|
Maidstone's attempt to thwart Dover's relentless march towards the Ryman Premier League title was brushed aside as the league leaders demonstrated why they are seventeen points clear at the top of the table.
However, the outcome of this game could have been very different had The Stones taken the chances that had come their way but even when Maidstone's shots were on target they found David Wilkinson who is currently on-loan from Crystal Palace to be in excellent form.
Just four minutes had gone when The Stones had their first opportunity of the afternoon. Ben Lewis fired the ball into the box from the left hand side of the pitch and James Pinnock gained possession but from a good position, he lifted the ball well over the bar.
Then at the other end, on 15 minutes Maidstone could not get the ball clear as Dover pushed forwards and Matt Fish saw his drive from just inside the area parried by Andy Walker before The Stones finally snuffed out the danger.
Sixty seconds later, it was Maidstone's turn to look threatening as Aaron Lacy hurled the ball into the box and Jay Saunders flicked it on to Lloyd Blackman who drew a good save from Wilkinson with a shot on the turn and from the rebound, Elliot Bradbrook drove wide.
However, on 18 minutes, the game swung Dover's way as Jon Wallis sent over a dangerous cross into the box which Lewis met with his best superman impression and the referee, Mr Knight, had no option but to point to the spot. Lewis was perhaps fortunate to only be booked for the offence and Frannie Collin comfortably converted the penalty.
As the game progressed towards half time both sides continued to carve out chances and on 25 minutes Walker had to be alert to deny Lee Browning before Blackman got in behind the Dover defence but he elected to shoot early and he thumped his effort wide.
Then in first half stoppage time, the home side had a goal ruled out for offside but just five minutes after the break, Dover doubled their lead when Walker slipped whilst taking a goal kick and the home side worked the ball to Collin who picked his spot and placed the ball into the right hand corner of the net.
The Stones responded well to this blow though and on 54 minutes, a neat move saw the ball played out to Nathan Paul on the right who whipped in a cross and Bradbrook's header crashed against the left hand post and then on the follow up, Blackman shot wide.
Then five minutes later, Bradbrook picked out Pinnock with a delightful pass but the Maidstone striker was prevented from scoring by an excellent save by Wilkinson.
Dover then killed the game off eight minutes from time when Matt Fish crossed for Shaun Welford to slide the ball in at the far post but Maidstone had one final chance to pull a goal back when Bradbrook's free-kick found the unmarked Blackman but from close range he planted his header wide of the right hand post.
<
< < Back to match reports index
|