Maidstone United Football Club

Kent League Division 1. (21/4/07)

Ramsgate Reserves 0 Maidstone Utd Reserves 4

The Stones finished their season with a resounding 4-0 away victory to Ramsgate to claim a creditable 4th position in the league.

The Stones got off to an ideal start when James Peacock won the ball on the edge of the penalty area and rifled home a low drive into the corner of the net after just 2 minutes. The Stones kept possession well and ‘Man of the Match’ Marc Morrison threaded a ball through to younger brother Billy to outstrip the Rams defence before he was blatantly hauled to the ground by their stranded goalkeeper for a penalty.

Luckily for the Rams their keeper only received a yellow card instead of a red but he was unable to get anywhere near Rob Lyall’s well struck penalty which put the Stones 2-0 up. The Stones were unlucky not to increase their lead after a superb run from the half way line from Anthony Bodle left 4 defenders in his wake before his shot was well saved by the advancing goalkeeper.

The Stones third goal showed their slick passing after Lyall took a quick free kick on the edge of his own penalty area to James Bodle who combined well with Andy Hart to release the lively Billy Morrison down the right flank and his cross was met on the half volley by Anthony Bodle at the far post. Ramsgate to their credit tried desperately hard to claw their way back into the game with quick counter attacks but they found the Stones defence in a resilient mood throughout the game.

With the Stones camped in the Rams half a fourth goal always looked likely and from a corner Peacock found space to smash home from close range to seal another victory for this young Stones side who collected 32 / 39 points from their final 13 league games which bodes well for a successful campaign next season.

Team: Sean Surridge, James Bodle, Rob Lyall, Ashley Ulph (Mike Farrell), Andy Foster, (Shannon O’Donovan), Andy Hart, James Peacock, Marc Morrison, Anthony Bodle (Keelan Mooney), Sam Morrison, Jason Batt.

Kent League Division 1 (17/4/07)

Thamesmead Town Reserves 1 Maidstone Utd Reserves 0

Maidstone Utd Reserves lost their unbeaten league run for 2007 away to title contenders Thamesmead Town Reserves on tuesday evening.

Despite Thamesmead fielding some of it's regular first team players it was Maidstone who started the game in the ascendance. For the first 15 minutes the Stones passed the ball well and Jason Batt forced the Thamesmead keeper in to making a good save following his sharp shot on the turn. Unfortunately shortly after Batt's effort the Stones went behind when Chris Smalling attempted to head away a free kick delivered into the area but only managed to divert it over the stranded Sean Surridge in the Stones goal. The goal apart from being unlucky and against the run of play had a detrimental effect on the young Stones side, and for the rest of the half they under performed giving possession away far too often and getting caught by a very lively quick thinking Thamesmead side. The Stones managed to keep the deficit to just the one goal up to half time and were pleased for the chance to regroup at the half time interval.

After the break the Stones again started the better of the two sides and looked determined to get themselves back into the game, but despite spells of good possession were unable to make in roads into the Thamesmead defence. Thamesmead defended well in this period and with their very pacey counter attacks always looked likely to cause Maidstone problems, and infact hit the outside of the post on a couple of occasions through ex Stones reserve player Rikki Cable.

The Stones battled to the end but were unable to create an opening for an equaliser, which on the night would have probably been unfair on an experienced Thamesmead side that deserved to take the three points.

The Stones travel to Ramsgate at the weekend in their final league game of the season and a positive result should earn them 4th place in the league which would be a creditable achievement for a very youthfull squad that will definately benefit next season from this experience.

Team; Surridge,Foster,(Farrell),Smalling,Lyall,Mingle,(Ulph),J.Bodle,A.Bodle,M.Morrison, Peacock,(Clark),Batt,S.Morrison.

Kent League Division 1 (9/4/07)

Folkestone Invicta Reserves 0 Maidstone Utd Reserves 2

An excellent team display gained the Stones another victory to make it 9 wins and 2 draws from their 11 league games in 2007.

In the initial stages the Stones were penned back against a very experienced Folkestone team also in a rich vein of form after collecting 10 points from their last 4 games. Once again the Stones defended well and never looked in any real danger of conceding. With Marc Morrison and James Peacock combining well in the centre of midfield the Stones began to impose their authority on the game and passed the ball around confidently despite the poor condition of the pitch. The Stones were rewarded after the impressive Rob Lyall rifled home a Marc Morrison corner at the far post to put the Stones 1-0 up.

The Stones continued to frustrate Folkestone in the second half by retaining possession of the ball for long periods whilst keeping resilient at the back to record their third consecutive clean sheet. The lively Billy Morrison put the result beyond doubt after his tremendous pace saw him get on the end of a long through ball from Aaron Shade and comfortably slot home past the bemused goalkeeper.

Disappointingly in the closing minutes of the game Shade foolishly collected his second yellow card and received his marching orders.

