In a commanding display at The Gallagher Stadium on 7th September 2025, Maidstone United KYL U14 secured a convincing 3-0 victory against Old Wilsonians Wilson U14 in their cup match. The game kicked off at 12:30pm, and Maidstone's performance was marked by a blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair, leading them to a well-deserved win.
Maidstone United lined up in a 4-1-3-2 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while providing ample support for their forwards. Michael Mannerings took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Blake Vince on the right, Liam Rich and Danny Lowe in central defence, and Max Carney on the left. Tosan Okomi operated as a central midfielder, tasked with linking play and supporting both defence and attack. The attacking trio featured Bernie Farley on the right, Eddie Ambrose in the central role, and Rylee Rodgers on the left, with Zane Clements and Zaph Kouassi leading the line as forwards.
The substitutes for Maidstone included Sawyer Booth, Harrison Smith, Tank Evans, and Tommy Monaghan, who would later play crucial roles in the match.
After sustaining an injury during training, Bertie Hayward demonstrated his commitment to his teammates, with his attendance and support in both the home changing room and the Maidstone United technical area.
The match began with an early attempt from Zane Clements in the third minute, but his shot was saved, signalling Maidstone's intent. Just a minute later, Tosan Okomi also tested the Old Wilsonians goalkeeper, but his effort was similarly thwarted. Max Carney then made a long pass in the fourth minute, although it did not create a chance. However, the breakthrough came swiftly; in the fifth minute, Zaph Kouassi scored the opening goal with a right-footed strike, assisted by Max Carney, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Liam Rich was pivotal in defence, making a crucial header to prevent an immediate response from Old Wilsonians, followed by a clearance just a minute later. Tosan Okomi continued to influence the game, delivering a slide rule pass in the sixth minute, although it did not lead to a chance. He then created a significant opportunity in the eighth minute with another slide rule pass that resulted in a chance for his teammates.
As the match progressed, Zaph Kouassi found himself offside in the tenth minute due to good defending from Old Wilsonians. Tosan Okomi remained active, making another key pass in the tenth minute that created a chance. Danny Lowe came close to extending the lead in the eleventh minute, hitting the post with his attempt. However, it was Rylee Rodgers who doubled Maidstone's advantage in the twelfth minute with a left-footed goal, showcasing the team's attacking prowess.
Defensively, Liam Rich continued to shine, making a tackle in the fourteenth minute to thwart an Old Wilsonians attack, followed by a clearance from Max Carney. Tosan Okomi was instrumental again, making a key pass in the fifteenth minute that created another opportunity. Danny Lowe also continued to impress with an interception in the fifteenth minute which further solidified Maidstone's control of the match.
In the sixteenth minute, Bernie Farley had a shot that went high, but Maidstone's attacking momentum remained strong. Zaph Kouassi made a slide rule pass that created a chance shortly thereafter. The first substitutions came in the seventeenth minute, with Sawyer Booth replacing Rylee Rodgers and Harrison Smith coming on for Blake Vince.
Zaph Kouassi continued to be a threat, attempting another shot in the eighteenth minute that was saved. Liam Rich's interception in the eighteenth minute prevented a potential chance for Old Wilsonians. Bernie Farley had another attempt in the twentieth minute that went high, but Maidstone's dominance was evident.
Further substitutions were made in the twenty-second minute, with Tank Evans replacing Bernie Farley and Tommy Monaghan coming on for Max Carney. Zaph Kouassi made another key pass in the twenty-third minute, creating a chance, followed by Tosan Okomi's slide rule pass that also resulted in a chance. Zaph Kouassi scored his second goal in the twenty-fourth minute, converting a right-footed shot from a short pass by Zane Clements.
Rylee Rodgers re-entered the match shortly after, replacing Zaph Kouassi, who had made a significant impact. Eddie Ambrose continued to contribute with a key pass in the twenty-fifth minute, while Tank Evans made a tackle in the twenty-sixth minute to maintain Maidstone's defensive solidity.
As the first half drew to a close, Maidstone led 3-0, and the second half began with Zaph Kouassi returning to the pitch in the thirty-sixth minute, replacing Zane Clements. Rylee Rodgers had an attempt in the thirty-sixth minute that went wide, but Maidstone's attacking intent remained clear.
The match continued with both teams exchanging attempts, but Maidstone's defence, led by Liam Rich and Danny Lowe, held firm. The Maidstone goalkeeper, Michael Mannerings, made a catch in the fifty-sixth minute, showcasing his reliability at the back. Eddie Ambrose and Zaph Kouassi both made key passes in the fifty-sixth minute, maintaining the pressure on Old Wilsonians.
As the match approached its conclusion, Maidstone's defence remained resolute, with players like Blake Vince and Tank Evans making crucial tackles and interceptions. Despite several attempts from Old Wilsonians, including a shot from Harrison Smith that was saved, Maidstone's lead remained intact.
In the dying moments of the match, Sawyer Booth and Rylee Rodgers continued to create opportunities, but the scoreline remained at 3-0. The final whistle confirmed Maidstone United KYL U14's impressive victory, with Zaph Kouassi earning the Player of the Match accolade for his outstanding performance, including two goals and an assist. This win sets a positive tone for Maidstone's campaign, showcasing their potential as a formidable force in youth football.
