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Maidstone United 2-2 Havant & Waterlooville match report

Dan Wishart’s injury-time header rescued a point for Maidstone after Danny Kedwell briefly silenced home fans.

Ex-Ebbsfleet striker Kedwell came off the bench to a chorus of boos - and the usual chant about his weight - and promptly put Havant 2-1 up with his first touch.

But a late header from top scorer Wishart made it 2-2 and gave Maidstone - who earlier took the lead with a lovely Jonny Edwards strike - a deserved share of the spoils against their unbeaten visitors.

Maidstone United head of football John Still Picture: John Westhrop
Maidstone United head of football John Still Picture: John Westhrop

Havant dominated possession early on with much of the opening 10 minutes played in United’s half.

But John Still’s side, again defending well, grew into it and had the first real chance when Edwards lost his man from Noah Chesmain’s corner and headed inches over.

Edwards was straight back in the action, running on to a ball down the line and breaking into the box before forcing a smart low save from ex-Stones loanee Ross Worner.

Maidstone were getting into their stride with Matt McClure twice working Worner, his second effort after Saidou Khan and Gavin Hoyte combined neatly to set him away.

Dan Wishart volleyed just over from the edge of the box before a delay when Worner and Edwards collided in the area.

With both men back on their feet, Maidstone went in front from the next attack.

It came in the 25th minute with Sam Magri’s poor header allowing Edwards in on goal.

There was still plenty to do but he lobbed Worner beautifully - a finish that proved the hardworking frontman also has goals in his game.

Unfortunately, he was still feeling the effects of that clash with Worner and had to be substituted four minutes later.

Maidstone looked the better side but Havant finished the half well, Clovis Kamdjo with an important challenge on Wes Fogden before a cracking reaction save from Jake Cole in added time as Bradley Tarbuck met Benny Read’s cross.

Fogden fired harmlessly over as Havant, having been told to up their tempo, looked to make an impact at the start of the second half.

Maidstone were largely untroubled, though, a sign of just how well this side are coming together.

However, there was a route back for the visitors when Nana Kyei clipped Deacon just inside the box.

It was clever play from Deacon, who knew the challenge was coming, and Anthony Straker sent Cole the wrong way from the spot on 66 minutes.

Khan saw two efforts blocked as Maidstone looked to hit back and the hosts also had a penalty shout waved away before good defending denied McClure from a near-post cross.

Havant turned to Kedwell who met a corner just a couple of yards out.

The fired-up former Fleet man certainly enjoyed celebrating in front of the Town End but there was a late sting in the tail when Wishart met Gavin Hoyte’s deep cross with a terrific header.

Maidstone: Cole, Hoyte, Knight, Elokobi, Chesmain, Kamdjo, Khan, Kyei (Allen 84mins), McClure (Tarh 84mins), Wishart, Edwards (Akanbi 29mins). Subs not used: Pennell, Lewington.

Attendance: 1,903 (80 away).

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