Maidstone United are through to the play-off final for a place in the National League, after a 89th minute winner from Aaron Blair. Riley Court, who was a last-minute replacement in the starting eleven for Tom Leahy, played a terrific ball over the top of the Eastbourne defence for Blair to chase. Blair showed superb composure to advance forwards before dispatching a confident finish past Joe Wright and spark absolute scenes amongst the Maidstone fans at that end of the ground.
This result was even more remarkable considering Eastbourne Borough’s home record this season. This was the Sports’ first defeat at the ReachTV Stadium in 401 days; until this match, Eastbourne had been unbeaten at home during the 2024 / 2025 campaign.
There were two changes to the Maidstone starting line up. As well as Court coming in for Leahy, Bivesh Gurung replaced Tayt Trusty.
The Stones started strongly and they came within inches of opening the scoring on 13 minutes. Charlie Seaman delivered a lovely ball from a free-kick out to the left side of the box which was met by Temi Eweka whose volley cannoned off the cross bar.
Shortly after this, Ben Brookes won the ball in midfield. He played it to Seaman who danced his way past Jason Adigun to the edge of the box but Seaman’s shot was just off target.
As the half wore on, Eastbourne began to get going. On 38 minutes, Adigun’s deep free kick towards the back post was headed onto the roof of the net by Ollie Kensdale.
But three minutes before the break, Maidstone took the lead. Ben Brookes’ cross reached Eweka and George Fowler also got a touch before Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong swept the ball in from close range.
Early in the second half, Blair did well to hold the ball up. He found Brookes who sent the ball into Seaman. Seaman had his back to goal and he spun and shot into the side netting.
Eastbourne then had a reasonable chance to score. Substitute Jayden Davis, who had come on at half time, was in a decent position but he drove the ball across the face of goal.
However, on 63 minutes, the Sports equalised. Eweka and Reece Greenidge were unable to stop Alfie Pavey gaining possession and Pavey drilled a fine finish into the net.
Drawing level, gave Eastbourne confidence and they started to dominate. It looked as though Maidstone’s chances of getting through had taken a serious knock on 82 minutes when Seaman was sent off for a second bookable offence. Jack Clarke needed a lengthy spell of treatment following the foul and from the resultant free-kick, Brad Berry’s low effort was pushed wide by Alexis Andre Jr.
Three minutes from the end, the Sports could have won it. Courtney Clarke played the ball into substitute George Alexander who was well placed and he put the chance wide.
But on 89 minutes, Court’s ball to one of the best strikers at this level proved to be the difference, as Blair won it for the Stones. Maidstone comfortably saw out the nine minutes of stoppage time and they will now be away at Boreham Wood in the play-off final in two weeks time.
Eastbourne Borough: Alfie Pavey 63
Maidstone United: Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong 42, Aaron Blair 89
Eastbourne Borough: 1. Joe Wright, 4. Brad Barry, 8. Jack Clarke, 15. Ollie Kensdale, 16. Freddie Carter, 20. Yahaya Bamba (7. Siya Ligendza 76), 22. Jason Adigun (10. Michael Klass 76), 27. Courtney Clarke, 28. Kai Wollard-Innocent, 19. Alfie Pavey (9. George Alexander 80), 30. Camron Gbadebo (17. Jayden Davis 45). Subs not used: 6. Moussa Diarra, 5. Dan Quick, 32. Matt Green.
Maidstone United:1. Alexis Andre Jr, 5. George Fowler, 4. Reiss Greenidge, 2. Temi Eweka, 11. Charlie Seaman, 7. Jordan Higgs (14. Harry Kyprianou 90), 18. Bivesh Gurung (8. Sam Corne 84), 3. Ben Brookes, 20. Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong, 9. Aaron Blair, 17. Riley Court (6. Raphe Brown 90). Subs not used: 13. Lenny Holden, 12. Pharrell Willis, 10. Shaq Coulthirst, 15. Arj Kransinqi.
