Another lead surrendered
MAIDSTONE 2
He single-handedly kept Maidstone in the match at times before Barham finally put the visitors in front.
But the Stones’ response was spot on as Akanbi levelled a minute later and then gave his side a half-time lead with a classy second.
Lewington was equal to Niall McManus’ 10th-minute effort from outside the box.
If that was routine, he soon had the crowd singing his name with a number of top stops.
His first saw him tip over a Jake Gallagher strike that was headed for the top corner, then he got down well to scoop Jason Prior’s effort away following a cross to the far post.
Arguably his best save saw him show brilliant reflexes to push Barham’s thumping volley over the top and he also denied Prior from the resulting corner. Lewington came to the rescue once more after Dan Wishart’s poor defensive header let Prior in on goal, sharply off his line to push away the strike.
The Stones keeper was finally beaten in the 35th minute with Gallagher’s cross met by Prior at the far post and Barham getting the final touch.
It had been coming but Maidstone’s response was instant with Akanbi slamming home on the half-volley after the ball hit a defender’s arm and fell invitingly.
Maidstone’s leveller triggered quite a turnaround with Slavomir Huk denying Akanbi from Wishart’s cross.
The pair combined again as United took the lead in the 41st minute.
Wishart launched a rampaging break from his own half before playing a delightful pass in behind the defence for Akanbi to run on to.
Akanbi rounded Huk and bent the ball into the far corner from a tight angle.
Maidstone invited pressure in the second half and didn’t help themselves with some slack passing.
Dorking eventually punished them in the 63rd minute with Luke Moore finding Muitt who turned and fired into the far corner.
And they went back in front when Prior rose unchallenged to head home Moore’s corner in the 77th minute.
Maidstone had Pennell sent off for a second yellow card in the 81st minute following a clash with Prior.