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Pre-season round-up: Maidstone United lose to Herne Bay in their first game back while striker Kane Rowland makes an instant impression for Sittingbourne

Maidstone United returned to pre-season action on Tuesday night but ended up playing more than half of their game against Herne Bay with 10 men.

It was a first outing for Stones’ senior players at Herne Bay but they got off to a rocky start.

Dean Grant put Bay infront and the Stones were then reduced to 10 men when recent recruit Kreshnic Krasniqi was sent off for a late challenge on Kieran Campbell, who was replaced after receiving treatment.

Tushaun-Tyreese Walters doubled Herne Bay’s advantage, finishing after a fine run.

Ibrahim Olutade got a goal back for Maidstone after the break and the visitors took the chance to look at several potential recruits, fielding seven trialists at one stage in the second half, while there was an appearance for young Perri Iandolo after impressing for the under-23s.

Striker Kane Rowland made a good early impression on his return to Sittingbourne.

The Brickies had hoped to face Kent Football United at Woodstock Park but their opponents couldn’t raise a team.

They were, however, pleased to announce the arrival of Rowland and the striker managed a couple of goals as the first team took on a second XI instead.

Manager Darren Blackburn tweeted: "He’s back in a Sittingbourne shirt, a top lad and great attitude, looking forward to working with him.

"Thanks to Ramsgate for the smooth transition. Two goals against our reserves already but will offer much more I can see that!"

Rowland is a former player-of-the-year at Sittingbourne and hit 23 goals in a season before moving to Folkestone two years ago. He then joined Ramsgate for an undisclosed fee in February 2019.

Kane Rowland made his debut for Sittingbourne in a match against the reserves on Tuesday night Picture: Ken Medwyn (41806004)
Kane Rowland made his debut for Sittingbourne in a match against the reserves on Tuesday night Picture: Ken Medwyn (41806004)

Ebbsfleet United played out a goalless draw with Hornchurch at Bridge Avenue and gave a debut to newly signed striker Reece Grant in the second half.

The Hornchurch team, managed by former Gills boss Mark Stimson, included former Charlton and Gillingham striker Chris Dickson upfront along with Charlie Stimson - son of the manager and also once on the books at Priestfield, but neither side could fine the net.

Troubled Dover Athletic got their pre-season campaign underway with a 1-0 win at Hythe Town.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler started the game with nine trialists and included more in the second half. It was one of those unnamed players who scored the only goal of the game.

Defender TJ Bramble was among those introduced after the break for his first Whites appearance while new signing Louis Collins also featured.

Faversham Town were 4-0 winners against Margate at the Aquatherm Stadium

Luie De Santos put the Lilywhites ahead after 25 minutes with a shot from distance before Grant Brown hammered in a second

De Santos made it three with only 31 minutes gone, scoring from long-range once again. Cameron Williams headed in the fourth to complete the scoring.

Johan Ter Horst netted for Folkestone Invicta in their win over Whitstable Town
Johan Ter Horst netted for Folkestone Invicta in their win over Whitstable Town

Folkestone Invicta and Whitstable Town met on Tuesday night infront of a crowd of 260.

Adem Ramadan put Invicta ahead and a cross from the same player was diverted into his own net by a Whitstable defender to double their advantage.

Luke Medley halved the deficit for Whitstable before the break and they got back on level terms through Tijan Jadama before substitute Clark Woodcock put Neil Cugley's men back infront.

Johan Ter Horst added a fourth to complete the scoring.

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