A header from Reece Greenidge was enough to win the game for Maidstone United in a quiet match against Weston-super-Mare. With the other results falling nicely for the Stones, this victory has done much for Maidstone’s play-off aspirations and the Stones seem to be hitting form at the perfect time.
The first half was uninspiring with neither keeper called into action. Weston-super-Mare were set up well to nullify the Stones, and played a high press, which made it hard for Maidstone to carve out any opportunities.
There were only two minor events to note up until half time. On 20 minutes, Jordan Bastin did well to get past Jephte Tanga down the left but his low ball into the box was blocked. For the Stones, Matt Bentley stole a loose ball off James Dodd and set off on a good run which resulted in a corner for Maidstone.
The game did slightly improve after the break. Keiran Thomas played the ball to Rex Mannings who was in space just the box but his shot screwed well wide. Then Lloyd Humphries put a good low ball across the box which Reuben Reid couldn’t get on the end of.
For the Stones, Harry Kyprianou was involved as the ball came into Matt Bentley. Bentley surged into the area and his effort was well blocked by Robbie Willmott.
The introduction of Lamar Reynolds for Mo Faal gave Maidstone a new lease of life. On 71 minutes, Reynolds was fouled out on the right, close to the touchline and edge of the box. Corne lifted the free-kick towards the back post where it was headed down by Reece Greenidge and into the net.
Bentley then slipped the ball into Reynolds. Reynolds had much to do and was under pressure and he went for a chipped finish which went over. Not long after this, Reynolds did well to win the ball and pick out Matt Rush who was in a central position and Max Harris beat away his shot.
The Stones had conceded a few free-kicks which Weston-super-Mare hadn’t profited from but they went close to an equaliser on 86 minutes. Willmott’s delivery came to Lloyd Humphries who showed superb technique with an exquisite bicycle kick which flew just wide.
Maidstone United: Reece Greenidge 71
Weston-super-Mare: –
Maidstone United: 1. Lucas Covolan, 19. Paul Appiah, 4. Reece Greenidge,3. Chi Ezennolim, 14. Harry Kyprianou, 8. Sam Corne ,18. Bivesh Gurung, 17. Jephte Tanga, 11. Mo Faal (10. Lamar Reynolds 63), 9. Matt Bentley (13. Riley Court 90), 20. Matt Rush. Subs not used: 12. Harley Earle, , 16. Elliott Wenham, 19. Sam Smith.
Weston-super-Mare: 1. Max Harris, 4. Jason Pope, 6. Raphael Araoye, 5. Lloyd Humphries, 2. Keiran Thomas, 8. James Dodd, 7. Robbie Willmott, 10. Rex Mannings (16. Bailey Kempster 88), 19. Reuben Reid, 9. Marlon Jackson (15. Jamie Soule 88), 11. Jordan Bastin. Subs not used: 12. Dayle Grubb, 13. Freddie Butchers, 14. Jacob Cane.
