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Late goals from Lloyd Blackman and James Pinnock saw Maidstone United come from behind as they leapfrogged their opponents Ashford Town in the Ryman Premier League table.
After the disappointment of the games against Wealdstone and Carshalton, The Stones came into this match missing four of their most influential players and for 83 minutes, it looked as though Maidstone were going to lose for the third game in the row. But then, substitute Lloyd Blackman sent a screaming shot past Paul Burgess from 30 yards and the turn around was complete when on 90 minutes, James Pinnock finished off a fine move with his 10 th goal of the season.
Ashford should have had this game wrapped up long before Blackman’s impressive equaliser. With just four minutes gone, Paul Johnson lifted a dangerous ball into the box and Billy Jeffreys saw his effort deflected over the bar. Then seconds later, Johnson put a low cross into the box which only needed a touch to divert the ball over the line but some how, Maidstone managed to scramble the ball clear.
On 17 minutes, The Stones had their first attempt on goal when Neil Smith’s long throw picked out James Peacock but his weak header was held by Burgess and six minutes later, Ashford opened the scoring when Guy Hollis found Scott Harris who scored from close range.
Shortly afterwards, the visitors had a good opportunity to extend their lead when Ricky Wellard caught The Stones napping as he pulled a free-kick back to the unmarked Johnson but the Ashford player shot wide.
Andy Walker then denied Harris on 39 minutes before The Stones had only their second effort on goal of the half when once again Peacock got on the end of a long throw which this time was from Aaron Lacy but Burgess comfortably caught the ball.
Just after the break, Byron Harrison was allowed to waltz into space only to lift the ball over the bar and this was to be the visitor’s last effort on goal until late in the game as slowly, Maidstone began to look more threatening.
With the introduction of substitute Blackman, The Stones had an outlet in which to aim for as they sent long balls forwards in the hope that the Ashford defence would be breached. And on 73 minutes, such tactics nearly paid dividends when Blackman chased a pass which Burgess managed to touch and from the rebound, Pinnock’s long range effort dropped wide.
By now, it was clear that something special would be needed if Maidstone would get back into the game and on 83 minutes, this is what happened when Blackman picked up the ball at least 30 yards from goal and sent a superb shot flying past the stranded Burgess.
The Stones then had some defending to do as Ashford pushed forwards looking to regain their lead and on 89 minutes, Walker had to make a save at the base of his left hand post to prevent Warren Harris from scoring.
Then as the game entered stoppage time, Maidstone strung together their best move of the game as Blackman allowed Smith’s ball to come to Meshach Nugent who had his back to goal. Instead of trying to turn the defender, Nugent intelligently rolled the ball across the area to the arriving Pinnock who slotted the ball past Burgess to seal a good comeback for The Stones.
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