|
A dramatic winner in stoppage time from Andy Martin gave Maidstone their second away win in a row as they came from 3-1 behind to defeat Margate in an exciting Kent derby.
With both sides looking poor defensively, it appeared as if there would be plenty of goals in this game and it took just 31 seconds for the deadlock to be broken. Ben Lewis conceded a free-kick which was swung into the box by Jimmy Jackson and Jay Saunders headed the ball past Pat Mullin.
Maidstone responded to falling behind in the best possible manner though as they pushed forwards at every opportunity and at times, played some neat passing football. On 10 minutes, Luis Cumbers swung in a corner from the left which was only punched out as far as Ben Lewis by Scott Chalmers Smith but Lewis’ goal bound shot was blocked on the line.
However, just seconds later, a goal kick from Mullin bounced on the edge of the Margate area and Cumbers sent a delicate lob over the head of Chalmers Stevens to level the score.
Gradually, as the half wore on, Margate began to dominate and on 17 minutes Mullin had to be alert to stop a low shot from James Pinnock and three minutes later, Ryan Martin had an opportunity at the near post but he put the ball wide.
Then on 40 minutes, Margate did edge in front when Maidstone’s defence fell asleep from a Ryan Peters’ corner and Rob Haworth pounced to knock the ball in from close range.
Three minutes after the break, Mullin made a good save to deny Pinnock but he was helpless to prevent the home side extending their lead on 50 minutes when a free-kick into the box was headed in by Saunders.
Two minutes later, Margate had a goal ruled out for offside and then on 54 minutes, The Stones were gifted a way back into the game. Cumbers was fouled by Dan Young and Sam Tydeman swung a dangerous ball into the box. Cumbers managed to flick the ball goalwards and the unfortunate Robin Trott got the final touch to beat Chalmers Stevens.
The Blues were enjoying a lot of space and possession down the left hand side as Lee Shearer, playing out of position at right back, looked decidedly uncomfortable against the pacy Ryan Martin and on 69 minutes Lloyd Hume shored up the Maidstone defence by bringing off Shearer for Aaron Lacy and Nathan Paul dropped back into defence.
This proved to be a vital substitution as instantly The Stones had a much better shape and on 73 minutes they forced an equaliser when Lacy’s corner caused panic in the Margate defence and Cumbers was on hand to score a trademark goal from inside the six yard box.
Maidstone then brought on Mo Takaloo for Ray Freeman and on 86 minutes, Takaloo won the ball 40 yards from goal before racing forwards and smashing a long range drive which rose over the cross bar.
The remaining minutes saw both sides press for a winner and the action swung from end to end. Then with the game in stoppage time, Mullin appeared to mis-kick a goal kick which fortunately picked out Cumbers who was on the half way line. Cumbers turned and showed a great burst of pace to sprint clear down the left hand side before drilling a fantastic pass into Martin who could not miss and the Maidstone striker buried the ball past Chalmers Stevens to send the Maidstone fans wild with delight.
< <
< Back to match reports index
|
