Report: Dover Athletic

Maidstone probably edged the first half although there wasn’t that much in the way of goalmouth action and it was the visitors who created an opportunity early on. Jalen Jones’ header into the box came to Luca Cocoracchio whose shot caused a scramble in the box with Nathan Harness getting a touch.

On 26 minutes, Riley Court’s corner was met by John Gilbert whose half volley didn’t miss by much. Court was involved again shortly after this but his weak effort went wide.

The Stones went very close to opening the scoring six minutes before the break. Antony Papadopoulos ran down the left and hit a lovely curling effort which smashed off the bar and dropped down close to the line.

Then on 43 minutes, Court’s corner was flicked on by Dajon Golding at the near post and his header was blocked.

Not long after the break, Court made a lot of progress forward before seeing his effort deflect just wide. From the resultant corner, Court laid the ball into the path of Papadopoulos whose shot from just outside the box cleared the bar by a matter of inches.

Maidstone then defended a Dover attack and quickly hit the Whites on the break. Corne made the tackle and passed to John Gilbert who found Papadopoulos who worked the ball to Deon Moore. Moore did well to advance to the edge of the area only to shoot straight at Mitch Walker.

The Stones did break the deadlock on 64 minutes. Moore crossed from the left and the unmarked Corne headed into the net.

Twelve minutes after this, Maidstone could have doubled their lead. Gilbert’s shot fell nicely to Golding who was in a good position and he blazed well over the bar.

Golding then drove forward. His effort from the edge of the box was blocked but he then managed to pick out Gilbert who lifted the ball high and wide.

Four minutes from time, Dover went close to equalising. A corner was met at the back post by Jalen Jones and his header was cleared off the line by Corne.

Corne then saved Maidstone again, deep in stoppage time. Roman Charles-Cook laid the ball to Harry Beadle who crossed for George Nikaj and his header was going in but it deflected off Corne and landed on the roof of the net.

Maidstone United: 1. Nathan Harness, 2. David Sesay, 4. Lexus Beeden, 24. Taylor Foran, 3. Leo Hamblin, 8. Sam Corne, 17. Riley Court, 20. Antony Papadopoulos (5. George Fowler 90), 10, John Gilbert (23. Hamzad Kargbo 80), 12. Dajon Golding (6. TJ Bramble 88), 9. Deon Moore (7. Jephte Tanga 71). Subs not used: 13. Lenny Holden15. David Agbontohoma, 21. Malachi Mbogba.

Dover Athletic: 1. Mitch Walker, 4. Jalen Jones, 15. Harrison Sodje, 6. Luca Cocoracchio (9. Kenny Coker 88), 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 23. George Wilkinson (8. Alfie Matthews 66), 25. Ryan Hanson (18. Bivesh Gurung 61), 16. Harry Beadle, 10. George Nikaj, 19, Rolando Onu (11. De-Carrey Shariff 77), 24. Francis Mampolo (7. Luke Baptiste 77), Subs not used: 21. Jacob Mensah, 29. Finley Marjoram.

Maidstone United: Sam Corne 64.

Dover Athletic: –

Attendance: 2,830