Bashley 1-1 Maidstone United

Maidstone United: Jay Saunders, 51

Bashley: James Rowe, 47

MATCHDAY PICTURES...Click Here

Maidstone United: Andy Walker, Nathan Paul (Aaron Lacy 77), Roland Edge, Ben Lewis, Ian Cox, Kevin Watson, Ian Selley (John Wilfort 56), Jay Saunders, James Pinnock, Lloyd Blackman (Andy Martin 45), Elliot Bradbrook. Subs not used: Lloyd Hume, Steve Northwood.

Bashley: David Elm, Paul Gazzard (Joe Fisher 67), Charlie Knight, Pete Castle, Gary Middleton (Matt Parnell 67), Jordan Rose (Justin Keeler 45), Aidan Sainsbury, James Rowe, Nic Eastham (Chris Ferrett 85), Richard Gillespie, Matt Finlay. Subs not used: Steve Hollick, Steve Riley.

Alan Walker

Maidstone United completed their pre-season fixtures with a draw with Bashley of the British Gas Premier division. With a strong swirling wind and heavy rain, this game was never likely to be a classic and after eight pre-season fixtures, Stones fans will be glad when Ryman Premier League action finally resumes next Saturday.

Both sides had short spells where they played some good football and it was the home side who started the stronger. With four minutes gone, James Rowe’s free-kick went just wide and a minute later, Richard Gillespie’s shot from distance also ended up going the same way.

On 20 minutes, the ball came to Jordan Rose inside the box but he was not anticipating receiving possession and his effort did not trouble Andy Walker. However, Walker was called into action six minutes later when he made a good save to deny Paul Gazzard.

The Stones then began to come more into the game and just after half an hour, Lloyd Blackman exchanged possession with James Pinnock before Blackman drew a smart block from David Elm in the Bashley goal.

Then, two minutes after the break, the home side took the lead when Kevin Watson conceded a penalty and Rowe comfortably converted the spot kick.

Four minutes later, The Stones levelled following a good move down the right hand side. Pinnock knocked the ball to substitute Andy Martin who returned the pass and Pinnock then sent over a cross which was side footed in by Jay Saunders from six yards.

There after, both sides had a couple of half chances to win the game but neither keeper was called into serious action and the game petered out into a draw.

< < < Back to match reports index