Team: Sean Surridge, Andy Foster, Rob Lyall, Chris Smalling (Dale Nott), Lewis Mingle, Andy Hart (Jason Batt), James Peacock, Marc Morrison, Anthony Bodle (Miles Cornwell), Sam Morrison, Aaron Shade. Sub not used: Keelan Mooney

Kent League Division 1 (7/4/07)

Maidstone Utd Reserves 3 Erith Town Reserves 0

The Stones continued their impressive run of results with a convincing 3-0 win against a very young Erith side.

The Stones started well and caused problems for Erith down both flanks and Anthony Bodle, Sam Morrison and James Peacock all missed good opportunities to open the scoring. However after 35 minutes central midfielder Peacock made a ‘trade mark ‘run into Erith’s penalty area to volley home Aaron Shade’s superb cross into the roof of the net.

Erith tried to get back on terms but they were thwarted by a Stones defence who were immaculate throughout although they were relieved to see goalkeeper Sean Surridge tip over a fierce long range strike that was heading for the top corner. The Stones continued to create chances and get in behind Erith’s defence and Jason Batt squandered 2 good opportunities to settle the game before an excellent run and cross from Andy Hart was somehow ‘dummied’ by Robin Clark in front of goal but bizarrely run into his own net by an Erith defender.

The Stones wrapped up the proceedings after good work from Shade saw him outpace his marker and deliver a cross for Hart to side foot home at the far post.

Team: Sean Surridge, Jimmy Bodle, Rob Lyall, Matt Reeves, Lewis Mingle, Andy Hart, James Peacock (Dale Nott), Marc Morrison (Robin Clark), Anthony Bodle, Sam Morrison (Jason Batt), Aaron Shade.

Kent League Division 1 (03/04/07)

Bromley Reserves 0 Maidstone Utd Reserves 3

With a balanced mix of experience and youth throughout the team the Stones defeated title chasing Bromley 3-0 and continued their excellent run of results of 7 wins and 2 draws from their last 9 league games.

The Stones went ahead after 15 minutes when Jason Barton broke up an attack and sent Aaron Shade free down the right flank and his darting run and cross was coolly slotted home by Alex Tiesse. Soon after the Stones thought they had increased their lead after Shade thundered a shot against the cross bar ‘Geoff Hurst style’ but unfortunately this time there wasn’t a Russian linesman in sight and the ball was adjudged not to have crossed the line. Bromley worked hard to get back on terms but rarely troubled the well organised Stones defence although they did need to be at their best to deal with some well executed set pieces.

The initial stages of the second half saw Bromley press forward in numbers but again the Stones defended well as a team to keep them at bay. With Bromley pushing players forward the Stones counter attacked well and Shade was guilty of missing 2 one on one contests with the goalkeeper to put the Stones further ahead.

However a good run and pass from Shade found Tiesse on the edge of the penalty area and he skilfully turned and glided past a couple of Bromley defenders before dispatching a well placed shot into the corner of the net to put the Stones 2-0 up. Fittingly the Stones best move of the match made it 3-0 as Andy Hart, Anthony Bodle and Tiesse combined well to allow Shade to blast home from close range.

Team: Sean Surridge, Jimmy Bodle, Rob Lyall, Lee Shearer (Andy Foster), Chris Holmes (Anthony Bodle), Andy Hart, James Peacock (Marc Morrison), Jason Barton, Sam Morrison, Alex Tiesse, Aaron Shade. Sub not used: Lewis Mingle, Adam Harris

Kent League Division 1 (31/03/07)

Maidstone Utd Reserves 1 Sevenoaks Town Reserves 1

Poor finishing cost the Stones victory against a Sevenoaks side fighting hard to avoid relegation.

Against the run of play the Stones found themselves a goal down after a misplaced pass from Adam Skinner broke up a Stones attack and caught the supporting Stones defence out of position. A quick through ball sent a Sevenoaks forward clear and his shot rebounded off the cross bar but ex Stone Jack Haydon was on hand to fire home. The Stones reacted well and Skinner was unlucky not to make amends as his fine swerving shot beat the goalkeeper but smashed against the cross bar to safety.

The Stones continued to search for an equaliser and a fine run and cross by Jimmy Bodle narrowly escaped the head of his brother Anthony at the far post. The Stones were proving a continual aerial threat from set pieces and a fine delivery from Marc Morrison fell to James Peacock but he fired over from close range.

The Stones reverted to a back 3 at half time and looked comfortable throughout as they camped in Sevenoaks half. Unfortunately at times the quality of their final pass was missing as the Stones attempted to unlock the Sevenoaks packed defence. However their persistence was rewarded when Rob Lyall rose high at the far post to head home Marc Morrison’s corner into the roof of the net.

Shortly afterwards the Stones were denied again by the wood work as this time Chris Smalling was unlucky to see his well timed header hit the bar and somehow get cleared to safety in a frantic scramble. In the dying moments both Jason Batt and Robin Clark missed good opportunities to wrap the game up so the Stones disappointingly had to settle for a solitary point.

