Erith & Belvedere Reserves o-1 Maidstone United Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
04/05/09

In a very competitive game the Stones deservedly collected all three points to finish in fourth position for the second consecutive season.

This was by no means a typical end of season game with both teams putting in fair full blooded challenges which led to 2 Erith defenders having to be substituted. The Stones were enjoying the lion share of possession mainly due to the effectiveness of their central midfield pairing of Ant Bodle and Steve Elliott and Bodle was very unfortunate to see his well placed shot brilliantly saved. Soon after the Stones were denied again as Ashley Dann's snap shot was well saved from close range.

Erith came out for the second half looking to unsettle their younger opponents but the Stones kept their discipline and continued to win their individual battles in all area's with James Peacock and Andy Foster in the thick of it in the centre of defence. PK was also a constant threat from set pieces and Charlie Sharman just failed to get on the end of one of his headed efforts.

However moments later Foster delivered a free kick to the far post for PK to head across the area and Elliott showed his agility by superbly hooking home an overhead volley into the roof of the net.

This spurred Erith into action and keeper Adam Harris was called upon to superbly turn away a curling free kick that was destined to finish just inside of the post. In the dying moments of the game the Stones survived a major scare as PK's last ditch tackle sent their forward sprawling in the penalty area but despite strong appeals from Erith the referee waved play on and the Stones were left to celebrate an excellent team performance.

Thamesmead Town Reserves 2-1 Maidstone United Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
29/04/09

A dire performance by the Stones saw them lose again to League Champions Thamesmead who took the opportunity to rest some reserve team players ahead of their forthcoming cup final and field half a dozen first team players.

The game was played at a frantic pace on a hard uneven pitch and the quality of play could be best described as abysmal. The Stones seemed to have players 'going through the motions' after experiencing a brief spell of first team football and it took a superb penalty save from Adam Harris to prevent them from going behind after James Peacock was penalised for holding back a Thamesmead forward.

Soon after Harris was the saviour again as he brilliantly swooped low to turn away a goal bound effort. The Stones back four, clearly missing the presence of the injured Ash Russell, allowed the Thamesmead forwards far too much room and it just seemed a matter of time before they took the lead.

However totally against the run of play Charlie Sharman capitalised on a goalkeeping error to shoot home from an acute angle to put the Stones 1-0 up.

Despite strong words being sounded off during the half time break the Stones soon threw away their lead after a rushed clearance from Ant Bodle was delivered back into the penalty area and tapped home from close range. This at least provoked a reaction from the Stones in terms of effort but far too many players lost their individual battles in all areas of the pitch.

Thamesmead deservedly secured all three points after their centre half collected the ball just inside the Stones half and was allowed to advance forward before unleashing a thunderous strike into the roof of the net from at least 30 yards out.

Margate Reserves 0-2 Maidstone United Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
11/04/09

Once again the Stones showed how inconsistent their performances can be by playing superbly in the first half and abysmally in the second half.

The Stones started confidently and were generally sharper all round and with constant pressure being applied a goal always looked likely. Ashley Dann came close to opening the scoring as his goal bound effort was blocked by the back of a Margate defender.

Eventually the Stones got their deserved break through after Andy Foster's well delivered free kick was flicked on by Miles Cornwell and headed home at the far post by 'Man of the Match' Ash Russell. The Stones aerial presence from set pieces was causing Margate considerable problems and Rob Lyall got onto the score sheet rising above his marker to despatch Billy Morrison's corner firmly into the roof of the net to make it 2-0 at the interval.

Instead of building on an excellent first half performance the Stones took their foot of the pedal and struggled to string two passes together. Thankfully the central defensive partnership of goal scorers Russell and Lyall also combined well at the other end to break up the majority of Margate's efforts although keeper Richard Knell was called into action to make an excellent save in the closing moments to preserve his clean sheet.

Thamesmead Town Reserves 4-3 Maidstone United Reserves (Thamesmead won 6-4 on aggregate)

Kent League Division 1/ 2 Cup Semi Final First Leg
08/04/09

In a remarkable game the Stones undeservedly relinquished a 3-0 lead and suffered the anguish of a missed penalty in the last minute that would have taken this semi final tie into extra time.

The Stones trailing 2-1 from the first leg set up in a 3-5-2 formation to take the game to an experienced Thamesmead side. However it was their opponents who had the better of the early exchanges and only a good save from keeper Adam Harris and the linesman flag kept Thamesmead at bay.

