Erith Town U14 0 vs 1 Maidstone United KYL U14

Maidstone United KYL U14 travelled to Leigh Academy Bexley on 29 March 2026 for a 12:00pm kick-off in a league away fixture against Erith Town U14. In very difficult conditions and questionable facilities, the 70-minute contest plus added time ended in a 1-0 victory for Maidstone, courtesy of a late goal from substitute Bernie Farley.

Maidstone lined up in a 4-2-1-3 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. The midfield double pivot featured Liam Rich and Tosan Okomi, tasked with both defensive duties and linking play. Ahead of them, Harrison Smith operated as the attacking midfielder, supporting a three-pronged forward line consisting of Zane Clements on the right, Zaph Kouassi as the central striker, and Rylee Rodgers on the left. Harvey Rostron guarded the goal. The substitutes available were Tommy Monaghan, Bernie Farley, Bertie Hayward, and Tank Evans. Sadly Sawyer Booth was taken ill so sadly didn’t make the team sheet, we wish him well and look forward to seeing him at the next fixture.

From the outset, Maidstone showed intent, with Max Carney making an early tackle in the second minute to halt Erith Town’s advances. Zaph Kouassi tested the opposition keeper immediately after, but his shot was saved. The defence remained alert as Eddie Ambrose intercepted a pass in the fourth minute, while Zane Clements provided a slide rule key pass to set up attacking moves. Kouassi’s flick shortly after created a clear chance, though Blake Vince’s subsequent attempt went wide.

The midfield battle was intense, with Liam Rich winning a header and Danny Lowe clearing danger in the fifth minute. Ambrose’s long pass in the sixth minute sought to launch attacks, but Zane Clements’ effort sailed high. Defensively, Max Carney and Danny Lowe were dominant in aerial duels, both winning headers in the seventh minute to quell threats.

Liam Rich’s flicked pass in the eighth minute and his subsequent tackle demonstrated his influence in midfield, supported by Blake Vince’s interception and Tosan Okomi’s tackling prowess. Rich continued to orchestrate play with another flick in the tenth minute, while Okomi maintained defensive solidity with further tackles.

The attacking trio combined well around the 12th minute, with Kouassi and Clements exchanging slide rule and long passes, though Kouassi’s shot went wide. Danny Lowe’s tackle in the 13th minute and Carney’s tackle two minutes later kept Maidstone’s shape intact. Rylee Rodgers’ high attempts in the 15th and 17th minutes failed to trouble the keeper, but his defensive work alongside Harrison Smith’s headers and tackles ensured balance.

Liam Rich’s header and Max Carney’s slide rule pass in the early 20s minutes kept Maidstone pushing forward. Despite Zane Clements’ wide effort and Ambrose’s high attempt, the defence remained resolute. Danny Lowe and Eddie Ambrose repeatedly cleared and headed away danger, while Harrison Smith and Rylee Rodgers combined with key passes and created chances, including a notable long pass from Rodgers in the 22nd minute.

The 23rd and 24th minutes saw Ambrose’s shot saved and Lowe’s headers clearing threats. Max Carney’s slide rule passes continued to unlock play, and Danny Lowe’s clearances in the mid-20s kept Maidstone safe. At the 27th minute, Tommy Monaghan replaced Zane Clements, immediately making an impact with interceptions and key passes.

Monaghan’s presence was felt with a slide rule pass in the 32nd minute, while Liam Rich intercepted and launched attacks with long passes. Tosan Okomi’s shot was saved shortly after, and Rodgers continued to supply long passes creating chances. Monaghan’s long pass in the 34th minute and Kouassi’s slide rule pass kept the pressure on Erith Town.

The first half closed with Maidstone maintaining control but unable to break the deadlock. Max Carney was caught offside for a mistimed run just before the break, a correct decision by the officials. A quiet half for goalkeeper Harvey Rostron as Erith Town lacked creativity for any clear cut chances.

The second half began with Monaghan clearing and heading away danger, while Harvey Rostron made crucial saves, including a punch in the 36th minute and a full stretch save in the 47th. Defensive duties were shared between Ambrose, Lowe, and Rich, who made several tackles, interceptions, and clearances to deny Erith Town any foothold.

At the 41st minute, two substitutions saw Bernie Farley replace Harrison Smith and Bertie Hayward come on for Blake Vince, freshening the side including a formation change to improve build up play. Farley quickly became involved, making interceptions and key passes, and testing the keeper with a saved attempt in the 43rd minute. Bertie Hayward also contributed, supporting the defensive line with a well timed header and tackles.

Maidstone’s midfield continued to dominate with Rich and Monaghan exchanging slide rule passes and long balls, while Lowe and Ambrose remained steadfast in defence. Tank Evans entered the fray at the 51st minute for Rylee Rodgers, adding energy to the forward line alongside the returning Zane Clements for Max Carney.

The closing stages were tense, with Maidstone’s defence marshalled by Lowe, Rich and Ambrose, supported by Monaghan, who cleared and headed away multiple threats. Rostron’s goalkeeping was pivotal, making several catches and full-stretch saves to keep a clean sheet.

In the 64th minute, Harrison Smith returned to the pitch for Tosan Okomi, and Max Carney replaced Monaghan, restoring the original defensive line. The team’s resilience paid off in the 75th minute when substitute Bernie Farley scored the decisive goal inside the box with his right foot, assisted by a cross from Zane Clements.

Maidstone held firm in the final minutes, with Bertie Hayward and Danny Lowe winning crucial headers, Tank Evans tackles and Liam Rich clearing danger to secure the victory. Farley’s impact off the bench was rewarded with the match-winning strike, while goalkeeper Harvey Rostron’s commanding presence earned him the player of the match accolade.

This hard-fought 1-0 win at Leigh Academy Bexley demonstrated Maidstone United KYL U14’s defensive discipline and effective use of substitutions, securing valuable league points on the road.