Maidstone United’s first pre-season outing ended in a 2-2 draw away at Ashford United.

The Stones took a two goal lead as Jamie Yila and John Gilbert scored within four minutes of each other towards the end of the first half. However, Jacob Strouts pulled a goal back with a shot from close range before Michael West equalised with a minute remaining.

Ashford were unfortunate not to take the lead on 16 minutes. Number 15 curled a delightful effort from some distance which crashed off the right post. And not long after this, former Maidstone player Joe Ellul had to be substituted for Ashford after over stretching to put the ball out of play.

Leo Hamblin, playing as a left sided defender, was catching the eye for Maidstone, especially when going forwards. On one such occasion he put a decent ball into the box and the arriving Gilbert blazed over.

Former Maidstone keeper Harley Earle was then called into action for Ashford. Jamie Yila hit a rising shot which Earle managed to parry.

But Earle was beaten on 37 minutes A decent ball was put down the line to Josh Redfern. Redfern lifted the ball into the box and Ashford couldn’t stop Yila stabbing the ball in.

It wasn’t long before Maidstone doubled their lead. The Stones were awarded a free-kick about 20 yards out and towards the left side. Gilbert stepped up and curled a delightful finish into the far right corner of the net.

The second half was a much quieter affair and Maidstone made whole sale changes at the break. Strouts halved the deficit before Jephte Tanga had a good opportunity to wrap up the victory but he dragged the ball wide. Then with a minute remaining, Lenny Holden stopped a cross but the rebound dropped to West who levelled for Ashford Town.

Ashford United: Jacob Strouts 65, Michael West 89

Maidstone United: Jamie Yila 37, John Gilbert 41

Maidstone United first half starting 11: 1. Trialist, 3. Leo Hamblin, 4. Lexus Beeden, Trialist, 6. Trialist, 7. Trialist, 8. Sam Corne, 10. John Gilbert, 11. Jamie Yila, 14. Josh Redfern, 17. Riley Court.

Maidstone United second half starting 11: 13. Lenny Holder, 2. David Sesay, 3. Leo Hamblin, 4. Trialist, 6. TJ Bramble, Trialist, 7. Trialist, 8. Trialist, 9. Trialist, 11. Trialist, 16. Ruben Carvalho.