After a spell of good possession the Stones took the lead after Keelan Mooney drifted past his marker and unleashed an unstoppable 25 yard drive that flew into the roof of the net. The Stones continued to press forward and Steve Elliott found Mooney in space and he fired home this time from the edge of the penalty area to put the Stones 2-0 up at half time.

With just 5 minutes gone in the second period Ashley Dann collected a pass on the half way line and raced to the byline leaving two defenders in his wake before pulling the ball back for Mooney to hit home on the second attempt for his hat trick.

Then from being in total control the Stones then surrendered a three goal lead in a matter of 15 minutes as panic set in. A needlessly conceded free kick on the edge of the penalty area was despatched in off the crossbar and Harris's back to make it 3-1 and from the very next attack a dubious penalty was awarded against Miles Cornwell for allegedly blocking his markers run, and that was duly converted to make it 3-2.

The Stones then played themselves into trouble after a poor clearance from a back pass fell to a Thamesmead forward and after a game of pinball in the Stones defence the ball eventually ended up in the back of the net to make it 3-3.

With the Stones needing another goal to get level on aggregate gaps were appearing and goal line clearances from Elliott and Billy Morrison kept them in the game. The Stones should then have got back on terms but Dann headed wide from Rob Carter's excellent cross.

Then in the very last minute of the game Ant Bodle was felled in the penalty area and the referee once again pointed to the spot. Courageously Rob Lyall stepped up knowing that he had to score to take the tie into extra time but his shot was palmed onto the post and scrambled to safety as the ball run back agonisingly along the goal line.

To rub salt into the wounds further, from the resultant keepers kick Thamesmead broke away and scored a scrappy goal to seal their place in the final.

Maidstone United Reserves 6-0 Sevenoaks Town Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
04/04/09

A good all round team performance saw the Stones comfortably defeat basement team Sevenoaks Town 6-0.

The comprehensive victory was made that little bit sweeter as only two2 weeks previously the Stones had lost 1-2 in a midweek game to a Sevenoaks team featuring several first team players.

The Stones took control of the game from the start with Matt Garner and Ant Bodle dominating in the centre of midfield and a great volley from Billy Morrison's cross saw Garner open the scoring.

The second goal followed soon after as Andy Foster's pinpoint cross was powerfully headed home by Ash Russell at the far post. With Sevenoaks pinned back in their own half a third goal was always on the cards and Morrison's well hit free kick bounced in front of the keeper and Bodle kept his composure to find space in a crowded area before firing home.

Sevenoaks then bizarrely produced the half time entertainment as their goalkeeper and forward were involved in an incident that resulted in the keeper refusing to take any further part in the game!

The Stones made substitutions to give some more promising U18 players vital match experience and this also meant that Morrison linked up with Ashley Dann for the first time up front and a neat interchange of passes between them set Morrison free to make it 4-0. The same 2 players combined well again to make it 5-0 as Morrison headed home after his initial shot rebounded off the cross bar.

Dann was denied a deserved goal after the stand in keeper produced a superb point range save and again in the closing minutes as 'Man of the Match' Russell tapped home his goal bound effort as it was about to cross the line!

Whitstable Town Reserves 0-1 Maidstone United Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
24/03/09

The Stones returned to winning ways with a hard fought victory against a spirited Whitstable side hovering just above the relegation zone.

For the first half hour the Stones controlled the game with fluent passing and possession but the Whitstable defence coped well under pressure. However Whitstable then noticeably upped the tempo of their game and the Stones were fortunate not to concede a goal after poor marking from a corner.

The Stones got off to a great start in the second half after a well delivered free kick from Steve Elliott was poorly punched out by the Whitstable keeper and Ant Bodle reacted well to head home.

The Stones then missed a great opportunity to effectively settle the game after Ashley Dann latched onto a through ball but his shot was well blocked by the onrushing goalkeeper. Dann was involved again soon after collecting a yellow card for his part in a challenge that saw the Whitstable centre half collect a red card for retaliation.

This seemed to spur Whitstable on and they were denied an equaliser in the last minute of the game after keeper Richard Knell made an excellent save to deflect a shot onto the post before Tom Parkinson cleared it to safety as it rolled along the goal line.

Maidstone United Reserves 1-2 Thamesmead Town Reserves

Kent League Division 1/ 2 Cup Semi Final First Leg
21/03/09

The Stones trail a goal behind at the half way stage of this second leg semi final tie against league leaders Thamesmead due to a couple of defensive errors.

