The Stones exit this season’s Isuzu FA Trophy at the first hurdle following defeat at the hands of Isthmian Premier side Horsham.
It was a poor performance from the Stones and one that left George Elokobi very frustrated as for long periods, their lower league opponents showed more quality in the final third and did the basics much better than the Stones. Elokobi made four changes from the team that got a decent point at Torquay on Tuesday, giving a couple of the players that haven’t had many minutes a go.
It got off to the worst possible start when Lee Harding burst down the right hand side before crossing first time towards the incoming Daniel Ajakaiye who managed to beat Andre Jr with his header from six yards out.
The players really struggled in the first half to get going as a lot of misplaced passes meant that possession was limited at times as the Hornets looked to capitalise and increase their lead. They very nearly did that when Antony Papadopoulos lost possession in the middle before the ball was slipped into the ever dangerous Ajakaiye who this time was denied by Andre Jr as he spread himself well to make the save with foot.
On the half hour mark, Temi Eweka looked to have a sight of goal as he hit an ambitious volley from 30 yards which was dipping but not enough to go off the inside of the cross bar. Not long after, the returning Matt Bentley maybe should have brought the Stones level when he was found just outside the six yard box following a cross from Charlie Seaman. He had the time to connect with the volley but couldn’t keep it down as it sailed well over the bar. The Stones continued to press for an equaliser towards the end of the first half but George Fowler’s deflected effort at the near post went into the side netting.
Into the second half and the lads came out with a bit more attacking intention but found it difficult to break the Horsham defence down. Riley Court played a lovely switch ball towards Ben Brookes who set it up for Court on the edge of the box but couldn’t control his shot as it went into the stand.
The gaffer made the choice to bring on two of the regulars in Aaron Blair and Sam Corne, and it was Corne who looked to be the creator as he split two players with a pass towards to the left hand side where Papadopoulos was. He managed to cut on the outside but his shot was blocked out for a corner.
Horsham still carried an attacking threat and they managed to grab their second with a quarter of an hour to go. Charlie Hester-Cook cut inside of Bivesh Gurung before releasing his shot which forced Andre Jr to parry back into the danger area. It was left to Reece Myles-Meekums to drill hard and low on the rebound which sneaked in at the near post.
The game seemed to be heading out with a whimper but the Stones were given a glimmer of hope when Aaron Blair was pulled down inside the box which gave Ben Brookes the chance to make it a grand finale. Brookes showed no mercy in powering his spot kick into the bottom right hand corner with keeper Lewis Carey going the right way.
With five additional minutes, it was backs to the wall for Horsham but they defended resolutely which ensured that it was their name in the hat for the FA Trophy Third Round draw on Monday.
Horsham: Daniel Ajakaiye 2’, Reece Myles-Meekum 74’
Maidstone United: Ben Brookes (pen) 87’
Horsham: 1. Lewis Carey, 2. Jake Elliott, 5. Isaac Philpot, 6. Jack Strange, 8. Charlie Hester-Cook, 10. Daniel Ajakaiye (19. Chris Dickson 76 mins), 15. Jack Brivio (C) (14. Joel Daly 78 mins), 16. Montel Agyemang (4. Danny Barker 68 mins), 17. Lucas Rodrigues (9. Shamir Fenelon 85 mins), 18. Reece Myles-Meekums (11. Ola Ogunwamide 84 mins), 20. Lee Harding.
Maidstone United: 1. Alexis Andre Jr, 2. Temi Eweka, 3. Ben Brookes, 5. George Fowler (C), 10. Shaq Coulthirst, 11. Charlie Seaman, 16. Matt Bentley (9. Aaron Blair 64 mins), 17. Riley Court (6. Sam Smith 69 mins), 18. Bivesh Gurung, 19. Pierre Fonkeu (8. Sam Corne 64 mins), 20. Antony Papadopoulos (14. Elliott Wenham 75 mins). Subs not used: 13. Lenny Holden.
