Maidstone Revival Too Strong For Injury Hit Sutton

After a strong first half Sutton began to tire in the second 45, and coupled with some impact substitutions from the visitors the tide was turned with Maidstone claiming an ultimately deserved win.

It was a bright start from Paul Doswell’s men, Jamie Collins having an early chance from a free header from a corner, but from a fair distance away from goal put his header wide. Set pieces were to provide further opportunities for U’s, Dundas heading wide from a Bailey freekick, whilst Kenny Davis may feel he ought to have done better when presented with a shooting opportunity on the edge of the box from Eastmond’s pullback. When the goal came on 35 minutes it was an excellent team move on the counter finished well by Wright. Dundas cleared from a corner allowing Taylor to break, his running causing confusion in the Maidstone ranks with the through ball perfectly weighted for Wright, who made no mistake. The closest Sutton came to doubling their lead was when Eastmond hoofed the ball clear from the edge of his own area, and it almost went all the way in without bouncing, landing on the roof of the net instead. Despite having been quiet so far Jamie Butler had one good save to make right on half time, denying Joe Pigott with a save low to his right.

The introduction of Zavon Hines and Jack Paxman for Maidstone early in the second half had a big impact on the game, and it was Hines’ corner that was headed in by Okuonghae on 68 minutes to draw Maidstone level. Chances were few and far between for Sutton and 6 minutes after the equaliser Maidstone took the lead, a mistake from Moses Emmanuel on the edge of the box punished with the ball running through for Paxman to hammer home. The best chance to level for U’s fell to Emmanuel, but his effort lacked the power to beat Lee Worgan in the Maidstone goal, and it was soon game over as a long goal kick was flicked on and Pigott lobbed Jamie Butler to seal the win for the visitors.

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