In a commanding display, Maidstone United KYL U14 secured a 4-1 victory against Dorking in a friendly match held at Dorking's home ground on 24 August 2025, kicking off at 1:00pm. The match showcased Maidstone's attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation, as they dominated the game from start to finish.
Maidstone United adopted a 4-3-3 formation, with Ollie Higginson in goal, supported by a back four comprising Blake Vince and Max Carney as right and left defenders respectively, while Danny Daines and Liam Rich anchored the central defence. The midfield trio featured Eddie Ambrose on the right, Bernie Farley centrally, and Bertie Hayward on the left, providing both creativity and support to the forwards. Up front, Sawyer Booth and Rylee Body flanked striker Zaff, who was tasked with leading the line and finishing chances. The substitutes included Zane Clements, Tommy Monaghan, and Cruz, ready to make an impact off the bench.
The match began with an early defensive intervention from Bernie Farley, who made an interception in the third minute, demonstrating Maidstone's intent to control the game. However, moments later, Bertie Hayward was penalised for holding, giving Dorking a chance to regroup. Eddie Ambrose quickly followed up with another interception, maintaining Maidstone's defensive stability.
As the game progressed, Max Carney executed a crucial clearance in the sixth minute, while Danny Daines showcased his distribution skills with a long pass shortly after. Zaff had a promising attempt in the ninth minute but sent his shot high, while Rylee Body's effort was saved, reflecting Maidstone's early attacking threat. Liam Rich and Danny Daines continued to fortify the defence with solid tackles and headers, ensuring Dorking struggled to find their rhythm.
After a series of attempts, Maidstone made their first substitution in the 15th minute, bringing on Zane Clements for Zaff following a slight knock from a challenge certainly worthy of a penalty. Clements quickly made his mark, providing a slide rule pass that created a chance for Bernie Farley, who scored in the 16th minute with a well-placed shot inside the box, assisted by Rylee Body. This goal set the tone for Maidstone's dominance.
The momentum continued as Rylee Body flicked a pass to create further opportunities, while Zane Clements made a defensive block to thwart a Dorking attack. Maidstone's midfielders, particularly Eddie Ambrose, were instrumental in maintaining possession and creating chances, with Ambrose's slide rule pass in the 23rd minute leading to a saved attempt by Sawyer Booth.
As the half progressed, Maidstone's defence remained resolute, with Liam Rich making a vital clearance to prevent a Dorking chance. The first half concluded with Maidstone leading 1-0, thanks to their solid defensive work and effective attacking play.
The second half saw Maidstone make several tactical changes, with Tommy Monaghan replacing Max Carney and Bertie Hayward coming on for Farley. The substitutions paid off immediately, as Max Carney scored in the 48th minute, converting a short pass from Zane Clements, doubling Maidstone's lead. Zaff also added is name to the scoresheet when a shot from Zane was saved, which Zaff neatly buried putting the contest at 3-0.
Dorking responded with increased urgency, but Maidstone's defence, led by Danny Daines and Liam Rich, remained unyielding. Despite Dorking's attempts, including a penalty awarded in the 65th minute that resulted in their solitary goal, Maidstone quickly regained control.
In the 68th minute, Rylee Body scored Maidstone's 4th goal, finishing a well-executed team move with an incredible display of skill turning 2 Dorking defenders to rifle home a well placed right-footed shot, assisted by Zaff. The final minutes saw Maidstone continue to press, with Zane Clements and Blake Vince both having attempts, but the score remained at 4-1 as the match drew to a close.
Maidstone United KYL U14's performance was a testament to their teamwork and tactical discipline, leaving them with plenty of positives to build upon as they look ahead to future fixtures.
