Pigott’s fitting send-off
There was actually no sentiment involved when Jay Saunders sent Joe Pigott on for the last five minutes of Maidstone’s FA Trophy win over Heybridge.
Saunders hadn’t wanted to use his AFC Wimbledonbound striker but with Heybridge pulling a goal back and launching balls into the Stones box, he felt he needed Pigott’s height to help close out Saturday’s second-round tie.
Fans would have taken a nervy ending if it meant the chance to give Pigott the sendoff he deserved after a terrific year at the Gallagher.
His goals while on loan from Cambridge played a big part in keeping Maidstone in the National League and it spoke volumes about him as a person that he put his Football League career on hold to sign for his hometown club last summer.
He played the lone striker role brilliantly this season, scoring 14 goals and contributing so much to the team with his all-round game.
He dropped into non-league to get his career going again and unquestionably leaves a better player.
And unlike when Zavon Hines left and caused a Twitter storm with his mini-tantrum about not getting the credit he deserved, Pigott went with class and the best wishes of every Stones supporter.
Delano Sam-Yorke was given the first crack at replacing Pigott as Maidstone beat Bostik North Heybridge, the lowestranked team in the Trophy.
It’s the central role he wants and feels he’s best at, so the challenge is on to make the position his own.
He featured prominently and had a couple of chances to score but the goals came from Jamar Loza and new signing Darius Osei as Maidstone set up a last-16 tie at home to Gateshead next month.
The Stones dominated a Swifts side who got men behind the ball and finally broke the deadlock – albeit with the aid of a handball – when Loza struck in the 28th minute.
Jai Reason’s cross evaded Sam-Yorke with Loza appearing to control the ball with his arm before beating Danny Sambridge.
Fuming Heybridge players protested, convincing referee Alan Dale to speak to his linesman but the goal stood.
With Swifts struggling to clear their heads, Stuart Lewis and Alex Wynter went close before United’s second goal in the 43rd minute.
It came from Joe Anderson’s corner with the ball headed back across goal for Osei to nod in.
Sam-Yorke and Osei threatened a third after the break before Heybridge replied on 81 minutes.
A long throw was cleared only to the edge of the area and with Osei unable to get it away, Juan Luque thumped home.
Maidstone: Worgan, Twumasi, Hare, Wynter, Anderson, Loza (Pigott 85mins), Lewis, Reason, Wraight (Paxman 25mins), Osei (ter Horst 82mins), Sam-Yorke. Subs not used: Okuonghae, Muldoon. Attendance: 1,276.