Maidstone’s pre-season got off to a strong start as they eased to a 4-1 victory away at Bearsted.

The Stones started the game with two trialists in the line up, including in goal. Maidstone also completely changed their 11 at the break, with George Fowler, Harry Kyprianou and Bivesh Gurung coming on.

It was the Stones who enjoyed the best of the first half. Just three minutes had gone when the ball fell to Riley Court who was in a good position but he put the chance over the bar.

But on 19 minutes, Maidstone did find the back of the net with a fine finish. Ben Brookes was involved as the ball came into Pierre Fonkeu who tucked the ball inside the left post. Then not long after this, the Stones doubled their lead as a Trialist scored a decent goal.

The second half saw Bearsted halve the deficit as they hit the Stones on the break and number 12 curled a fine side footed finish past the Trialist keeper.

But Maidstone put the game to bed with two quick goals. The first came courtesy of a Trialist from close range on 66 minutes after a neat team move. And just moments later, Jordan Higgs picked his spot with a low finish to register his first goal for the Stones.