In a keenly contested game the Stones missed a great opportunity to go ahead after Ashley Dann beat the offside trap but his lob over the onrushing goalkeeper finished the wrong side of the post.

Against the run of play Thamesmead opened the scoring after the Stones firstly lost possession and then allowed the Thamesmead forwards far too much room to create an opening before dispatching a neat finish past keeper Adam Harris. The Stones best effort in response was a long range effort from Steve Elliott that was acrobatically tipped over the bar.

The Stones suffered a further setback early in the second half as poor marking from a free kick allowed the Thamesmead centre half a free header that he gratefully guided into the roof of the net.

The Stones reverted to a 3-5-2 pushing the impressive Rob Lyall into the centre of midfield and immediately benefitted by enjoying more possession in this area. A quick throw in and through ball caught the Thamesmead defence napping and Dann was on hand to pull one back for the Stones with a side foot finish. With the Stones chasing the game Thamesmead could have increased their lead but a great challenge from Ash Russell and a superb point blank save from Harris kept the Stones in contention.

In the closing moments of the game Keelan Mooney created a shooting opportunity after some great footwork but his effort crept agonisingly past the post with the keeper beaten.

Sevenoaks Town Reserves 2-1 Maidstone United Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
17/03/09

Two poor defensive errors saw the Stones undeservedly drop three valuable points against a Sevenoaks team that featured several of their first team players.

The first haIf produced very few chances with Sevenoaks missing the best opportunity after their pacy forward fired past the post from close range.

Soon into the second half the Stones fell behind after James Peacock's attempted headed back pass fell short to give the Sevenoaks forward the simple task of slotting home.

The Stones responded well and Tom Parkinson was unfortunate to see his hooked shot hit the crossbar from a corner.
Disaster then struck again for the Stones as Ash Russell's pressurised clearance found it's way into the back of his own net to put Sevenoaks 2-0 up.

The Stones were then dealt a further blow as from a corner the officials failed to see the ball had crossed over the goal line before a Sevenoaks player punched it out and amazingly the referee waved play on! The Stones continued to chase the game and a good run and cross from Keelan Mooney found Miles Cornwell but his powerful header finished just wide of the post.

The Stones got back into contention as an excellent 30 yard strike from 'Man of the Match' Steve Elliott flew into the top corner to reduce the arrears. As the Stones pushed forward gaps appeared and Karl Lucas made a superb goal line clearance to prevent Sevenoaks from increasing their lead.

Folkestone Invicta Reserves 1-0 Maidstone United Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
28/02/09

Looking at the form guide and position of both clubs in the league this is a game that the Stones were expected to win but a poor performance saw them travel home empty handed.

The Stones missed a great opportunity to take the lead after Tom Hopkins made a timely interception and picked out Ashley Dann with a pinpoint pass but he shot into the keepers arms from close range. As the first half progressed Folkestone grew in confidence and begun to enjoy the majority of possession and often looked dangerous from well delivered set pieces.

At the interval the Stones made a substitution and also switched the impressive Matt Garner into the centre of midfield in an effort to regain control of the game. However they soon found themselves a goal behind after needlessly losing possession of the ball in defence which allowed the Folkestone forward room to squeeze a deflected shot past the reach of keeper Richard Knell.

The Stones showed plenty of endeavour to try and get back on terms but the quality of their passing constantly let them down and as a consequence only created one worthwhile chance when Miles Cornwell superbly struck effort was well saved by the Folkestone goalkeeper.

Maidstone United Reserves 4-1 Dover Athletic Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
14/02/09

The Stones best display of the season saw them climb above Dover to top the league after an emphatic and impressive 4-1 victory.

The Stones were unfortunate not to go ahead in the opening minutes after Matt Garner headed against the crossbar from Billy Morrison’s cross. The Stones kept up the momentum and soon took the lead after Steve Elliott collected a clearance from a corner and unleashed a shot from 35 yards that the keeper spilled at the feet of debutant Tom Hopkins to tap home from close range. The Stones then survived a scare as the Dover forward fired high and wide with keeper Adam Harris frantically back peddling after slipping when rushing from goal.

With Elliott and Frank Fabiola dominating proceedings in the centre of midfield the Stones had plenty of possession and a through ball from Andy Foster was collected by new signing Ashley Dann but a slight hesitancy allowed the onrushing keeper to block his shot. However Dann was soon in the mix of things again as his presence forced his marker to divert Miles Cornwell’s cross into his own net to put the Stones 2-0 up at half time.

