Maidstone United stretched their unbeaten run in the league to four matches as Hemel Hempstead deservedly took a point at the Gallagher Stadium.
The opening 30 minutes were closely contested with Hemel probably having slightly more of the possession early on. But as the half progressed, the Stones started to get into their rhythm. A five man move from the Stones saw Lamar Reynolds cross for Mo Faal and the ball came off his shoulder and deflected behind for a corner.
Then with 33 minutes gone, Maidstone took the lead. Jephte Tanga did well to drive forwards and he squeezed the ball into Sam Corne. Corne’s drive was blocked and it bobbled towards Sam Bone who showed good technique to drill in his third goal of the season via a slight deflection.
Moments later, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong slipped Faal in on goal. Faal rounded Craig King but the angle was very tight by this stage and he could only find the side netting.
Tanga was involved again shortly after this. He twisted and turned into space close to the edge of the box before lifting the ball over the bar and into the Genco Stand.
Four minutes later and it looked certain that Joe Re would score. His excellent drive from 25 yards was heading for the top right hand corner but somehow Lucas Covolan flung himself high to his left and made a superb save.
The Stones started the second half strongly and a lovely move on 48 minutes nearly brought a second goal. From a Hemel corner, Faal did well to bring the ball out of defence and carry it forward. He then played an inviting low ball into Reynolds. Reynolds kept moving and then unselfishly squared a pass to Matt Rush who drew a good save from King.
King came to Hemel’s rescue once again six minutes later. The ball fell to Tanga inside the box and his low drive was well stopped by King.
After this, Hemel had a spell of notable pressure. During this, George Williams was allowed to roam forwards as Maidstone’s defence backed off and his low effort might have been heading inside the left post but Covolan pushed it behind. From the resultant corner, Michael Folivi and substitute Myles Judd looked to pounce but Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong did enough to make sure that in the melee, the ball went wide.
There was then a 10 minute delay after a nasty clash of heads between Raphe Brown and Michael Folivi. Brown jumped up quickly but unfortunately Folivi left the game on a stretcher.
When the game resumed, there was a free-kick from just outside the area for Hemel Hempstead. This was taken by George Williams and his deflected effort took a nick which meant it went just wide.
But with the game in the 96th minute, the Tudors got a deserved equaliser. The ball fell nicely in the box to Hemel’s top goal scorer and George Williams lashed it past Covolan.
The Stones were sparked back into action and Sam Corne did well to win the ball deep in the visitors half. He played it to substitute Manny Duku who could only find the side netting.
Then with a 103 minutes on the clock, George Williams went close to grabbing the winner. He let fly from the edge of the box and the ball flew just wide.
Maidstone United: Sam Bone 33
Hemel Hempstead: George Williams 90+6
Maidstone United: 1. Lucas Covolan,4. Reece Greenidge, 5. George Fowler, 6. Raphe Brown, 17. Jephte Tanga (16. Liam Sole 66), 7. Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong (18. Bivesh Gurung 72), 8. Sam Corne, 15. Sam Bone, 10. Lamar Reynolds, 11. Mo Faal (9. Manny Duku 66) 20. Matt Rush. Subs not used: 12. Harley Earle, 19. Paul Appiah.
Hemel Hempstead: 1. Craig King, 2. Montel McKenzie (26. Josh Oyinsan 77), 3. Joshn Williams, 4. Kyle O’Connor-Ajayi, 5. Josh Hill, 7. George Williams, 10. Kaylen Hinds, 11. Jack Bates, 14. Joe Re, 19. Michael Folivi (12. Tarelle Whittaker 90), 23. Vladimir Paternoster (22. Myles Judd 45). Subs not used: 15. Kombe Kawimbe, 21. Sam Carmna.
