Late comeback not enough as Maidstone miss play-offs on goal difference

Bath City: S. Wilson (2', 40')

Maidstone United: J. Yila (70'), G. Fowler (85'), D. Sesay (96')

Maidstone United ended their season with a dramatic comeback victory at Twerton Park, fighting back from two goals down to beat Bath City 2-3 - but it still wasn’t enough to secure a play-off place.

Despite the late turnaround and a strong finish, results elsewhere meant the Stones missed out on goal difference, bringing a frustrating end to an otherwise impressive campaign.

The game could hardly have started worse for Maidstone. Inside the opening minutes, Bath took control, forcing an early save from Lenny Holden before Scott Wilson reacted quickest to a loose ball on the edge of the box and fired home to give the hosts the lead. Bath continued to look dangerous in the early stages, with Wilson again going close shortly after, while Maidstone struggled to settle into any rhythm.

As the half progressed, Maidstone began to grow into the game, enjoying more possession and creating a few openings of their own. Riley Court tested Charlie Binns with a sharp effort at the near post, while Hamzad Kargbo headed over from a promising cross. A strong run from Jephte Tanga also nearly led to an equaliser, but his deflected shot was well saved. Just as it looked like Maidstone might get back into the contest, Bath struck again before halftime. Holden did well to deny the initial effort, but Wilson was once again in the right place to finish the rebound and make it 2–0.

At that point, Maidstone’s task looked clear but difficult. Not only did they need a comeback, but they were also relying on results elsewhere to keep their play-off hopes alive. The second half began with Bath still posing a threat, but a series of substitutions from the Stones gradually shifted the momentum. The introduction of Jamie Yila, Mark Boruk, and Christie Pattisson brought fresh energy and urgency, and it wasn’t long before that impact showed on the pitch.

With around 20 minutes remaining, Maidstone finally found a way through. Boruk lifted a ball into Yila, who from a tight angle showed great composure to squeeze his finish into the net and reduce the deficit. That goal changed the feel of the game completely, with Maidstone now pushing forward with belief while Bath began to sit deeper.

The pressure eventually paid off in the 85th minute when a corner caused problems in the Bath box and George Fowler reacted sharply to fire home the equaliser. At 2–2, Maidstone had not only rescued the game but also given themselves a real chance of pulling off something special.

Deep into stoppage time, they did exactly that. Another corner led to a scramble in the penalty area, and Mark Boruk was on hand to apply the finishing touch, completing a remarkable turnaround and sealing a 2-3 victory.

Even as the players celebrated, the reality of the situation was becoming clear. Results from elsewhere meant that Maidstone’s play-off hopes had already slipped away. The late winner ensured they ended the season on a high, but it couldn’t change the final standings.

This was a performance that summed up Maidstone’s season in many ways — resilience, attacking intent, and the ability to respond under pressure. However, it also highlighted how fine the margins can be. A slow start and conceding twice in the first half ultimately left them with too much to do, and over a full season, those small moments make the difference.