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The Stones got back to winning ways against Whitstable with an accomplished attacking performance but unfortunately at times, Maidstone still look vulnerable at the back.
For long periods of this game, The Stones were much the better side and like in many pre-season games to date they played some neat passing football.
Maidstone also created numerous chances, particularly in the second half but on three occasions their defence was taken apart by long balls towards or into the box and each time, Andy Walker was left to pick the ball out of the net.
Maidstone’s first opportunity of the game came with 18 minutes played when trialist John Wilfort passed to Nathan Paul who whipped a deep cross to the back post. There to meet the ball was Elliot Bradbrook and he headed it back into the middle only for Alex Tiesse to fire the chance over the bar.
Tiesse did not let this miss affect his confidence though and he tried to shoot whenever the chance arose. However, he was presented with another opportunity on 33 minutes but despite having time to bring the ball down, he planted his header straight at the Whitstable keeper.
Seven minutes before the break, Wilfort gained possession before sending a low shot inches wide from just inside the area and three minutes later the deadlock was finally broken when the hardworking Tiesse turned and found Bradbrook who lashed the ball into the net.
On 56 minutes, Tiesse once again tested the Whistable defence and when his shot was blocked the chance came to Ian Selley but with the Whitstable keeper on the ground, Selley curled the chance over.
A minute later though, Tiesse was finally rewarded for his endeavours when he scored from close range after Whistable could not get a cross from Bradbrook clear.
Unfortunately for Tiesse this was to prove to be his last contribution of the night as he soon had to hobble off to be replaced by Keelan Mooney who made an instant impression on 66 minutes with a good turn and burst of pace before releasing James Pinnock who drilled the ball into the far corner of the net from just inside the box.
The Stones could have added to their tally as Bradbrook in particular was causing problems for the Whitstable defence down the left hand side and he sent a number of enticing balls across the six yard box which unfortunately could not be turned in.
However, Bradbrook was to have a say in Maidstone’s final goal as on 84 minutes he volleyed the ball goalwards only for it to strike Paul Ainsworth’s head and loop into the net.
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