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This was the first meeting between The Brickies and The Stones since the mid 1980’s, and on this occasion it provided an interesting match up between the Dr Marten’s Eastern League hosts and their Go Travel Kent League ground sharers. The match marked the opening of the new ground at Central Park. Last season both sides had played at the cavernous Central Park Greyhound Stadium, but this summer, the former training facility at Central Park has undergone a major transformation and has now (subject to this week’s ground grading inspection) been brought up to Dr Marten’s League standard. A torrential downpour an hour before kick-off left small areas of the pitch with standing water. The remainder of the pitch was left "fresh" following the recent dry spell. These conditions were in part to blame for an horrendous incident in the 11th minute. Maidstone triallist Michael Cassar challenged for a 50-50 ball in midfield. The ensuing tackle was strong but not malicious. Unfortunately, the sickening crack could be heard around the crowd of 253 and Cassar was left lying motionless on the grass. A game delay of 31 minutes occurred at this point to allow for the arrival of an ambulance. Cassar’s injury was deemed to be too serious for him to be moved and this proved to be the case with the player suffering a double leg fracture. With Steve Coatham replacing the stricken Cassar the game resumed. Not surprisingly, both teams took a while to settle back into the game and the first real effort of the match came from Sittingbourne‘s Roy Guiver. His 20-yard shot from the right hand side went wide of Kevin Hudson’s goal. Maidstone soon threw off their lethargy and a Paul Ribbens long throw was headed narrowly wide by captain Paul Foley. Within 3 minutes Steve Butler, who had a hard working game, hit a 20-yard shot saved by keeper Gavin Hopper. Stones now seemed to gain the ascendancy and a Barry Jeffreys free kick was flicked on by the head of Foley into the path of midfielder Neil Davey. Davey’s hooked volley from 6 yards out was well saved by Hopper. With the first half coming to a belated close, both Ribbens and new signing from Slade Green, Pedro Knight had efforts on goal. The final action of the half came from the home side. A corner was floated in and was met by the head of Clint Gooring. His header was cleared by the head of Ribbens, who was positioned on the back post, via the upright. Sittingbourne made three half time substitutions bringing on Former Stone Gary Peck, John Ovard (son of the 1980’s Stones favourite) and Farrell Cox. Cox made the first impression of the three, when in the 52nd minute he made a particularly bad tackle on Neil Davey. Referee Mr Saunders had no hesitation in producing the yellow card, despite the fact that this was a friendly match. Stones though, were soon to break the deadlock. Debuting Ryan Hackett, who had a particularly impressive game, passed the ball into the path of the evergreen Butler. Butler waltzed into the penalty area and rounded Hopper with skill, before checking back onto his right foot and firing home high into the net for 1-0. Within 6 minutes, Maidstone had increased their lead with a fine breakaway goal. Hackett picked up the ball outside his own area following a Sittingbourne corner. His run and pass found Richard Sinden. His scorching pace helped him to hold off a robust defensive challenge and he successfully slotted the ball beyond the keeper from 15 yards out to score against his former club. Sinden was immediately substituted at this point and was replaced by Steve Marshall. The Stones were now rolling and the third goal was only three minutes in coming. Coatham played a great ball out of defence to Butler. He in turn fed the ball to the running Kempster. Last season’s Supporters’ Player Of The Year controlled the ball well and without breaking stride he beat Hopper comfortably from 15 yards out. Sittingbourne manager (and ex-Maidstone goalkeeper in their Football League days) Mark Beeney betrayed his feelings at this goal with his body language, as he held his head in his hands. With the game now effectively won, several substitutions were made and the flow of the game inevitably changed. The Brickies pushed for a goal and came close through the impressive Andy Drury in the 73rd minute, when his 25 yard effort narrowly cleared Tony Reynolds’ cross bar. Michael Holden and Farrell Cox both had good chances towards the end but in reality Maidstone were barely troubled and were good value for their 3 goal victory. Maidstone United: Hudson, Kempster, Ribbens, Foley, Hackett, Cassar, Knight, Butler, Sinden, Davey, Jeffreys. Subs (all used) Coatham, Marshall, Chainey, Hewitson, Scott, Wallington, McCabe, Reynolds. Sittingbourne: Hopper, Cunningham, Campbell, Gooring, Guest, Campbell, Davis, Drury, Guiver, Spice, Berry. Subs (all used) King, Holden, Peck, Ovard, Cox, Miller. Match Reporter: Darren Lovell
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