Maidstone
United Reserves 2 Dartford Reserves 3
29/03/08
Kent League Division One
With a strong wind blowing down the
pitch this was always going to be a game
of 2 halves. The Stones won the toss and
wind assisted lined up in a 3-5-2 formation
to take the game to Dartford.
After just three minutes the impressive
Scott Whibley sent a through ball to the
in form Shannon O’Donovan who dribbled
into the penalty area before unleashing
a fierce drive into the roof of the net
to put the Stones ahead. Just five minutes
later the Stones went further ahead from
a Rob Lyall penalty after the linesman flagged
for an alleged pushing incident at a corner.
The Stones were enjoying good link up play
between their forwards Danny Brann and Chris
Pearce and Brann was unlucky to see an acrobatic
overhead kick fall straight into the keeper’s
hands. As the Stones pressed forward a good
run and cross from the lively Brann found
Ant Bodle in the box but a dubious last
gasp challenge prevented him from scoring.
Foolishly the Stones then sat back on their
lead which allowed Dartford to regain their
composure and go in at half time only 0-2
down.
The Stones immediately reverted to a 4-4-2
and were told at half time they needed to
compete hard and retain possession of the
ball to protect their lead. However once
again the Stones failed to defend a well
delivered cross and the Dartford forward
was allowed plenty of room to comfortably
head home past keeper Adam Harris. This
gave Dartford a massive lift and soon after
they were level as Harris misjudged the
flight of a cross and collided into central
defender Lyall to gift the Dartford forward
a simple tap in from close range.
The Stones made a substitution reverting
to a 4-5-1 formation as they attempted to
stem the flow and another good run and delivery
from Brann found Keelan Mooney unmarked
at the far post but his header was saved
by the legs of the Dartford keeper. Then
in the dying moments of the game the Stones
were caught ball watching again from a cross
and despite having 5 players in the middle
of the park a Dartford midfield player was
allowed to run into the box unmarked to
head home at the far post.
Hopefully this young Stones team will quickly
learn that they need to exert their authority
on games and win their personal duals to
prevent this from happening again.
Maidstone
United Reserves 3 Margate Reserves
1
8/03/08
Kent League Division One
The Stones delivered their best performance
in 2008 as they comfortably defeated Margate
3-1. With the advantage of the wind behind
them the Stones soon reverted to an attacking
3-4-1-2 formation and both Danny Brann and
Chris Pearce were unlucky to see their early
attempts rebound against the woodwork with
the keeper well beaten.
However the Stones then had a scare as
keeper Adam Harris misjudged the pace of
a through ball and clattered into the oncoming
forward, luckily common sense prevailed
and only a yellow card was administered.
With both Keelan Mooney and Shannon O’Donovan
delivering excellent crosses from both flanks
the Margate goal was under constant siege
and Robin Clark was guilty of missing two
golden opportunities from close range.
Just as it was beginning to look like it
was going to be of those days Rob Lyall
intercepted a ball in the middle of the
park and unleashed a 30 yard strike that
crashed against the underside of the crossbar
before crossing the line. With Margate firmly
on the back foot Steve Elliott then sent
in an inch perfect cross to Brann who lost
his marker to glance his header past the
stranded keeper to put the Stones 2-0 up.
With half time approaching Mooney picked
out O’Donovan at the far post but the
keeper reacted well to save his close range
header.
Margate started the second half in a positive
and lively manner and Harris was called
upon to make 2 excellent saves from crosses
to keep them at bay. The Stones readjusted
to a 4-4-2 formation and once again soon
gained the upper hand and both Elliott and
Brann came close to extending the Stones
lead. The impressive Elliott then redeemed
himself after linking well with Pearce and
Brann to burst through the Margate defence
and coolly slot home past the advancing
keeper.
As the game reached the latter stages Margate
scored a consolation goal after Harris managed
to get himself tangled up with a forward
and punched a corner directly into his own
net. However this was a minor blip in an
otherwise excellent team performance and
this victory see’s the Stones move
into 5th position and just 4 points behind
2nd place.
Team: Adam Harris, Rob Carter (Frank
Fabiola), Rob Lyall, Scott Whibley, Shannon
O’Donovan, Robin Clark (Marc Morrison),
Ant Bodle, Steve Elliott, Keelan Mooney,
Dan Brann (Ben Palmer), Chris Pearce.
Maidstone
United Reserves 1 Folkestone Invicta
Reserves 2
1/03/08
Kent League Division One
Another inconsistent and below par performance
saw the Stones slump to a defeat against
a very defensive minded Folkestone side.
With the wind behind them in the first
half the Stones soon switched to a 3-5-2
formation to try and break down their opponents
who seemed content to have 10 players behind
the ball for most of the game!
With The Stones camped in their opponents
half a fine cross from Keelan Mooney was
handled by a Folkestone defender but instead
of a penalty the ‘whistle happy’
referee surprised everyone by awarding a
free kick against the Stones for alleged
pushing by James Peacock. Soon after Mooney
supplied another pin point delivery but
Peacock’s header was wide of the target.
