The Stones have now gone 12 games unbeaten in the National League South following a commanding performance against a relegation threatened Aveley side on a chilly Monday night in Essex.
Despite not getting the end result we wanted on Saturday, George Elokobi started with a very similar side to what finished the game against St Albans, starting with a front three of Aaron Blair, Sol Wanjau-Smith and Matt Rush. Reiss Greenidge also came back in along with Jordan Higgs who made his first league start since the opening day of the season.
The game was very fast paced at the start with neither side really settling but the Stones were looking to counter attack in the early stages with what was a dangerous front line. Aaron Blair showed good footwork inside the box before getting his shot off which was spilled by keeper Carey Bloedorn and went behind for a corner.
Aveley offered their own threat when Tyrese Owen tried his luck from 25 yards out which wasn’t too far away as it just evaded Alexis Andre Jr’s left hand post.
Antony Papadopoulos was looking to show his quality in abundance down the right hand side as he went for a low drive from the edge of the box but could only drag the shot wide of the post.
Just shy of the half hour mark, the Stones would make their quality count when Matt Rush shot from the edge of the box took a slight deflection and found it’s way into the bottom right hand corner to score his first goal since making his loan move back to the club from Sutton United.
It nearly got even sweeter for the Stones not long before half time when a handball inside the box from ex-Stone, Razzaq Coleman De-Graft gave skipper Sam Corne the chance to double our lead. However, on this occasion, a fine save to his right from Bloedorn denied the Stones that second goal which could well have opened up the floodgates going into the second half.
The Millers came out at the start of the second half with a bit more about them but really struggled to threaten the Maidstone goal. Josh Anifowose’s free kick from the left, 20 yards couldn’t be kept down as it comfortably sailed over Andre Jr’s bar.
There wasn’t too much of note before heading into the last quarter of an hour but George Fowler was the man to change that. Substitute Ben Brookes’ delightful free kick to the back post was met by Reiss Greenidge who was able to head it across goal before the incoming Fowler finished from close range to grab his first goal of the season.
The Stones strong away contingent were loving it and their night was to be the much better when Matt Bentley grabbed Maidstone’s third when his powerful drive from range was too hot for Bloedorn to handle as he lost control of the ball and it crept a good few yards over the line. Following a consultation between the ref and the linesman, the goal was given which saw Elokobi’s men head back to Kent with an impressive 3 points. They now have a two week break to get prepared for the long journey and the stern test of league leaders Truro City.
Aveley:
Maidstone United: Matt Rush 29’, George Fowler 75’, Matt Bentley 86’
Aveley: 1. Carey Bloedorn, 2. Jason Ring (C) (12. Luke Allen 82 mins), 3. Joel Thompson, 4. Alex Giles, 5. Nathan Carlyle, 6. Tyrese Owen (17. Kenny Aileru 82 mins), 7. Manny Ogunrinde, 8. Josh Aniifowose, 9. Ibby Akanbi (16. Charlee Hughes 62 mins), 10. Razzaq Coleman De-Graft, 14. Brooklyn Kabongolo. Subs not used: 13. Jack West, 15. Alex Kpakpe.
Maidstone United: 1. Alexis Andre Jr, 2. Temi Eweka, 4. Reiss Greenidge, 5. George Fowler, 7. Jordan Higgs (3. Ben Brookes 73 mins), 8. Sam Corne (C)(17. Riley Court 90+1 mins), 9. Aaron Blair, 11. Charlie Seaman, 15. Sol Wanjau-Smith (16. Matt Bentley 65 mins), 19. Matt Rush, 20. Antony Papadopoulos (18. Bivesh Gurung 88 mins). Subs not used: 13. Lenny Holden.