Team: Sean Surridge, Jimmy Bodle, Rob Lyall, Chris Smalling, Andy Foster (Jon Dey), Billy Morrison, Marc Morrison, James Peacock (Mike Farrell), Anthony Bodle, Adam Skinner (Robin Clark), Jason Batt. Sub not used: Chris Holmes

Kent League Division 1 (17/03/07)

Cray Wanderers Reserves 0 Maidstone Utd Reserves 3.

Sam 'Billy' Morrison It is not only the Stones first team that are having an excellent run of results, a convincing 3-0 away victory gave their young reserve team (featuring nine U18 players) a further three points making it a total of 19 out of a possible 21 from their sevenleague games in 2007.

On a poorly prepared pitch flowing football was always going to be difficult but the Stones had the better of the first half exchanges with Rob Lyall heading inches wide from a corner before limping off with a hamstring injury and Billy Morrison (pictured left) forcing a good save from the goalkeeper from a well struck shot.

The turning point of the game came early in the second half after Aaron Shade worked hard to shut down a back pass to Cray’s goalkeeper. The attempted clearance smashed into him and as he collected the rebound he was blatantly pulled down to the ground by the keeper giving the referee no other option than to show the red card. From the resultant free kick on the edge of the box the substitute goalkeeper made a superb save from Shade to keep the scores level.

The Stones reacted by making a substitution sacrificing a defender to move to a 3-5-2 formation and within minutes they were rewarded as the impressive Jon Bergeret created space for Shade down the right flank and his well delivered cross was steered home by Billy Morrison. Soon after another well timed run from Billy Morrison saw him burst into the penalty area only to shoot straight at the goalkeeper.

Morrison soon made amends this time latching onto a fine through ball from his brother Marc to slot home past the advancing keeper. 10 man Cray attempted to claw their way back into the game but were comfortably kept at bay courtesy of solid performances from defenders Jimmy Bodle and Andy Foster.

Fittingly it was left to Man of the Match and England Schoolboy International Billy Morrison to wrap up the proceedings as he got in behind Cray’s static defence to collect James Peacock’s powerful header and keep his nerve to round the keeper for a well deserved hat trick.

Team: Sean Surridge, Jimmy Bodle, Rob Lyall (Shannon O’Donovan), Chris Holmes (Mike Farrell), Andy Foster, Andy Hart, Marc Morrison, James Peacock, Jon Bergeret, Sam Morrison, Aaron Shade. Subs not used: Adam Skinner

Kent League Division 1/2 Cup Quarter Final (13/03/07)

Sittingbourne Reserves 2 Maidstone Utd Reserves 1.

After an excellent run of recent results the Stones turned in a very disappointing performance to effectively end their hopes of winning a trophy this season.

The Stones started nervously and fell back into their old habits of defending far too deep into their own half allowing Sittingbourne room to press forward. The Brickies controversially took the lead as the officials clearly missed an offside offence which allowed their forward a free run into the penalty area where he was clumsily upended by Chris Holmes for a penalty which was subsequently converted.

The Stones were told in no uncertain terms at half time that they had to raise their game significantly and within minutes they equalised after the lively Aaron Shade outstripped the Brickies defence and fired against the cross bar and Jon Bergeret was on hand to hit home the rebound to collect his third goal in as many games.

With the Stones enjoying their best spell of the game the Brickies regained the lead after poor defending from a needlessly conceded corner gave their forward a free header which he dispatched into the roof of the net. The Stones switched to a 3-4-3 formation in an effort to get back on level terms but on too many occasions their final pass was poor and failed to seriously trouble the Brickies defence.

Team: Sean Surridge, Jimmy Bodle, Chris Smalling, Chris Holmes (Rob Lyall), Ashley Ulph, Jon Bergeret, Marc Morrison (Adam Skinner), James Peacock, Sam Morrison, Aaron Shade (Miles Cornwell), Jason Batt. Subs not used: Adam Harris

Kent League Division 1 (10/03/07)

Maidstone Utd Reserves 9 Ashford Town Reserves 2.

The Stones convincingly beat Ashford to make it 6 wins and a draw from their 7 games played in 2007.

The Stones started confidently and Billy Morrison outstripped the Ashford defence to latch on to a superb through ball from Marc Morrison however his well struck shot was saved but fell to Aaron Shade who reacted well to steer home the rebound. Shade then turned provider as his well delivered cross found Andy Hart at the far post to put the Stones further ahead. Before Ashford could settle a darting run and cross from the in form Hart was hammered home by Billy Morrison to put the Stones 3-0 up after just 17 minutes.

The young Stones continued to make chances and good work from the impressive Shade allowed Adam Skinner the simple task of tapping home to put the Stones further ahead. Ashford were then gifted a goal from the penalty spot after a rash challenge but any hopes they had of a revival were quickly dispersed as Shade timed his run well to meet another quality cross from Hart and then on the stroke of half time Skinner notched his second again courtesy of good wing play from Hart.

With the luxury of a 6-1 lead the Stones reshuffled at the break and made their 2 remaining substitutions. Further goals always looked likely and the referee awarded the Stones a soft penalty after an Ashford defender was penalised for pushing from a corner and Marc Morrison coolly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. The Stones then had a spell where they lost their concentration and defended poorly but thankfully goalkeeper Sean Surridge was once again on top of his game and on one occasion made a superb triple save to somehow keep Ashford at bay.