Then against the run of play Folkestone
took the lead after poor marking by Anthony
Bodle allowed his opponent to get in front
of him and side foot home a free kick. The
Stones responded almost immediately after
a jinking run and cross from Shannon O’Donovan
was slotted home bravely by the hard working
Rupon Anand. The Stones continued to press
forward and a long range effort by Steve
Elliott was well saved by the keeper and
shortly before the break the Stones had
a goal disallowed after Anand was adjudged
to hold down his marker as he headed home
at the far post.
Despite having the advantage of the wind
in the second half Folkestone continued
with the same 5-4-1 formation and seemed
happy to settle for a draw. However the
Stones continued to create chances and missed
a great opportunity to take the lead after
another great run and cross from ‘Man
of the Match’ O’Donovan picked
out Robin Clark but he somehow managed to
smash his shot against the bar with the
goal at his mercy!
The Referee then had a major say in deciding
the outcome of this game as he continued
with his desire to caution as many players
as possible and issued Rob Lyall his second
yellow card of the game for an innocuous
looking challenge and therefore left the
Stones to battle on with just 10 players.
Even with a player short the Stones looked
the likeliest team to score but with just
minutes remaining Scott Whibley got too
tight to his marker who ‘rolled’
him on the edge of the penalty area before
unleashing an unstoppable drive past Adam
Harris into the roof of the net to claim
all three points for Folkestone.
Maidstone
United Reserves 2 Cray Wanderers
Reserves 0
23/02/08
Kent League Division One
The Stones returned to winning ways
with a convincing 2-0 victory against Cray
Wanderers.
The Stones got off to a great start when
after just 10 minutes a Cray defender under
heavy pressure from Rupon Anand sliced his
attempted clearance into his own goal.
The Stones with Ant Bodle very prominent
in the middle of the pitch enjoyed plenty
of possession; however their final pass
lacked the precision to cause the Cray defence
any further problems in the first period.
The Stones effectively settled the game
mid way through the second half when Ant
Bodle fired home an absolute screamer from
30 yards into the roof of the net. With
the wind behind them the Stones continued
to push forward and the impressive Jimmy
Bodle was desperately unlucky to see his
superb long range swerving effort tipped
round the post by the Cray keeper.
Cray to their credit continued to work hard
but they were constantly frustrated by the
resilience of the Stones defence who were
in excellent form throughout the game.
With important players returning and creating
competition for places, hopefully this victory
could be the catalyst for the Stones to
string together an impressive run of results
to improve upon their current 6th placed
position in the league.
Team: Adam Harris, Jimmy Bodle,
Rob Lyall, Scott Whibley, Butch Ulph, Robin
Clark (Rob Carter), Ant Bodle, Steve Elliott,
Keelan Mooney, Jason Batt, Rupon Anand (Chris
Pearce). Subs not used: Marc Morrison,
Shannon O’Donovan
Maidstone
United Reserves 2 Dartford Reserves
3
16/02/08
Kent League Division One/Two Cup Quarter
Finals
Bizarre refereeing and poor finishing
ended the Stones quest for silverware this
season as they lost 2-3 to Dartford in a
hard fought Quarter final tie.
The Stones opened the scoring against the
run of play when Marc Morrison won the ball
in the centre of the pitch and found Keelan
Mooney in space. A well delivered through
ball by Mooney allowed Rupon Anand to cut
in and shoot across the goalkeeper into
the far corner.
The Stones then had a great opportunity
to increase their lead but Chris Pearce
smashed his shot against the crossbar from
close range.
Soon after the Stones then suffered the
first (of what was to be many!) poor refereeing
decisions of the afternoon. Robin Clark
was adjudged to have upended his opponent
in the penalty area although not one single
Dartford player appealed and the penalty
was comfortably dispatched home to bring
the scores level. Dartford were then denied
a second goal after their centre half rose
above Jimmy Bodle to powerfully head home
into the roof of the net, however as the
ball bounced down (over the line) Morrison
and goalkeeper Adam Harris hooked it away
and the referee waved play on to everybody’s
amazement.
Early in the second half Dartford went ahead
after Tom Armstrong was caught out of position
allowing their forward to rifle home far
too easily. Dartford continued to press
forward and Harris made a superb full length
save to deny their lively forward his second
of the game.
The Stones rallied well and should have
equalised after Anand sent Pearce through
on goal but he hurried his shot and missed
the target completely.
The Stones survived another scare as the
in form Scott Whibley chased back only to
clip the ankles of the Dartford forward
as he was clear through on goal, surprisingly
the referee did not see this worthy of a
caution and awarded a free kick on the edge
of the penalty area , however Whibley was
then promptly booked for attempting to charge
the free kick down!
The Stones then made two substitutions and
switched to a 3-4-1-2 as they attempted
to pull level. This allowed ‘Man of
the Match’ Mooney to have a free roaming
role behind the forwards and from his cross
the referee this time awarded the Stones
a penalty as the Dartford defender handled
to prevent the ball reaching Clark at the
far post. Rob Lyall confidently stepped
up and sent the keeper the wrong way to
equalise for the Stones.
Almost immediately from the re- start the
Stones lost concentration and allowed the
Dartford forward to break through the middle
of their 3 man defence, his shot was superbly
parried by Harris but from the resultant
scramble the referee inexplicably stunned
everyone by awarding Dartford another penalty!
When order was eventually restored Dartford
scored from the penalty to regain the lead.
The referee then ended any last hope that
the Stones had of getting back into the
game when he sent off Clark for talking
to the linesman about a dubious offside
decision awarded against the Stones.
