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Maidstone United 1 Weymouth 2 match report

Relegated Maidstone were beaten by an 88th-minute goal as Weymouth came from behind to win at the Gallagher.

The Stones were on course to start the National South season with a win after Justin Amaluzor’s second-half opener.

But the dangerous Ben Thomson equalised and added his second at the death to give the newly-promoted Terras victory.

Maidstone head coach Hakan Hayrettin and head of football John Still Picture: John Westhrop
Maidstone head coach Hakan Hayrettin and head of football John Still Picture: John Westhrop

After a summer of change, Maidstone named 10 new signings in their starting XI with Amaluzor the only survivor from last season.

He looked dangerous at times in the first half, along with opposite wideman Nana Kyei, and Iffy Allen.

It was an open game with Southern League champions Weymouth, captained by ex-Stones loanee Jake McCarthy, seemingly coming to have a go.

They looked particularly bright in the final third in the opening 45 minutes, carving out a few chances.

George Elokobi made a vital interception in the six-yard box early on, Saidou Khan’s well-timed challenge denied Thomson, who also blazed over from a few yards out and sent another effort wide after leaving Ryan Johnson on his backside out wide.

Thomson was in again towards the end of the half, collecting a pass from Abdulai Baggie and forcing a good low save from Jake Cole.

Maidstone showed flashes of what they’re capable of in attack.

A nice move ended with Jonny Edwards pulling the back to Kyei who couldn’t sort out his feet when well-placed.

Edwards went close from Luke Pennell’s cross and Kyei planted a firm header from a Sam Corne centre just over the top.

Towards the end of the half, Amaluzor’s trickery worked a good angle for a shot, with Callum Ward down well to make the save.

Johnson made a double block from Thomson at the start of the second half but Maidstone took the lead in the 54th minute.

Edwards showed great strength to win the ball on halfway and force his way up the right wing.

His cross evaded everyone but Amaluzor retrieved the ball, cut inside and buried a shot into the bottom corner.

Midway through the half the impressive Khan fed Allen but Ward made a comfortable save.

Weymouth hadn’t looked as effective in the second half but levelled in the 74th minute.

McCarthy was the provider, rolling the ball into Thomson who brilliantly turned Elokobi and beat Cole from the edge of the box.

Weymouth almost went in front in the last 10 minutes.

Cole make an excellent save from Thomson but the danger wasn’t over with the loose ball falling to former Maidstone striker Yemi Odubade.

He looked a good bet to score but Pennell got back to clear off the line.

The warning signs were there and Weymouth had their winner two minutes from time when Thomson met Ollie Harfield’s corner and headed home.

Maidstone: Cole, Hoyte, Pennell, Corne, Elokobi, Johnson, Kyei, Khan (Chesmain 80mins), Edwards (Akanbi 85mins), Allen (Olutade 90mins), Amaluzor. Subs not used: Lewington, Knight.

Attendance: 2,015.

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