After the break the Stones continued to win their battles in all area’s and clever play from Dann set Cornwell free but the keeper positioned himself well again to keep Dover in the game. The Stones defence looked comfortable throughout and a good interception and pass from Ash Russell set Dann clear and his superbly lobbed finish got him onto the score sheet despite him looking decidedly offside.

The Stones came close to increasing their lead after a well struck free kick from Elliott hit the woodwork. The Stones finally put the game out of Dover’s reach after Cornwell and Garner combined well to give ‘Man of the Match’ Dann the opportunity to cut across his defender and fire home into the roof of the net from an acute angle.

Dover then scored a consolation goal after the Stones were caught napping in defence and then in the last minute of the game the referee made his mark on the game with a decision only he will ever understand! After initially awarding a corner to Dover after the impressive Hopkins slide tackled the ball to safety, he then changed his mind and awarded a penalty after realising the tackle was in the area! To crown it all he then booked both players for their part in the challenge and then issued a second yellow card to Hopkins for having the audacity to complain. The Dover player involved in the incident then blasted the ball over the bar much to everyone’s amusement.

Maidstone United Reserves 0-0 Chatham Town Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
31/01/09

The score line says it all!

For the second consecutive home game the Stones gave a half hearted display which could be best described as dull and boring.

With the exception of 16 year old Steve Brading showing some flashes of quality the Stones lacked creativity going forward and struggled to string more than a couple of passes together and with Ash Russell in commanding form again in the centre of the Stones defence neither side ever looked likely to score.

This level of performance is totally unacceptable and changes need to be made so hopefully the Stones will have a full squad to choose from when they return to action in a fortnight's time against league leaders Dover.

Dartford Reserves 1-2 Maidstone United Reserves

HAUC Divisions One and Two Cup Quarter Final
24/01/09

This was not one of the Stones best performances but you could not fault their effort and determination and in the end it was enough to see them progress through to the semi final.

Dartford quickly exerted their authority on the game and almost took an early lead after a deflected cross hit the underside of the cross bar before being hooked away to safety.
The Stones were forced to defend for long periods of the first half but thankfully the lively Dartford forwards were persistently running into offside positions.

However on a rare occasion they did manage to stay onside a simple through ball saw their forward shrug off the challenge of Micky Pearce before squirming his shot past the advancing Adam Harris.

Then against the run of play the Stones equalised seconds before half time after a Keelan Mooney free kick was headed across goal by Ash Russell and smashed home from close range by Tom Parkinson.

The Stones were still very pleased to hear the half time whistle so they could re-organise and make a couple of substitutions. The pacy Rob Lyall was moved into the back four making room for the influential Ant Bodle to join up with Mike Farrell in the centre of midfield. This certainly restricted the supply to the Dartford forwards and gradually the Stones started to enjoy more possession of the ball. The Stones always looked a threat at set pieces and they took the lead after Dartford failed to clear another Mooney free kick allowing Farrell the room to drive home from the edge of the penalty area.

With time running out Dartford pressed hard for the equaliser but could not break down the Stones defence which was superbly marshalled by 'Man of the Match' Ash Russell who continued his impressive run of form.

Maidstone United Reserves 0-1 Cray Wanderers Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
17/01/09

A dire performance ended the Stones recent run of good form and enabled Cray Wanderers to climb a place above them into fourth.

The Stones had a great opportunity to open the scoring after just two minutes but Chris Pearce fired straight at the goalkeeper from close range. Unfortunately this was the highlight of the 1st half as the Stones lacked both creativity and in some cases the effort required to stamp their authority on this game.

After strong words were exchanged at half time the Stones raised their tempo but their general play was still far beyond the required and expected standards. As the game drifted on Cray looked the more likely team to break the deadlock and goalkeeper Richard Knell was called upon to make two excellent saves to keep them at bay.

The Stones then missed a 'sitter' as Chris Pearce found Miles Cornwell in space but despite cutting across the goalkeeper he took too long to shoot and his effort was blocked on the line by a Cray defender.

The Stones then fell behind with 10 minutes remaining after they failed to clear a free kick and allowed a Cray forward to turn on the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a fierce drive into the corner of the net.

In the final moments of the game the Stones thought they had secured a point as Steve Brading slotted home from an acute angle but the linesman adjudged that he received the ball in an offside position.

Maidstone United Reserves 1-0 Whitstable Town Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
27/12/08

The Stones continued their good run of form by defeating Whitstable Town 1-0 to make it 15 out of 18 points from their last six league games.

