Goals from George Fowler, Sol Wanju-Smith and Shaq Coulthirst saw Maidstone cruise to a comfortable victory over Chippenham Town.
The Stones enjoyed the best of the first half with the front three of Aaron Blair, Wanju-Smith and Tom Leahy all having good opportunities to score.
With just four minutes gone, George Fowler’s effort took a deflection and hit the base of the post as Josey Casa-Granda dived. The Stones sent the ball back into the box and Leahy’s header from a tight angle was cleared away from the line by Luke Spokes.
It wasn’t until the 18th minute that Chippenham threated. Charlie Seaman couldn’t cut out a pass to Tyreke Johnson who moved into the box and then hit the ball straight at Alexis Andre Jr.
Aaron Blair then got down the right and put an enticing ball across the six yard box but no one could get to it before Sam Corne’s effort from a corner was well blocked by Nat Williams.
Blair was involved again when he got on the end of a clearance from Seaman. There was a mix up at the back for Chippenham as Casa-Grande came charging off his line and Blair’s chip came back off the bar.
Two minutes later, Blair unselfishly put Leahy in on goal. Leahy went for power as he tried to blast it over Casa-Granda and the Chippenham keep made an excellent save.
A cross from Ben Brookes landed on the net before Maidstone had another chance to edge in front. The Stones kept the ball moving forward and Seaman’s pass went to Wanju-Smith who blazed wide when well placed.
Jordan Higgs then found Blair whose early shot was expertly parried by Casa-Grande. And Temi Eweka got in on the forward action as he sent a fine low ball across the six yard box but once again, no one could get the vital touch.
Maidstone kept pushing after the break. Wanju-Smith slipped a neat ball into Blair. Blair was under pressure and he his tame shot went straight at Casa-Grande.
But with 58 minutes gone, the Stones did score. Corne’s corner went straight to George Fowler who powered a header into the net.
Six minutes later, Maidstone doubled their lead with a fabulous goal. Seaman picked out Corne with a 40 yard cross field pass. Corne took a couple of touches and then delivered a measured ball to Wanju-Smith who swept the ball into the right side of the net.
As the game entered its later stages, the Stones had a corner. The ball came to Fowler who was lurking just outside the box and his shot on the turn cleared the bar by a matter of inches.
Then on 82 minutes, Maidstone added a third. Seaman won the ball and Corne was involved as the Stones battled in Chippenham’s box. The ball came to substitute Shaq Coulthirst who showed good feet and placed a nice finish inside the right post.
There was still time for Seaman to unleash a low drive. Casa-Grande was alert to the danger though and got down well to make the save.
Maidstone United: George Fowler 58, Sol Wanjau-Smith 64, Shaq Coulthirst 82
Chippenham Town: –
Maidstone United:1. Alexis Andre Jr, 11. Charlie Seaman, 2. Temi Eweka, 5.George Fowler, 3. Ben Brookes (14. Harry Kyprianou 86), 8. Sam Corne, 18. Bivesh Gurung (14. Tayt Trusty 67), 7. Jordan Higgs, 9. Aaron Blair, 19. Tom Leahy (10. Shaq Coulthirst 67), 15. Sol Wanjau-Smith (12. Arj Krasniqi 73). Subs not used: 13. Lenny Holden.
Chippenham Town: 1. Josey Casa-Grande, 11. Alex Bray, 6. Luke Haines, 18. Nat Williams (3. Freddie Grant 65), 7. Tyreke Johnson, 14. Luke Spokes, 4. Tom Mehew (10. Tom Owen-Evans 85), 16. Caine Bradbury, 15. Leone Gravata, 9. Matt McClure (19. Harry Parsons 65), 5. Aaron Amadi-Holloway (2. Jack Poffley 57). Subs not used: 12. Joe Andrews.
