Herne Bay gave League Leaders Maidstone United a mighty fright before going down by a 3-1 score line following to two late goals. In front of Herne Bay's best gate of the season (429) Bay took control of the first half; attacking the Stones at every opportunity. With the front men Byron Walker and the Turner twins all creating havoc in the Stones defence, and in midfield Billy Bennett and former Maidstone player, Sam Bewick were both in tenacious form.

The game kicked off in freezing conditions with both sides testing each other's defences. The first chance came after only a minute when Maidstone's Alex Flisher flashed over a great ball across the face of the Bay's goal but Nathan Eastwood was on hand to clear the lines. Three minutes later James Turner found himself through on goal but he fired high over.

On ten minutes, Rhys Lawson forced a corner, but Deren Ibrahim climbed high to take Bewick's cross. Back came the Stones with Alex Brown hitting the right hand post and a minute later former Herne Bay player, Stuart King fluffed an easy chance after being put through by team mate Michael Phillips.

Herne Bay started to get on top with Walker constantly pressing the Stones defence. On 21 minutes he forced a corner this time Bewick's cross was headed over by Joe Nelder. Then on 23 minutes James Turner's mazy run through the Maidstone defence ended abruptly when he was upended by Brown inside the Stones area. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Walker made no mistake with his kick, sending Ibrahim the wrong way.

Further chances fell to James Campbell and Bewick both having efforts cleared off the line. On 38 minutes King blasted in a snap shot from 20 yards but Rob French took the ball easily. Just on half time Bewick was fouled on the edge of the area. Calum McGeehan's free kick just grazing the right hand post. Half time and Bay well worth the one goal lead.

However the second half was a different matter. Straight from the whistle Maidstone showed their determination to get back in the game, forcing Bay to defend deep.

On 50 minutes a Phillips corner was headed off the line by Campbell and a minute later French saved well from the same player. In the 60th minute Maidstone replaced Alex Brown with Rory Hill . A minute later Shaun Wellford was cautioned for a reckless challenge on French.
> The inevitable equaliser came on 63 minutes, Pillips waltzed through the defence before stabbing in past French.

Bay were forced to make changes as both full backs, Nelder and Eastwood, and Walker all picked up injuries in the space of two minutes. Dean Grant, Emmanuel Abe and Ben Brown the replacements. These changes suited Maidstone ,with both full backs off it wasn't long before they took the lead. King fired in from 20 yards, hitting the bar and the rebounding ball was headed in by an unmarked Tim Olorunda.

In the final few minutes Herne Bay tried hard to find an equaliser but could not get past the well organised stones defence. Then with the final kick of the game, Welford played in Flisher who slammed the ball home from 6 yards.

Att: 429

Team; French Nelder Eastwood McGeehan Campbell Bewick M.Turner J.Turner Bennett Walker Lawson.

Subs: Grant (Eastwood 72 mins) Emmanuel (Nelder 73 mins) Brown (Walker 74 mins)

Not used: Lloyd,Okundalaiye