Dartford FC U14 0 vs 4 Maidstone United KYL U14

Maidstone United KYL U14 travelled to Princes Park Stadium 3G pitch on 17 May 2026 for a 10:30am kick-off in a league away fixture against Dartford FC U14. The hosts delivered a commanding performance, securing a comprehensive 4-0 victory over their opponents in a 70-minute contest plus added time.

Maidstone United lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, deploying three defenders at the back with Eddie Ambrose on the right, Danny Lowe centrally, and Liam Rich on the left. The midfield quartet featured Blake Vince on the right wing, Tosan Okomi and Bertie Hayward in central midfield roles, and Max Carney on the left. Bernie Farley operated just behind the two forwards, Zaph Kouassi on the right and Rylee Rodgers on the left, tasked with linking play and creating chances. The goalkeeper duties were handled by Harvey Rostron. The substitutes available were Harrison Smith, Zane Clements, Tommy Monaghan, Sawyer Booth, and Tank Evans.

From the outset, Maidstone’s defensive solidity was evident. Within the first two minutes, Tosan Okomi executed a crucial tackle, followed closely by Bertie Hayward’s clearance and Zaph Kouassi’s interception, demonstrating the team’s commitment to regaining possession quickly. Eddie Ambrose and Blake Vince also contributed with timely clearances and headers, repelling early Dartford pressure.

Maidstone’s attacking intent was clear early on. Liam Rich delivered a long pass in the third minute, setting up a slide rule pass from Zaph Kouassi that created a promising chance. Bernie Farley attempted a high shot soon after but was unable to trouble the goalkeeper. Danny Lowe’s slide rule pass in the fourth minute further emphasised Maidstone’s fluid passing game, although Farley’s subsequent effort was saved.

The defensive unit remained resolute, with Danny Lowe making vital tackles and clearances in the sixth minute, while Max Carney’s flick in the seventh minute helped maintain attacking momentum. Both Liam Rich and Danny Lowe were dominant in aerial duels, clearing headers effectively. Goalkeeper Harvey Rostron was alert, catching crosses and clearing danger in the eighth minute.

Maidstone’s midfield orchestrated play with precision. Tosan Okomi’s long pass in the ninth minute set up a decisive moment as Bertie Hayward delivered a long ball into the box, allowing Zaph Kouassi to score from close range with his right foot, putting Maidstone 1-0 up. Immediately after, Liam Rich prevented a Dartford chance with a crucial tackle and followed up with headers to quell further threats.

The early stages saw a flurry of defensive interventions from Maidstone players including Eddie Ambrose’s tackles and headers, as well as interceptions by Tosan Okomi and Danny Lowe. Harvey Rostron’s long passes repeatedly launched attacks, with one in the 15th minute leading to a wide attempt from Kouassi. Liam Rich’s slide rule passes and headers around the 16th and 17th minutes kept Maidstone’s rhythm intact.

The pressure paid off in the 21st minute when Bernie Farley hit the post but continued to trouble the Dartford defence. Shortly after, a substitution saw Harrison Smith replace Rylee Rodgers, injecting fresh legs into the forward line. Farley’s persistence was rewarded in the 28th minute when he provided a long pass assist for Harrison Smith to score with his right foot, extending the lead to 2-0.

Maidstone’s passing combinations flourished as Tosan Okomi and Max Carney exchanged long and slide rule passes, while Liam Rich and Zaph Kouassi continued to create chances. Zane Clements replaced Blake Vince in the 24th minute, adding energy to the midfield. Maidstone’s dominance was further underlined in the 35th minute when Max Carney’s cross found Zane Clements, who scored from close range with his right foot, making it 3-0 at half time.

The first half concluded with Maidstone firmly in control, their defensive and attacking units working in harmony. The second half began with immediate changes as Tommy Monaghan and Sawyer Booth came on for Max Carney and Bernie Farley respectively, followed by Tank Evans replacing Bertie Hayward. Maidstone’s defensive resilience continued, with Danny Lowe and Harvey Rostron making crucial clearances and saves.

Harvey Rostron’s long passes remained a key weapon, creating chances for forwards and midfielders alike. Despite several saved attempts from Zaph Kouassi, Tommy Monaghan, and Zane Clements, Maidstone maintained relentless pressure. A notable moment came in the 53rd minute when Rylee Rodgers’ cross led to an own goal by a Dartford player, increasing Maidstone’s advantage to 4-0.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 54th minute when Tommy Monaghan received a red card, reducing Maidstone to ten men. Despite this setback, the team’s defensive organisation did not falter, with Liam Rich, Danny Lowe, and Eddie Ambrose continuing to intercept and clear threats effectively.

Maidstone’s attacking play remained sharp with key passes from Liam Rich, Danny Lowe, and Rylee Rodgers creating opportunities. Substitutions saw Rylee Rodgers return to the field for Tosan Okomi in the 45th minute and Blake Vince reintroduced for Harrison Smith in the 60th minute, maintaining the team’s attacking impetus.

Throughout the closing stages, Maidstone’s defence stood firm against Dartford’s attempts to reduce the deficit. Harvey Rostron produced several full-stretch saves, including a vital reaction save in the 69th minute. Defensive tackles and clearances from Tank Evans, Danny Lowe, and Eddie Ambrose ensured the clean sheet was preserved.

Maidstone’s attacking efforts continued with attempts from Rylee Rodgers and Zane Clements, though these were either saved or off target. The match concluded with Maidstone United KYL U14 securing a convincing 4-0 victory, a testament to their disciplined defending and clinical finishing.

Bernie Farley’s all-round performance, combining defensive work, chance creation, and relentless effort, earned him the player of the match accolade. Maidstone’s blend of solid defence, creative midfield play, and clinical finishing proved too much for Dartford FC U14 on the day.