Maidstone United KYL U14 Dominate Dartford FC U14 10-0 At Gallagher Stadium

On the morning of 12 October 2025, Maidstone United KYL U14 welcomed Dartford FC U14 to the Gallagher Stadium for a league home match kicking off at 10:00am. Over the course of 70 minutes plus added time, Maidstone United delivered a commanding performance, running out 10-0 victors in an emphatic display of attacking football and defensive solidity.

Maidstone United lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying Ollie Higginson in goal to marshal the defence. The back four consisted of Blake Vince at right defender, Liam Rich and Captain Eddie Ambrose as central defenders, and Max Carney on the left. Tank Evans operated as the lone central midfielder, tasked with shielding the defence and linking play. Ahead of him, Tosan Okomi and Harrison Smith took up the right and left attacking midfield roles respectively, expected to provide creativity and width. The front three featured Rylee Rodgers on the right forward, Zaph Kouassi leading the line as striker, and Zane Clements on the left forward position, all charged with spearheading the attack. On the bench were substitutes Sawyer Booth and Bertie Hayward, ready to make an impact as the match unfolded. Tommy Monaghan showed his support in the technical area as he recovers from a hamstring injury. With Danny Lowe still recovering from illness and Bernie Farley unavailable for this fixture we look forward to welcoming them back for the next fixture.

From the first whistle, Maidstone’s defensive organisation was evident as Blake Vince blocked an early chance in the opening minute, setting the tone for a disciplined backline. Max Carney’s long pass at five minutes initiated attacking moves, while Zaph Kouassi’s slide rule pass in the same minute demonstrated the team’s intent to carve open Dartford’s defence. Tank Evans intercepted a threat at six minutes, further highlighting Maidstone’s control in midfield.

Zaph Kouassi continued to orchestrate chances with another slide rule pass at eight minutes, which led to an attempt by Zane Clements that was well saved. Harrison Smith’s effort went wide shortly after, but the pressure was relentless. At 12 minutes, Kouassi’s flick pass teased the Dartford defence, and Liam Rich’s headed clearance at 14 minutes helped maintain Maidstone’s defensive composure. Max Carney’s key pass at 14 minutes created another opportunity, though Kouassi’s shot went wide at 15 minutes.

Max Carney’s crucial tackle at 16 minutes prevented a Dartford chance, and the breakthrough came swiftly at 17 minutes when Harrison Smith’s assist found Rylee Rodgers, who calmly finished inside the box with his right foot. Eddie Ambrose intercepted immediately after, and Tank Evans followed up with another interception at 19 minutes, showcasing Maidstone’s midfield dominance. Tosan Okomi’s wide attempt at 19 minutes was quickly followed by Max Carney’s long pass, keeping the attacking momentum alive.

Zaph Kouassi’s high shot at 20 minutes was a minor blip before Rylee Rodgers delivered a stunning strike from outside the box at 23 minutes, assisted by Tank Evans’ short pass. This goal doubled Maidstone’s lead and forced an early substitution as Sawyer Booth replaced Rodgers at 24 minutes. Booth made an instant impact, heading home a close-range cross from Zane Clements just a minute later.

Blake Vince cleared danger at 25 minutes, and Zane Clements’ long pass at 26 minutes created further chances, though Kouassi’s high attempt followed. At 27 minutes, Blake Vince scored from close range following a corner delivered by Max Carney, adding to the growing tally. Liam Rich’s headed clearance at 28 minutes and Ollie Higginson’s crucial clearance at 31 minutes kept Dartford at bay.

Harrison Smith scored at 31 minutes from close range, assisted by Tank Evans, before being substituted off for Bertie Hayward at 32 minutes. Simultaneously, Rylee Rodgers returned to the pitch, replacing Zane Clements. At half-time, Maidstone led comfortably with a commanding scoreline.

Early in the second half, Harrison Smith re-entered the fray, this time replacing Tosan Okomi who had to leave due to injury at 35 minutes. Bertie Hayward made several vital defensive interventions, including tackles and headers between 36 and 39 minutes, supported by Liam Rich’s clearances and Sawyer Booth’s headed defence. Harrison Smith’s slide rule pass at 39 minutes set the stage for Bertie Hayward to score with his right foot inside the box, assisted by Kouassi.

Liam Rich continued to dominate aerially, and at 43 minutes Rylee Rodgers converted a penalty with his right foot, extending Maidstone’s lead further. Zane Clements returned to the field at 44 minutes, replacing Blake Vince, while Kouassi’s slide rule pass at 45 minutes created another chance. Bertie Hayward’s defensive header and Tank Evans’ saved attempt rounded off a busy period.

Defensive clearances from Eddie Ambrose, Liam Rich, Rylee Rodgers, and Max Carney between 46 and 52 minutes ensured Maidstone’s clean sheet remained intact. Rodgers also cleared danger at 53 minutes before Bertie Hayward conceded a free kick for a late tackle at 49 minutes. Liam Rich’s interception and Bertie Hayward’s subsequent tackle at 50 minutes kept the pressure on Dartford’s attacks.

Max Carney’s header at 51 minutes and Ollie Higginson’s calm pick up maintained Maidstone’s defensive stability. Kouassi’s slide rule pass at 54 minutes created a chance for Zane Clements, whose shot was saved. Shortly after, Blake Vince replaced Tank Evans at 54 minutes. Harrison Smith’s saved attempt at 58 minutes was followed by Sawyer Booth scoring from close range at 59 minutes, assisted by Kouassi once again.

Zane Clements unleashed a spectacular long-range strike with his left foot at 60 minutes, adding a seventh goal to the tally. Tank Evans returned to midfield at 61 minutes, replacing Max Carney. Ollie Higginson intercepted at 63 minutes, while Tank Evans’ high attempt went over the bar. At 66 minutes, Kouassi scored from close range with a right-footed finish following a flick assist from Harrison Smith.

Eddie Ambrose intercepted at 68 minutes as Harrison Smith’s shot went wide. Kouassi’s slide rule pass at 69 minutes continued to unlock Dartford’s defence, rounding off a dominant performance. Maidstone United’s relentless attacking prowess and disciplined defending ensured a comprehensive 10-0 victory over Dartford FC U14, with Rylee Rodgers named player of the match in a fixture against his former team, for his influential contributions and clinical finishing.