Match Report: Worthing

The Stones also kept their season alive as they are still in with a chance of making the playoffs as they travel to Bath City on the final day.

It was an emotional afternoon for Maidstone United as they said farewell to George Elokobi and his management team. Elokobi has given the Stones many memorable times, making the playoffs the past two seasons. But undoubtably he will be remembered for leading Maidstone United to the fifth round of the FA Cup, with the victory over Ipswich Town, causing one of the biggest shocks in the competition’s history.

The Stones made two changes from the side that drew at Horsham last week. Christie Pattison and Jamie Yila came back into the starting line up although Pattison only lasted 29 minutes before having to be replaced by Hamzad Kargbo.

This game started at a pace with Worthing knowing victory would pretty much give them the league title. On seven minutes, Yila crossed from the right. Riley Court got a touch and it came to Jephte Tanga whose shot took a deflection which took the sting off it and Taylor Seymour was able to make the save.

Then on 13 minutes, the Rebels opened the scoring with a fine goal. Former Maidstone player Razzaq Coleman De-Graft went on a determined run before slipping a lovely ball into Wiktor Makowski. Makowski’s touch was decent and he then drilled a low finish into the right side of the net.

Not long after this, Court got in down the left hand side. He was under pressure and the angle was tight and he blazed the ball well over the bar.

But on 30 minutes, Maidstone equalised. Court’s corner was knocked on by George Fowler and TJ Bramble reacted smartly to place the ball low past Seymor’s.

The Stones might have had a penalty in first half stoppage time. Court appeared to be dragged down inside the area but the referee, Will Briers, didn’t think an offence had been committed.

Early on in the second half, Worthing went close twice. The first occasion was when Remiero Moulton’s effort didn’t miss much. Then Coleman De-Graft went for goal from 20 yards out with a fierce rising drive that looked destined for the top corner until Lenny Holden intervened with a stunning save.

The Rebels were starting to gain the upper hand by this point, but the Stones still looked dangerous when they attacked. With an hour gone, Sam Corne crossed for Kargbo who was well placed but Seymour comfortably saved his header.

On 69 minutes, Sam Beard was booked for bringing down Yila just outside the box. Court took the resultant free-kick and it deflected off Kargbo and flew into the net.

Worthing looked for a quick equaliser and minutes later, substitute Bradley Dolaghan found himself one on one with Holden only for Holden to make a decent block. Not long after this, Dolaghan got in again and Holden made yet another fine save.

Maidstone then went close to grabbing a third goal. Court crossed for Taylor Foran who was denied by a great save from Seymour.  And not long after this, on 84 minutes, substitute John Gilbert found Court who spun and shot just wide of the right post.

The result means that the National League South title will be decided on the final day of the season with Worthing and Hornchurch both in with a chance of winning automatic promotion to the National League. Meanwhile, the Stones will be relying on results going their way could still make the playoffs.

Maidstone United: 13. Lenny Holden, 3. Leo Hamblin, 4. Lexus Beeden (2. David Sesay 58), 5. George Fowler, 6. TJ Bramble, 7. Jephte Tanga, 8. Sam Corne (14. Mark Boruk 86), 11. Jamie Yila (10. John Gilbert 73), 17. Riley Court, 20. Christie Pattisson (23. Hamzad Kargbo 29), 24. Taylor Foran. Subs not used: 1. Nathan Harness, 21. Malachi Mbogba, 25. Ashton Mitford.

Worthing: 13. Taylor Seymour, 2. Joel Colbran, 3. Sam Beard (29. Ashley Nadesan 73), 5. Joe Cook, 7. Razzaq Coleman De-Graft, 8. Odei Martin Sorondo, 12. Harry Ransom, 23. Jack Young (10. Jack Spong 58), 24. Teddy Jenks, 25. Remiero Moulton (28. Callum Morton 85), 30. Wiktor Makowski (21. Bradley Dolaghan 59). Subs not used: 15. Josh Jeffries, 6. Ben Jackson, 17. Bailey Smith.