Maidstone United KYL U14 4 vs 1 Dulwich Village U14

Maidstone United KYL U14 welcomed Dulwich Village U14 to the Gallagher Stadium on the morning of 1 March 2026 for a league home match kicking off at 10:00am. Over the course of 70 minutes plus added time, Maidstone United emerged with a commanding 4-1 victory, overturning an early deficit to dominate proceedings.

Maidstone United lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying a solid back four with Blake Vince at right defender, Captain Eddie Ambrose and Danny Lowe as central defenders, and Max Carney on the left. Liam Rich anchored the midfield in a holding role, tasked with breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball forward. Ahead of him, Tosan Okomi operated on the right attacking midfield flank, with Harrison Smith on the left, both expected to provide width and creativity. The front three consisted of Zane Clements on the right forward position, Zaph Kouassi leading the line as striker, and Rylee Rodgers on the left forward role, all charged with spearheading the attack. The substitutes available were Sawyer Booth, Bernie Farley, Tommy Monaghan, Bertie Hayward, and Tank Evans. Ollie Higginson also joined the coaching staff in the technical area in support.

From the outset, Maidstone showed intent as Eddie Ambrose launched a long pass within the first minute, quickly followed by an ambitious, albeit high, attempt from Zaph Kouassi. Keeper Harvey Rostron also contributed early with a long pass to spark attacks, though Kouassi’s second effort went wide. Defensive solidity was evident as Blake Vince executed a crucial tackle in the third minute, but Dulwich Village struck first with a goal in the fourth minute, putting Maidstone behind early on.

Despite the early setback, Maidstone responded immediately. Max Carney delivered a long pass that helped maintain pressure, while Danny Lowe’s defensive clearances and interceptions in the fifth minute prevented further danger. Liam Rich’s flicked pass at the same time helped transition play forward. Blake Vince’s wide attempt in the seventh minute and Liam Rich’s tackle in the eighth showed Maidstone’s growing confidence.

Max Carney’s shot was saved in the tenth minute, but the team continued to push forward. Harvey Rostron’s long pass in the eleventh minute and Zane Clements’ tackle demonstrated Maidstone’s balance between attack and defence. Rylee Rodgers’ flicked pass and Max Carney’s headed defensive clearance followed, though a misjudgement by Blake Vince momentarily threatened the backline.

Liam Rich’s defensive clearances and headers around the 14th minute, combined with Rylee Rodgers’ precise slide rule pass, kept Maidstone on the front foot. Rostron’s vital dive at the feet of an attacker prevented a Dulwich Village chance. Max Carney’s long pass and Kouassi’s wide shot in the 15th minute kept Maidstone probing.

Harvey Rostron’s long pass at 17 minutes created a chance, and his subsequent catch was crucial. Eddie Ambrose blocked an attempt soon after, while Kouassi’s wide shot preceded a key moment: at 18 minutes, Kouassi scored with his right foot inside the box, assisted by Tosan Okomi, levelling the score and shifting momentum.

Maidstone’s defence remained alert with Rostron clearing danger and Liam Rich intercepting at 19 minutes. Both Liam Rich and Blake Vince contributed long passes, setting up Harrison Smith who scored from close range with a left-footed finish inside the box at 21 minutes, assisted by Zane Clements’ short pass.

Defensive duties continued with Eddie Ambrose clearing and Tosan Okomi heading away threats in the early 20s. Max Carney intercepted at 23 minutes before a substitution saw Sawyer Booth replace Kouassi at 24 minutes. Danny Lowe cleared danger, and Kouassi, now off the pitch, had earlier flicked a pass to maintain attacking rhythm.

Liam Rich intercepted at 25 minutes, and Rostron cleared at 26 minutes, while Ambrose tackled to deny Dulwich Village. Harrison Smith’s slide rule pass at the same time kept Maidstone’s attack fluid. Liam Rich’s headers and Rostron’s clearance at 27 and 29 minutes respectively ensured defensive stability. Danny Lowe and Max Carney combined with slide rule passes at 31 minutes to create further openings.

Eddie Ambrose’s clearances and Max Carney’s headers between 32 and 34 minutes, alongside Liam Rich’s multiple defensive headers, kept Dulwich Village at bay. Tosan Okomi also contributed with a header. The half concluded at 35 minutes with Maidstone firmly in control despite the early concession.

The second half saw Maidstone maintain their dominance. Blake Vince headed clear at 37 minutes, and Rylee Rodgers’ slide rule pass and interception at 38 minutes kept the pressure on. Liam Rich’s defensive header at 40 minutes and Eddie Ambrose’s high attempt at 42 minutes showed Maidstone’s continued attacking and defensive efforts.

Substitutions began with Bernie Farley replacing Rylee Rodgers and Tommy Monaghan coming on for Max Carney at 42 minutes. Blake Vince intercepted at 43 minutes before Harrison Smith made way for Kouassi’s return at 44 minutes. Sawyer Booth intercepted shortly after, and Maidstone extended their lead when Bernie Farley scored inside the box at 44 minutes, converting a right-footed finish from a cross by Tommy Monaghan.

Bernie Farley’s interception at 45 minutes was followed by Blake Vince’s substitution for Bertie Hayward. Danny Lowe intercepted at 46 minutes, and Harvey Rostron made crucial catches at 48 and 49 minutes, including catching a cross to deny Dulwich Village.

Tank Evans replaced Zane Clements at 49 minutes, and Rostron continued to impress with a catch at 50 minutes. Bertie Hayward made key tackles at 51 and 53 minutes, while Ambrose and Okomi cleared danger. Rostron’s point-blank reaction save at 54 minutes was vital in maintaining the clean sheet since the equaliser.

Bertie Hayward cleared at 55 minutes, Liam Rich prevented a chance with a header, and Zaph Kouassi blocked an attempt at 56 minutes. Sawyer Booth and Tommy Monaghan contributed with defensive headers and tackles through the late 50s and early 60s, with Danny Lowe and Ambrose clearing at 60 minutes.

Bernie Farley headed clear at 61 minutes as Liam Rich delivered a long pass that set up Sawyer Booth’s goal inside the box, assisted by Kouassi’s cross, extending Maidstone’s lead to 4-1. Defensive tackles and clearances by Danny Lowe, Tommy Monaghan, and Tank Evans followed, with Liam Rich again winning headers.

Eddie Ambrose’s shot was saved at 65 minutes, and Monaghan’s defensive headers and clearances at 66 minutes helped maintain control. Tank Evans provided a slide rule pass at 66 minutes, and Rostron caught the ball at 67 minutes. Rylee Rodgers returned to the field for Tosan Okomi at 67 minutes, and Danny Lowe cleared at 68 minutes.

Throughout the match, Maidstone’s defensive resilience was epitomised by Eddie Ambrose and Max Carney, who were named players of the match for their consistent clearances, tackles, and leadership at the back. Rostron’s goalkeeping was also pivotal in securing the win.

Maidstone United KYL U14’s 4-1 victory over Dulwich Village U14 was a comprehensive display of attacking flair and defensive solidity, overturning an early deficit to claim all three points at the Gallagher Stadium.