Two goals from Levi Amantchi shortly after the start of the second half saw Maidstone through to the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.
George Elokobi made one change to the side that thrashed Worthing. Harry Kyprianou replaced Bivesh Gurung in that match and took his place for this game.
Winchester looked bright in the first half, and enjoyed plenty of possession, although the Stones had the better of the chances. On 14 minutes, Devonte Aransibia kept the ball well and played it to Sol Wanjau-Smith. Wanju-Smith turned into space and laid it into the path of Chi Ezennolim who was running down the left and his low shot went straight into Charlie Philpott’s hands
Just a minute later, Maidstone arguably should have taken the lead. Levi Amantchi delivered an enticing low ball across the box and Lamar Reynolds was in space and well placed, only to fire high and wide.
The game then entered a bit of a lull with little to note over the next 20 minutes before Maidstone threatened again. Good work from Raphe Brown on the right saw the defender carve out room to find Reynolds. Reynolds crossed towards the near post and Wanjau-Smith headed just wide.
Not long after this, Winchester had their best opportunity of the half. Trevor Caborn put a decent ball into the middle and Simba Mlambo couldn’t fully connect with it as he shot at Lucas Covolan in the Maidstone goal.
Shortly before half time, Wanjau-Smith passed to Conor Kelly who moved the ball onto Reynolds. Reynolds found Aransibia who had time to bring the ball down but he went for an ambitious half volley and his effort was wayward.
The Stones upped their game after the interval and had a two goal advantage within seven minutes of the restart. Reynolds passed to Sam Bone who was just outside the box and he unleashed a great drive which crashed off the left post and Amantchi was on hand to tap in the rebound.
Maidstone then had a spell of possession which saw them play the ball around at the back. Harry Kyprianou played a long ball over the top which drew Philpott from his goal and Amantchi flicked the ball past him and finished into an empty net.
The Stones then had a golden opportunity to add a third. Wanju-Smith was chopped down in the box and assumed responsibility for the spot kick. However, Wanju-Smith went for a casual chip down the middle and the ball hit the bar and bounced down as he ran away and started to celebrate. From a photo it did appear that the ball had crossed the line.
As the game moved into its later stages, substitute Razzaq Coleman De-Graft had a low effort comfortably saved by Philpott. Then for Winchester, the ball dropped to substitute Warren Bentley and he didn’t miss by much.
Winchester City: –
Maidstone United: Levi Amantchi 47, 52
Maidstone United: 1. Lucas Covolan, 6. Raphe Brown, 5. George Fowler, 15. Sam Bone, 10. Lamar Reynolds, 17. Harry Kyprianou, 20. Conor Kelly (8. Sam Corne 71), 11.Devonte Aransibia, 3. Chi Ezennolim, 9. Sol Wanju-Smith (14. Ogo Obi 83), 17. Levi AmantchI (7. Razzaq Coleman De-Graft 61). Subs not used: 12. Harley Earle, 19. Perri Iandolo, 4. Reece Greenidge, 18. Michael Petrosso, 19. Riley Court.
Winchester City: 1. Charlie Philpott, 2. Josh McCormick, 3. Donny King, 4. Ollie Griggs, 5. Jordan Rose 6. Pip Nolan, 7. Trevor Caborn (17. Warren Bentley) , 8. Max Smith (18. Ollie Balmer 71), 9. Tommy Wright, 10. Simba Mlambo, 11. Ik Hill (15. Conor Lynch 76). Subs not used: 12. Mark Jamison, 13. Harry Birchall, 14. Don Jones, 16. Jamie Barron.
