Maidstone United’s miserable pre-season continues as for the fourth time in seven games they once again failed to hit the net and as a result they lost to a solitary goal at Ryman One side Faversham Town.

This was an uninspiring game with neither side creating many chances. It wasn’t until the 26 th minute that The Stones created their first opportunity when Jake Hobbs sent a curling ball over the top of the Faversham defence into substitute Adam Marsh who from a tight angle lifted his shot wide.

Nine minutes later Andy Walker was called into action to tip Dale Skelton’s free-kick from 20 yards over the bar and then on 38 minutes Maidstone were fortunate not to fall behind. Marc Clarey failed to cut out a long ball forwards which left Danny Hunt bearing down on goal. Clarey did recover and almost prevented Hunt from shooting but the Faversham striker saw his drive strike both posts before Walker dived on the ball.

However, the home side did take the lead on 42 minutes when Dave Botterill’s free-kick struck the arm of Adam Marsh and Hunt confidently dispatched the resultant penalty.

Then on the stroke of half time a long throw from Simon Pettit caused a scramble inside the box and Adrian Stone and Simon Glover both saw shots blocked before Hobbs fired over from just outside the area.

Just after the break Walker made a good save to deny Hunt and when the rebound dropped to him the Faversham striker sent the ball wide and then it wasn’t until seven minutes from time that there was another chance on goal when Rob French fumbled Marsh’s free-kick and then seconds later the goalkeeper comfortably gathered Hobbs’ drive.

< < < Back to match reports index

Faversham Town: Danny Hunt 42 (pen)

Maidstone United: -

Faversham Town Starting Line up: Rob French, Michael Dodsworth, Ashley Brown, Jake Leberl, Richard Avery, Matt Bourne, Dale Skelton, Danny Lye, Dane Luchford, Danny Hunt, Dave Botterill.

Subs: Tom Hickman, Dan Larkin, Luke Williams, Jake Ascheri, Scott, Steve O’Brien, Zulmataschvili.

Maidstone United: Andy Walker, Tom Parkinson, Ashley Ulph, James Peacock (Tom Mills 80) Marc Clarey (Rob Carter 45), Simon Glover, Jake Hobbs, Simon Pettit, Adrian Stone, Danny Hockton (Adam Marsh 19) Colin Richmond.

Subs not used: Ant Bodle, Harry Lee.

Tony Cornwell

Polls start on 21 August

Pictures from Steve Terrell