Kentish Football 
Maidstone United 4 VCD Athletic 0 Strouts: Platform for Stones Football League return
MAIDSTONE UNITED 4
Mario Celaire 30
Lynden Rowland 37
Mo Takaloo 53, 62
VCD ATHLETIC 0
Stephen McCartney reports from the Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone
Kentish Observer League Cup Final
Maidstone United skipper Jimmy Strouts feels this season’s Kent League and Cup double winning side is the “platform” for the club’s return into the Football League.
The Stones clinched the Kentish Observer League title seven days ago when they won 4-0 at Sevenoaks Town and Beckenham Town were held to a 1-1 draw at Erith & Belvedere.
And goals from Mario Celaire, Lynden Rowland and a brace from 44-goal getter Mo Takaloo sealed a perfect week for Lloyd Hume’s men and the Stones faithful.
The Stones went into the game without Sam Tydeman (groin) and Nick Hegley (thigh) with VCD Athletic missing Stuart Abbott (ankle ligaments), Mark Horan (suspended) and Steve Hogg away on a stag weekend.
VCD were also weakened on the substitutes bench with Martin Driscoll (groin) and Kevin Winchcombe (knee ligaments) unable to come on.
And boss Martin Ford was unable to watch the game alongside Dean Frost inside the technical area as he is banned for one week.
Former Arsenal and Welling United star Ashley Probets impressed throughout and he had the game’s first chance.
After bursting through the middle of the pitch his left-footed 25-yarder rose high above Pat Mullin’s crossbar.
Maidstone’s first opening came from their first corner of the game after eight minutes. Aaron Lacy’s corner was headed out to blonde youngster Lee Sperring and his 20-yard drive deflected just past the right post.
But had former Margate striker Mark Greatorex found the far corner instead of Mullin’s grateful arms after 13 minutes then maybe the game could have turned out differently.
Highly-rated Vickers’ goalkeeper Grant Wallis was called into action after 24 minutes when he advanced off his line to deny Takaloo, before Sperring drove just wide of the near post.
But Maidstone broke the deadlock after 30 minutes in controversial circumstances.
Play was allowed to continue after Vickers midfielder James Brown was left grounded on the edge of the Stones penalty area.
Following a free kick the Stones forced a corner and from Lacy’s kick - with Brown desperately waiting on the sidelines - Celaire, the player Brown should have been marking according to his manager afterwards, rose at the far post to head across goal and into the roof of the net.
Celaire’s sixth goal of the season was just the excuse jubilant Stones fans needed to start their party.
Three minutes later Celaire rose highest once more, sending Lacy’s corner just over the bar.
Maidstone doubled their lead after 37 minutes when Rowland latched onto the impressive Jason Barton’s long ball, shrugged off a challenge, and drilled a shot from 16-yards into the bottom far corner with Wallis rooted to the spot.
Just before half-time Strouts clipped the ball over the defence into Takaloo’s path, but his shot clipped the crossbar.
Two goals in nine minutes from Takaloo, who secured the double with Ramsgate last season, sealed the convincing win.
A move involving Sperring and Rowland sent former Tonbridge Angels full-back Craig Roser on his way down the left and his cross was met by a thunderous header from Rowland, which cannoned off the crossbar, but Takaloo was on hand to smash the ball home from six-yards.
Then after 62 minutes, Lacy launched one of his trademark throws into the penalty area, and Ryan Royston flicked the ball on, and although his first shot was blocked by Wallis, Takaloo poked home his 44th goal of the season.
VCD Athletic, Kent Senior Trophy winners earlier in the month, had their only second half chance five minutes later when Lee Coburn headed Ashley Probets’ free kick across the goal mouth but no-one was on hand to steer the ball home for a consolation.
Wallis was, however, beaten for a fourth time after 71 minutes, but Rowland’s goal was ruled out for offside after Strouts’ flicked on another rocket launch from Lacy.
Stones’ fans spilled onto the pitch at the final whistle to witness a proud Strouts lifting up two trophies.
“Absolutely fantastic!”, said the 34-year-old midfielder. “Another great turn out from the gas, a great performance from the boys all round really.
“We really kept going towards the end of the season and we’ve got our just rewards.”
The former Dover Athletic star, is, however, relishing next season’s Ryman League Division One campaign.
“They're trying to keep the nucleus of the team together and add a few. We can go on, Ramsgate have done it, why can’t we?
“Personally I think Maidstone United from now on can go all the way to the League. They’ve got their ground that’s just been given to them with a good lease on it.
“Like I say hopefully we can be the platform for them to go up into the League.”
* Managers reaction will follow on Monday.
Maidstone United: Pat Mullin, Aaron Lacy (Andy Hart 72), Craig Roser, Jason Barton, Mario Celaire, Ryan Royston, Jimmy Strouts, Lee Sperring (Simon Austin 57), Mo Takaloo, Lynden Rowland (Lloyd Hume 83), Nathan Paul.
Subs: Richard Mannerings.
VCD Athletic: Grant Wallis, Chris Whitehouse, David Hunt, Paul Foley (Capt), Clayton Probets (Juan Ramurez 54), Lee Coburn, Ricky Bennett (Alan Owen 66), James Brown, Danny Penny, Mark Greatorex (Mo Miah 83) Ashley Probets.
Subs: Martin Driscoll, Kevin Winchcombe.
Attendance: 654
Referee: Mr Paul Andrews (Rochester)
Assistants: Mr Don MacLeod (Deal) & Mr Dave Summers (Gillingham)
Fourth Official: Saul Kay (Whitstable)
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