MAIDSTONE UNITED 1 WESTON-SUPER-MARE 0
Report by Tom Rogers. Picture by Steve Terrell.
The Stones have gone top of the table after a fourth straight victory over Weston-Super-Mare this Saturday. In an end-to-end contest, a Ken Charles goal from close range, shortly after the break, was enough to keep Craig Fagan’s winning run going.
The visitors’ day started poorly, with the news that Burberry would be banned from the stadium sparking outrage amongst football casuals everywhere. One wise commentor asked, ‘Is the Niqab banned?’ whilst another remarked, ‘Budgie smugglers ok but no Burberry football gone mad. Try doing that at Chelsea’. The punctuation left a lot to be desired. I’m unsure where they got the idea that our fanbase is split between Islamist women and men in Speedos, though I can confirm none of the 2,007 in attendance matched either description.
As per a tweet from the club, Burberry is allowed at the Gallagher Stadium though, presumably, not advised? This ordeal has also meant I’ve discovered what the fashion brand Aquascutum is. Their target market appears to be people who don’t want to (understandably) shell out nearly four hundred quid to Burberry for their chequered scarf, but are too proud to buy a Chinese knock-off from Etsy for fifty. They’ve seemingly cornered the non-league yokel market. I’m anticipating hundreds on show at Tonbridge on Tuesday.
The first big chance of the actual match fell to Jayden Davis on the 18th minute. Leone Gravata received a flick on from Ken Charles on the left wing and shrugged off his man, to find space on the edge of the area. He rolled the ball across to Davis who composed himself and aimed for the bottom right corner from inside the box. His effort trickled just wide, with the aid of a deflection.
Nearly ten minutes later we threatened again. Gravata was bundled over by George Robesten half a yard outside the area, winning a free kick in a promising area. Riley Court’s resulting effort swerved away from Max Harris in the Weston goal, forcing him to beat it away.
Ryan Hanson, back in the team after missing out on Monday with an injury, was the next to test Harris in goal. Alex Stepien-Iwumene won the ball back deep in the defensive half and Court found Hanson, who powered forward, carrying the ball half the length of the pitch as space opened up for him. His effort again swerved in the wind and needed pushing over by the visiting keeper.
Minutes later Davis had another big chance, with Charles’ ball finding him on the right side of the Weston penalty area with plenty of space. He took it under his spell well but lashed at the finish when he actually had time to compose himself, sending his effort over the bar.
The second half began with the most significant action of the game. A Harris goal kick was headed back toward the Weston goal by Taylor Foran. Sean Long looked to show it out of play but misjudged the pace of the ball, with Gravata nipping in and dispossessing him on the byline. He cut inside and found Charles in the penalty area. He was able to poke home with a first-time finish and give us the lead.
Weston had a big appeal for a penalty on the sixty-fifth minute. Robesten did well on the left wing to play a teasing ball across the box towards Brad Ash. Leo Hamblin was off balance and struggling to keep up with the forward. He made contact with him as he stumbled, knocked the striker off balance and eventually sent him over. Loud appeals from the Weston team and bench were waved away. Because Ash stayed on his feet for a step and still got a tame shot off towards Lenny Holden’s goal, the referee likely didn’t feel there was enough contact. However, if Ash had gone down without trying to still get his shot off, he may have gotten the decision, as there was clear impeding contact by Hamblin.
Weston threatened as the half dragged on and they pushed for an equaliser. They fired numerous balls into the area, which led to several half chances and nervy moments as Holden’s defence scrambled to clear. The closest they came was deep into stoppage time when an airy ball in was flicked on by substitute Louis Britton. His effort went just wide of Holden’s far post, allegedly with the aid of fingertips from the Maidstone keeper.
The Stones held on. Dagenham dropping points in a 1-1 draw away to Horsham has left us top of the table. Chants of ‘We’re gonna win the league’ could be heard at full time. No matter how premature they are, if this team stays together and plays the way it should, there is no reason they can’t seriously challenge for promotion. The biggest test will come on Tuesday though, as we travel to rivals Tonbridge.
