Thurrock 0-1 Maidstone United - Ahwan screamer gets Stones off to winning start

Maidstone United, preparing for life in the Ryman Premier League, began their pre-season campaign in style, overcoming Blue Square Southern outfit Thurrock by one goal to nil on Tuesday night, writes Sam Bunn.

The goal came from the impressive Errison Ahwan, whose superbly executed thirty-yard lob left substitute goalkeeper Johnson stranded.

The Stones started off the brighter and the first chance fell to trialist and ex Stones youth star Roberto Corbishley, whose shot was well blocked by ex Burgess Hill 'keeper Andre Foster.

Thurrock then found themselves back in the game, and perhaps should have taken the lead when the lively Wes Thomas blasted over from 12 yards.

Both sides then had penalty appeals turned down by the referee, most notably when Nathan Paul, in a new position behind the front two, was brought down in the area after one of his trademark dazzling runs.

Thurrock then again had the chance to take the lead two minuted before half time, but the prominent Ben Lewis blocked Orilonishe's shot after a Pugh cross.

The Fleet made eight changes at half time, whilst Aaron Lacy, Alex Tiesse, Mo Takaloo and Nick Hegley came on for Paul, Craig Wilkins, Simon Austin and Sam Tydeman respectively.

Thurrock's extra players began to take control and kept plenty of possession, although it would be the away side who would take the lead.

The ball found itself at Ahwan's feet after a cleared Hegley cross, and the ex Beckenham player unleashed a rasping half volleyed lob which left Johnson grabbing at thin air.

Orilonishe then had two more good chances, but Ben Lewis and Michal Czanner both made sure the score stayed at 1-0 and the Stones fans who beat the M25 traffic went home happy.