|
Maidstone United manager Pete Nott was left bitterly disappointed after The Stones were defeated by the runaway leaders Dartford and the result now means that United are just four points off the relegation zone.
“We didn’t create anything at all,” said Pete after the game. “We didn’t have one worthwhile opportunity and they scored early. After that defensively we did well but I was really disappointed that we didn’t have a go at them. At half time I said I wanted to see some passion and that I shouldn’t have to lift any of the players. I am chewed up about it at the moment and Saturday is becoming a must win game.”
Neither side created many opportunities over the course of the game but Dartford ensured they made the most of the chance they carved out on 10 minutes with a fine goal when Ryan Hayes sent over a deep cross towards the back post which reached Lee Burns and he lashed a volley into the net.
Maidstone barely threatened in the first half but on 28 minutes Jermaine Darlington lofted a cross into the box which James Peacock, returning after a four match ban, lifted over the bar.
Nine minutes later Hayes got in behind Ashley Ulph down the right hand side and shot at the near post only for Andy Walker to block his effort and then four minutes after the interval Hayes once again got the better of Ulph only to drag his shot wide of the far post.
Then on 57 minutes, a Danny Harris corner was met by the diving Billy Burgess who couldn’t direct his header on target before The Stones had a rare attempt on goal when on 71 minutes substitute Ant Bodle saw a shot from 25 yards go wide of the left hand post.
Four minutes from time, Walker was called into action after substitute Allan Tait hooked a dangerous ball into the area towards Harris but the Maidstone keeper made a good block and this was to prove the last effort on goal for either side.
As well as suffering another home defeat, there was further concern for The Stones as they have a growing injury list. In addition to the already sidelined Nathan Paul, Tom Parkinson and Danny Hockton, Craig Stone injured his ankle in the warm up, Dean Hernandez-Bradshaw now has a hip problem and Chris Saunders might have fractured his foot during the Dartford game.
|
