Maidstone United KYL U14 Draw 1-1 At Yeomans Community Stadium

Maidstone United KYL U14 travelled to Yeomans Community Stadium to face Tonbridge Angels U14 in a league away fixture on 16 November 2025, kicking off at 2:00pm. The 70-minute contest ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw, with both sides sharing the spoils after an intense battle.

Maidstone lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, deploying Ollie Higginson in goal. The defensive line consisted of Blake Vince at right back, Captain Eddie Ambrose and Danny Lowe as central defenders, and Max Carney on the left. In midfield, Liam Rich and Tosan Okomi operated as the two holding central midfielders, providing both defensive cover and distribution. Ahead of them, Bernie Farley took the attacking midfield role, tasked with linking play and creating chances. The forward line featured a three-pronged attack with Zane Clements on the right, Zaph Kouassi leading as the striker, and Rylee Rodgers on the left. The substitutes available were Sawyer Booth, Harrison Smith, Tommy Monaghan, Tank Evans, and Bertie Hayward.

From the outset, Maidstone’s defensive discipline was evident. Within the opening two minutes, Liam Rich was instrumental in clearing danger with a header, while goalkeeper Ollie Higginson promptly cleared a loose ball. Max Carney and Tosan Okomi combined defensive tackles and headers to stifle early Tonbridge advances. Rich continued to assert himself defensively, clearing and heading away threats in quick succession. The midfield duo of Rich and Okomi also contributed to initiating attacks, with Okomi delivering a precise long pass in the third minute that hinted at Maidstone’s intent to control possession and launch forward moves.

Bernie Farley’s creativity came to the fore early on with a long pass in the fifth minute, while Max Carney’s robust tackling helped maintain defensive solidity. The backline, led by Ambrose and Lowe, intercepted and headed away crosses and through balls, frustrating Tonbridge’s attempts to break through. Notably, Danny Lowe’s timely header in the twelfth minute prevented a clear chance, with Higginson safely catching the ball moments later.

Maidstone’s attacking efforts saw Zaph Kouassi attempt a shot wide in the 14th minute, but the team’s defensive resilience remained the highlight of the first quarter. Ambrose and Okomi combined well to intercept and clear threats, while Ambrose’s slide rule pass in the 16th minute set up a promising move. The defence continued to repel attacks with tackles and clearances from Farley, Vince, and Carney.

As the first half progressed, Maidstone’s midfield and defence worked tirelessly as a frustrated Tonbridge showed their hand with a number of questionable challenges to the visiting team. Bernie Farley was on the receiving end of a leading elbow, as he continued to create and breakdown the Tonbridge the midfield, followed by Ollie Higginson receiving a Tonbridge boot to the head. Danny Lowe also was a targeted with a studs up challenge as he stood firm to protect the ball on the touchline. Shortly after, Ollie Higginson was again, clattered by a very late aerial challenge as he went up for a catch, which pinned him to the post. The referee showed the yellow card to the Tonbridge player in an attempt to keep order.

Liam Rich made a crucial tackle and clearance in the 19th minute, supported by Blake Vince’s defensive headers and clearances. Okomi’s interceptions and headers around the 20th minute helped maintain control. Danny Lowe’s long pass at the same time suggested Maidstone’s intention to transition quickly from defence to attack.

In the 23rd minute Liam Rich’s effort was blocked, followed by a full-stretch save from Higginson a minute later, underlining the goalkeeper’s importance. Zane Clements contributed defensively with a tackle and block in the 25th minute, while Ambrose and Farley continued to disrupt Tonbridge’s play.

Despite a high attempt from Okomi in the 30th minute, Maidstone’s defensive efforts remained steadfast. Interceptions from Rich and Lowe, combined with Higginson’s confident handling of crosses, ensured Tonbridge found it difficult to capitalise. Rylee Rodgers broke the Tonbridge momentum as he calmly intercepted in the 32nd minute, while Blake Vince’s slide rule pass in the 34th minute helped Maidstone probe forward.

The half closed with Maidstone maintaining a firm grip on the game, with tackles from Farley and headers from Lowe and Ambrose keeping Tonbridge at bay. The interval arrived with the score still goalless.

The second half began with Maidstone’s Ollie Higginson clearing danger immediately, followed by Ambrose blocking attempts and Lowe intercepting in defence. Zane Clements headed clear in the 38th minute as Ambrose’s long pass suggested Maidstone’s continued attacking threat. The team’s defensive discipline was further demonstrated by tackles from Clements and Farley.

The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Eddie Ambrose scored from close range following a goalmouth scramble, assisted by Max Carney’s corner delivery. This set Maidstone ahead and rewarded their persistent defensive and attacking efforts.

Maidstone continued to defend resolutely, with interceptions and tackles from Max Carney, Rylee Rodgers, and Danny Lowe. Ambrose remained a defensive pillar, heading clearances and blocks. Shortly after, substitutions saw Sawyer Booth replace Rodgers and Harrison Smith come on for Farley in the 43rd minute, freshening up the side.

The defence remained alert with Lowe’s headers and Harrison Smith’s long pass at the 45th minute signalling Maidstone’s desire to maintain control. Booth’s defensive header and Rich’s tackle further reinforced the team’s solidity. Higginson’s safe handling of crosses continued to frustrate Tonbridge.

Into the latter stages, Harrison Smith and Sawyer Booth combined well with long passes, while Danny Lowe’s clearances and Liam Rich’s slide rule pass in the 50th minute kept Maidstone’s attacks flowing. Booth’s slide rule pass and Ambrose’s long pass in the 51st minute created a clear chance, as Zane Clements beat an advancing Tonbridge goalkeeper steering the ball towards goal. An agonising moment for Maidstone, as the ball was cleared before an amber shirt could poke it into an empty net to add another to the scoresheet.

Zaph Kouassi and Eddie Ambrose continued to provide key passes in the early 50s, with Blake Vince and Harrison Smith contributing defensively. Higginson remained alert with a catch in the 56th minute, and Booth’s flick pass in the 57th minute showed Maidstone’s attacking intent.

Further substitutions followed with Tommy Monaghan replacing Max Carney, Tank Evans coming on for Blake Vince, and Bertie Hayward replacing Zaph Kouassi between the 57th and 58th minutes, signalling a tactical shift.

However, Tonbridge Angels found an equaliser in the 59th minute, cancelling out Maidstone’s lead. Harrison Smith’s long pass immediately after suggested Maidstone’s attempt to respond quickly.

Rich’s defensive header in the 60th minute and his blocked attempt in the 62nd minute showed Maidstone’s fighting spirit. Bertie Hayward and Tank Evans made their presence felt, applying pressure to the Tonbridge midfield. Rylee Rodgers returned to the field in the 64th minute, replacing Zane Clements, while Booth’s tackle and Lowe’s interceptions kept the defence organised.

Tommy Monaghan’s clearance and defensive headers from both Monaghan and Rich in the final minutes helped Maidstone hold firm. Danny Lowe’s long pass in the 71st minute and Harrison Smith’s high attempt reflected Maidstone’s push for a winner, but Tonbridge’s defence held strong.

The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, a testament to Maidstone’s defensive resilience and attacking endeavour. Ollie Higginson’s commanding presence in goal, highlighted by several crucial saves and catches, earned him the player of the match accolade, underscoring his vital role in securing a point on the road.