Maidstone updates

[Coffin Ender]

Good performance and a deserved win today. Anthony Joseph could have had a hat-trick (poor miss just before half-time). However, you can see he is going to cause problems and he 'earned' the red card with a burst of pace against the tiring Maidstone defender who had to commit himself.

 

Ben Clarke looks uneasy defending on the left, but different kettle of fish going forward. Reed fine penalty save. Our players seemed very upset by that decision.

 

Last word about Maidstone. The future looks grim for them. Only 225 today of which about a quarter were from Margate. With no return to their home town in sight, how long can they continue at this level? Especially with some players who must be on reasonable money. I made sure I donated to their collection buckets at the end. I think Ramsgate are supposed to go to Homelands on Tuesday - be very surprised if that goes ahead. The pitch looks like tractors have been on it.

[Chris1]

A couple of amendments and answers:

 

Yes, it was Tom Parkinson that came on. Which was the one we had? Was it Jack or something? On loan from Welling as I remember. So only 3 ex-gate players against us.

 

Subs (I think) were Whincup, Gonnella, Cliff, Stubbs, Anderson. None used.

 

Hawkins was sent off (not odd, although my post must have looked odd!).

 

Clarke was nominally left back, I think, but spent a lot of time getting forward.

 

Overall impressions- good teamwork, defensive frailties not in evidence and possibly sorted, very good going forward. We were well worth the three points.

 

Hard to pick a MOM, but perhaps Matt Reed in goal should just shade it from Anthony Joseph, for bossing the area well, shouting well to claim the ball, and of course saving the pen (although somebody near me thought it hit the post).

[Blues with Soul.]

Oh dear, just noticed something: Maidstone have got Hockton, Pinnock and Saunders, our former potent strike force and strong midfielder.

 

Hmm... new prediction: 5-4 to us, because I reckon Stones will get at least 4.

Hockton substituted mid second half = did nothing/ Pinnock had penalty superbly saved by Reed / Saunders didn't turn up.

For a defence which has leaked so many in recent games meant Reed never had to make a meaningful save all match apart from penalty.

Excellent all round TEAM performance with no poor performances or major errors.Won' t mention the hand in the air for their penalty.

Blackman scored after header from Healy saved.No subs made.

[michael]

Thanks for the further 'updates'

 

Up the 'Gate

[Chris1]

I really thought it was Wayne with the goal, but was not standing behind, as I guess Blues with Soul probably was. So Blackman it was then. Must have already gone in when Wilson touched it.

[Blues with Soul.]

Confirmed on Radio Kent as Lacy cross,Healy header,Blackman sliding in scores.

Non League Live has it as Blackman on 74 mins.

[Coffin Ender]

We benefited today by having a bit of width. The pitch was a pudding in the middle so it was good to get the ball out to where it was a bit firmer (except for that mud pie in front of the stand!)

[Wellsie]

Blackman goal - interview with Lloyd follows later as well as MB's post match reaction. Given the conditions, I thought it was a good game - both sides tried to play as mauch football as they could. Ref was very picky given the surface, but hey-ho - the win was fully deserved.

[Dutch_Mike]

Fully fully deserved the win. Superb performance. Their best player was their keeper: if it wasn't for him, we would have won by three or four. Superb penalty save from Reed. Defence looked solid on the whole. And we were always a threat going forward. Well done boys: that really was a fantastic win on a lottery of a pitch. Could prove a vital three points come the end of the season as, if they continue to play like that, Maidstone will surely be near the bottom come April time.