Following victories over Slough Town and Eastbourne Borough, it was not surprising that George Elokobi named an unchanged line up for the third match in succession. However, Maidstone were forced into an early substitution when Lexus Beeden had to replace Taylor Foran who appeared to have an issue with his hamstring.

It was an evenly matched first half with not too much in the way of goalmouth action. On 16 minutes, Sam Corne battled his way into the box before a loose ball came to Antony Papadopoulos, and his drive didn’t miss by much. Then a nice move involving Leo Hamblin, TJ Bramble and Jephte Tanga ended with Tanga dragging his shot at Jacob Adams who made the save.

Just past the half an hour mark, Tonbridge went close on two occasions. Oluwabunmi Babajide’s low drive from just outside the box was on target, only for Nathan Harness to get down to his left and make a good save to divert the ball behind for a corner.

Moments later, Eddie Simon got the ball in a good position inside the area. He spun and hit an effort which flew just past the left post.

Then on 37 minutes, Hamblin played the ball down the left. Steve Gilbert stood up a decent cross and Deon Moore’s header was sufficiently close to Adams for the Tonbridge keeper to make the stop.

Not long after the restart, Scott Wagstaff was booked after he halted Papadopoulos’ surging run about 20 yards from goal. Papadopoulos took the resultant free-kick and his low shot went wide of the right post.

The opening goal came on 53 minutes. Babajide crossed for the unmarked Eddie Simon and he headed past Harness.

Maidstone tried to respond quickly and they might have had a penalty three minutes after Tonbridge took the lead. A deep free quick was met by Bramble at the back post who seemed to be being held back as he got something on the ball.

It wasn’t long before the Angels threatened again. Tobi Omole was just yards out as he looked to finish but Harness managed to get enough on the ball to divert it away from goal.

Substitute Hamzad Kargbo moved the ball onto Gilbert who let fly from about 20 yards. Adams spilled the shot but reacted quickly to stop Moore pouncing on the rebound.

As the game moved into stoppage time, Maidstone equalised. Papadopoulos arrowed a driven cross towards the six yard box and Kargbo’s header flew into the net.

The Stones pushed for a winner but it was the Angels who grabbed the three points. Deep in stoppage time, Papadopoulos lost the ball in midfield. Tonbridge raced forwards and Matthew Warren slipped the ball to substitute Sean Shields who fired a fine finish into the net in front of the Tonbridge fans who erupted wildly.

Maidstone United: Hamzad Kargbo 90

Tonbridge Angels: Eddie Simon 53, Sean Shields 90+8

Maidstone United: 1. Nathan Harness, 2. David Sesay, 5. George Fowler, 24. Taylor Foran (4. Lexus Beeden 9), 3. Leo Hamblin (23. Hamzad Kargbo 64), 6. TJ Bramble, 8. Sam Corne, 20. Antony Papadopoulos, 7. Jephte Tanga (14. Kweku Lucan 82), 10. John Gilbert, 9. Deon Moore (12. Dajon Golding 78). Subs not used: 13. Lenny Holden, 22. Teo Kurtaran, 17. Riley Court.

Tonbridge Angels: 1. Jacob Adams, 6. Arthur Penney, 16. Tobi Omole, 18. Nazir Bakin, 24. Kyle Smith (2. Bradley Williams 73), 4. Scott Wagstaff (5. Samuel German 79), 3. Matthew Warren, 27. Bailey Akehurst, 11. Oluwabunmi Babajide (21. Brody Peart 58), 9. Eddie Simon (17. Bobby Unwin 59), 29. Alfie Pavey (23. Sean Shields 77). Subs not used: 13. McKenzie Foley, 15. Alfie Allen.