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Maidstone United have still not won at Tonbridge since they joined the Ryman Premier Division as despite an improved performance after Saturday’s showing at Dartford, they were undone by a Mark Corneille own goal just eight minutes from time.
This match could have had a totally different outcome though had Adrian Stone’s superb effort from 35 yards on 38 minutes had not struck the left hand post and then within 30 seconds Tonbridge had drawn level through Sam Long.
The Stones were therefore left to rue a host of missed chances and the first of these came on just two minutes when Danny Hockton shot across the face of goal.
However, Maidstone did open the scoring on 16 minutes when a good move down the right saw Corneille send over a cross which Scott Kinch could not get clear and the ball dropped nicely for Adrian Stone who drove the ball into the net.
Four minutes later The Stones had another chance when Andy Walker threw the ball out to Antonio Gonnella who passed the ball to Hockton. Gonnella continued his run into the box and but could only slice Hockton’s pull back into the path of Adrian Stone who shot wide.
It wasn’t until the 32 nd minute that the home side finally threatened. Long’s corner from the left was met by Sonny Miles and it appeared that his header struck Corneille’s arm but no penalty was forthcoming.
Six minutes later, The Stones broke quickly and Corneille put in Adrian Stone who saw his 35 yard effort cannon off the post and then Tonbridge went straight up the other end and Long finished from close range.
Maidstone emerged from the break determined to regain the lead and on 48 minutes Corneille drove a dangerous ball into the box which Miles did well to put over the bar with Hockton looking to pounce. Then from the resultant corner, the ball fell to Roland Edge who was just inside the box and his drive looked to be going in until it struck Adrian Stone who in turn couldn’t get his shot away.
By now the home side were beginning to enjoy spells of concerted pressure and on 56 minutes Walker had to be alert to save a 35 yard drive from Kinch before at the other end, with 71 minutes gone, Edge picked out Corneille who forced Lee Worgan into a good save at the base of the left hand post.
Sixty seconds later Adrian Stone crossed for Hockton who headed wide and this was to prove to be Maidstone’s last effort on goal as the home side dominated the closing stages.
On 81 minutes Adam Burchell’s shot was turned wide by Walker but the Maidstone keeper was powerless to prevent Tonbridge taking the lead just a minute later when Paul Booth’s cross was accidently turned into his own net by Corneille.
By now The Angels were in total control and four minutes from time substitute Jerahl Hughes got in behind Peter Hawkins but Walker snuffed out the danger and then two minutes into stoppage time Kinch was in a good position inside the box but he lifted the ball over the bar.
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