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After victory over Heybridge Swifts at the weekend, there was a reality check for any Stones fans getting carried away with what Maidstone might achieve this season thanks to a below par performance from United.
Having said that, at least The Stones kept a clean sheet and Andy Walker proved what a vital asset he is going to be to the club with an excellent full length save to keep out Richard Halle’s penalty.
Just seven minutes had gone when the visitors had their first opportunity. Leon Antoine ran down the right hand side before squaring to Gabriel Fanibuyan who was in a great position but he failed to connect with the ball.
From this chance, The Stones immediately broke and Nathan Paul whipped a cross into the area which was headed wide by Elliot Bradbrook.
Then on 10 minutes, a poor header from Ian Cox let in Leon Gordon who passed to Antoine and with just Andy Walker to beat, the Canvey striker tripped and Walker was able to gather his weak shot.
Three minutes later, Paul found Bradbrook who tricked his way into the box before attempting to curl the ball into the left hand side of the net only for his effort to take a slight deflection and go the wrong side of the post.
The game continued at an exciting pace and on 17 minutes Jay Saunders launched a clearance forwards which bounced into the path of Lloyd Blackman and he waited for the ball to come down before lashing a good half volley goalwards which was met by an impressive diving save from Ricky Wiseman in the Canvey goal.
Then on 23 minutes, Bradbrook’s attempted clearance spun back towards his own goal and Jay Saunders was struck on the arm by a fierce shot. The referee, Mr Knight, had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Richard Halle tried to place the penalty only for Walker to get down well to his left and make the save.
After such a bright opening, the rest of the half was a much quieter affair and it took until the 53 rd minute for the next attempt on goal when Bradbrook swung in a corner from the right which Kevin Watson headed goalwards but the ball was scrambled behind. This time, Ian Selley took the kick and Saunders arrived late to meet the cross with his head but his effort fizzed just over the bar.
The Stones then enjoyed their best spell of the game and Bradbrook went close before Kevin Watson sent over a deep cross which dropped to Paul and his drive was saved at the base of the left hand post.
Then on 76 minutes, an excellent run from Paul saw him sprint down the left hand side. Not even a sliding challenge from Ben Patten could stop the Maidstone player and he got to the by-line before pulling the ball back into the middle. The hardworking Blackman went to meet the cross which fell to Kevin Dobinson and the Canvey player was fortunate to see his touch only divert the ball onto the post.
As the game entered the last ten minutes it was then the turn of the visitors to dominate and on 83 minutes, Kevin Watson conceded a free-kick which was taken by Dave Lee and Walker had to be alert to palm the ball away from the underside of the bar.
Two minutes from time there was a scare for The Stones as substitute Ryan Oliva’s shot deflected just wide and then with the game in stoppage time, substitute Ian Luck’s drive from close to the edge of the area found the safety of Walker’s hands.
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