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For the first time since they knocked Ebbsfleet out of the Kent Senior Cup in January, The Stones scored three goals in one match but a poor defensive showing meant that they ended their indifferent pre-season campaign with a draw at former landlords Sittingbourne.
The game took a little while to get going as it wasn’t until the 23 rd minute that there was an attempt on goal when former Brickies player Colin Richmond delivered a promising free-kick into the box which picked out James Peacock at the far post but he put the ball wide of the left hand post.
Then with 27 minutes played, Maidstone took the lead when Rob Carter’s long throw into the box was not dealt with by the Sittingbourne defence and as the ball dropped onto the floor, Adam Marsh hooked it inside the near post.
The Stones’ lead did not last for long though as just ten minutes later Sittingbourne got in down the left hand side and Jimmy Bottle found Tom Bradbrook who had the simple task of side footing the ball into an unguarded net.
Matters got worse for Maidstone just two minutes later when Peacock could not prevent Ross Morley gaining possession and his shot at the near post managed to beat Harry Lee despite him getting a hand to the ball.
However, three minutes after the break the scores were level once again when a back pass inside the Sittingbourne box gave The Stones a free-kick just six yards from goal. Although Adrian Stones’ original shot was charged down the rebound dropped to Antonio Gonnella who drove the ball into the net.
Unfortunately for Maidstone though they fell behind once again on 51 minutes when Lee made a hash of an attempted save and Hicham Akhazzan had the simple task of scoring from close range.
Then nine minutes later substitute Jake Hobbs went close with a long range dipping shot before the final goal of the game came on 67 minutes when Ant Bodle equalised for The Stones with a diving header from a Richmond corner.
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