The Stones fell to their first pre-season defeat as a goal either side of half-time saw Isthmian League South Central side Leatherhead claim a 2-1 victory.
It was good test for George Elokobi’s side as Leatherhead proved to be physical and hard-working which at this stage of pre-season is exactly what the boys needed.
In an end to end start to the game, the Stones got their first opportunity just 6 minutes in when a diagonal ball found one of the trialists on the left hand side. He managed to cut inside of his man but had his effort saved at the near post by the Leatherhead keeper.
Less than 60 seconds later though, the home side near found the break through as the number 9 beat the offside trap and found himself one on one with the trials Stones keeper but he done well to keep his effort saving low to his left.
Just over mid-way through the first half and the trialist on the left hand side was involved again as his low ball towards the penalty found Sam Corne whose first time effort was parried away to safety by the Tanners keeper.
However a couple minutes later, the Stones fell behind when Kenny Beaney picked the ball up on the edge of the ‘D’ and drilled a low strike past the keeper to put Leatherhead in front.
On the stroke of half-time, Sam Bone nearly found a way through as his fierce effort from a slight angle forced the keeper into a very good right handed stop to ensure the Tanners went into the break ahead.
With a more familiar second half side, the boys looked to hit the ground running and just 5 minutes in, they got their rewards. The returning Sol Wanjau-Smith showed some good work on the left hand side before playing the ball across the box for Levi Amantchi to poke home from close range and get his first goal of pre-season.
The Stones looked to take advantage of the momentum with Perri Iandolo’s well struck free kick but was comfortably held This was followed by Devonte Aransibia having his one on one stopped by the right boot of the keeper.
It proved to be costly as 20 minutes from time, the Stones failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Louis Collins who lifted his shot into the top corner past Harley Earle, seconds after coming on. The goal was enough for Leatherhead to see through a 2-1 win.
Leatherhead: Kenny Beaney 26’, Louis Collins 71’
Maidstone United: Levi Amantchi 50’
Maidstone United (First Half): Trialist A, Trialist B, 5. George Fowler, 11. Tyler Hatton, Trialist C, 8. Sam Corne, 15. Sam Bone, Trialist D, Trialist E, 7. Razzaq Coleman De-Graft, Trialist F
Maidstone United (Second Half): 12. Harley Earle, 2. Gavin Hoyte, 5. George Fowler, 6. Raphe Brown, Tyler Hatton, 9. Sol Wanjau-Smith, 18. Bivesh Gurung, 19. Perri Iandolo, 11. Devonte Aransibia, 17. Levi Amantchi, Trialist G