However Ashford did eventually manage to pull a goal back before substitute Jon Bergeret wrapped up the proceedings after he capatalised on a spectacular slip by the Ashford defender to allow him to run through unchallenged and place the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to seal a very comfortable 9-2 victory and move the Stones up to 5th position in the league.

Team: Sean Surridge, Jimmy Bodle, Chris Smalling (Jason Batt), Chris Holmes, Ashley Ulph, Andy Hart, Marc Morrison, James Peacock (Mike Farrell), Sam Morrison (Jon Bergeret), Adam Skinner, Aaron Shade. Subs not used: Andy Foster

Kent League Division 1 (24/02/07)

Maidstone United Reserves 1 Erith & Belvedere Reserves 0

The Stones achieved their first ‘double’ of the season against Erith & Belvedere with a last ditch 1-0 victory giving them the impressive statistics of 5 wins and a draw from their 6 games in 2007.

Erith had the first opportunity of the game but excellent goalkeeping from Sean Surridge saw him race off his line to block a goal bound effort from their forward who clearly looked to be in an offside position. The Stones responded well and their best chance in a dour first half fell to Anthony Bodle who just failed to get on the end of a superb far post delivery from Andy Hart.

The second half continued in a similar vein as both teams defended well with Chris Smalling and Chris Holmes particularly impressive in the centre of the Stones defence. Then with just 2 minutes remaining the Stones substitutions paid dividends as Adam Skinner headed on for Jon Bergeret to outstrip the Erith defence to coolly slot home past the advancing goalkeeper and to move the Stones up to 7th place in the league.

Team: Sean Surridge, Jimmy Bodle, Chris Smalling, Chris Holmes, Andy Foster, Andy Hart, Marc Morrison (Mike Farrell), Robin Clark, Anthony Bodle (Jon Bergeret), Jason Batt (Adam Skinner), Aaron Shade. Subs not used: Shannon O’Donovan, Joe Dawson

Kent League Division 1/2 Cup Second Round (17/02/07)

Margate Reserves 1 Maidstone United Reserves 3

The Stones produced their best display of the season to keep up their excellent run of results that includes 4 wins and a draw from their last 5 games. What made this even more impressive was out of the 14 players used 5 were U18s and 5 were U17s.

Although the Stones started brightly they were soon caught on the counter attack and were very relieved to see a well hit shot deflect off Andy Foster onto his own cross bar. With just 15 minutes gone the Stones suffered what seemed a major set back when 16 year old goalkeeper Sean Surridge was knocked unconscious from a heavy challenge. Without a reserve team goalkeeper on the bench another 16 year old Lewis Mingle bravely came off the bench to make his reserve team debut in goal instead of in his accustomed left back position! This did not seem to deter this young Stones side at all and they continued to press forward in search of the opening goal.

They were rewarded after 25 minutes when Marc Morrison hooked an attempted clearance from a corner back into the penalty area for his brother Billy to head home. The Stones went further ahead after another excellent corner from Anthony Bodle was volleyed home at the far post by Jason Batt. Then on the stroke of half time a darting run from Billy Morrison saw him leave the Margate defence for dead and cross for Andy Hart to bravely slide home at the far post. Despite the Stones having the majority of possession in the second half they were unable to add any further goals to their tally.

Such was their dominance that Anthony Bodle took over in goal with 15 minutes left to allow ‘clean sheet’ Mingle the opportunity to play in his preferred outfield position. With minutes remaining Margate did manage to score a late consolation goal after the Stones were reduced to 10 men through a head injury to another impressive 16 year old Ashley Ulph, however the Stones thoroughly deserved this victory with every player making a significant contribution in a superb team performance.

The Stones now face Sittingbourne away in the Quarter Final.

Team: Sean Surridge (Lewis Mingle), James Bodle, Andy Foster (Miles Cornwell), Chris Smalling, Ashley Ulph, Andy Hart, Marc Morrison, James Peacock (Robin Clark), Anthony Bodle, Billy Morrison, Jason Batt.

Kent League Division 1 (27/01/07)

Erith Town Reserves 1 Maidstone Utd Reserves 3.

The Stones continued their good run of form to comfortably beat high flying Erith Town and move up to 8th position after collecting 10 points from their last 4 games.

The Stones settled into the game well and caused Erith problems with their attacking play down both flanks. One such move should have given the Stones an early lead after a fine run and cross from Anthony Bodle found Andy Hart unmarked at the far post but his rising shot cleared the bar from close range. However soon after Hart made amends sprinting into the box to lose his marker to coolly steer home a well delivered cross from Adam Skinner to put the Stones ahead.

Then against the run of play Erith equalised after a mix up in the Stones defence saw an attempted clearance rebound of the unfortunate Glen Holman into his own net. The Stones responded well and quickly regained the lead after Billy Morrison’s long throw was precisely headed home by Skinner on the stroke of half time.

