WALTON & HERSHAM 0 MAIDSTONE UNITED 3
By Tom Rogers
The Stones eased to a much-needed victory over a woeful Walton & Hersham side this weekend, with Leone Gravata, Riley Court and Ryan Hanson finding the net in a comprehensive victory. Both sides came into the game off the back of disastrous opening day defeats; however, it became apparent that it will be a long season for our hosts if they do not improve rapidly.
Walton have been mired in off-field issues in recent weeks, with disputes against the council over their home ground and the demolition of their title-winning squad and coaching staff, it was always likely to be an uphill battle for the Swans at the start of this season.
There was no shortage of early chances, with the lively Gravata playing through Ken Charles, who slotted just wide of the post on what turned into a frustrating day for the centre-forward. Gravata was involved again just a few moments later, jostling possession away from Sam German inside the defender’s penalty area, before shrugging off a shirt pull and firing into the roof of the net on the twentieth minute.
The game evolved with a rather bizarre pattern of play. Walton’s backline were insistent on playing out from the back, despite Maidstone being comfortable sitting in a ridged 4-4-2 out of possession which made it impossible for them to break through the lines.
Ages would pass while our hosts knocked the ball tepidly from side to side, looking unsure as to how they were to progress the ball from one end to the other, before a loose touch would act as a trigger for a two-man press, usually led by Court or Gravata that would often win possession back deep in the attacking half or push Walton back even further. It’s unclear if manager Kevin James (disappointingly not the same one who played Paul Blart, Mall Cop) expects this system to become more effective over time because it appeared obvious Walton do not have the ability to break down a team with any defensive organisation.
This same pattern of play continued, with Court being the first to react after German headed a Taylor Foran clearance away, before striking a slow but accurate effort into the bottom corner of the Walton net. The muted reaction from both Court and the away end alike made the game feel more like a friendly against a lower league opponent than an important league fixture.
The second half began as the first half ended, with tepid football ultimately crushed by Maidstone’s potency in front of goal. Charles came close again after Hamblin slotted him through, forcing Tommy Reid in goal into a good save. After the resulting corner was cleared and then recycled by Court, Gravata found space on the byline, chipping an excellent ball into the area which evaded the head of Charles but was bundled in via the knee of Hanson.
The hosts created a few half chances through the busy Skarna and Dixon, who caused Hamblin issues at times, but were unable to convert as the game drew to a close. There was still time for Alfie Tuck, introduced as a substitute, to miss an open goal after George Fowler unselfishly found him in space inside the penalty area, though I doubt anybody will remember the only downside on a very pleasing afternoon.
For Walton, it’s unclear where they go from here. It’s a massive shame that their team which was so impressive last season has been dismantled and they appear near certainties for the drop.
It would be a pleasant surprise if they were to avoid a demolition at Dagenham on Tuesday. As far as Maidstone are concerned, had we not won so convincingly it would’ve been a huge concern. You could not have asked any more from the side and Alex Stepien-Iwumene was excellent in midfield. The real tests are still to come, and more signings may arrive. Tariq Uwakwe, who appeared in several friendlies in pre-season, is one who was touted as a possibility, though it is unclear if Alex’s arrival will change this.
