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Maidstone United 1 Welling United 1 match report: George Fowler’s opener cancelled out by Jack Munns

George Fowler scored on his return from suspension but Maidstone were held by Welling.

Fowler, back in business after a three-match ban, headed the Stones into an early lead as George Elokobi’s men dominated the first half at the Gallagher Stadium.

George Fowler heads Maidstone in front against Welling. Picture: Helen Cooper
George Fowler heads Maidstone in front against Welling. Picture: Helen Cooper

But the Wings worked their way back into it and levelled through substitute Jack Munns on his debut.

The result ends Maidstone’s four-match winning streak in National League South, although they remain well placed to make the play-offs, while it’s another step towards safety for the Wings.

In-form Maidstone made a rapid start against a Wings side who’d lost just two of their past 13 games.

Lamar Reynolds, rewarded with a start after his eight-minute hat-trick at Eastbourne on Good Friday, missed a good chance from Matt Rush’s cross in the opening seconds.

George Fowler celebrates after giving Maidstone the lead against Welling. Picture: Helen Cooper
George Fowler celebrates after giving Maidstone the lead against Welling. Picture: Helen Cooper

Matt Bentley, a thorn in the visitors’ side in an impressive first-half performance, then released Rush, whose shot was pushed on to the post by Reice Charles-Cook.

The opener followed from a fourth-minute corner.

Skipper Sam Corne took a return pass from Chi Ezennolim at a short corner and saw his cross to the back post headed home by defender Fowler.

Maidstone were all over the visitors, who barely had time to breathe.

Bentley set up chances for Reynolds and Rush, both well-saved by Charles-Cook, before Welling made an early change by substituting ex-Stones defender Joe Ellul.

The pace dropped for a spell before another decent save by Charles-Cook, sticking out a leg to deny Bentley’s first-time strike from a Jephte Tanga cross.

Lamar Reynolds in possession for Maidstone. Picture: Helen Cooper
Lamar Reynolds in possession for Maidstone. Picture: Helen Cooper

Welling finally managed an effort on goal in the 39th minute, Reece Grant’s shot on the turn comfortably saved by Lucas Covolan.

Corne got back to make an important block after Grant’s cross reached Anthony Papadopolous at the back post early in the second half.

Welling improved as an attacking force after the break.

And while Fowler, Reiss Greenidge and Sam Bone had looked assured in the back three, an equaliser arrived in the 72nd minute as debutant Munns finished low from the edge of the box.

Welling were in the ascendancy after the goal and it started to look as though Maidstone might regret not making their first-half dominance count.

Maidstone striker Matt Rush goes for goal. Picture: Helen Cooper
Maidstone striker Matt Rush goes for goal. Picture: Helen Cooper

A half-chance fell the visitors’ way as David Amoo volleyed wide going into the final 10 minutes.

Bone might have won it for the Stones in added time but sidefooted wide.

Maidstone: Covolan, Bone, Fowler, Greenidge, Tanga, Corne, Gurung, Ezennolim (Brown 85mins), Bentley (Adu-Poku 74mins), Reynolds (Faal 71mins), Rush. Subs not used: Earle, Appiah.

Welling: Charles-Cook, Johnson, Green, Di Trolio, Ellul (Amoo 25mins), Byrd, A Grant (Munns 63mins), Kennedy, Papadopolous, Adigun, R Grant (Roscrow 70mins). Subs not used: Roscrow, Lema, Burchell.

Referee: Daniel Baines.

Attendance: 2,757 (208 away).

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