The Stones started brightly and with just two minutes gone Chris Pearce skipped past his marker and was upended in the penalty area but the referee waved play on much to everybody's amazement. Unfortunately this was the first of many poor decisions the referee made as he frustrated players with his continual stopping of play and booking of players for minor offences. The Stones were then forced to make an early change after defender Micky Pearce pulled up with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Dale Nott who settled back comfortably into a tight knit defence after being sidelined by injury for 18 months.

The Stones always looked a threat at set pieces and Ash Russell should have opened the scoring from Billy Morrison's corner but his header sailed over the crossbar. Shortly before half time Chris Pearce weaved his way into the penalty area and was brought down again but this time the referee did point to the spot. Up stepped Rob Lyall but his weak effort was comfortably saved by the keeper so the score remained goalless at half time.

With Mike Farrell in dominant form in the centre of midfield and Morrison providing quality service from the flanks the Stones were creating some good opportunities and both Chris Pearce and Miles Cornwell were denied by saves off the keepers legs from close range.

However with just five minutes remaining the impressive Russell made atones for his earlier miss by bundling the ball home from a corner. This was just the start of a crazy finale as a Whitstable player received a yellow card for 'diving' after being fouled in the penalty area and Stones substitute Tom Mahon missed an open goal from a yard out after a great run from the in form Chris Pearce.

Maidstone United Reserves 1-0 Ashford Town Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
20/12/08

An accomplished all round team performance saw the Stones deservedly collect three points in a physical encounter against second placed Ashford Town.

With eight players missing due to first team and Kent Schools call ups, injuries and suspensions the Stones were pleased to have available Rob Lyall, Mike Farrell and Matt Garner back from Uni, new signing Phil Edmonds and Andy Foster returning from a long term injury.

The Stones started well but suffered an early blow when Miles Cornwell was forced to leave the field after a heavy challenge, however it was substitute Ben Palmer who came very close to opening the scoring after some excellent footwork created an opening but his rising shot just cleared the cross bar.

Despite the Stones enjoying the majority of possession in the first half with Lyall and Farrell dominant in midfield, chances were far and few between at both ends. The second half continued in a similar vein and despite some good link up play between forwards Chris Pearce and Ben Palmer Ashford defended well and their keeper was rarely seriously troubled.

However with 20 minutes remaining substitute Matt Garner was introduced and he made an immediate impact by scoring with his first touch! Excellent work from Chris Pearce saw him weave into the penalty area and fend off a challenge before crossing for Garner to slide home at the far post.

With Ashford searching desperately hard for an equaliser the Stones back line were once again in superb form limiting Ashford to just one half chance which keeper Adam Harris dealt with comfortably.

As the final whistle blew the Stones celebrated a hard fought victory which now puts them just 4 points behind leaders Thamesmead after winning 4 of their last 5 league games.

Ashford Town Reserves 1-0 Maidstone United Reserves

Kent Intermediate Cup
29/11/08

Despite dominating the majority of the game the Stones suffered a 1-0 defeat in this cup tie against high flying Ashford Town.

The Stones started exceptionally well and were soon causing the Ashford defence problems down the left flank where Mickey Brown continually made openings for shooting opportunities but his long range efforts kept flying over the crossbar.

With Scott Ibbertson in superb form in the centre of midfield it only looked like a matter of time before the Stones went ahead but unfortunately Keelan Mooney was guilty of missing two excellent chances with only the keeper to beat. Another good opportunity was thwarted after Jimmy Bodle made a great run from midfield to collect a through ball but he was cynically brought down by the Ashford centre half who amazingly escaped a card of any colour.

With the whole of the Stones defence in fine form the Ashford forward pairing decided that they needed some inspirational help to try and get onto the score sheet. With an Ashford player down injured the Stones sportingly kicked the ball out for a throw. Obviously expecting the Ashford player to throw it back to the keeper the Stones defence pressed up only to see him throw it to the other Ashford forward who ran through unchallenged but thankfully his shot from close range was superbly saved by Adam Harris.

Not surprisingly this provoked a strong reaction from the Stones players and certainly provided an edge to the game. Shortly before half time Harris was called into action again as he came out well to smother a well hit effort.

The turning point of the game without doubt happened during the early stages of the second half after a heavy challenge on ‘Man of the Match’ Ibbertson saw him stretchered off with ankle ligament damage. The referee who was being assessed also allowed this challenge to go unpunished but unfortunately for Stones substitute Abbas Agoro he was not so lenient as he received a yellow card for his first challenge after replacing the injured Ibbertson.