Team: Adam Harris, Jimmy Bodle,
Scott Whibley, Rob Lyall, Tom Armstrong
(Matt McParland), Robin Clark, Marc Morrison,
Anthony Bodle, Keelan Mooney, Chris Pearce
(Jason Batt), Rupon Anand. Sub not used:
Tony Cornwell
Maidstone
United Reserves 0 Whitstable Town
Reserves 0
09/02/08
Kent League Division One
With four players returning the Stones
were able to field a somewhat familiar and
experienced line up for the first time this
year.
The Stones were determined to end their
bad run of form and although their gutsy
performance deserved a victory they still
had to settle for a solitary point against
in form Whitstable.
The Stones were denied an early goal after
Rupon Anand intercepted a poor goal kick
and rifled home a goal bound effort from
30 yards which the keeper scurried across
his line to somehow deflect the ball past
the post. Despite losing two players to
injury within the first twenty minutes the
Stones still looked the likeliest team to
score and Rob Lyall was very unfortunate
to see his powerful header rebound against
the cross bar.
With Ant Bodle and Steve Elliott combining
well in midfield the Stones continued to
create chances and both Anand and Chris
Pearce came close to opening the scoring.
Elliott himself then timed his run to perfection
to dribble into the box but despite riding
a couple of challenges his shot was deflected
away for a corner. From the resultant corner
Jason Batt rose above the Whitstable defence
but his header fell safely into the arms
of the goalkeeper.
As the game progressed Whitstable pushed
forward in an effort to clinch victory however
they rarely troubled the well organised
Stones back four (which included three U18s),
although it did take a great reflex save
from Adam Harris deep into the second half
to preserve their well earned clean sheet.
Team: Adam Harris, Jimmy Bodle,
Rob Lyall, Scott Whibley, Shannon O’Donovan
(Rob Carter), Robin Clark (Marc Morrison),
Steve Elliott, Anthony Bodle, Keelan Mooney,
Chris Pearce (Jason Batt), Rupon Anand.
Erith
Town Reserves 1 Maidstone United Reserves
0
02/02/08
Kent League Division One
Maidstone United Reserves lost for the
second week in succession after a very poor
performance against Erith Town Reserves.
The Stones again with a very much reshuffled
line up due to non availabilities and an
extensive long term injury list still fielded
a squad more than capable of achieving the
desired result.
However a very lack lustre display left
the Stones pointless and the management
team dejected and disappointed with their
team's performance.
The game began very scrappily with both
teams guilty of giving the ball away due
to displaying a poor first touch or aimless
lofted hopeful passing. The Stones in the
main were the team forcing the play but
more often than not the poor quality in
their play resulted in few clear cut chances
on the Erith goal. Rupon Anand did break
clear midway through the half but his attempted
curling shot was way off target when he
should really have done better.
The Stones did force a number of corners
and went close when Rob Lyall glanced his
header wide of the target. However like
in recent weeks the Stones again failed
to defend a set piece against them and allowed
an Erith forward a free header from eight
yards out and went behind after 30 minutes
play.
The Stones did have two half chances to
equalise before the halftime break. The
first was after a strong McParland run ended
up with the midfielder blatently felled
on the edge of the Erith penalty area. From
the resulting Mooney free kick another header
flashed wide of its desired target. The
second chance was from an O'Donovan corner
kick but Jimmy Bodle's left foot close range
effort came back off the woodwork.
The Stones following some harsh words at
the halftime break and a change in formation
attempted to raise their game. However despite
keeping Erith forced back for the majority
of the second period the Stones still lacked
the quality and creativity to draw level.
Jimmy Bodle had a good long range effort
turned on to the post by the Erith keeper
and there were a few goal mouth scrambles
but the chance of the game was misssed very
late on. Substitute Jason Batt managed to
break clear of his marker on the left handside
of the penalty area but with only the keeper
to beat blazed his left footed shot well
over from 10 yards out.
Team: Phillips, J.Bodle, Fabiola,
Whibley, O'Donovan,(Batt), Lyall, McParland,
M.Morrison,(Garner), Clark, (Armstrong),
Anand, Mooney.
Maidstone
United Reserves 0 Whitstable Town
Reserves 3
26/01/08
Kent Intermediate Cup
The Stones bad run continued as they
crashed out of the Kent Intermediate Cup
0-3 to an experienced Whitstable team.
With 11 players missing either due to injury,
out on loan , first team selection and England
Schoolboy duties it was always going to
be tough and six under 18s were drafted
into the squad to cover.
The Stones were well on top in the first
half as Keelan Mooney caused the Whitstable
defence all sorts of problems down the left
flank. With half an hour played he skipped
past his marker and delivered a cross that
eluded the goalkeeper and found Jason Batt
unmarked on the six yard box but his header
was somehow placed the wrong side of the
post.
Despite the Stones having the majority of
possession in the first period they failed
to cause the Whitstable defence any real
problems.
Within five minutes of the restart the game
was over as the Stones defence was caught
out twice as they pushed up and failed to
track down the runs of the Whitstable forwards
who gratefully slotted the ball home on
both occasions past debutant goalkeeper
Harry Lee.