The Stones made changes in both defence and midfield to strengthen their hold on this game and Marc Morrison and Mike Farrell worked very hard and effectively in the centre of the pitch. The in form Skinner then practically settled the game when he found space in a crowded penalty area to stab home Hart’s corner from close range.

Erith’s last ditch attempts to rescue something from this game was dealt with convincingly by a Stones defence made up entirely of U18 players.

Team: Sean Surridge, Jimmy Bodle, Glen Holman (Dale Nott), Ashley Ulph, Andy Foster, Andy Hart, Marc Morrison, James Peacock (Mike Farrell), Anthony Bodle, Billy Morrison (Robin Clark), Adam Skinner.

Kent League Division 1 (20/01/07)

Maidstone United Reserves 2 Thamesmead Town Reserves 2

With seven U18 players in their starting line up, this young Stones team knew they would have to ‘dig deep’ against an experienced 2nd placed Thamesmead team if they were add to the 6 points they have gained in their last 2 games.

However they received an early set back after the referee awarded a penalty to Thamesmead for an alleged shirt pull from a corner that nobody appealed for! However justice prevailed when 16 year old Sean Surridge superbly saved the resultant spot kick.

Thamesmead were allowed plenty of room to press forward as the Stones back four persistently defended far too deep into their own half. The Stones eventually conceded after 20 minutes when they failed to defend a corner and the ball was bundled over the line from close range. Worse was to follow shortly afterwards as Chris Holmes was turned far too easy on the edge of the penalty area and his opponent slotted home past the helpless Surridge.

This proved to be a blessing in disguise as it meant the Stones could no longer sit back and defend as they had to press forward in an attempt to salvage something from this game. A good passing move set Anthony Bodle free down the left flank and he pulled the ball back for Adam Skinner who deserved better than to see his well hit shot hit the underside of the cross bar. This gave the Stones encouragement they needed and soon after Skinner did get on the score sheet as he was on hand to steer home Andy Hart’s well delivered corner. The hard working Billy Morrison was causing the Thamesmead defence all sorts of problems with his tenacity and pace and an equaliser looked likely. Just before half time a fine through ball from Jimmy Bodle picked out James Peacock’s fine run and he coolly lobbed home over the head of the advancing goalkeeper to bring the Stones level.

The Stones at last believed that they could go on and win this game and the Thamesmead defence looked very uncomfortable when put under pressure.
Hart was unfortunate to see his shot hit the side netting as he cut in from the right flank and in the closing moments another fine run from him saw his shot flash across the path of the outstretched Ant Bodle at the far post and run to safety. At the other end the Stones defended superbly and when called upon ‘Man of the Match’ Sean Surridge’s handling was excellent throughout.

Team: Sean Surridge, Jimmy Bodle (Glen Holman), Liam Wood, Chris Holmes, Ashley Ulph, Andy Hart, Stephane Mamadou, James Peacock, Anthony Bodle, Billy Morrison, Adam Skinner (Marc Morrison). Sub not used: Mike Farrell

Kent League Division 1 (13/01/07)

Erith & Belvedere Reserves 0 Maidstone Utd Reserves 2.

With an average age of just 18 years old the Stones delivered a good team performance to gain 3 well deserved points against 5th placed Erith & Belvedere.

On a tight pitch the Stones had the better of the first half but were unable to convert their dominance into goals. However shortly after the break ‘Man of the Match’ James Peacock rose above the Erith defence to powerfully head home Andy Hart’s corner to put the Stones in front.

Erith pressed forward in search for an equaliser but the Stones defence held firm with both Liam Wood in central defence and 16 year old Sean Surridge in goal making impressive debuts. The Stones sealed their second consecutive victory late into the game when substitute Chris Holmes playing in an unfamiliar midfield role unleashed an unstoppable left foot volley into the roof of the net from 20 yards.
Team:
Sean Surridge, Jimmy Bodle, Liam Wood, Matt Reeves, Ashley Ulph, Andy Hart (Keelan Mooney), Marc Morrison (Chris Holmes), James Peacock, Anthony Bodle, Mike Farrell (Dan Brann), Adam Skinner.

Kent League Division 1 (06/01/07)

Maidstone United Reserves 3 Folkestone Invicta Reserves 2

With several players injured or unavailable, this game was always going to be a tough test for this young Stones side. To make things even worse 2 poor refereeing decisions put the Stones a goal behind instead of the possibility of a goal in front!

The first of these happened after Billy Morrison collected a through ball and shrugged off his marker to advance into the penalty area, however as he went to shoot he was upended by a clumsy challenge but somehow the referee waved play on! Then just 5 minutes later the referee awarded Whitstable a penalty for an alleged hand ball offence against Robin Clark in a crowded penalty area despite there not being a single appeal from any of their players! The penalty was converted and the score remained 0-1 at the interval despite the Stones having the majority of possession.

After defending well in the first half the Stones showed their inexperience as 3 players all needlessly went to ground to give the Whitstable forward a clear run on goal to fire home in off the post. The Stones responded well and were this time awarded a penalty after Adam Skinner was impeded whilst attempting to get on the end of Keelan Mooney’s cross. Up stepped Andy Hart but his resultant kick crashed against the cross bar. Unfortunately this was the turning point of the game and the Stones lost their way and fight and determination for the rest of the half.

