AFC Lewisham Blues U14 1 vs 8 Maidstone United KYL U14

Maidstone United KYL U14 travelled to Gresham Sports Ground Pitch 2 on 7 May 2026 for a league away fixture against AFC Lewisham Blues U14, kicking off at 6:30pm. The visitors delivered a commanding performance, running out comfortable 8-1 winners in a 70-minute contest that showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.

Maidstone lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, deploying three defenders at the back with Captain Eddie Ambrose on the right, Danny Lowe centrally, and Liam Rich on the left. The midfield quartet featured Zane Clements on the right wing, Tosan Okomi and Tank Evans occupying central midfield roles, and Max Carney on the left. Sawyer Booth operated just behind the two forwards, Zaph Kouassi on the right and Harrison Smith on the left. This setup was designed to provide defensive cover through the back three while allowing width and creativity from the midfield wings and attacking midfielder. The goalkeeper duties were handled by Harvey Rostron. The substitutes available were Blake Vince, Tommy Monaghan, Bernie Farley, Rylee Rodgers, and Bertie Hayward.

Right from the outset, Maidstone showed their intent. Harrison Smith was involved immediately, making a crucial defensive header in the opening minute before delivering a slide rule pass that set the tone for the attacking rhythm. Eddie Ambrose also contributed early with a long pass, helping to transition play quickly from defence to attack. Harvey Rostron was alert in goal, clearing danger in the second minute and launching long passes to spark forward moves.

Attempts came thick and fast in the early stages. Zaph Kouassi’s shot was saved in the third minute, while Danny Lowe’s effort flew high over the bar. Kouassi was also active defensively, intercepting passes and creating chances, including a slide rule pass in the fifth minute that led to a promising opportunity. Harrison Smith and Sawyer Booth both made defensive contributions, with Booth heading clearances and interceptions to keep Lewisham at bay.

The breakthrough came in the ninth minute when Max Carney’s precise cross found Harrison Smith, who expertly finished inside the box with his right foot. The goal was quickly followed by another, as Zane Clements rose to meet a cross from Kouassi, nodding home a close-range header in the 11th minute. Kouassi’s long pass was instrumental again, creating the chance for Clements. The same minute saw Clements hit the post, narrowly missing a third goal.

Maidstone’s midfield and defence worked tirelessly, with Liam Rich and Eddie Ambrose making crucial tackles and clearances to stifle Lewisham’s advances. The fluid passing between Liam Rich, Max Carney, and Harvey Rostron kept the pressure on the hosts. At the 18th minute mark, Kouassi’s long pass set up Max Carney, who curled a left-footed finish into the net, extending the lead.

Substitutions began around the 22nd minute, with Blake Vince replacing Zane Clements and Tommy Monaghan coming on for Max Carney. Bernie Farley also entered the fray for Sawyer Booth shortly after. These changes did not disrupt Maidstone’s dominance; instead, they injected fresh energy into the side. Shortly after, Zaph Kouassi scored again, this time from a close-range finish assisted by a long pass from Eddie Ambrose.

Kouassi was then replaced by Rylee Rodgers, and Tank Evans made way for Bertie Hayward in the 25th minute. The defensive resilience remained strong, with Danny Lowe and Eddie Ambrose clearing and intercepting repeatedly. Bernie Farley’s introduction added defensive solidity and creativity, as he contributed key slide rule passes and interceptions.

Maidstone’s relentless pressure paid off again in the 35th minute when Kouassi, back on the pitch, scored with a left-footed finish inside the box after a long pass from Tosan Okomi. The visitors continued to carve out chances through slick passing combinations involving Tosan Okomi, Bernie Farley, and Tommy Monaghan.

The half closed with Maidstone firmly in control, their defence marshalled expertly by Danny Lowe and Liam Rich, who made numerous tackles, interceptions, and clearances. Harvey Rostron was commanding in goal, catching crosses and clearing danger efficiently.

The second half saw continued dominance from Maidstone. Blake Vince and Tommy Monaghan made vital defensive contributions, while the midfield and forward lines maintained their creative output. Harrison Smith, reintroduced at halftime for Tosan Okomi, linked well with teammates, providing flick passes and slide rule assists that created multiple chances.

Bernie Farley scored in the 41st minute, finishing inside the box from a cross by Kouassi before being substituted off later. Zane Clements returned to replace Eddie Ambrose, and Danny Lowe was replaced by Ambrose in a tactical reshuffle around the 57th minute.

Lewisham managed a consolation goal in the 55th minute, but Maidstone’s response was immediate and emphatic. The visitors continued to dominate possession and chances, with Sawyer Booth scoring in the 60th minute after a cross from Harrison Smith. Booth was later substituted off for Rylee Rodgers, who also had a shot saved.

Throughout the closing stages, Maidstone’s defence remained resolute, with Bertie Hayward and Bernie Farley intercepting and clearing numerous threats. Max Carney and Sawyer Booth contributed with blocks and key passes, ensuring Maidstone’s attacking momentum never waned.

The final goal came in the 44th minute of the first half (just before halftime), when Zaph Kouassi scored again, assisted by Tommy Monaghan’s flick pass. The team’s fluid passing and clinical finishing were evident throughout the match.

Maidstone United KYL U14’s comprehensive 8-1 victory was built on a solid defensive foundation, creative midfield play, and clinical finishing from their forwards. Danny Lowe and Zane Clements were standout performers, combining defensive discipline with attacking support, earning them player of the match honours.

This result will boost Maidstone’s confidence as they continue their league campaign, demonstrating their ability to control games both defensively and offensively with a well-drilled 3-4-1-2 formation and a squad capable of impactful substitutions.