The Stones promptly reverted to a 3-5-2
in an effort to claw their way back into
the game but a lack of fight, poor referring
and poor marking saw them concede another
goal and crash out of the cup at the quarter
final stages.
Team: Harry Lee, James Bodle, Frank
Fabiola, Scott Whibley, Shannon O’Donovan
(Tom Armstrong), Robin Clark (Rob Carter),
Marc Morrison, Matt McParland, Keelan Mooney,
Jason Batt (Miles Cornwell), Rupon Anand.
Sub not used: Luke Phillips
Sevenoaks
Town Reserves 3 Maidstone United Reserves
2
12/01/08
Kent League Division One
The Stones slumped to their first defeat
in seven games and as a consequence now
find themselves in a disappointing sixth
position in the league.
Sevenoaks opened the scoring with their
first attack of the game when a well delivered
cross from the left flank found their lively
forward in acres of space to tap home at
the far post.
The Stones responded well and were soon
level after Rupon Anand collected Marc Morrison’s
through ball and cut in to fire home across
the Sevenoaks keeper into the far corner
of the net.
The Stones defence looked uncharacteristically
shaky and were struggling to contain the
movement of the Sevenoaks forwards so it
was no surprise when they conceded again.
A long aimless clearance was collected by
their pacy forward and once again he was
allowed far too much room to look up and
comfortably lob the ball past debutant Luke
Phillips. Soon after he broke through again
and the Stones were relieved to see Phillips
bravely save from close range to keep the
score to 1-2 at the break.
The half time talk focussed around closing
opponents down quickly and being more competitive
in all area’s of the pitch as once
again the first half showing left much to
be desired.
The Stones were then dealt a further blow
as a floated free kick 40 yards out on the
left flank was somehow misjudged by everyone
and ended up in the back of the net. The
Stones responded by making substitutions
and changing to a 3-5-2 formation in an
effort to claw their way back into the game.
Almost immediately a well delivered free
kick from Stones ‘Man of the Match’
Morrison was headed against the cross bar
by the impressive Rob Lyall and he reacted
well to prod home the rebound from close
range.
As the Stones pressed forward looking for
the equaliser both Jason Batt and Shannon
O’Donovan were guilty of missing good
opportunities and despite Sevenoaks being
relieved to hear the final whistle their
first performance warranted them the three
points.
Team: Luke Phillips, Jimmy Bodle,
Frank Fabiola, Rob Lyall, Shannon O’Donovan,
Robin Clark, Marc Morrison, Richard Styles
(Scott Whibley), Keelan Mooney (Matt McParland),
Rupon Anand, Chris Pearce (Jason Batt).
Subs not used: Rob Carter, Miles
Cornwell.
Cray
Wanderers Reserves 2 Maidstone United Reserves
2
05/01/08
Kent League Division One
The Stones missing several players due
to injury and first team duty got off to
the worst possible start in 2008 against
high-flying Cray Wanderers.
After just three minutes they went a goal
behind after poor marking from a needless
free kick allowed the Cray forward the simple
task of tapping home from close range.
Cray’s lead however was short lived
as their keeper failed to gather Steve Elliott’s
corner under pressure from Robin Clark and
Chris Pearce was on hand to poke the ball
over the line to equalise.
Cray fought back and looked more determined
to exert their authority on the game and
it was no surprise when they regained the
lead after poor defending allowed their
wide right player far too much room to deliver
a pin point cross to the far post which
was powerfully headed home. Soon after a
brave save from keeper Adam Harris kept
the Stones in contention and they trailed
2-1 at the half time interval.
The Stones were told at the break that their
first half showing was totally unacceptable
and they had to compete hard to get back
into the game.
The Stones responded well and immediately
forced Cray deep into their own half and
in their quest for an equaliser they also
made substitutions to shift to a more attacking
3-5-2 formation. A dipping volley from Marc
Morrison crashed against Cray’s cross
bar but as the Stones pushed forward and
left gaps they were also relieved to see
2 efforts from Cray rebound off their own
woodwork. Despite the Stones dominance clear
cut chances were far and few between however
in the dying moments of the game they finally
got a deserved equaliser when their ‘Man
of the Match’ Frank Fabiola rose above
his marker to head home Elliott’s corner.
Team: Adam Harris, Jimmy Bodle,
Frank Fabiola, Sam Stevens, Alec Bryant
(Matt Garner), Robin Clark, Marc Morrison,
Steve Elliott, Tom Armstrong (Keelan Mooney),
Jason Batt (Rupon Anand), Chris Pearce.l
Maidstone
United Reserves 1 Sevenoaks Town Reserves
1
22/12/07
Kent League Division One
Missed chances and poor referring decisions
meant the Stones had to settle for a solitary
point instead of the three their performance
richly deserved.
The game couldn’t have started any
better for the Stones as within minutes
they were ahead after the Sevenoaks goalkeeper
misjudged Jason Batt’s cross and fumbled
it over the line.
The Stones were enjoying the majority of
possession with both Rob Lyall and Robin
Clark very prominent in midfield but the
Sevenoaks defence held firm to go into the
break just the one goal behind.
Soon into the second half the Stones got
caught on the break and it needed a superb
last ditch sliding tackle from Jimmy Bodle
to keep Sevenoaks at bay. However the Stones
continued to create chances and Batt, Chris
Pearce and Anthony Bodle were all guilty
of lacking composure in front of goal with
just the keeper to beat.
