Maidstone United are through to the semi-finals of the National League play-offs after they came from behind to beat Aveley with a later winner from substitute Mo Faal.
The game started at a terrific tempo. On 14 minutes, Jephte Tanga crossed for Sol Wanju-Smith who sent his header high and wide of the goal.
When Maidstone did get in behind the well organised Aveley defence, they found Jonathan North in excellent form. Bivesh Gurung played a delightful diagonal ball to the back post where it was expertly kept in by Tanga. He put the ball back into the middle and Matt Rush hit it into the ground. It seemed certain that the back of the net would bulge but somehow, North got across to make one of the finest saves seen at the Gallagher Stadium this season. From the resultant corner, Sam Corne picked out George Fowler and once again, North made the stop.
The Stones continued to create chances with Rush flashing a shot across the face of goal from an impossibly tight angle before Tanga’s mis-hit effort rolled nicely into the path of Gurung. Gurung’s effort was well struck but he was denied by North’s feet.
Aveley didn’t create their first opportunity until the 27th minute when they took the lead. A fantastic cross from Eduino Vaz was threatening to creep into the far right side of the net and Manny Ogurinde arrived to head in from just a couple of yards out.
With 61 minutes played, Mo Faal replaced Sol Wanju-Smith. Within seconds of stepping onto the pitch, Faal unleashed a low shot which North did well to get down and get a hand to.
Just as when it was beginning to feel like North was going to keep Maidstone at bay all evening, the Stones equalised. Substitute Michael Klass, who replaced Gurung at half time was fouled. Corne put a decent delivery deep into the box which was headed across the six yard box by Reece Greenidge and the former Aveley player Rush was on hand, to nod in from close range.
The momentum seemed to swing the Stones’ way but Aveley were still a threat and they soon went close. Charlee Hughes got played in and went for a near post shot which Lucas Covolan managed to keep out.
With 83 minutes gone, Aveley accidentally conceded a throw, deep in their own half. Harry Kyprianou got to the by-line and tried to pick out the sliding Rush only for North to make another important save.
As the game edged towards the 90 minutes, it was the Stones who looked the stronger of the two sides. And with two minutes of stoppage time, Maidstone grabbed a dramatic winner. Rush played the ball into Faal who got enough on his low shot to beat North to spark amazing scenes at the Gallagher Stadium as Faal raced away to celebrate, ripping his shirt off in the process.
Maidstone United: Matt Rush 62, Mo Faal 90
Aveley: Manny Ogrurinde 27
Maidstone United: 1. Lucas Covolan, 4. Reece Greenidge, 5. George Fowler (15. Sam Bone 90), 6. Raphe Brown, 17. Jephte Tanga, 8. Sam Corne, 18. Bivesh Gurung (19. Michael Klass 45), 14. Harry Kyprianou, 16. Matt Bentley, 20. Matt Rush, 9. Sol Wanjau-Smith (11. Mo Faal 61). Subs not used: 12. Harley Earle, 7. Michael Adu-Poku.
Aveley: 13. Jonathan North, 2. Ryan Carr, 3. Eduino Vaz, 4. Siju Odelusi, 5. Frankie Terry, 6. Harry Gibbs, 7. Arjanit Krasniqi (12. Jalen Jones 90), 8. Garrett Kelly (16. Ikechi Eze 68), 10. Manny Ogrunrinde (17. Razzaq Coleman De-Graft 78), 11. Kenny Aileru, 18. Charlee Hughes. Subs not used: 14. Nana Kyei, 15. Kai Brown.
