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Last season the two Stones served up an entertaining pre-season friendly at Cheriton Road. This year’s encounter proved to be no different. Despite a two division gap between the teams, Maidstone United showed that they are shaping up very nicely for the forthcoming Go Travel Kent League season. A steady shower of fine rain prior to kick off spruced up the playing surface no end. It was the precursor to a night of committed tackles and challenges, none of which were particularly malicious but most of which drew the ire of an over fussy and picky referee. When a shout from the crowd asked the referee "Who are you trying to impress ref?" he responded with a terse "Not you mate!" He wasn’t wrong. Supporters of both sides were left totally bemused by his inept performance, not to mention the managers and players! Especially Maidstone triallist Michael Kayser, who was requested to be substituted in the 22nd minute. Paul Ribbens was the impromptu replacement. Unfortunately, the referee was to repeat this party piece twice more. The on-field action was constant with both sides intent on attacking at every opportunity. Pedro Knight put in a fine performance in midfield and showed the first signs of building an understanding with Kempster, Butler and Jeffreys. This eventually culminated in Knight’s first goal for the Stones. Finding themselves 1-0 down to James Dryden’s opportunistic strike, after Kevin Hudson’s wet surface induced handling error in the 13th minute, Maidstone pushed on at every opportunity. The 39th minute equaliser came after a good move that ended with Ross Edwards making an excellent cross from the left across the penalty area. Knight ran forward from a deep position and buried his diving header high into Dave Wietecha’s goal. Just minutes before this, Hudson playing against his former club, atoned for his earlier error with an excellent double save from the rangy Mark Twose. All in the healthy 200+ crowd showed their appreciation of some good football. The second half saw the introduction of three Maidstone substitutes. Dave Scott (who marshalled the disappointing Allan Tait extremely well) replaced Paul Foley, Michael Kayser got a second chance at the expense of Ribbens and Steve Marshall covered for Richard Sinden. Invicta had introduced Steve Restarick up front and he posed United a few problems early in the second half with his direct running and good close control. The 60th minute brought the referee into the spotlight again when he awarded a penalty for an apparent push on Restarick. Edwards’ complaints almost led to his enforced substitution. Restarick, after the protests died down, dispatched the penalty with aplomb. Three minutes later, Aaron Lacey, who was again in impressive form, was substituted by the referee. Ribbens again got the chance to come on at short notice! Within a minute, triallist Kayser had stung the fingertips of the Invicta keeper with a 25-yard drive from a well worked free-kick routine that was orchestrated by Butler. Fifteen minutes from time, Jamie Kempster was replaced by Richard Chainey. "Chunky" as he is known, has been the "find" of the pre-season without a doubt. Following his impressive two goal display at Margate, Chainey again put in an eye-catching performance. He will, without doubt, become a firm crowd favourite when Jim Ward gives him his opportunity. Within a minute of his arrival, Chainey had fed in Marshall, who smashed a 20-yard shot low against the Folkestone upright. The ball struck the inside of the post and flew across the goal. Very soon after, Chainey was brought down in the box. The ever reliable referee gave the spot kick but even the Stones fans thought that the award was generous. Steve Butler stepped up but his low shot to the left was well saved by substitute keeper Paul Egan. At this point Maidstone changed their keeper, giving Tony Reynolds a run out and also youth team player Tony Evans. Stones finally levelled the scores in the 83rd minute when a run by Knight found Chainey. His shot seemed weak, but keeper Egan only managed to parry the effort and Marshall comfortably stabbed home the ball from 3 yards. A late scare for Maidstone was averted by the referee, when a fine strike by Restarick was ruled out for an apparent offside in the 87th minute. A draw was a fair result and both sets of fans travelled home happy at having seen a good game. Stones: Hudson, Kempster, Kayser, Foley, Coatham, Edwards, Lacey, Butler, Sinden, Jeffreys, Knight. Subs (all used) Scott, Ribbens, Marshall, Chainey, Evans, Reynolds, Wallington
Match Reporter: Darren Lovell
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