Sevenoaks competed well but chances were
far and few between as the Stones collectively
defended well, however a poor refereeing
decision gave them a life line. The ref
inexplicably awarded a corner instead of
a goal kick after the ball was run out of
play by a Sevenoaks player and from the
resultant delivery they headed home to equalise.
To make matters worse the ref then turned
down 2 blatant penalties for hand ball as
the Stones searched to regain the lead.
Despite these setbacks the Stones continued
to press forward and both Lyall and Matt
McParland both came close to scoring in
the closing stages of the Stones final game
of 2007.
Team: Adam Harris, Jimmy Bodle, Frank Fabiola,
Ashley Ulph, Shannon O’Donovan, Robin
Clark, Rob Lyall, Anthony Bodle, Tom Armstrong
(Marc Morrison), Jason Batt (Matt McParland),
Chris Pearce (Rupon Anand)
Erith
& Belvedere Reserves 0 Maidstone United
Reserves 7
15/12/07
Kent League Division One
The Stones Reserves delivered their
best team performance of the season to record
a convincing 7-0 victory against a very
physical Erith & Belvedere side.
On a pitch and surroundings that at the
best could be described as extremely poor
the Stones had to battle hard in the early
stages of this game to gain the upper hand.
The Stones missed a great opportunity to
take the lead after the in form Chris Pearce
weaved his way into the penalty area only
for his shot to be blocked and from the
resultant rebound Jason Batt fired straight
at the goalkeeper from close range.
Shortly afterwards Batt redeemed himself
as he reacted well to win the ball from
a corner and delivered a quality cross for
Rob Lyall to head home at the far post.
The Stones went into the break 2-0 up as
good work from Pearce found Batt in space
and he coolly despatched his effort past
the outstretched keeper.
The Stones continued to press forward and
a superb darting run from Pearce was only
interrupted after he was scythed down in
the penalty area and from the resultant
penalty Lyall grabbed his second as he sent
the keeper the wrong way.
Pearce deservedly got on the score sheet
himself as he collected a pass out wide
from Tom Armstrong before drifting inside
and firing home into the roof of the net
to make it 4-0. Erith continued to work
hard to get back into the game and goalkeeper
Adam Harris returning from injury was called
upon to make two superb saves to keep them
at bay.
However as Erith began to lose their discipline
the Stones took advantage and Batt bagged
his second finishing well from Armstrong’s
cross. With the Stones dominating in all
area’s of the pitch further goals looked
likely and substitute Rupon Anand was on
hand to head home Anthony Bodle’s well
delivered cross at the near post. Anand
was soon in the thick of the action again
as he superbly won a sliding tackle in his
own penalty area and ran half the length
of the pitch before setting Batt free but
his shot was saved by the advancing goalkeeper.
However Batt had the final say as he escaped
his marker again to collect Frank Fabiola’s
through ball and lobbed home past the stranded
goalkeeper to claim his hat trick and three
well earned points for the Stones.
Team: Adam Harris, Ashley Ulph,
Frank Fabiola, Rob Lyall, Shannon O’Donovan,
Robin Clark (Marc Morrison), Anthony Bodle,
Steve Elliott (Rupon Anand), Tom Armstrong,
Chris Pearce (Alec Bryant), Jason Batt.
Maidstone
United Reserves 2 Erith & Belvedere
Reserves 2 (AET)
24/11/07
Kent Intermediate Cup Round 2
With defenders Chris Smalling and Jimmy
Bodle absent on first team duty the Stones
lined up in a 3-5-2 formation. However once
again despite having three players in central
midfield the Stones were out fought and
only superb defending from both Ashley Ulph
and Rob Lyall along with the woodwork (twice)
prevented Erith from taking the lead.
Despite being under pressure for most of
the first half the Stones still missed two
great opportunities to go ahead when firstly
Anthony Bodle headed over from close range
and then the Stones controversially had
a goal disallowed for offside as Chris Pearce
followed in Rupon Anand’s shot and
was adjudged to be offside although he did
not touch the ball as it agonisingly crossed
over the line.
The Stones made two substitutions at the
break in an attempt to shore up the centre
of midfield but before they had time to
settle the Stones fell behind to a penalty
after a rash and needless challenge from
Shannon O’Donovan upended his opponent.
The Stones fought hard to get back into
the game.
With Bodle and 18-year-old debutant Matt
McParland combining well in the centre of
midfield and they were soon level after
Robin Clark crossed for Pearce to side foot
home. Erith then had the misfortune to see
another effort hit the woodwork and the
Stones suffered the same fate in the last
minute of normal time as Frank Fabiola’s
powerful header crashed against the cross
bar with the keeper well beaten.
With both teams tiring and the light rapidly
fading in extra time, Pearce found one final
spurt of energy to skip past his defender
and drive home past the advancing goalkeeper
and send the Stones into the quarter finals.
Team: Kye Homewood, Ashley Ulph, Rob Lyall,
Shannon O’Donovan (Jason Batt), Anthony
Bodle, Marc Morrison (Matt McParland), Frank
Fabiola, Robin Clark, Keelan Mooney (Tom
Armstrong), Rupon Anand, Chris Pearce. Sub
not used: Adam Harris
Ramsgate
Reserves 2 Maidstone Utd Reserves 2
17/11/07
Kent League Division One
Disappointingly the Stones squandered
a 2-0 lead against an experienced Ramsgate
side despite enjoying the majority of possession
throughout the game.
