal crowds in sometimes less than salubrious
surroundings, it was a treat for Maidstone’s fans
to see their side turning out in a ground of great character
in front of 721 supporters. And the day was made all
the more special by the fact that The Stones got their
Ryman League campaign off to the best possible start
with an away victory.
The game was also notable for welcome return of Nathan
Paul to the starting eleven for Maidstone. Paul’s
solid performance over 90 minutes was all the more remarkable
considering he has played no part in the pre-season
preparations and only received clearance to play in
the game from the doctor on Friday.
So in all, it was hugely satisfying day out for The
Stones as Lloyd Hume commented afterwards. He said:
“I thought our performance was fantastic. It’s
a tough place to come and win but we played very well
and even their coaching staff said we deserved the win.”
The result could have been different however, if Hastings
had a more attacking dimension to their team, but all
too often they were let down by their inability to truly
test Michael Czanner in The Stones goal. This was particularly
evident in the 24th minute when the home side really
should have taken the lead. Despite three attempts,
Maidstone couldn’t get the ball clear and Lynden
Rowland accidentally sent a stray pass to Sam Adams.
Adams did the hard part by wriggling past two challenges
but with just Czanner to beat he wildly sent the ball
wide.
It didn’t take Maidstone long to make Hastings
pay for this miss. With 33 minutes played, good work
from Rowland saw the ball fall to Aaron Lacy who drilled
a low cross into the box. There to collect it was Jason
Barton, who had replaced Neil Miller, and his shot was
charged down by the arms of Rhys Whybourne. Mo Takaloo
assumed responsibility for the penalty but his poorly
struck effort was easily saved by Matt Bromby. However,
the linesman immediately flagged to signal Bromby had
moved off his line and Takaloo sent Bromby the wrong
way at the second attempt.
Just after the break, Maidstone thought they had doubled
their lead. A strong run from Nick Hegley took him to
the touchline and he pulled the ball back to Takaloo
but his goal was ruled out as the ball appeared to strike
his hand on its way into the net.
However, on 60 minutes The Stones did edge further
ahead thanks to a dreadful piece of defending by Hastings.
Sean Ray blasted the ball back to Bromby and the keeper
made a hash of the pass, allowing the ball to bounce
off his chest straight to the hardworking Rowland who
was prowling on the edge of the box. Rowland had time
to collect the ball and round the stranded Bromby before
slotting his finish into the net much to the delight
of the large travelling contingent of fans amassed behind
the goal.
Hastings finally came close to scoring with 21 minutes
remaining when Czanner was forced to save off the line
and when the ball popped back out of the area, Russell
Eldridge’s shot curled just around the post.
The Stones’ captain Jimmy Strouts then saw red
for a rash challenge on Eldridge on 75 minutes but despite
coming under heavy pressure in the remaining minutes,
Maidstone held on for the victory.
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