Match 13. Maidstone United v Whitehawk

 

Saturday 10^th November 2012 @3pm

FA Trophy 3^rd Qualifying Round

MAIDSTONE UNITED 3-2 WHITEHAWK

Gallagher Stadium, James Whatman Way, Maidstone

Admission: £10

Programme: £2 (A5, 36pp)

Attendance: 1,571

FOOD: Cheeseburger, £3.50

DRINK: Guinness £3.60

 

This was my first visit to see the Stones back in town.  Having lived in Maidstone for 5 years in the 1980s, I had looked in every so often and this was my 6^th different “Home” Maidstone United ground, following London Road, Watling Street, Central Park, Bourne Park, Homelands and now James Whatman Way.

The ground is one of those built to a tight budget, tight deadline and has more than a nod to Mr Arena Atcost.  With the current capacity at just over 2,000 some further investment will be needed if Maidstone get promotion to their summit this season.  It is a shame the elevated main stand wasn’t extended a further 30 yards to double the seating capacity and there is potential to add stepped terracing extended behind each goal and uncovered alongside the dugout touchline.  The clubhouse is in the near corner of the ground, and is similar to drinking in a plush air-raid shelter!  There is however a good choice of beverage on tap.

The pitch holds up well in the slippery weather but didn’t detract from the instantly forgettable 1^st half, salvaged in the last seconds when from a corner, Olorunda got the last touch in a goalmouth scramble.  I headed for a half time scoop in the bar and it appeared that a group of Whitehawk fans, and more than a few Stones fans had decided to drink their way through the match and by this time, had consumed more than their Shandy allocations.  To me, there was an unsavoury atmosphere, assisted by the apparent ability to purchase and consume alcohol pitch side throughout the game.  Have I missed a change of FA rules?

 

The second half thankfully picked up as a viewing spectacle.  Whitehawk woke up and after an hour, equalised when from a free kick, the keeper was caught in no-mans land and the ball was bundled in.  Within 2 minutes Whitehawk went in front as Super sub Walker finished at the 2^nd attempt after a good save by the keeper.  Maidstone changed their formation, with 3 roving strikers and with 15 minutes remaining, drew level with a fantastic 30 yarder from Mills, just creeping into the top of the net.  The match now was really open with both sides throwing caution to the wind.   Throw into the box wasn’t cleared and allowed Draycott to lash in.