George Elokobi’s side suffer a first National League South defeat in 19 games

George Elokobi’s side suffer a first National League South defeat in 19 games

Maidstone’s four-month unbeaten run in National League South is over after losing at Chesham.

George Elokobi’s side suffered a first defeat in 19 games as second-half goals from Ashley Lodge and Connor Stevens earned victory for the Generals.

Maidstone midfielder Jordan Higgs tracks his man. Picture: Helen Cooper
Maidstone midfielder Jordan Higgs tracks his man. Picture: Helen Cooper

The Stones’ previous league loss was the 5-1 thrashing by Chelmsford on September 3.

Shaq Coulthirst was rewarded with a start after his 13-minute hat-trick from the bench in Maidstone’s win over Enfield last weekend, with Tayt Trusty the man to make way.

But it wasn’t his day this time and he made way for Trusty midway through the second half with the Stones 2-0 down.

Maidstone looked the better of the two sides in possession early on, and solid at the back when the hosts went long up the slope.

Charlie Seaman gets in a cross from the left for the Stones. Picture: Helen Cooper
Charlie Seaman gets in a cross from the left for the Stones. Picture: Helen Cooper

But in truth there wasn’t much going on in a low-key first half at the Meadow, a ground that held happy memories for the visitors after their FA Cup first-round win here last season.

The Stones’ only chance of a goalless first half came in added time when Aaron Blair ran on to Charlie Seaman’s long ball and lobbed Dillon Addai, who was well out of his goal, but his effort dropped wide.

Chesham tried to play a bit of football in the final third but were also short on chances.

T’Sharne Gallimore fired well over midway through the first half while Connor Roberts, picked out by Nathan Minhas, screwed an effort wide as United’s defence closed down the space.

Chesham, now with the slope in their favour, broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half.

Sol Wanjau-Smith charges down a clearance from the Chesham keeper. Picture: Helen Cooper
Sol Wanjau-Smith charges down a clearance from the Chesham keeper. Picture: Helen Cooper

They countered quickly after Maidstone broke down in the hosts’ half, with Mitchell Weiss and Joe Grant combining to feed Lodge, who curled home from the edge of the box – a lovely strike giving Alexis Andre Jr no chance.

A second followed in the 53rd minute as Chesham doubled their lead, Roberts floating in a free-kick for Stevens to finish.

Chesham were flying and might have had a third when Minhas released Roberts but his effort went past the far post.

Maidstone huffed and puffed in search of a way back – Blair with an effort blocked – but it just wasn’t happening.

Maidstone forward Aaron Blair protects the ball. Picture: Helen Cooper
Maidstone forward Aaron Blair protects the ball. Picture: Helen Cooper

They didn’t give up but when Sol Wanjau-Smith’s late header came back off the bar, it was clear it wasn’t going to be their afternoon.

Chesham: Addai, Roberts (Rolfe 66mins), Lafleur, Foran, Stevens, Adebiyi, Gallimore, Lodge, Grant (Lench 83mins), Minhas (Olliyide 72mins), Weiss (Esan 79mins). Subs: Clayton.

Maidstone: Andre Jr, Fowler, Eweka, Greenidge (Brown 81mins), Brookes, Higgs (Gurung 71mins), Corne, Wanjau-Smith, Coulthirst (Trusty 64mins), Seaman (Court 81mins), Blair. Subs: Holden.

Referee: Chay Hathaway.

Attendance: 1,107.

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