Maidstone’s woeful home form continued as they were brushed aside by Gateshead team who earlier in the week had lost in the FA Cup. The Gateshead team and supporters will have a long journey home but will be happy after this performance.

It all started well for Maidstone as they came out fast and for 10 minutes dominated possession and in the 10^th minute they nearly took the lead when another Long throw by Alex Flisher into the area was flicked on by Anthony Acheampong for fellow defender Kevin Lokko whose header forced Dan Harford to push against the cross bar & it came out to James Rogers but from an acute angle he hit the side netting.

In the very next minute Gateshead nearly took the lead when Russell Penn passed out wide for George Smith whose low cross to the near post was met by Danny Johnson but his shot from 5 yards came back of the post.  Gateshead were now dominating possession and they were creating chances whilst Maidstone relied on breakaways. In the 13^th minute Johnson was found 18 yards out & his shot was saved by Lee Worgan making his 150^th straight appearance in League games.

In the next minute Maidstone had a half chance when Jack Evans corner was cleared but came back to him & his cross into the area was met by Yemi Odubade but his header was saved by Hanford.  In the 22^nd minute Gateshead nearly took the lead but from a superb save by Worgan, the corner came in from George Smith and ended up in the 6 yard box where Sam Jones stabbed his shot goal wards but Worgan got to it and then it was cleared.  In the 34^th minute Worgan again came to the rescue when Sam Jones tried his luck from 18 yards forcing Worgan to push away with his legs.

Half time was edging closer when Gateshead finally scored when a long ball forward saw Manny Smith flick on & from 5 yards Danny Johnson stabbed past Worgan.

The second half started as it had finished with Gateshead in charge and in the 47^th minute Sam Jones on the right wing cut inside & his shot from 15 yards forced Worgan to push it round the post, it could and maybe should have been two when in the next minute a corner into the 6 yard box saw Johnson’s header go just over the bar then in the 52^nd minute Wes York passed to Sam Jones who from 30 yards saw his shot go over the bar.

Chances were now coming thick & fast for Gateshead as in the 56^th minute a long diagonal ball by Mitch Brundle found Johnson who lobbed Worgan but it went over the bar. Four minutes later a Brundle free kick from 25 yards was pushed away by Worgan, in the 66^th minute Worgan again came to the rescue when George Smith on the left saw his low cross find Johnson who turned & shot forcing Worgan to save with his legs then in the 70^th minute Gateshead doubled their lead when Sam Jones dispossessed Jack Paxman on halfway on the right wing & went forward into the area before slipping the ball through for Johnson & from 10 yards smashed home.

The Maidstone crowd were stunned by this and although they had a couple of chances near the end of the game they could have been out there all night & not scored. In the 77^th minute Jamar Loza went on a mazy run cut inside and his shot went just past the post then two minutes later he was in the area & challenged by Manny Smith fell over but no penalty was given.

In the 87^th minute it could have been worse as Brundle got to the by-line & his low cross found Luke Hannant but from 10 yards with an open goal he shot past the post. The final whistle went and the handful of Gateshead supporters celebrated a great win whilst the Maidstone fans were quiet, at least they have a game Tuesday against Sutton to reprieve themselves after what could be their worst performance of the season.

Maidstone United:

1. Worgan 3. T.Mills  5. K.Lokko  6. J.Rogers (53)  10. J.Paxman  11. A.Flisher (69)  12. J.Evans
2. A.Acheampong 22. S.Nana Twumasi  23. Y.Odubade (62)  25. J.Loza

Subs Used:  16. B-J Taylor  (53)  24. L.Enver-Marum  (62) 14. T.Murphy (69)

Subs Not Used:  8. D.Sweeney  17. B.Greenhalgh

Bookings:  15. A.Acheampong (67)

Gateshead:

13. D.Hanford 3. G.Smith 4. M.Smith  5. L.Hogan  7. W.York (79) 8. M.Brundle  9. D.Johnson
14. S.Jones 16. R.Penn  19. D.Jones  25. L.Hannant

Subs Used: 17. R.Styche (79)

Subs Not Used:  1. S.Johnson  20. A.Wrightson  22. G.Mafuta

Bookings:  8. M.Brundle (89)

Referee: Mr C.Hicks

Assistants: Mr A.Moody  & Mr P.Saunders

4^th Official: Mr J.Pike