For the first time since 26 November 2022, Maidstone United have won a league match as they got their National League South campaign off to a winning start. A penalty from Sol Wanju-Smith and a close range goal by Reece Greenidge ensured the Stones come from behind to beat Slough Town.
The two sides appeared evenly matched in the first half. There wasn’t much to note until the 23rd minute when a good long pass forward from Lucas Covolan picked out Sol Wanju-Smith who beat the offside trap. Wanju-Smith pulled the ball back to the arriving Sam Corne, making his 100th appearance for the Stones, whose effort was wayward.
Corne was then fouled and he took the resultant free-kick which he sent into the box. Reece Greenidge’s glancing header caused problems for Hubert Graczyk who uncertainly punched the ball and Slough did eventually clear their lines.
A long distance effort from Jeanmal Prosper went inches wide of Covolan’s right post before Prosper was involved again in Slough’s opening goal. His neat ball put Johnny Goddard into space and Goddard went on a surging run which took him into the box. His shot was on target but it still took a deflection off Raphe Brown as it went into the left side of the net.
Maidstone weren’t behind for long though as just three minutes later, Brown’s header struck Prosper’s arm in the box. The referee, Mr Robertson-Tant, immediately pointed to the spot and Wanju-Smith stroked the ball past Hubert Gracyk.
On 41 minutes, Corne put the ball into the path of Conor Kelly. Kelly’s low drilled effort was on target but it was comfortably gathered by Graczyk.
Nine minutes after the break, Slough were reduced to ten men. A delightful curling ball from Liam Sole was chased down by Wanju-Smith and just outside the box, he was brought down by Dan Bayliss, who was shown a straight red card. There was a notable delay as Nathan Minhas received treatment for an injury. Wanju-Smith’s eventual free-kick hit the wall and from the rebound, he struck the ball at Graczyk.
Then on 61 minutes, Maidstone took the lead. A corner from Sam Corne was met by Reece Greenidge. His first effort was blocked by Greenidge reacted quickly to force in the rebound from close range.
Razzaq Coleman De-Graft replaced Ogo Obi and within seconds of coming on he had a great chance to extend Maidstone’s lead. Substitute Levi Amantchi put Coleman De-Graft in on goal and with only Graczyk to beat, he hit the ball straight at the Slough keeper.
With six minutes remaining, Gavin Hoyte was penalised for pulling substitute Jefferson Louis’ shirt. Substitute Gabriel George’s free-kick was headed back out to Matt Lench whose fierce effort towards the near post was deflected behind by George Fowler.
Coleman De-Graft hit the side netting for Maidstone two minutes from time and although Slough pushed for an equaliser, the Stones held on to get all three points.
Maidstone United: Sol Wanju-Smith 37 (pen), Reiss Greenidge 61
Slough Town: Johnny Goddard 34
Maidstone United: 1. Lucas Covolan, 2. Gavin Hoyte, 4. Reiss Greenidge, 5. George Fowler, 6. Raphe Brown, 16. Liam Sole (3. Chi Ezennolim 70), 8. Sam Corne, 20. Conor Kelly, 10. Lamar Reynolds, 14. Ogo Obi (7. Razzaq Coleman De-Graft 78), 9. Sol Wanju-Smith (17. Levi Amantchi 64). Subs not used: 12. Harley Earle, 11. Devonte Aransibia.
Slough Town: 1. Hubert Graczyk, 4. Joe Dandy, 14. Scott Davies, 5. Dan Bayliss, 17. Tyrese Dyce, 6. Jeanmal Prosper (22. Jefferson Louis 67), 8. Matthew Lench, 18. Munashe Sundire (12. Leon Chambers-Parillon 82), 10. Johnny Goddard, 15. Tom McElroy (3. Gabe George 56), 9. Nathan Minhas. Subs not used: 11. Jonny Giles, 23. David Ogbonna.
