|
Maidstone United’s winless streak now stands at ten games after they were narrowly defeated away at AFC Hornchurch.
After Monday’s poor performance against Hastings, this was a much improved display from The Stones but yet again they were undone by a defensive error and they now find themselves just one place from the bottom of the Ryman Premier League table.
It was the home side who enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges as with just one minute gone Tambeson Eyong’s shot towards the near post just missed the goal and then shortly afterwards, Mervin Abraham’s over head kick also went wide of the target.
It didn’t take long for Maidstone to threaten though and on six minutes, Danny Hockton drew a good save from Hornchurch’s keeper Darren Behcet who pushed his free-kick from 20 yards behind. From the resultant corner, Antonio Gonnella delivered a deep cross which was sent back across goal by James Peacock to Adrian Stone who saw his header held by Behcet.
At the other end, The Urchins threatened again on 20 minutes when a corner dropped to Jamie Dormer but his shot through a crowd found Andy Walker’s arms and then ten minutes later Maidstone were fortunate to not fall behind. Jermaine Darlington conceded possession deep in Hornchurch’s half and Eyong picked up the ball and started running down the right wing. Despite the efforts of Ant Bodle, Peacock and Roland Edge, Eyong managed to reach The Stones’ area only to shoot across the face of goal.
Then with two minutes of first half stoppage time played, Maidstone had a great chance to take the lead when Darlington whipped in an inviting cross from the left which was met by Hockton but Behcet made a good save to turn the ball wide.
The second half was another scrappy affair but on 63 minutes another Hockton free-kick from just outside the area was on target but Behcet made a comfortable save before the home side scored what transpired to be the decisive goal on 70 minutes. Behcet sent a long kick down field which bounced over Edge leaving Ross Wall with the simple task of lobbing the stranded Andy Walker.
The goal was a cruel blow for The Stones and they were fortunate not to concede again seven minutes from time when a free-kick from the home side was dropped by Walker but Edge made a vital clearance. And then Maidstone’s last meaningful attack came four minutes from time when Peacock met a corner from Gonnella but his header dropped wide.
|
