In a surprisingly one-sided finale to their pre-season, Maidstone United’s preparations for the new National South season concluded with a four-nil demolition of Isthmian Premier fancies Lewes. 

For boss George Elokobi watching on, his charges dominated from the start and by the time Lewes had their first shot on target worthy of the name just before the hour, the game was over as the Stones lead 4-0. 

In a first half that was played in all weathers – warm overcast conditions followed by torrential rain and then brilliant sunshine – and the visitors struggled to match the Stones from the start although it took the home side quarter of an hour to take the lead.  

Maidstone’s trialist in their starting eleven must have impressed the boss as he battled through, and as the ball fell to Levi Amantchi gave the trialist in the Lewes goal no chance. Credit must be given to referee Dann-Pye for playing an amazing advantage as the ball fell to the goal scorer. 

One soon became two as the visitors showed the first signs of defensive frailties as Connor Kelly and Razzaz Coleman De-Graft combined for Lamal Reynolds to slam the ball home. 

The visitor’s keeper then gifted Kelly a golden opportunity with a dreadful clearance before yet more shambolic defending between the Lewes backline and the keeper, the ball fell to Reynolds who was left with the easiest of tasks to knock the ball into the empty net. 

Three was four less than five minutes into the second period as the move of the game resulted in Amantchi side footing home at the back post. 

Reynolds missed a golden opportunity to net a hat-trick as the ball ran to him following another amazing advantage from the official, but his shot was well held. 

Multiple changes on the home side allowed Lewes back into the game but there was sixty minutes on the clock when Deon Moore fired wide from a free kick, and whilst the game was more even as the game wore on, despite the tireless running of Joe Taylor, Lewes rarely threatened the Stones goal – with the notable exception of a late effort that crashed off the bar with keeper Harley Earle motionless. 

There will be much tougher tests for Elokobi and his charges ahead but preseason at least ends in style. 

MAIDSTONE UNITED – Earle, Hoyte, Greenidge, Fowler, Brown, De-Graft, Corne, Trialist A, Amantchi, Reynolds, Kelly 

Subs – Ezennolim, Wanjau-Smith, Bone, Gurling, Ianpolo, Court, Hatton, Trialist B 

LEWES – Trialist A, Elliott, Vint, Penney, Trialist B, Murtagh, Gondoh, Pritchard, Taylor, Egan, Moore 

Subs – Tapling, Dalling, Trialist C, Trialist D