The Stones went ahead after Steve Elliott’s
through ball was handled by a Rams defender
in the penalty area to prevent Chris Pearce
from shooting. Up stepped Rob Lyall to coolly
slot home past the outstretched keeper.
The Stones continued to press forward and
both Robin Clark and Anthony Bodle looked
lively down the flanks but the score remained
1-0 at half time.
However soon after the break the impressive
pairing of Lyall and Elliott combined well
in the centre of midfield to set ‘Man
of the Match’ Pearce free to lob home
from 20 yards.
With The Stones defence superbly marshalled
by Chris Smalling looking very comfortable
it seemed likely that the Stones would go
onto increase their lead, but both Pearce
and Rupon
Anand were inches away from applying the
finishing touches to a couple of goalmouth
scrambles.
Against the run of play Ramsgate caught
the Stones napping from a quick free kick
to pull a goal back. This gave them the
belief that they could salvage something
from this game and with just 3 minutes remaining
the Stones failed to defend a deep cross
to the far post and the Rams forward headed
home to equalise.
Team: Kye Homewood, Jimmy Bodle,
Frank Fabiola, Chris Smalling, Shannon O’
Donovan (Ashley Ulph), Robin Clark, Steve
Elliott (Keelan Mooney), Rob Lyall, Anthony
Bodle, Jason Batt (Rupon Anand), Chris Pearce.
Maidstone
Utd Reserves 4 Greenwich Borough
Reserves 3
10/11/07
Kent League Division One
The Stones got off to a great start
when after just six minutes Steve Elliott
superbly controlled Shannon O’Donovan’s
cross and struck a volley that the goalkeeper
initially saved but was then helpless as
Elliott reacted well to smash home the rebound.
The Stones soon increased their lead after
centre half Rob Lyall made a superb tackle
inside his own half to break up a Greenwich
attack and then continued his run playing
a one – two with Chris Pearce before
coolly slotting home past the advancing
goalkeeper to score a goal that must surely
be a contender for ‘Goal of the Season’.
The Stones were then dealt a bitter blow
as Greenwich pulled a goal back from a simple
tap in at the far post from a player who
looked at least a couple of yards offside.
However it did not take the Stones long
to restore their lead as O’Donovan’s
excellent cross found the unmarked Chris
Pearce but his close range shot was parried
by the goalkeeper but fortunately Robin
Clark was on hand to slide home. The Stones
then gave Greenwich a life line as from
their own throw in O’Donovan got caught
in possession and both centre halves failed
to clear the danger before debutant Frank
Fabiola’s rash challenge led to the
award of a penalty that was duly despatched
past keeper Kye Homewood to make the score
3-2 at the break.
Once again the Stones started well and soon
restored their two goal advantage when Jason
Batt headed home Keelan Mooney’s well
delivered corner. The Stones continued to
exploit Greenwich’s frail defence and
really should have sewn up the game as Pearce,
Batt and Clark were all guilty of missing
easy opportunities from close range.
Once again poor defending from the Stones
allowed Greenwich back into the game as
Fabiola hesitated and sent a weak header
back to keeper Homewood which was easily
intercepted by the grateful forward to stroke
the ball into an empty net. This gave Greenwich
belief that they could get back on terms
and from an in swinging corner Homewood
made a superb reaction save to keep them
at bay and earn the Stones a Quarter Final
place where they will certainly need to
tighten up on their defensive play if they
are to progress further.
Team: Kye Homewood, James Bodle,
Frank Fabiola, Rob Lyall, Andy Foster (Keelan
Mooney) Robin Clark (Sam Stevens), Anthony
Bodle, Steve Elliott, Shannon O’Donovan,
Chris Pearce (Marc Morrison), Jason Batt.
Dartford
Reserves 1 Maidstone Utd Reserves 0
3/11/07
Kent League Division One
Dartford totally dominated proceedings
in the first half to the extent that the
Stones did not create a single worthwhile
opportunity. However thanks to some excellent
goalkeeping from Kye Homewood (who returned
to deputise for the injured Adam Harris),
some resolute defending from Rob Lyall,
Jimmy Bodle and Andy Foster, and some poor
finishing, the score somehow remained stalemate
at half time.
The Stones were told in no uncertain terms
at half time that their performance was
totally unacceptable and changes were implemented.
Just as it seemed things were improving
the Darts opened the scoring during the
Stones best period of the game. The Stones
failed to clear from a set piece and despite
a superb close range save from Homewood
the rebound fell to an unmarked Dartford
player to stab home.
Eventually the Stones did find a way through
the Darts solid defence and Chris Pearce’s
goal bound effort was well blocked by the
goalkeeper’s legs. Although the Stones
didn’t deserve to get anything from
this game both Lyall and Jason Batt missed
good opportunities from headers to salvage
a point.
Undoubtedly the absence of influential
players such as James Peacock (1st team)
and Chris Smalling (England Schoolboys trials)
didn’t help the Stones cause, but all
players need to lift their game collectively
if the Stones are to mount a serious league
title challenge this year as this defeat
now leaves them in a disappointing 4th position.
