18thaug05

Thursday 18th August 2005

Stones don't live up to expectations - despite 100% start

Although his side are sitting in second place, with a 100% record from their opening two Kentish Observer League games, Maidstone United coach Alan Walker wasn't satisfied after their 1-0 midweek home win over Herne Bay, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Stones started their campaign with a 5-1 win at Deal Town last weekend, but had to rely on former Ramsgate striker, Mo Takaloo's goal to beat Jason Lillis' side on Wednesday night, in front of this season's highest Kent League crowd, 408. Walker, however, wasn't happy with the performance.

Speaking to the club's website www.maidstoneunited.co.uk he said: "I think it was a case of after the Lord Mayor's Show.

"We'd done enough in the first half to get the goal and go 1-0 in front but we could see that even in the last fifteen minutes of the first half that people were shirking their responsibilities and to be honest that is no where near the level of performance we expect from the players.

"The only positive I can take out of it is that it's three points and that this time last year we would have lost that game."

Saturday's opponents, Slade Green, however, have also played two games, but have only picked up one point at The Small Glen.

After drawing 1-1 with Greenwich Borough on the opening day of the season, Beckenham Town came away with all three points in a 2-0 win on Tuesday night.

Green's management pair, Terry Malin and Phil Miles have added to their squad, signing midfielder Micky Bradley, and is expected to make his second appearance at Bourne Park.

Previously with Thamesmead Town, Bradley will add some steel to the team and is a cultured player, who is strong in the tackle, boasting great heading ability.

Skipper Tony Gallagher is relishing playing with the club's new signing. "Mick is a great acquisition for the club," he said. "He still needs a couple of games to reach match fitness but will eventually fit in nicely into the squad."

Maidstone United v Slade Green
Kentish Observer League
Saturday 20th August 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Sittingbourne FC, Bourne Park, Central Park Stadium, Eurolink, Sittingbourne