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For the first time in over a year, Maidstone United have a positive goal difference after a satisfying opening day victory.
Last season, it took 298 minutes of football before The Stones registered their first goal but their campaign this time has got off to a much better start as with just 25 minutes played, Ian Cox gave Maidstone the lead.
After the disappointment of United’s first season in the Ryman Premier League, this performance was a relief for Maidstone fans as The Stones outplayed their opponents and rarely looked ruffled. Indeed, such was United’s dominance that Andy Walker did not have a serious save to make until three minutes from time.
With seven minutes gone, the impressive Elliot Bradbrook found Jay Saunders on the edge of the box who let the ball bounce before hitting a half volley wide.
Then four minutes later, the home side came close to opening the scoring when Saunders conceded a free-kick 25 yards from goal. Ryan Hull assumed responsibility for the kick and rolled the ball back to Ellis Remy who fired a fierce drive just wide of the right hand post.
On 16 minutes, Bradbrook’s throw bounced across the edge of the area and came to James Pinnock who was perhaps unaware of how much time he had to hit the shot and he sent the ball over the bar.
Then shortly after, a good spell of possession from The Stones ended with Saunders smacking the ball just wide.
However, Maidstone did manage to breach the Heybridge defence with 25 minutes gone. Nathan Paul was brought down on the right hand side of the pitch close to the edge of the area and Bradbrook swung in a fantastic cross which was glanced into the net by Cox.
Two minutes before the break, the home side were fortunate not to be reduced to ten men when Heybridge keeper Ollie Morris-Sanders came out of his goal and appeared to catch Lloyd Blackman with his forearm. With the Maidstone striker lying on the floor, it seemed inevitable that Morris-Sanders would see red but the referee, Andrew Parker, only showed a yellow card.
Maidstone continued to press their opponents back at every opportunity after the break and on the hour, The Stones doubled their lead. Ian Selley lofted a deep ball into the box which drew Morris-Sanders from his line and with the Heybridge keeper stranded, Saunders’ looping header drifted into the net.
There after chances were at a premium but substitute Andy Martin did have a chance when he was released by Bradbrook but from a tight angle, he shot over the bar.
Then with the game heading for full time, there was a scare for The Stones when substitute Reggie Savage got past Ben Lewis and into the box but Walker pulled off a great save to palm away Savage’s drive.
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