Folkestone
Invicta Reserves 0 Maidstone Utd Reserves
4
20/10/07
Kent League Division One
The Stones returned to winning ways
with a convincing 4-0 victory placing them
in second position in the league, a point
behind leaders Cray Wanderers and with 2
games in hand.
The Stones got off to a great start when
after just five minutes ‘Man of the
Match’ Chris Smalling chested down
Steve Elliott’s corner and found space
to coolly place his shot into the corner
of the goal. The Stones continued to press
forward and the lively Alex Tiesse was a
constant threat to the Folkestone defence
and he increased the Stones lead after collecting
a through ball from the impressive James
Bodle to leave two defenders in his wake
before rolling the ball past the advancing
goalkeeper.
The Stones were denied a third after Smalling’s
powerful header was saved by the keeper
and Chris Pearce’s follow up shot was
scrambled off the line. Soon after another
darting run from Tiesse saw him unselfishly
roll the ball into the path of Anthony Bodle
but his goal bound shot was blocked en route.
After the break the Stones increased their
lead further after James Peacock who had
an excellent game in the centre of midfield
effortlessly drifted past two defenders
and played a one two with Tiesse before
rifling home from just inside the penalty
area.
The Stones then inexplicably took their
foot of the pedal and allowed a spirited
Folkestone side three good opportunities
to score but thanks to a good save from
the in form Adam Harris, the woodwork, and
some woeful finishing the Stones somehow
kept their second consecutive clean sheet.
Peacock and Tiesse then combined well again
but this time some last ditch defending
kept them at bay, however it was left to
Tiesse to wrap up the proceedings after
he skilfully weaved his way into the penalty
area only to be upended by a desperate challenge.
He made no mistake from the resultant penalty
sending the keeper the wrong way and sealing
a well earned victory for the Stones.
Team: Adam Harris, Jimmy Bodle,
Chris Smalling, Rob Lyall, Andy Foster,
Anthony Bodle, James Peacock, Steve Elliott
(Robin Clark), Shannon O’Donovan (Marc
Morrison), Alex Tiesse, Chris Pearce (Jason
Batt). Sub not used: Keelan Mooney
Maidstone
Utd Reserves 0 Erith Town Reserves 0
13/10/07
Kent League Division One
As the result suggests this was a poor
quality game with very few chances created
by either team. Despite the Stones lining
up in an attacking 3-5-2 formation they
once again failed to take advantage of the
extra player in the middle of the park and
turned in a thoroughly boring performance.
‘Man of the Match’ Chris Smalling
came the closest to opening the scoring
when from a corner he found the time and
space to bring the ball under control with
his chest but unfortunately his shot was
blocked by the goalkeeper’s legs. Soon
after Kane Rice delivered a rare cross into
the penalty area that Jason Batt should
have buried but once again the keeper saved
from close range. With the Stones playing
so poor Erith began to grow in confidence
and forced goalkeeper Adam Harris to make
a superb full length save shortly before
the break.
The Stones made 2 substitutions at half
time in an effort to inject some much needed
passion and enthusiasm into their game and
almost immediately this was provided by
the lively Steve Elliott. His vision and
energy produced good chances for both 17
year old debutant Ben Palmer and Rice but
both players rushed their shots and failed
to hit the target. A rare interchange of
passing from the Stones saw a long range
effort from Robin Clark narrowly miss the
target, but as the game dragged on it was
Erith who looked the more likely to score
from their quick counter attacks.
Luckily for the Stones the back 3 of Jimmy
Bodle, Shannon O’ Donovan and Smalling
defended well throughout however the in
form Harris was called upon to make another
excellent save to keep Erith at bay before
the referee finally cheered everyone up
by blowing for full time.
Team: Adam Harris, Jimmy Bodle,
Chris Smalling, Shannon O’Donovan,
Marc Morrison, Anthony Bodle, Sam Stevens
(Steve Elliott), Robin Clark, Kane Rice,
Rikki Farah (Ben Palmer), Jason Batt (Keelan
Mooney). Unused Subs: Andy Foster,
Rob Lyall
Thamesmead
Town Reserves 2 Maidstone Utd Reserves 3
6/10/07
Kent League Division One
A good team display saw the Stones deservedly
collect three points against reigning champions
and league leaders Thamesmead Town.
‘Man of the Match’ James Peacock
opened the scoring for the Stones after
linking up well with Mo Takaloo to jinx
past two challenges before firing a low
drive into the corner of the net. The Stones
joy was short lived as Ashley Ulph’s
square pass was intercepted and from the
resultant through ball the Thamesmead forward
brushed past central defender Andy Foster
to fire home the equaliser. This spurred
Thamesmead back into action and the Stones
had to rely on a superb save from Adam Harris
to keep them level.
The Stones however soon regained the lead
after Kane Rice worked hard to retrieve
the ball back and deliver a pin point cross
for Rupon Anand to slot home.
Thamesmead came bouncing back again and
their lively forward comfortably beat the
Stones poor attempt of an ‘offside
trap’ to equalise again.
The Stones then had a great opportunity
to go into the half time break ahead but
a superb run and driven cross from Rice
agonisingly escaped the advancing forwards.
Early in the second half Peacock split open
Thamesmead’s defence with a superbly
weighted pass but Shannon O’Donovan
lobbed over the advancing goalkeeper and
unfortunately the cross bar from close range.
