Maidstone United missed the opportunity to build confidence ahead of the FA Cup match against Coventry City next Monday as they were beaten by Aveley. A superb solo effort from former Stones player Razzaq Coleman De-Graft sent the home side on their way before he turned provider for Charlee Hughes who made sure of the points, four minutes from time.
The Stones should have fallen behind after just 13 minutes. A defensive error left Coleman De-Graft in a good central position but he smashed the ball over the bar.
Lamar Reyolds then did well for Maidstone. He tricked and turned his way into space and his low drive looked to be creeping in until Jonathan North turned it behind for a corner.
Aveley then squandered another golden opportunity. This time a square ball across the area came to Manny Ogrunrinde who had an unguarded net to steer the ball into but somehow he put the ball over the bar.
Maidstone then had a decent opportunity. Matt Rush and Gavin Hoyte combined before the ball came to Reynolds and he snatched at the shot which flew over.
Just before half time, Ryan Carr attempted to head the ball back to North. His header fell short and enabled Manny Duku to nip in but the ball was just too close to North who blocked Duku’s poked effort.
Seconds later, Maidstone broke quickly. Rush did well to hold the ball up just inside the Aveley half as he waited for Sam Corne to burst through. Rush timed the pass well and Corne had just North to beat but the keeper made a good block with his legs.
In the second half, the Stones found it hard going as Aveley dominated. With 55 minutes gone, Razzaq Coleman De-Graft danced his way past a number of Maidstone defenders before leathering an unstoppable finish past Lucas Covolan.
The Stones’ task then got even harder when Paul Appiah was shown a red card for a second booking and it wasn’t long before Covolan was called into action again. This time Harry Gibbs’ cross / shot was heading into the top right corner only for Covolan to make a flying save and push it onto the woodwork.
Aveley continued to push for a second goal and it duly arrived four minutes from time. Coleman De-Graft drew a good parry from Covolan who could do nothing to stop Charlee Hughes from slaming in the rebound.
Aveley: Razzaq Coleman De-Graft 55, Charlee Hughes 86
Maidstone United: –
Aveley: 13. Jonathan North, 2. Ayyuba Jambang (16. Jason Ring 18), 3. Eduino Vaz, 4. Siju Odelusi, 5. Frankie Terry, 6. Harry Gibbs, 7. Arjanit Krasniqi (14. Ikechi Eze 83), 8. Ryan Carr, 10. Razzaq Coleman De-Graft, 11. Manny Ogrunrinde (17. Kenny Aileru 89), 18. Charlee Hughes. Subs not used: 12. Nana Kyei, 15, Jalen Jones.
Maidstone United: 1. Lucas Covolan, 2. Gavin Hoyte, 4. Reece Greenidge, 5. George Fowler, 19. Paul Appiah, 7. Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong, 8. Sam Corne, 15. Sam Bone (17. Jephte Tanga 71) , 10. Lamar Reynolds (16. Liam Sole 82), 9. Manny Duku (11. Mo Faal 59), 20. Matt Rush. Subs not used: 12. Harley Earle, 6. Raphe Brown.