Poor decision making in defence often left goalkeeper Adam Harris with little or no protection although to his credit he did pull off 2 excellent saves. Whitstable were gifted 2 further goals to record a comfortable victory over the Stones who must now put this display behind them and show the necessary character and commitment to earn some desperately needed points against Folkestone this weekend.

Team: Adam Harris, Jason Fuller, Chris Holmes (Dan Brann), Glen Holman, Ashley Ulph, Andy Hart, Marc Morrison, Robin Clark (Dean McCabe), Keelan Mooney (Tom Armstrong), Billy Morrison, Adam Skinner.

The Stones undeservedly slumped to their third consecutive 1-2 defeat in the impressive surroundings of Dartford’s new stadium.

The Stones soon found themselves a goal behind after they failed to defend a long drop kick from the goalkeeper which allowed the Darts forward to shrug off a last ditch tackle from Chris Smalling before steering home. The Stones responded well and got back on terms after Keelan Mooney cut in from the left to fire home a shot that was deflected past the Darts goalkeeper into the back of the net. Instead of building upon this the Stones conceded yet another soft goal after a Darts forward was given the simple task of heading home a corner from close range to put them 2-1 ahead at the half time interval.

The Stones switched to a back 3 which included two 16 year olds with Ashley Ulph making a very promising debut. This also added width to their game and allowed Mooney and Andy Hart to deliver excellent crosses into the penalty area and both Billy Morrison and substitute Dan Brann missed good opportunities to score. The hard working Morrison then outstripped his marker to collect a through ball but his attempt sailed over the cross bar.

On a rare break away the Stones goalkeeper Kye Homewood made atones for his earlier mistake when he acrobatically tipped a superbly flighted chip onto and over the bar. In the closing minutes a fine run and cross from Morrison was met by Adam Skinner but he somehow scuffed his shot past the post to send the Stones empty handed once more.

Team: Kye Homewood, Ashley Ulph, Dale Nott (Chris Holmes), Chris Smalling, Shannon O’Donovan (Adam Skinner), Andy Hart, Marc Morrison (Dan Brann), Peter Overton, Keelan Mooney, Robin Clark, Billy Morrison. Subs not used: Jason Fuller, Anthony Bodle.

Two poor referring decisions undoubtedly cost this very young Stones side some much needed points in this hard fought game which saw two promising 16 year old players Chris Smalling and Dan Brann making their debuts.

Within 10 minutes the Stones thought they had gone ahead from a corner when Andy Hart hooked home from just inside the penalty area over the head of the stranded goalkeeper but amazingly the referee disallowed the goal for an offside offence against a player who could not possibly have been interfering with play. To make matters worse soon after Cray took the lead after their forward cut in from the left to drive home past the advancing goalkeeper.

Shortly before half time the second controversial referring decision took place which resulted in 2 players being given a red card. After a tussle for the ball Stones Robin Clark received a punch to the side of the face and after standing face to face with his opponent but not making any contact he too was dismissed along with the Cray player for violent conduct!

This meant that the Stones had to revert to a back 3 in an effort to salvage something from this game so defender Chris Holmes was sacrificed for forward Brann. The Stones pressed forward with Marc Morrison and Peter Overton (making a welcome return to football after an absence of over 2 years through injury) controlling the play from central midfield. However both Brann and Morrison missed good opportunities to equalise for the Stones before Jason Batt kept his nerve to lob past the Cray goalkeeper after good work from Keelan Mooney.

This opened the game up with both teams looking to counter attack and both Andy Foster and Dale Nott very prominent in the Stones defence against experienced Cray forwards. Cray were however unlucky to see a fierce shot rebound back against the woodwork and also goalkeeper Kye Homewood was called into action to make a superb save from a sweet long range shot. Unfortunately for Stones Foster then had to be substituted after a heavy challenge and with no recognised defenders on the bench Ant Bodle was brought into the back 3.

Against the run of play with 10 minutes remaining Stones lost possession from a throw in and Cray broke quickly and created space to fire home from inside the penalty area. The Stones responded well and searched for another equaliser and a good passing move found Brann in space but his hurried shot failed to trouble the Cray goalkeeper and saw the Stones slump to another defeat.

Team: Kye Homewood, Chris Holmes (Dan Brann), Dale Nott, Chris Smalling, Andy Foster (Anthony Bodle), Andy Hart (Tom Armstrong), Marc Morrison, Peter Overton, Keelan Mooney, Robin Clark, Jason Batt. Subs not used: Jon Bergeret

The Stones switched to a back 4 for this game in an attempt to break the habit of conceding soft goals but once again individual defensive errors saw the Stones slump to their third con

secutive defeat. Dartford were gifted their opening goal after their forward was allowed to simply run unchallenged through the middle of the Stones defence to steer home past goalkeeper Kye Homewood. The Stones tried to get back on terms and their best chances were created from the raiding runs down the right flank by the impressive Andy Hart but the Stones forwards failed to apply the necessary finishing touch to his good work.