Then against the run of play Ashford opened the scoring when a mishit free kick found one of their players in space on the edge of the area and as Brown tried to get close enough to stop him from shooting he skilfully curled the ball home.

The Stones rallied well in an attempt to get back on terms but their hopes were dealt a severe blow as 17 year old Agoro received his second yellow card for a sliding challenge after being on the pitch for just 20 minutes.

Despite having 10 men the Stones continued to press forward but at times the quality of their final ball was missing as the adrenalin flowed. In the closing minutes of the game the Ashford forward who was guilty of taking the ‘unsporting’ throw crowned his display by being sent off for head butting Stones defender Rob Carter.

The two teams meet again during December in a league game.

Cray Wanderers Reserves 0-2 Maidstone United Reserves

Division One/Two Cup
22/11/08

A visit To Cray Wanderers Oxford Road ground can be at best described as an ‘unattractive and difficult’ fixture, and with Butch Ulph and Keelan Mooney receiving a late 1st team call up the task was made even harder.

A committed performance was essential to progress into the next round and to get revenge for the 4-0 nil thrashing received in the league fixture back in September and that’s exactly what the Stones delivered.

The Stones took the game to Cray from the off however despite their dominance in midfield chances were far and few between in the first half.

After the break the Stones continued to press forward despite playing against the wind and the slope and came agonisingly close to open the scoring from a corner but somehow Cray scrambled the ball to safety and soon after another chance went begging after Ben Palmer shot wide with just the keeper to beat.

Cray seemed content to rely on the direct long ball through the middle but the Stones central defensive partnership of Ash Russell and Micky Pearce were superb throughout.

The introduction of substitute Chris Pearce at front reaped dividends as with just 15 minutes remaining he lost his marker in the penalty area to head home a cross from Jimmy Bodle to put the Stones ahead.

Instead of sitting on their slender lead the Stones retained possession of the ball and went further ahead after ‘Man of the Match’ Tom Parkinson delivered an excellent cross for Billy Morrison to slot home at the far post. In the closing moments of the game Mickey Brown found Chris Pearce in space but his shot was somehow saved at close range by the Cray keeper.

This well-earned victory saw the Stones progress to the Quarter Final stage where they have been drawn away to Dartford.

Maidstone United Reserves 1-0 Margate Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
15/11/08

Despite dominating proceedings the Stones lacked precision with the final ball and had to settle for 1-0 victory.

The Stones looked lively up front with Keelan Mooney and Ben Palmer linking up well and a good exchange of passes between the pair set Mooney free to drive home into the far corner.

Palmer was then unfortunate not to get on the score sheet himself as his long range effort just cleared the cross bar.

The second half saw Margate adopt a more attacking formation but with Chris Pearce and Ash Russell in commanding form at the centre of defence
the Stones were rarely troubled.

The Stones best opportunity of the second half fell to 17 year old Scott Ibbertson but he dragged his shot wide of the post after a powerful run from the centre of midfield.

Maidstone Utd Reserves 1-2 Thamesmead Town Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
8/11/08

The score line flattered the Stones as Thamesmead completely dominated this encounter and should have won by a much larger margin.

The Stones were physically swept aside and never showed the necessary determination and desire to fight their way back into the game. The Stones went behind mid way through the first half after they once again failed to keep possession of the ball up front and then allowed the lively Thamesmead forwards far too much room to fire home from the edge of the penalty area.

The Stones reshuffled at half time but were soon further behind after a Thamesmead forward raced through the Stones defence looking decidedly offside before easily rounding the hesitant Richard Knell in goal and despite strong protests the goal was allowed to stand.

Not even this set back spurred the Stones into action and Thamesmead continued to win the ball with ease all over the pitch and missed several chances to increase their lead.

Only in the dying minutes of this game did the Stones show any real commitment and Billy Morrison scored a consolation goal after he was on hand to fire home from close range after the keeper failed to deal with Jimmy Bodle’s shot.

Maidstone United Reserves 2-0 Folkestone Invicta Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
25/10/08

An excellent team performance saw the Stones record their second consecutive victory and climb to fourth place in the league.

The Stones won the toss and opted to take advantage of the strong wind in the first half. However despite changing to a 3-5-2 formation and dominating possession they failed to break down the resolute Folkestone defence.

