That might be a penalty? Tom Leahy is wiped out in stoppage time. Picture by Steve Terrell
Jack Foulger reports on Saturday’s defeat at Cressing Road.
THE TEAMS
The Stones made just one change from Tuesday’s derby victory against Tonbridge Angels, as Bromley-loanee Alex Stepien-Iwumene made way for fellow midfielder Alfie Tuck. Jayden Davis remained the only major absentee as he missed out for a third consecutive match.
For the Iron, new signing Jet Dyer went straight into the XI following his recent loan move from Dagenham & Redbridge whilst goalscorer Alfie Matthews returned to the starting lineup after being benched last time out against Slough Town. Courtney Senior and Luis Brown were the players who made way.
MATCH SUMMARY
The game started off as a rather scrappy affair, with neither goalkeeper being heavily tested for much of the first 45. Arguably the best chance of the half came just before the break as a run from Riley Court down the left-hand side resulted in a cross that was cleanly met by Ryan Hanson, but well-cleared off the line by Iron ‘keeper George Barrett.
The second half saw the game liven up as the Essex side began to dominate and string together a series of attacks on the Stones’ goal. Their persistence would eventually pay off in the 64th minute as a leaping header from George Evans eventually landed with forward Alfie Matthews who nodded the ball home at the near post.
Just 13 minutes later, the Iron were given a chance to double their lead as a misjudged interception from Lenny Holden saw him trip up striker Anisius Lewis with the referee awarding a penalty. This was subsequently put away by Alfie Matthews to claim his brace and put Braintree 2-0 up.
Craig Fagan’s side then made their best efforts to close the deficit with the Stones having a couple of penalty shouts of their own waved away, most notably including a challenge to the head of Dermi Lusala that was deemed insufficient to be given as a foul. Eventually, Maidstone were given a chance from the spot deep into stoppage time, following a challenge on Tom Leahy just inside the area. The ex-Milwall man tucked the penalty away although the Stones were unable to find a subsequent equaliser in the end, as the home side held on for all three points.
Lenny Holden can’t keep out Braintree’s second. Picture by Steve Terrell.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. 3G vs Grass: Nine games in, Saturday’s defeat marked the first time that the Stones had played on a grass pitch this season. In particular, the surface at Cressing Road was bobbly and uneven to say the least with numerous bald patches dotted around the field. This made it particularly difficult for Maidstone to apply their quick and fluid counter-attacking style which had ultimately paid dividends up until Saturday, by slowing down transitions and consistency in forward momentum. With 42 points on grass still up for grabs, Craig Fagan and co will need to explore ways to adapt to similarly varying conditions whilst still maintaining the forward-thinking and clinical DNA seen prior to Braintree.
2. Aerial Threat Needed: Alongside frustrations going forward in open play, another key area seemingly lacking in substance was the Stones’ overall presence on attacking set pieces. In particular, corner and free-kick routines felt noticeably hollow with no real target man to dominate crowded areas and win initial contacts, which were more often than not picked up by George Barrett in the Iron net and recycled for a Braintree attack. At times, you could feel a striker with a towering and physical presence was needed (similar to the profile of Hamzad Kargbo last season) if Maidstone were to capitalise on a scrappy set play to rescue the game.
LOOKING AHEAD
Next Saturday sees Craig Fagan’s side take a short break from league action as they make the quick 25-mile journey to Sidcup to face Cray Wanderers in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round. The South London side come into the fixture having recently knocked out fellow Isthmian League side Lewes in a replay last Tuesday, courtesy of a second-half winner from striker Alex Hernandez.
The Stones’ next NL South fixture takes place the following weekend, as they play host to Cornish side Truro City, with the two sides meeting for the first time since the Tinners were relegated from the National League last season.