Soon into the second half the Stones found themselves further behind when they allowed an unmarked Dartford forward to head home from a free kick. The Stones made 3 substitutions and reverted to a back 3 in an effort to salvage something from the game. Despite only having 3 players at the back the Stones defended a lot better and U18 debutant Andy Foster gave an assured performance throughout.

The Stones came close to scoring after a fine long range strike from James Peacock was superbly saved by the Dartford goalkeeper but in reality although the work rate was evident the quality of the final ball was sadly missing.

The Stones did manage to salvage a late consolation goal after they were awarded a penalty after a rash challenge by the Dartford goalkeeper, Marc Morrison’s first attempt was saved however the referee ordered a re-take for encroachment and Hart stepped up to fire home.

Team: Kye Homewood, Jason Fuller, Chris Holmes (Marc Morrison), Andy Foster, Shannon O’Donovan, Andy Hart, James Peacock, Robin Clark, Anthony Bodle (Jon Bergeret), Adam Skinner (Dean Wallington),Jason Batt. Subs not used: Mike Farrell

This game was effectively all over for the Stones after just 8 minutes as they found themselves 0-3 down from Whitstable’s first three attacks of the game.

The Stones back three simply could not cope with the pace and movement of the Whitstable’s forwards and if it was not for the brilliance of goalkeeper Kye Homewood whose heroics included a penalty save, the half time score line would have been even more embarrassing. Just when it seemed things could not get any worse for the Stones, forward Chris Ward had to be taken to hospital after suffering a double broken jaw from an aerial challenge with the opposition goalkeeper.

The Stones reshuffled in the second half and showed character in attempting to claw their way back into the game. Billy Morrison worked hard up front and his pace allowed him to latch onto a Robin Clark through ball but his drive was well saved from close range. The Stones continued to press forward and a fine run and shot from Clark was parried by the goalkeeper and the ball rebounded off a Whitstable defender into the back of his own net. Although the Stones continued to have the majority of possession of play in the second half they could not overcome the damage that was caused by their poor defending in the first half and they suffered their second consecutive defeat.

Team:
Kye Homewood, Dale Nott (Jason Fuller) Chris Holmes (Dean Wallington), Shannon O’Donovan, Jon Bergeret, Marc Morrison, James Peacock, Anthony Bodle, Robin Clark, Chris Ward (Adam Skinner), Billy Morrison.
Subs not used: Tom Armstrong

The Stones turned in a performance lacking belief and commitment and as a consequence suffered their first defeat of the season to table toppers Bromley. The Stones went behind mid way through the first half from a penalty that was awarded after a clumsy challenge by Chris Holmes. Despite the Stones having a large amount of possession their lack of movement up front meant that the Bromley defence were very rarely troubled. In fact it needed a superb goal line clearance from Shannon O’Donovan to prevent Bromley further increasing their lead shortly before half time.

With no signs of improvement being evident in the early stages of the second half the Stones made substitutions in an effort to inject some enthusiasm into their game. The hard working Sam Morrison was pushed up front with Robin Clark and at last the Bromley defence were put under some pressure. A fine run and cross from Anthony Bodle just failed to get the finishing touch it deserved and in the dying minutes the Stones came close to equalising from Jon Bergeret’s header.

Team:
Kye Homewood, Dale Nott, Chris Holmes, Shannon O’Donovan, Sam Morrison, Marc Morrison, James Peacock (Tom Armstrong), Anthony Bodle, Robin Clark, Adam Skinner (Jon Bergeret), Dean Wallington (Jason Fuller).

The Stones superior fitness level was probably the deciding factor in securing a last ditch winner in this keenly contested cup tie. The Stones with seven U18 players in their line up won the early exchanges in midfield with both Marc Morrison and Robin Clark very prominent. The main talking point of the game took place mid way through the first half after the Sevenoaks players reacted angrily to a late challenge by James Peacock. In the resultant melee that followed the referee sent off Stones defender Chris Holmes along with a Sevenoaks forward for violent conduct and cautioned Peacock for his rash challenge and another Sevenoaks player for his keen involvement in the incident. The referee restored calm to the game and the score remained goal less at half time although the Stones goalkeeper Adam Harris was called into action when he was forced to change direction to turn a deflected shot round the post.

The Stones continued to press forward and Billy Morrison was causing the Sevenoaks defence problems with his darting runs down the right flank and Anthony Bodle was unfortunate to see his shot cleared off the line after meeting his cross at the far post. Soon after Clark was put through by Chris Ward but the goalkeeper saved well to keep the Stones at bay. With the game edging towards extra time ‘Man of the Match’ Marc Morrison delivered an inch perfect ball for the impressive Matt Reeves to head powerfully home at the far post. However this spurred Sevenoaks into action and it needed a last ditch tackle from the excellent debutant Shannon O’Donovan to see the Stones safely through to Round 2 to face Margate.

