The Stones’ final home game of the season ended in a draw against local rivals Tonbridge Angels. Aaron Blair gave Maidstone the lead but Ethan Sutcliffe equalised for the Angels. The result means that the Stones will be waiting on the result of the Weston-Super-Mare vs Truro fixture to see what Maidstone will need against Farnborough next Saturday to secure a play-off spot

Maidstone went close early on. George Fowler’s shot was heading in only for Harry Ottaway to get the ball clear from close to the line. And it wasn’t long before Fowler was involved again as this time he headed just wide from a Ben Brookes’ corner.

It was then Brookes’ turn to go close. He spotted the opportunity for a shot as everyone was expecting a cross and the ball dropped inches wide of the far post.

With 24 minutes played, the Stones took the lead. Temi Eweka flicked on Brookes’ throw and Matthew Rowley in the Tonbridge goal should have made a regulation claim. Rowley flapped at the ball though giving Reuben Shakepoke the chance to shoot and Aaron Blair made sure the ball crossed the line for his 20th goal of the season.

The closest the Angels came in the first half was on 45 minutes. Christie Ward made progress down the right and from about 20 yards out, hit a rising shot which did not clear the bar at the Town End by much.

Tonbridge looked stronger after the break but Maidstone threatened on 64 minutes. A corner from Brookes was met by Eweka and Blair flicked the ball on from close range. Rowley did well to tip the ball over the bar only for the referee, Mr Sandoe, to award a goal kick.

Sixty seconds later, Tonbridge equalised. A free-kick into the box from Liam Vincent was moved on by Harry Ottaway and Ethan Sutcliffe finished from close range.

Sean Shields then made good progress forward before hitting a low drive which Alexis Andre Jr spilled but comfortably gathered at the second attempt. And shortly after this, substitute Bailey Akehurst’s free-kick went inches wide of the right post.

As the game moved into the later stages, Maidstone upped the tempo. Brookes put a corner straight into the head of George Fowler and his thumping header flew just wide. Then a lovely ball over the top from Riley Court put Blair clear. Blair expertly rounded Rowley but the angle was against him and his shot went into the side netting.

Maidstone United: Aaron Blair 24

Tonbridge Angels: Ethan Sutcliffe 65

Maidstone United:1. Alexis Andre Jr, 11. Charlie Seaman (12. Pharrell Willis 86), 5. George Fowler, 2. Temi Eweka, 3. Ben Brookes, 7. Jordan Higgs (17. Riley Court 77), 16. Tayt Trusty, 14. Harry Kyprianou, 20. Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong (8. Sam Corne 69), 9. Aaron Blair, 18. Ruben Shakpoke (10. Shaq Coulthirst 69). Subs not used: 13. Lenny Holden.

Tonbridge Angels: 1. Matt Rowley, 6. Ronny Nelson, 8. Taylor Maloney (12. Michael Berry 86) 11. Jack Wood, 14. Jamie Fielding, 16. Christine Ward, 17. Liam Vincent (3. Bailey Akehurst 69), 18. Nazir Bakrin, 23. Sean Shields, 27. Harry Ottaway, 30. Ethan Sutcliffe. Subs not used: 5. Joe Tyrie, 19. Mackenzie Richardson, 24. Luke Cook.