Maidstone United 2 Leatherhead 3
By Steve
Tervet
Maidstone’s title aspirations took a knock on
Saturday when their long unbeaten home run came to an end against
Leatherhead.
Having not suffered a league defeat at the
Gallagher Stadium since the opening day of the season, the Stones
led twice but were left empty-handed after conceding two goals
in the last 11 minutes.
The home side took the lead on 34 minutes when
Shaun Welford delivered an excellent left-wing cross which former
Gillingham midfielder Alex Brown (pictured) planted into the
net.
However, Leatherhead restored parity in
first-half stoppage time. Matt Smart drilled a left-foot shot
across goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim and the ball nestled in the bottom
corner.
Brown turned provider on 61 minutes, crossing
for Stuart King to bundle Maidstone back in front.
Tanners goalkeeper Andrew Young kept his side
in the game when he pushed a dipping Michael Phillips free-kick
behind for a corner.
Back came Leatherhead with a second equaliser.
Tom Bradbrook was a handful for the Stones defence all afternoon
and his far-post header levelled the scores on 79 minutes.
The visitors poured forward in search of a
winner and Maidstone looked increasingly edgy. Sure enough,
Leatherhead snatched a winner. With five minutes remaining, Ibrahim
clawed out one effort but he couldn’t prevent Neil Jenkins forcing
the ball over the line from close range.
The Stones remain three points clear at the
top of Ryman League Division 1 South but they have played two games
more than second-placed Dulwich Hamlet. Leatherhead are another two
points back in third.
Maidstone: Ibrahim, Osborne,
Mills, T Olorunda, Andrews, Phillips, Brown, Lye (Booth
86mins), Flisher, Welford, King. Subs not used: Draycott, Hare,
Woolery, Kessell. Attendance: 1,801.
02/02/13
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