Report: Stones 3-0 Eastbourne Borough
The Stones largely controlled the first half thanks to two early goals. Maidstone showed their intent when Deon Moore raced towards goal. The angle was tight though and Freddie Carter expectedly blocked the shot at the near post to concede a corner.
With 10 minutes played, Maidstone got their first goal. A decent move saw TJ Bramble battle in midfield before finding Antony Papadopoulos on the right. Papadopoulos’ cross was decent and John Gilbert set up Jephte Tanga who smashed the ball in from close range.
Eastbourne went in search of a quick equaliser and did go close. Maidstone couldn’t clear Josh Anifowose’s cross and Isaac Pitblado struck an effort which flew just wide.
But on 18 minutes, the Stones extended their lead. Ryan Sandford could only get a hand to Leo Hamblin’s cross which went to Papadopoulos. Papadopoulos perfectly picked out Deon Moore whose header flew into the net.
Eastbourne soon had another opportunity to halve the deficit. The Maidstone defence was stretched as the ball came across to Anifowose who arguably should have shot first time but he took a touch and drove the ball straight at Nathan Harness.
Then on 27 minutes, Harness dropped Pitblado’s corner. David Sesay reacted quickly though and cleared the ball away from the six yard box.
There was then little to note until just before the hour. Jes Uchegbulam slipped the ball into Pemi Aderoju but Harness was quickly off his line and as Aderoju tried to play it through his legs, Harness got enough on the ball to enable George Fowler to comfortably sweep up.
There was further brave goalkeeping from Harness not long after this. Laiith Neil Fairnie put Uchegbulam in only for Harness to come flying out and once again make the block.
With five minutes remaining, Maidstone rounded off the scoring. Substitute Dajon Golding had only been on the pitch for three minutes when he found himself bearing down on Sandford and he made no mistake, confidently dispatching the ball into the net.
Papadopoulos then picked up the ball and drove towards goal. He unleashed a shot which didn’t miss by much but this was to be his last action as he was replaced by Jesse Nwabueze.
Maidstone United: Jephte Tanga 10, Deon Moore 18, Dajon Golding 85
Eastbourne Borough: –
Maidstone United: 1. Nathan Harness, 2. David Sesay (4. Lexus Beeden 73), 5. George Fowler, 24. Taylor Foran, 3. Leo Hamblin, 6. TJ Bramble, 8. Sam Corne (22. Teo Kurtaran 83), 20. Antony Papadopoulos (16. Jesse Nwabueze 89), 7. Jephte Tanga (17. Riley Court 81), 10. John Gilbert, 9. Deon Moore (12. Dajon Golding 82). Subs not used: 13. Lenny Holden, 14. Kweku Lucan.
Eastbourne Borough: 12. Ryan Sandford, 3. Isaac Pitblado (29. Kingsley Apau Anokye 73), 4. Camron Gbadebo, 5. Laiith Neil Fairnie, 8. Mo Sagaf, 11. Josh Anifowose (20. Arthur Grout 61), 14. Pemi Aderoju, 16. Freddie Carter, 21. Jes Uchegbulam, 22. Harvey Lintott (17. Jayden Davis 81), 23. Tayt Trusty. Subs not used: 1. Jamie Searle, 2. Dan Quick, 10. Victor Akinwale, 15. Craig Eastmond.
Tuesday in Enterprise National League South
Bath City 2-0 AFC Totton
Chesham United 1-2 Worthing
Dagenham & Redbridge 1-2 Horsham
Dover Athletic 2-2 Dorking Wanderers
Enfield Town 3-1 Ebbsfleet United
Hampton & Richmond 1-2 Hemel Hempstead
Maidenhead United 1-1 Tonbridge Angels
Maidstone United 3-0 Eastbourne Borough
Salisbury 1-0 Farnborough
Torquay United 3-0 Chippenham Town
Weston-super-Mare 5-1 Slough Town