Erith & Belvedere U14 1 vs 2 Maidstone United KYL U14

Maidstone United KYL U14 travelled to FOOTS CRAY RUGBY SPORTS AND ATHLETIC CLUB 3G pitch on the morning of 15 March 2026 to face Erith & Belvedere U14 in a keenly contested league fixture, kicking off at 10:30am. The 70-minute encounter plus injury time ended 2-1 in favour of Maidstone United, who secured a hard-fought victory on the road.

Maidstone lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, deploying three defenders at the back: Captain Eddie Ambrose on the right, Danny Lowe centrally, and Liam Rich on the left. The midfield quartet consisted of Zane Clements on the right, Tosan Okomi and Tank Evans centrally, and Max Carney on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting attacks. Bernie Farley operated as the attacking midfielder, positioned just behind the two forwards, Sawyer Booth on the right and Zaph Kouassi on the left, who were expected to spearhead the offensive efforts. Harvey Rostron guarded the goal as goalkeeper. The substitutes named were Blake Vince, Rylee Rodgers, Bertie Hayward and Ollie Higginson. Harrison Smith and Tommy Monaghan, both carrying injuries were rested for today’s fixtures but we look forward to seeing them back with the squad in time for the Kent Cup Final.

From the outset, Maidstone showed intent, with Liam Rich delivering a long pass in the opening minute that set the tone for their attacking approach. The defence was immediately tested, with Danny Lowe clearing danger at two minutes, Liam Rich winning a header, and Eddie Ambrose also clearing to keep Erith & Belvedere at bay. Maidstone’s goalkeeper, Harvey Rostron, contributed early with a long pass at three minutes, initiating forward moves.

Danny Lowe came close to opening the scoring at four minutes, but his effort was saved, while Liam Rich blocked an attempt moments later. The breakthrough came swiftly at five minutes when Sawyer Booth’s attempt struck the upright which then found its way to Zane Clements, who finished with his right foot from close range inside the box to give Maidstone the lead.

The defensive resilience continued with Tosan Okomi clearing at seven minutes and Danny Lowe winning a header shortly after. Liam Rich’s slide rule pass at eight minutes and Tank Evans’ headed clearance demonstrated Maidstone’s control in midfield and defence. Zane Clements tested the opposition keeper at nine minutes, but the shot was saved, with Rostron also making a secure catch to maintain the lead.

Bernie Farley’s attempt at ten minutes was saved, but Maidstone’s midfield and defence remained active, with Zane Clements making a crucial tackle at 12 minutes and Rostron clearing danger at 13 minutes. Ambrose and Clements combined to clear threats at 14 and 15 minutes, with Clements blocking another effort to keep the score intact.

Sawyer Booth’s slide rule pass at 16 minutes and Zaph Kouassi’s interception highlighted Maidstone’s pressing game, while Tank Evans and Max Carney contributed long passes to stretch the play. Liam Rich and Tosan Okomi were solid defensively, blocking and heading clearances at 17 minutes. Kouassi’s wide attempt at 18 minutes was followed by strong tackles from Bernie Farley and Max Carney, who made multiple crucial interventions.

Tank Evans cleared at 19 minutes, and Rostron was alert with a clearance at 21 minutes. Okomi intercepted at 22 minutes, and Liam Rich headed clear at 23 minutes, supported by tackles from Farley and Kouassi. However, Erith & Belvedere found an equaliser at 24 minutes, a lofted clearance with assistance from the windy conditions to loop its way into the back of the net, cancelling out Maidstone’s early advantage. Maidstone responded immediately with Okomi clearing again and Kouassi delivering a slide rule pass at 25 minutes.

Max Carney’s long pass at 26 minutes and Liam Rich’s defensive header kept Maidstone in control, while Bernie Farley made a slide rule pass at 27 minutes. Maidstone’s set piece corner was cleared however Zaph Kouassi’s relentless pursuit to regain control paid dividends when took possession back, beat his man and produced a stunning long-range strike from outside the box at 28 minutes, restoring Maidstone’s lead with a right-footed effort that left the opposition goalkeeper helpless. A strong display of grit.

The defence remained vigilant with Danny Lowe winning headers at 29 minutes and Max Carney clearing danger. Sawyer Booth made a slide rule pass at 30 minutes followed moments later by a point-blank reaction save from Rostron, who then dived at the feet of an attacker at 31 minutes. Tank Evans and Liam Rich made crucial tackles and clearances between 31 and 33 minutes, with Liam Rich particularly active, blocking and clearing multiple times.

Danny Lowe cleared at 34 minutes, and Bernie Farley’s attempt went high. The half concluded at 35 minutes with Maidstone leading 2-1.

At the halfway point, substitutions saw Rylee Rodgers replace Tank Evans and Blake Vince come on for Bernie Farley. Zane Clements immediately made an impact with a slide rule pass, while Ambrose and Liam Rich continued their defensive duties with clearances and headers. Ambrose cleared again at 38 minutes, and Rodgers made a vital tackle at 39 minutes. Rostron remained alert with a clearance at 40 minutes, and Liam Rich made a crucial tackle to deny the opposition.

Sawyer Booth’s long pass at 41 minutes and Rostron’s clearance at 42 minutes kept Maidstone on the front foot. Liam Rich’s slide rule pass and defensive block at 43 minutes were followed by a wide attempt from him at 44 minutes. Danny Lowe headed clear at 46 minutes, and Rodgers provided key passes at 49 minutes, creating chances with slide rule passes. Ambrose and Vince made important defensive interventions at 50 and 51 minutes, with Okomi clearing danger as well.

Ambrose intercepted at 52 minutes, while Sawyer Booth’s wide attempt and Kouassi’s tackle demonstrated Maidstone’s continued pressure. At 54 minutes, Bernie Farley returned to the field, replacing Zane Clements. Ambrose and Kouassi made further defensive contributions, with Farley providing a flick pass at 55 minutes and Liam Rich delivering a slide rule pass at 56 minutes. Ambrose blocked an attempt at 57 minutes, and Farley created another chance with a slide rule pass at 58 minutes.

Kouassi’s shot was saved at 59 minutes, and Vince cleared danger at 60 minutes. Farley continued to create chances with slide rule passes, while Max Carney’s shot was saved at 60 minutes and his follow-up effort went wide at 61 minutes. Okomi intercepted at 61 minutes, and Vince headed clear at 63 minutes. Okomi’s shot was saved, and Liam Rich headed clear at 63 minutes. Danny Lowe’s high attempt came at 65 minutes, and Ambrose prevented a clear chance with a headed clearance at 66 minutes.

Bernie Farley’s high attempt at 67 minutes was followed by a substitution, with Bertie Hayward replacing Sawyer Booth. Hayward immediately contributed defensively before Vince made a crucial tackle at 68 minutes, and Liam Rich’s long pass created a chance. Rostron caught a cross at 69 minutes to maintain Maidstone’s lead.

Throughout the match, Maidstone United’s defensive trio and midfield worked tirelessly to contain Erith & Belvedere’s attacks, while their forwards and attacking midfielder combined effectively to create and convert chances. Goalkeeper Harvey Rostron was a commanding presence, making several key saves and clearances. Sawyer Booth’s creativity and link-up play earned him the player of the match accolade.

In the end, Maidstone United KYL U14’s disciplined 3-4-1-2 setup and clinical finishing secured a valuable 2-1 away victory, keeping their league campaign on track with a hard-earned three points.