Ken Charles Sends Maidstone United Top With Weston-super-Mare Win

Maidstone United: Ken Charles (49')

Maidstone United moved to the top of National League South with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Weston-super-Mare at the Gallagher Stadium, Ken Charles's goal early in the second half settling a game the Stones had shaded for long spells without scoring. It was a fourth consecutive win and a sixth match unbeaten for Craig Fagan's side.

Maidstone had the better of a goalless first half. Leo Hamblin forced Weston goalkeeper Max Harris into an early save, Jayden Davis was a persistent threat, and Riley Court drove a 20-yard free-kick straight at Harris. The clearest opening fell to Ryan Hanson, who carried the ball from inside his own half before being denied by Harris, while George Fowler and Davis also went close.

The breakthrough came four minutes after the restart. Leone Gravata beat Sean Long on the left and surged into the box before rolling the ball across for Charles, who finished confidently. Weston responded and substitute Brad Ash twice threatened - Stones goalkeeper Lenny Holden blocking one effort one-on-one with his legs - before Holden turned an Ash header behind for a corner three minutes into stoppage time to secure the points.

The win took Maidstone top of National League South, a fourth straight victory and a sixth game unbeaten - and sets up Tuesday's A26 derby away at Tonbridge Angels, shown live on National League TV. Source: maidstoneunited.co.uk