Maidstone United Rangers 5 - 5 Staplehurst Monarchs
Sunday 7th February 2010
Maidstone Primary League - Under 14

Maidstone Rangers took part in another thrilling match, this time the opponents were Staplehurst monarchs. With Staplehurst having a 100% record in the league, it was always going to be a tough match. An early goal for Maidstone was needed to settle any possible nerves and that's just what the Stones got via Dominic Archer's boot. Both teams were putting in some good passages of play, Staplehurst had the next say in the outcome of the match, with a well taken shot from outside of the box leaving Matt Oxley in goal stranded. Maidstone however soon replied making it 2-1 at half time with the help of James Collie.

Maidstone came out after the break a little too relaxed and with 10 minutes to go found themselves 3-4 down. The scorer of Maidstones third had to go to the dubious goal panel after Josh Bray's shot took a big defection into Staplehurst's goal, from the back of one of their own players. Hopefully the verdict will be in before the match report goes to press. With time running out Maidstone went on the attack changing formation, Staplehurst pounced whilst Maidstone were still readjusting to the changes. 3-5 and time against us, the heads didn't drop. Maidstone didn't change gears, they changed the whole engine. Winning a free kick just outside the 18 yard box Robson Reed stepped up to strike a thunderous drive into the net 4-5. With one of the last kicks of the game George Moon cut inside from the left wing, curling a shot to the back post. Time almost stood still as the ball first bounced then trickled over the line before George was mobbed by his teammates 5-5.

On the whole this was a brilliant game and a credit to both teams, and the draw was probably the fair result.

One moment i have the dubious goals panel on the phone………………… The goal has been awarded to ………….. Josh Bray. It was deemed that Josh seeing the goal mouth was congested quickly worked out his angles, power needed and the trajectory of the ball. Using the Staplehurst players back to deflect the ball into the net. It was also noted however that he owes his parents a great deal of credit for the goal, due to the good education he has received, and as a reward to his parents he should wash the car free of charge when the weather improves.