Tonbridge Angels U14 0 vs 1 Maidstone United KYL U14

Maidstone United KYL U14 travelled to Yeomans Community Stadium on 8 February 2026 for a 2:00pm kick-off in a crucial cup away fixture against Tonbridge Angels U14. The 70-minute contest plus added time saw Maidstone secure a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of a decisive goal just before half-time.

Maidstone lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, deploying a solid defensive back four with Blake Vince at right back, Captain Eddie Ambrose and Danny Lowe as central defenders, and Max Carney on the left. The midfield double pivot featured Liam Rich and Tosan Okomi tasked with both defensive duties and linking play. Ahead of them, Harrison Smith operated as the attacking midfielder, supporting a front three of Rylee Rodgers on the left, Zaph Kouassi leading the line as striker, and Zane Clements on the right. Harvey Rostron guarded the goal. The substitutes bench included Sawyer Booth, Bernie Farley, Tommy Monaghan, Bertie Hayward, and Tank Evans.

From the outset, Maidstone showed defensive resilience. Harrison Smith made an early tackle in the first minute, quickly followed by Liam Rich blocking an attempt in the second. Eddie Ambrose was heavily involved in defence, clearing danger multiple times in the opening minutes, including a crucial header and block in the fifth minute and Blake Vince also contributing with some long passes to try to progress up the pitch. The goalkeeper, Harvey Rostron, was alert early on, producing a low save and catching a cross in the 13th minute, demonstrating his importance between the sticks.

Maidstone’s attacking intent was evident as Rylee Rodgers delivered a long pass in the third minute, setting up an early attempt by Zane Clements, which went wide. The midfield trio of Rich, Okomi, and Smith combined well, exchanging slide rule passes around the sixth minute to probe Tonbridge’s defence. Max Carney also contributed with a precise slide rule pass in the fifth minute, attempting to penetrate Tonbridge’s defense.

A mid-timed tackle provided Tonbridge with a free kick in the ninth minute, Liam Rich’s timely block prevented a clear chance for Tonbridge. The defensive unit, led by Ambrose and Lowe, continued to repel attacks with interceptions, tackles, and clearances throughout the first half. Notably, Ambrose made a vital interception in the 15th minute and executed a crucial tackle. Danny Lowe’s defensive work was equally impressive, with multiple clearances and blocks, including a header in the 25th minute.

Zaph Kouassi played a vital role in holding up the ball to create passages of play into the final third, also contributing with some key passes.

Harvey Rostron’s goalkeeping heroics were a standout feature, with a series of saves between the 13th and 23rd minutes, including a full stretch save and a punch to clear danger. His command of the penalty area was evident as he caught crosses and punched away threats, providing a solid foundation for Maidstone’s defence.

Maidstone’s midfield orchestrators continued efforts to influence play, with Harrison Smith delivering a flick pass in the 22nd minute and a long pass in the 16th. Liam Rich also contributed key passes, including a long pass in the 26th and a flick in the 48th minute. Tosan Okomi’s slide rule passes in the 6th and 41st minutes helped maintain attacking pressure.

The breakthrough came 10 minutes into the second half when Harrison Smith scored a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box with his right foot in the 45th minute. This goal was a testament to Smith’s technical ability and composure under pressure, giving Maidstone a crucial lead.

The second half saw Maidstone make tactical substitutions to maintain their edge. Sawyer Booth replaced Zane Clements at the 50th minute mark, followed by Bernie Farley coming on for Harrison Smith three minutes later. Tommy Monaghan and Bertie Hayward also entered the fray, replacing Rylee Rodgers and Blake Vince respectively, with Tank Evans coming on for Max Carney shortly after.

Booth quickly made an impact with two slide rule passes in the 52nd minute, while Farley continued the creative momentum with a slide rule pass in the 55th and a long pass in the 57th minute. The defensive line remained resolute, with Monaghan, Lowe, and Okomi all making crucial clearances, tackles, and headers to deny Tonbridge any clear opportunities.

Harvey Rostron continued to shine, pulling off two full stretch saves in the 68th minute and a punch in the 72nd, ensuring Maidstone’s slender lead was preserved. The defensive unit, including late substitutes Hayward and Evans, contributed vital blocks and tackles in the closing stages.

Tonbridge Angels pushed for an equaliser but were consistently thwarted by Maidstone’s disciplined defending and Rostron’s goalkeeping excellence. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Maidstone United KYL U14, who advance to the Kent County Cup final thanks to their defensive solidity and a moment of brilliance from Harrison Smith.

Harvey Rostron was deservedly named player of the match for his commanding presence in goal and crucial saves that kept Maidstone in front throughout the contest.