Maidstone United are through to the semi final of the DFDS Kent Senior Cup thanks to a victory on penalties over Southern Counties East Football League side Punjab United.

George Elokobi unsurprisingly picked a young side. Despite this, there were five players in the line up who have seen first team action this season with Chi Ezennolim, Raphe Brown, Riley Court, Bivesh Gurung and Perri Iandalo all starting against Punjab United.

There was little to note in the way of notable goalmouth action in the first half. With three minutes gone, Andrew Dythe’s corner from the right threatened to creep in under the bar but Harley Earle did well to push it onto the woodwork. When it dropped down, Cruis Nyadzayo looked to force the ball in but he was stymied.

Joshua Hinds, who had caught the eye on the right wing, got in on goal but Rilwan Anibaba, who appeared to enjoy playing as a sweeper-keeper, was quickly off his line and made a good block. Hinds was involved again, 10 minutes before the break. He put an inviting low cross into the box which came to the unmarked Elliott Wenham but he couldn’t capitalise and Anibaba comfortably collected the ball.

Elokobi made a substitution at half time with Aiden Clark replacing Tyler Hatton. And it was Maidstone who had the best of the chances early on after the break. Substitute Clark went for goal about 20 yards out and in a central position, only for the ball to go straight to Anibaba,.

Then on 64 minutes, Perri Iandalo put a nice diagonal ball out to Chi Ezennolim. Ezennolim made progress down the left before putting in a decent low cross which Stephen Ratcliff did well to turn behind for a corner. From this, Court’s cross was met by Bivesh Gurung who saw his header scrambled off the line.

With the game moving into its later stages, Hinds’ fierce effort was turned wide by Anibaba. Play soon swung to the other end and Punjab should have taken the lead. Neil Spencer found Arun Suman who some how put the ball wide when well placed.

Three minutes from time, Spencer put in Chris Edwards who tried to round Harley Earle. Seconds later, Earle was called into action once more as he denied Hudson Scudder with a fantastic save.

Then deep in stoppage time, Perri Iandalo went for goal and his curling effort was heading in until Anibaba made an excellent flying save.

With the game ending goaless, the tie went straight to penalties. Chris Edwards and Perri Iandalo were on target as were Cruis Nyadzayo and Elliott Wenham. However, when Earle saved from Arun Suman, this gave Bivesh Gurung the chance to put Maidstone in front. Goalkeeper Rilwan Anibaba successfully converted his penalty but with Sam Smith scoring his, this left Adam Potten needing to score and he was denied by a terrific save from Earle to give the Stones the victory.

Maidstone United: –

Punjab United: –

Maidstone United: 12. Harley Earle, 2. Sam Smith, 3.Chi Ezennolim, 5. Tyler Jackson-Hunt, 6. Raphe Brown, 9. Riley Court (20. Enzo Pougoue 69), 15. Tyler Hatton (14. Aiden Clark), 16. Elliott Wenham, 17. Joshua Hinds (10. Ashton Mitford 83), 18. Bivesh Gurung, 19. Perri Iandalo. Subs not used: 1. Tom Marshall, 8. Adam Potten.

Punjab United: 1. Rilwan Anibaba, 2. Chris Edwards, 3. Andrew Dythe (14. Bilal Bourouf 76), 4. Jack Barry, 5. Stephen Ratcliff, 6. Jack Hopkins, 7. Arun Suman, 8. Wayne Bushell, 9. Paul Vines (12. Hudson Scudder 67), 10. Cruis Nyadzayo, 11. Neil Spencer. Subs not used: 14. Ashley Probets, 16. Jordan Campbell, 17. Sam Bailey.