Team:
Adam Harris, Matt Reeves, Chris Holmes, Dale Nott (Anthony Bodle), Jimmy Bodle, Shannon O’Donovan, Marc Morrison, James Peacock (Adam Skinner), Robin Clark, Billy Morrison, Jason Batt (Chris Ward).
Sub not used: Jason Fuller.

The Stones maintained their unbeaten start to the season but had enough chances to come away with all 3 points. The aerial presence of Errison Ahwan was causing the Sevenoaks defence all sorts of problems from set pieces and Matt Reeves, Dale Nott, James Bodle and Billy Morrison all came within inches of applying the finishing touch to his headers. However despite enjoying the majority of possession the Stones somehow found themselves a goal behind after a poor goalkeeper clearance presented the Sevenoaks forward with the easy task of slotting the ball into the back of an empty goal.

With their central trio competing well in midfield the Stones were carving out chances and the best of these fell to Billy Morrison who headed wide from close range from Anthony Bodles’ well delivered cross.
The Stones continued to press forward in the second half and James Peacock’s powerful header was superbly saved by the Sevenoaks goalkeeper. The Stones perseverance was eventually rewarded with 15 minutes left after Chris Holmes escaped his marker to head home Billy Morrison’s free kick. Sensing victory and confident that their back 3 was coping well with Sevenoaks counter attacks, the Stones switched to a front 3 and Jason Batt was very unfortunate to see his header crash against the cross bar with the goalkeeper well beaten.

Team:
Kye Homewood, Errison Ahwan (James Peacock), Chris Holmes, Dale Nott,
James Bodle, Matt Reeves, Marc Morrison, Robin Clark (Adam Skinner),
Anthony Bodle (Dean Wallington), Billy Morrison, Jason Batt
Sub not used: Tom Armstrong.

Maidstone Utd reserves fought hard for a point against a vastly more experienced Ramsgate side. The Stones failed to capitalise on their extra man in midfield and as a consequence were forced to defend for prolonged periods of the game.

The Rams opened the scoring from a twice taken free kick after the Stones conceded an unnecessary foul on the edge of the penalty area. However they responded well and almost pulled level after Robin Clark leapt well to powerfully head James Bodle’s cross but it was superbly saved by the Rams goalkeeper. However the Stones perseverance was rewarded shortly before half time when a fine run and cross from Billy Morrison was headed into his own net by a Ramsgate defender under aerial pressure from Dean Wallington.

During the second half the Rams continued to press forward but the Stones central back 3 of Matt Reeves, Chris Holmes and Dale Nott combined well to keep chances to a minimum although goalkeeper Kye Homewood was called upon to make a couple of excellent close range reaction saves. The Stones worked hard throughout the game counter attacking well and almost clinched victory when Billy Morrison’s close range attempt flew past the post with the goalkeeper stranded.

Team:
Kye Homewood, Matt Reeves, Chris Holmes, Dale Nott, James Bodle,
Anthony Bodle, Marc Morrison (Adam Skinner), James Peacock (Jon Bergeret), Robin Clark, Billy Morrison, Dean Wallington (Chris Ward).
Subs not used: Adam Harris, Jason Fuller.

A very young Maidstone Utd reserve team kicked off their league campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory. The Stones immediately stamped their presence on this game and almost opened the scoring within 20 seconds. Robin Clark won possession in the centre circle and his one-two with Sam Morrison put him through on goal. His shot was well saved by the Ashford goalkeeper and from the resultant rebound Adam Skinner was unlucky to see his attempt crash against the bar and land back at the feet of Clark who somehow failed to steer home into an unguarded goal!

The Stones continued to threaten and James Bodle was causing the Ashford defence all sorts of problems with his raiding runs down the right flank and both Matt Reeves and Sam Morrison squandered good headed chances from his pin point crosses. However persistence eventually paid off when another well flighted Bodle corner found the unmarked Skinner who hit home from close range to put the Stones 1-0 up.
Ashford responded well and slack marking in the Stones defence from a throw-in allowed their forward enough room to fire a shot against the crossbar shortly before half time. Early in the second half Ashford had a long spell of possession but the Stones back 3 of Reeves, Dale Nott and Chris Holmes defended well throughout, however they were grateful to keeper Kye Homewood for a tremendous acrobatic save from a curling free kick.

The Stones then had a great chance to effectively finish the game when Anthony Bodle broke free on the left flank and cut inside but his shot was saved by the advancing goalkeeper. With players tiring substitute Dean Wallington was introduced into the fold and he was on hand to convert a rebound off the post after a fine strike from James Peacock. Soon after Wallington created space for himself in a crowded penalty area to get on the end of Marc Morrison’s cross to get his second of the night and to secure 3 well earned points for the Stones.

Team:
Kye Homewood, Matt Reeves, Chris Holmes, Dale Nott, James Bodle, Anthony Bodle (Jon Bergeret), Marc Morrison, James Peacock, Robin Clark (Dean Wallington), Sam Morrison, Adam Skinner (Chris Ward). Subs not used: Dean McCabe, Jason Fuller.