Both sides came into the game with similar form, having won four of their last six league matches and both having tasted victory in last weekend’s FA Trophy matches, and the first fifteen minutes of the affair reflected just that as the two teams struggled to retain the ball and create any meaningful chances.

However, the first chance in the sixteenth minute of the match paid dividends for us, as Jimmy Muitt gave us the lead.

Luke Moore turned provider for the opening goal, as Moore laid the ball off for Jimmy Muitt, who cut inside and curled the ball past Nathan Harness to score his sixth goal in all competitions this season.

Minutes later, things went from bad to worse for our visitors, as we doubled our lead via a Jason Prior penalty, who scored his fourth career goal against Maidstone, after Josh Taylor was fouled in the box following confusion in the Maidstone defence after a through ball.

Our last league defeat came on the 18th October, and that run looked set to continue half an hour into the match, as we looked buoyant after two early goals, and nearly extended the lead, as Jason Prior poked the ball wide after a cross, and a Dennon Lewis cross was headed narrowly wide by the opposition defence.

With both sides of the pitch looking lively for us, and having the potential to create, Luke Moore saw a header loop agonisingly over the bar, after an inch-perfect cross from Brennan Camp.

Just before half time, former Charlton and Ipswich goalkeeper Nathan Harness was able to make his first save of the afternoon, along with battling from his defence, as they kept out a goalmouth scramble.

Maidstone United started the second half in a positive manner with some early pressure, however, we were able to restrict their chances somewhat whilst creating a chance ourselves via Louie Annesley in a scrappy first ten minutes of the second half.

The visitors, however, also started to force a multitude of corners, one of which nearly paid dividends as substitute TJ Bramble stabbed the ball against the post and into Harrison Foulkes’ grasp, before Deon Moore poked the ball narrowly wide, as our clean sheet looked to be under threat.

With the visitors pressing high and sensing a chance, we were able to add to our lead against the run of play, as Frank Vincent played the ball in behind to Dennon Lewis who slotted home coolly to make it 3-0.

Following the third goal in the tie, the visitors’ chances remained somewhat limited, as Harrison Foulkes stood firm to push away an effort from Anthony Papadopoulos, and visiting goalkeeper Nathan Harness palmed away a number of crosses from the right-hand side.

In the final ten minutes of the tie, Josh Taylor tested Nathan Harness, and had an effort blocked, as we were able to see out a pleasing victory and continue our good run of form, despite a late consolation goal from TJ Bramble.

Adding further positives to the victory, academy products Myles Straker and James Mcleod made their competitive debuts in added time of the win.

Our next league match sees us travel to Chesham United, in a bid to add another three points to our tally.