The Stones continued to dictate proceedings in the second half and went ahead from a Butch Ulph penalty after a Folkestone defender handled in the penalty area.
Rather than sitting back on their lead the Stones continued to press forward and an excellent cross from the impressive Jimmy Bodle was headed home by Keelan Mooney to put the 2-0 up.

The Stones worked hard to keep possession of the ball and a good interchange of passes created an excellent opportunity for the lively Michael Brown to put the result beyond doubt but he pulled his shot wide of the post. However with the Stones defence in fine form Folkestone could not find a way back into the game and the Stones deservedly collected all three points.

Chatham Town Reserves 1-5 Maidstone United Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
18/10/08

The Stones returned to winning ways with an emphatic 5-1 victory against local rivals Chatham Town.

After only 10 minutes Steve Elliott threaded a through ball to Keelan Mooney who cut across his defender to put the Stones ahead. Despite the early goal the Stones produced a very nervy lacklustre first half performance and Chatham missed a couple of good opportunities to level.

However it didn’t take Chatham long to equalise in the second half when Stones goalkeeper Adam Harris launched his drop kick into the back of the Chatham forward giving him the simple task of turning round and tapping home into an empty net.

However this along with the introduction of under 18 substitute Scott Ibbertson shook the Stones into action and they were soon ahead after the in form Ant Bodle raced into the penalty area to fire home. The Stones then survived a penalty appeal after a rash challenge from Ashley Russell luckily went unpunished by the referee and to make matters worse for Chatham the Stones were then awarded a penalty after Steve Elliott was floored in the area and Ibbertson confidently struck home the resultant kick.

From this point on it was one way traffic as the Stones camped in their opponents half and Miles Cornwell got onto the scoresheet with a half volley at the far post from Elliott’s well delivered cross. The Stones then had enough chances to move the score line into double figures but woeful finishing prevented this from happening. However in the closing minutes debutant Michael Brown crossed for the impressive Chris Pearce to head home past the stranded goalkeeper.

PHOTOS FROM BRIAN HOLMES

Maidstone United Reserves 0-2 Ashford Town Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
11/10/08

The Stones continued their poor run of results losing 0-2 to league leaders Ashford Town.

The Stones started brightly and Billy Morrison outwitted the Ashford full back on a couple of occasions to deliver crosses into the box but they were dealt with far too easily by the Ashford defence. In an even first half the Stones were unlucky not to take the lead after the hard working Ant Bodle surged into the penalty area but his shot rebounded of the inside of the post with the goalkeeper well beaten.

Out of the blue Ashford took the lead from a fierce 25 yard drive that rifled past goalkeeper Adam Harris into the roof of the net. The Stones lacked the passion and desire required to claw themselves back into the game so it was no surprise when Ashford sealed the game with 10 minutes remaining after their forward beat the offside trap to slot past the advancing Harris.

Maidstone United Reserves 1-1 Dartford Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
27/09/08

On the back of two consecutive defeats the Stones were under no illusions that a vast improvement was expected and they responded well despite having several key players unavailable.

However after 20 minutes and against the run of play the Stones found themselves a goal behind from a harshly awarded free kick which was drilled home from the edge of the penalty area. No doubt in an effort to make amends the referee then awarded the Stones a ‘soft’ free kick in an almost identical position and Butch Ulph confidently fired home to return the favour.

The Stones should then have increased their lead after a strong run from the hard working Miles Cornwell saw him outstrip his marker but his shot was deflected onto the post by Dartford’s goalkeeper. With half time approaching another chance went begging after a superb through ball from ‘Man of the Match’ Ulph sent Tom Rolt free but a poor finish saw hit shoot into the arms of the advancing Dartford keeper.

With Ashley Russell in commanding form in the centre of the defence and Jimmy Bodle and Ulph linking well in the centre of midfield the Stones looked the likelier of the two teams to take the lead and debutant Craig Thompson was unlucky to see a well hit effort sail narrowly over the crossbar.

Then with just 10 minutes remaining Chris Pearce was hauled down in the penalty area and the referee duly awarded a spot kick. However once again the Darts keeper produced an excellent save to keep the scores level and disappointingly the Stones had to settle for a solitary point.

Dartford Reserves 1-1 Maidstone United Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
06/09/08

The Stones were forced into making five changes to their starting line up from last weeks team including a completely new look midfield.