However O’Donovan soon redeemed himself
by delivering an excellent cross for Peacock
to powerfully head the Stones in front once
more.
As Thamesmead searched for an equaliser
they were denied by solid defending from
both Chris Smalling and James Bodle, however
with just minutes remaining Sam Stevens
got caught in possession on the edge of
the penalty area and Harris was forced to
rush bravely from his goal to make an outstanding
save at the feet of the Thamesmead forward
to secure victory for the Stones.
Team: Adam Harris, Jimmy Bodle,
Andy Foster (Sam Stevens), Chris Smalling,
Ashley Ulph, Kane Rice (Anthony Bodle),
James Peacock, Aaron Lacey, Shannon O’Donovan,
Mo Takaloo, Rupon Anand (Jason Batt). Sub
not used: Marc Morrison
Maidstone
Utd Reserves 1 Thamesmead Town Reserves
2
29/9/07
Kent League Division One
A bitterly disappointing and luck lustre
performance from the Stones saw them suffer
their first defeat of the season against
reigning champions Thamesmead Town.
The Stones conceded a ‘soft’
goal from a long throw as Steve Elliott
lost concentration and allowed his opponent
the simple task of tapping home the headed
flick on at the far post. Despite the Stones
having five players in midfield they failed
to dominate the proceedings and created
very few openings, although in fairness
they were not helped by the poor movement
of the two forwards.
The Stones made substitutions at the break
in the hope that this would inject some
much needed enthusiasm into their play.
They started to enjoy some success down
the flanks with the in-form Shannon O’Donovan
and Kane Rice both delivering good quality
crosses into the penalty area but these
were not met with any real conviction. With
the Stones camped in their opponents half
searching for an equaliser they were dealt
a cruel blow as a quick breakaway enabled
the Thamesmead forward to cut in and score
despite the presence of the experienced
Craig Roser returning to action after four
months out with injury.
A superb individual goal from Rice brought
the Stones back into contention but despite
having the majority of possession a second
goal never looked likely and it was Thamesmead
who kept their 100% league record intact.
Team: Adam Harris, Jimmy Bodle,
Andy Foster, Craig Roser, Marc Morrison
(Sam Stevens), Steve Elliott, Anthony Bodle
(Kane Rice), Robin Clark, Shannon O' Donovan,
Jamie Maxton (Rupon Anand), Jason Batt.
Unused Subs: Chris Pearce, Rob Lyall.
Maidstone
Utd Reserves 2 Margate Reserves 1
22/9/07
Intermediate Cup Round One
The Stones kept their 100% record intact
as they notched up their fourth consecutive
victory of the season.
However it was not all plain sailing for
the Stones after poor marking from a corner
allowed the Margate forward the simple task
of heading home from close range. The Stones
pressed hard for an equaliser and both forwards
Rupon Anand and Chris Pearce missed good
opportunities from well delivered crosses
to get the Stones back on terms.
The Stones were then desperately unlucky
to see a venomous long range strike from
Helio Guerreiro cannon of the underside
of the crossbar to safety. Then finally
on the stroke of half time the hard working
and impressive Robin Clark created enough
space to drill home a low drive into the
corner to make it level at the break.
With the back three of Jimmy Bodle, Andy
Foster and ‘Man of the Match’
Shannon O’Donovan in commanding form
the Stones enjoyed the majority of possession
in the 2nd half. An excellent run and shot
from Kane Rice was well saved by the Margate
goalkeeper and Steve Elliott looked certain
to score when he was put through one on
one with the goalkeeper but his shot was
comfortably saved.
With just minutes remaining and both teams
looking tired, new signing Sam Stevens timed
his run to perfection to powerfully head
home from a corner and seal a well deserved
victory for the Stones.
Team: Adam Harris, Jimmy Bodle,
Andy Foster, Shannon O’Donovan, Marc
Morrison, Anthony Bodle, Helio Guerreiro,
Robin Clark, Kane Rice, Rupon Anand (Sam
Stevens),Chris Pearce (Steve Elliott). Unused
Sub: Tony Cornwell.
Sevenoaks
Town Reserves 1 Maidstone Utd Reserves 4
15/9/07
Kent League Cup Division 1 / 2
With several players either injured
or unavailable the Stones were left with
just three recognised defenders and once
again were forced to line up in a now familiar
3-5-2 formation.
After a slow start the Stones took the lead
after Robin Clark powerfully headed forward
a poor goal kick into the path of Jason
Batt to cut across his marker before coolly
placing the ball into the corner of the
net. However the lead was short lived as
poor marking on the edge of the penalty
area allowed the Sevenoaks forward enough
room to dispatch a fierce drive into the
roof of the net.
For the remainder of the first half the
Stones seemed to lose their way and were
penned deep inside their own half but thankfully
the back 3 of Ashley Ulph, Andy Foster and
Shannon O’Donovan kept chances to a
minimum although goalkeeper Adam Harris
was called upon to make an excellent close
range save and he also confidently dealt
with a couple of long range efforts to keep
the score level at the break.
The second half was a different story as
the Stones upped the work rate considerably
and introduced Portuguese debutant Helio
Guerriero into the centre of midfield. It
seemed just a matter of tim
