| Back in November, Maidstone United's recent excellent run of form had been kick-started by their three nil victory away at Leatherhead. And after completing their fourth double win of the season at the expense of The Tanners, United ensured that there is now a five point gap between themselves and Leatherhead in seventh place.
Despite not being totally dominant against The Tanners, Maidstone still managed to score four goals against one of the meanest defences in Ryman League One. The game was also notable for the two goals from Errison Ahwan - one of which was particularly spectacular - which brings his tally to five goals inside six games.
The Stones got off to the ideal start as they raced into 2-0 lead inside twelve minutes. With nine minutes played, Danny Lavender came close to putting the ball in his own net when he sliced Aaron Lacy's corner just wide. From the resultant corner, Jason Barton's near post cross was delicately flicked into the net by Alex Tiesse.
Then just two minutes later Craig Roser threw the ball to Nick Hegley and he passed to Errison Ahwan who was in the box. It initially appeared Ahwan's weak shot was going to be stopped by Chris Gibson's outstretched arm but the ball trickled into the net.
As the half wore on, Leatherhead began to get their act together and on 35 minutes they pulled a goal back following a good move down the left hand side. Steve Sargent raced towards the touchline and crossed for Dave Stevens to finish from close range.
Mo Takaloo and Nick Hegley both had opportunities either side of half time but by now Maidstone were very much under pressure as their indecisive defending kept giving Leatherhead the upper hand.
But on fifty seven minutes a stunning strike from Ahwan lifted The Stones. It seemed as if there was no threat to Gibson's goal when the ball came across Ahwan's path thirty yards out but he struck a magnificent first time volley which flew into the right hand corner of the net.
Then ten minutes later, it was Tiesse's turn to get his second goal of the afternoon. Jason Barton, who had an excellent game in midfield, headed the ball to Mo Takaloo who then released Tiesse. Despite the attention of Lavender, Tiesse managed to get into the box and tried to slip the ball under Gibson. The Leatherhead keeper got a hand to the shot but Tiesse reacted quickly to turn around and finish into an empty net.
Even though Maidstone had a healthy lead, they still didn't look totally in control and on seventy three minutes Leatherhead added to the nerves by pulling another goal back. Aaron Lacy conceded possession in midfield and Leatherhead broke quickly through Marc Charles-Smith down the left. Charles Smith pulled the ball back into the middle and despite Craig Roser's best efforts, Julian Thompson's shot was adjudged to have crossed the line by substitute linesman and Maidstone fan, Barry Fenn who had been called into action after the referee was taken ill at half time.
There was still time for substitute Simon Austin to force a block from Gibson and with ninety minutes on the clock, Ryan Royston skillfully turned into space in the box but his resultant shot was saved by Gibson's legs.
So The Stones now travel to face Dover Athletic in what promises to be one of the most important games in Maidstone's season. Already without the services of the suspended Jason Barton and Mario McNish, The Stones now face an anxious wait to see if Sam Tydeman, Lynden Rowland and Aaron Lacy all recover from their various muscle complaints.
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