Maidstone came into their game against AFC Hornchurch hoping to get back their winning form after going out of the FA Trophy to Eastleigh the previous weekend.
They came up against a strong opponent in the Urchins, who found themselves in first position in the Ryman Premier league.
Maidstone’s most recognizable loss was Orlando Smith, his knee is expected to keep him side lined until Christmas. The main loss for the visitors was the lack of Stefan Payne. The attacking midfielder who has played for Gillingham and Ebbsfleet in the past warmed up by himself and was given a place on the bench.
The visitors started well and had the first chance to score quickly, however George Purcell’s cross was too high for Carl Rook.
Purcell was influential for Hornchurch during the first attacks, soon after his over hit cross he found a chance for himself, he was given space to cut inside from the right before weaving his way through the Maidstone defence despite the striker’s efforts Lee Worgan was able to make an outstanding save to deny Purcell giving his team an early lead.
Despite the early pressure from Hornchurch it was Maidstone who scored the first goal of the game. After a corner was cleared away, Alex brown found himself on the corner of the penalty area, he placed a perfect cross into the area for Tom Phipp to guide home with his head, which was Phipp’s second goal for the stones since his loan move from Ebbsfleet United earlier in November.
Hornchurch were not going to give up their three point lead at the top of the table away easily and they came straight back in controversial fashion. Purcell’s cross got hit Jerrome Sobers and looped up into the air and fell into the middle of a large crowd of players, in the confusion Maidstone goalkeeper Lee Worgan got pushed down, but despite the home team’s calls play continued, eventually the ball found it’s way into the goal, Hornchurch striker Leigh Bremner was credited with the goal, although there were a number of players who could have been given the goal.
Both teams continued to exchange chances as a pass over the Hornchurch defence found Rory Hill, but the right winger’s shot flew across the goalmouth and wide. Hill continued to be given chances and he found himself with another soon after, this time he found himself one on one with the goalkeeper but the offside flag was up.
The stones final chance of the half fell to Zac Attwood, but after some good footwork in the area his scuffed his shot into the side netting.
The second half was very quiet with both teams hoping that they would be able to retain their positions in the league with a single point.
However, the first opportunity of the half came to Hornchurch’s Michael Spencer, but he was unable to convert from Phil Starkey’s cross. Spencer had another chance, but this time his shot from the edge of the area curled wide.
The visitors defence stayed strong in the second half, despite an injury to Rickie Hayles they were able to contain Maidstone’s weak attacking threats. The host’s final pass during their attacks were letting them down whilst giving possession back to their opponents.
Maidstone were forced to take quick, weak shot by the strong Hornchurch defence, Alex Brown found the ball in the area, but his shot was deflected away for a corner which was easily caught by Inigo Echepare.
The final chance to win the game came to Hornchurch’s Frankie Curley, after an incredible run through the Maidstone defence, but his low shot trickled just wide of the post.
Maidstone should feel as though if they could have converted their chances in the first half they would have come away with three points; they drop down to fourth in the table after Wealdstone beat Leiston, whilst Hornchurch also fall a place, they go into second after won.
Maidstone’s next game is a tough trip to sixth placed Bognor Regis town, they need to get back into a run of wins before the busy Christmas period, their next game at the Gallagher stadium is on December 7th when 9th placed Bury town come to Kent.
Maidstone: Worgan, Rose, Mills, Sobers, Andrews, Phillips, Hill (Flisher), Brown, Attwood, Collin, Phipp (Robertson)
Subs not used: Sariava, Sullivan, Mitten
AFC Hornchurch: Echepare, Starkey, Bentley, Styles, Hayles, Curley, Rook (Payne), Rainford, Bremner (Eyong), Purcell, Spencer
Booked: Hayles, Rook
Subs not used: Coyne, May, Bourne
Attendance: 1879