Youngsters will get chance

Head of football John Still won’t be afraid to give Maidstone academy players their chance, if he feels they can handle it.

Jacob Gilbert was among the substitutes for the FA Cup win against Kings Langley while Cameron Williams, who’s joined East Grinstead on loan, has also been around the first-team squad.

Still said: “If academy players are worthy of a spot, I’ll put them in without a shadow of doubt.

“We’ve had a long chat about it and I’m a big believer we should push young players but they’ve got to be able to do it.

“You don’t put them in hoping they will do it, you put them in believing they will do it. “If they don’t do it, that’s OK, but you’ve got to believe they can.”

Maidstone’s Kent Youth League teams fared well at the weekend.

The under-14s beat Tunbridge Wells 8-0 thanks to Leo Dodds’ hat-trick and goals from Finlay Gooding, Luke Russell, Jack Scott, Kenzie Monahan and Luke Parle.

Harry Cooling, Fyn Rutherford, Max Sutton, Bradley Ihionvien and Luke Tutt gave the under-15s an 8-1 win over Tonbridge Angels.

The under-13s grabbed an extra-time winner in a 2-1 League Cup victory at Deal. Max O’Neill and substitute Leon Cole were the Maidstone scorers.

A supporters’ coach is running to the away game at Hampton & Richmond next Saturday. Cost is £15 for Maidstone United Fan Club or iMUSC members, or £20 for non-members.

The coach leaves Royal Engineers Way at 11.15am but passengers should arrive by 10.55am. To book, text Tim

Murrell on 07921 193374.

Maidstone’s FA Cup commitments mean their scheduled home league game against Chippenham on November 9 has been postponed. A new date is still to be confirmed.