After consecutive 2-1 defeats away from the Gallagher Stadium, the Stones picked up a point at home to Braintree to maintain their push for a play-off spot.
With injuries and suspensions continuing to limit George Elokobi’s choices, there were three changes to the team which were beaten by Slough on Saturday. Gavin Hoyte, Perri Iandolo and Liam Sole were handed starts with Chi Ezennolim, Sam Bone and Matt Rush making way.
The first chance of the evening went Braintree’s way. An impressive burst of pace from Aaron Blair saw him win the race to the ball inside the box but Harry Kyprianou recovered to make well timed tackle and concede a corner.
At the other end, a half volley from Kyprianou flashed over and then on 21 minutes, Jack Simms was called into notable action for the first time. Mo Faal did well to thread the ball into Jephte Tanga. Simms had closed the gap and blocked Tanga’s shot before Tanga’s header from the rebound landed on the roof of the net.
For Braintree, Reggie Lambe’s effort from not far outside the box didn’t miss by much but with the interval imminent, the Stones took the lead. A nice pass from Paul Appiah put Faal in the clear and he expertly turned and drove the ball across Simms and into the left side of the net.
Three minutes after the break, Maidstone might have doubled their lead. Faal took advantage of some slack possession from the Iron just outside their own box and he found Riley Court who quickly played in Kyprianou. Kyprianou unselfishly squared the ball to the arriving Tanga who couldn’t direct his effort on target.
The Stones were then made to pay as Braintree equalised on 52 minutes. A good corner from Tom Blackwell was arrowed towards the back post where it was met by Joseph Grimwood who headed in from close range.
Manny Duku, whose signing was announced earlier on Tuesday, replaced Sole not long past the hour mark and within ten minutes, he had a great chance to score on his debut. The impressive Faal put Duku clear on goal and he elected for an early shot which Simms did well to push away.
Four minutes from time, Braintree went close. Substitute Jayden Davis hit a rising drive from 25 yards which flew just over and this was to be the last time that either side really threatened and the points were shared.
Maidstone United: Mo Faal 45
Braintree Town: Joseph Grimwood 52
Maidstone United: 1. Lucas Covolan, 2. Gavin Hoyte, 5. George Fowler, 17. Jephte Tanga, 8. Riley Court (6. Raphe Brown 80), 11. Mo Faal, 14. Harry Kyprianou, 16. Liam Sole (9. Manny Duku 63), 18. Bivesh Gurung, 7. Paul Appiah, 19. Perri Iandolo (10. Lamar Reynolds 78). Subs not used: 12. Harley Earle, 3.Chi Ezennolim.
Braintree Town: 1. Jack Simms, 2. Leon Davies, 4. Baris Altintop, 5. Joseph Grimwood, 6. Ben Tompkins, 7. Tom Blackwell (15. Jayden Davis 67), 8. Alfie Payne, 29. Alfie Pavey, 9. Aaron Blair, 10. Shaquille Coulhirst, 16. Reggie Lambe. Subs not used: 3. Lewis Miccio, 11. Matthew Ward, 12. Michael Brothers, 14. Gio Critchlow.
