For the second time in three matches, Maidstone United were beaten. This was a pulsating match at the Gallagher Stadium and the result means that Worthing are now unbeaten in nine matches. The title race is fast becoming exciting as there are four sides tied on 52 points at the top of the National League South, with the Stones in fifth on 51 points

The first half was action packed with both sides willing to attack at every opportunity. With just three minutes gone, Joe Partington was booked for bringing down Aaron Blair on the right hand side, close to the midway point of the box. Ben Brookes took the resultant free-kick which reached Blair who neatly flicked it back across goal and Temi Eweka nodded the ball in from close range.

Shortly after this, Shaquille Coulthirst threaded the ball through to Sol Wanju-Smith. Wanju-Smith set off towards goal and got into the box before shooting straight at Chris Haigh who had come off his line to narrow the angle.

Worthing soon began to get going and on 10 minutes, Danny Cashman found the former Maidstone striker Mo Faal. Faal’s effort was blocked and Cashman’s drive flashed wide of the right post. Glen Rea had a volley go past post before the Rebels levelled. Reuben Carvalho turned Ben Brookes inside out before crossing into the middle where the unfortunate Eweka put a diving header past Alexis Andre Jr.

Maidstone then had a good chance to regain the lead. Blair found Charlie Seaman in space out on the right. Seaman entered the box although he was forced wide by Sam Beard before he lashed the ball into the side netting.

Faal then caught Eweka in possession. He passed to Nicky Wheeler who drew a fine full lengthen save from Andre Jr. Faal was then involved again when he turned into space inside the area but his weak shot was comfortably stopped by Andre Jr.

Then on 37 minutes, Seaman conceded a free-kick in midfield. Worthing worked the ball down the left and Cashman did well to put a simple cross into Faal who finished from close range.

The Worthing front line were causing Maidstone problems and they could have had a third not long before the break. Cashman found Carvalho who blasted the ball goalwards and Eweka made a superb block. Just moments later, Faal pulled the ball back to Cashman who was in a good position but he wasted the opportunity, dragging the ball past the right hand post.

With the game in first half stoppage time, it was the Stones’ turn to go close. Raphe Brown headed a free-kick on and it eventually came to Eweka who saw his shot go across the face of goal.

Maidstone were pushing for an equaliser right from the off in the second half. Blair had a shot which did not miss by much before Coulthirst found the side netting with an effort from inside the six yard box. Blair then managed to nip in as Worthing shepherded the ball back to Haigh but Haigh was in close attendance and he gathered the ball.

Brookes did well to keep the ball in by the touchline. He pulled the ball back to Coulthirst and his shot took a big deflection before going into the side netting.

Bivesh Gurung then won the ball. He moved forward before finding George Fowler and Fowler’s rising drive was tipped over the bar by Haigh.

Worthing then hit Maidstone on the break. Substitute Bailey Smith crossed for substitute Sam Packman only for Seaman to clear the ball away from the line.

With just a minute of normal time remaining, the Stones came within inches of an equaliser. Blair unleashed a powerful effort which Haigh did very well to tip onto the post and behind for a corner.

In the eighth minute of stoppage time, substitute Ricardo German somehow got a shot away which took a nick as it went inches wide. But this was to the last opportunity Maidstone had as they slipped to a defeat.

Maidstone United: Temi Eweka 4

Worthing: Temi Eweka 13, Mo Faal 31

Maidstone United:1. Alexis Andre Jr, 5.George Fowler, 2. Temi Eweka, 6. Raphe Brown (4. Reiss Greenidge 77), 3. Ben Brookes, 18. Bivesh Gurung, 14. Tayt Trusty (7. Jordan Higgs 77), 11. Charlie Seaman, 10. Shaquile Coulthirst (16. Baylin Johnson 69), 15. Sol Wanju-Smith (20. Ricardo German 69), 9. Aaron Blair. Subs not used: 13. Lenny Holden.

Worthing: 1. Chris Haigh, 5. Joseph Cook, 6. Joe Partington (21. Sam Packman 66), 3. Sam Beard, 2. Joel Colbran, 8. Jack Spong (26. Odei Martin-Sorondo 88), 15. Glen Rea, 11. Nicky Wheeler (17. Cam Tutt 79), 10. Danny Cashman, 25. Reuben Carvalho (24. Bailey Smith 72), 9. Mo Faal (14. Temi Babalola 60). Sub not used: –