Subsequently the Stones struggled to string passes together and therefore created few chances in the first half, however the in form Miles Cornwell was unfortunate to see his strong run thwarted by the Darts goalkeeper. The only other notable chance occurred after two of Stones impressive U18 players Tom Parkinson and Rob Carter combined well down the right flank to create an opening but the expected shot never materialised much to Dartford's relief.

The game opened up in the second half and Stones goalkeeper Adam Harris excelled with an acrobatic save from a close range shot and then again when rushing out of goal to narrow the angle and block a fierce drive from the oncoming forward.

The Stones responded well and began to impose their authority on the game. A surging run down the right flank from Jimmy Bodle saw his cross agonisingly flash past the Stones attackers to safety. The Darts keeper was then called into action to deal with a long range effort from Carter and a powerful header from Ant Bodle. The Stones then had a glorious chance to take the lead after Billy Morrison was put through on goal but a well timed last ditch challenge prevented him from getting a clean strike and his shot was scrambled to safety.

With just five minutes remaining Cornwell collected a clearance from a corner and delivered a cross back into the crowded penalty area which was flicked on by Billy Morrison and bravely headed home from close range by Ashley Russell. With just 20 seconds remaining the Stones celebrations were cut short as a low shot from the edge of the penalty area somehow squeezed inside of the post past the stranded Harris and deprive the Stones of another three points.

Dover Athletic Reserves 0-1 Maidstone United Reserves

Bulmers Cider Kent League One
30/08/08

An excellent all round team performance saw the Stones deservedly collect three points from their opening league fixture against an experienced Dover side.

The Stones started well revelling on a playing surface that was both wide and in perfect condition and looked very comfortable in possession of the ball for long periods. Goalscoring opportunities in the first half were far and few between however a good run from James Peacock saw him deliver a cross to the far post but Jimmy Bodle’s effort just finished the wrong side of the post. Debutant Ashley Russell was then unlucky to see his attempt blocked from Steve Elliott’s corner shortly before the half time break.

In extremely hot conditions the tempo of the second half began to slow but the Stones always looked the most likely to score. Good work down the left hand side between Shannon O’Donovan and Miles Cornwell found Peacock in space on the edge of the penalty area and he confidently despatched his shot high into the roof of the net to put the Stones ahead.

With Dover searching for the equaliser the Stones back line defended superbly throughout and were very rarely troubled. As Dover pushed forward gaps naturally appeared in their defence and Cornwell’s good hold up play allowed time for Rob Carter to advance from his own half to receive the ball but with the goal at his mercy he fired over. Then a powerful run from Ant Bodle saw his effort well saved and in the closing minutes O’Donovan picked out Billy Morrison but his curling shot rebounded off the cross bar with the goalkeeper well beaten.

With flagging legs the Stones were relieved to eventually hear the final whistle and now look forward to visiting Dartford next weekend.

Deal Town Reserves 2-6 Maidstone United Reserves

Pre-season friendly
24/07/08

Peter Nott’s Reserve Team played their first friendly of this pre-season on Thursday night at Deal Town’s Charles Sports Ground and ended a long evening with a resounding 6-2 victory.

With the journey to the coast hampered by horrendous traffic problems on the M2 and M20, the game was delayed until 8pm as the Stones squad struggled to complete their journey in much under two hours. With the pre-match warm-up massively reduced it came as little surprise that The Stones were slow out of their blocks and sadly they found themselves a goal down in less than two minutes.

However, the deficit was short lived as Keelan Mooney, who has impressed Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume with his performances with the first team squad this season to date, fired home a fine equaliser. The home side soon went 2-1 ahead after hesitancy in Stones defence but again they leveled matters quickly when Miles Cornwell fired home after only 11 minutes.

The chance to take the lead just a few minutes later was squandered when Steve Elliot blasted a penalty high over the Deal cross bar and way out into the car park towards St Leonards Road. The game then went through a niggly and physical phase with some robust challenges made by both teams but shortly before the half time break Robin Clarke headed home from a corner to give the visitors a 3-2 half time lead.

Peter Nott was able to call on 18 players for this game which included several trialists, Under 18 players and the welcome return, after 18 months out with a broken leg, of Billy Morrison. Within minutes of the restart it was 4-2 as his brother Marc Morrison slotted home Maidstone’s second spot kick of the game.

United then began to control the second half and Ben Palmer raced through to shoot past the keeper in a one on one chance to make it 5-2. Soon afterwards, Palmer fired a 25yard free kick against the underside of the cross bar before in the dying moments, Robin Clarke turned home his second goal of the evening to make the final score Deal Town 2 Maidstone United 6.