Kentish Express Ashford & District
Kamurasi keeps the score down
George Kamurasi stood between Ashford United and a heavier defeat as they lost 5-0 at home to Maidstone United in their latest pre-season friendly at Homelands on Tuesday night.
The United goalkeeper pulled off a series of fine saves in the game in front of a 400-plus crowd, Stones winning thanks to two goals each from Harry Phipps and Joe Pigott and one by Tyler Campbell.
Phipps put Maidstone in front two minutes from half-time before Kamurasi kept out another effort from Pigott.
Stones added two more in nine minutes after the restart, Campbell netting after the United keeper half stopped a cross, then Pigott lobbed home the third.
The Stones striker got his second 10 minutes later, with Phipps on target again 18 minutes from time, heading in at the near post.
United boss Danny Lye fielded a squad of 19 players, giving a run-out to all of them.
He said: “It was all about fitness for us but we competed well for 40 minutes, against a strong side, playing three leagues above with some good players.
“We had eight under-21s on the pitch at the end which was good.
“The gate was good and thanks to Maidstone for coming down. They showed us good respect, which was nice.”
Matt Day and substitute Shaun Welford both scored twice in United’s 7-1 win at Kent County League side Kings Hill on Saturday.
United fielded a stronger team than expected, with skipper Richard Avery, Dan Stubbs, Dave Botterill, Day, Tyrell Richardson-Brown, and Adrian Stone all starting, with Welford, Rory Hill and trialist Corey Walters-Wright among those on the bench.
Stone and Day’s double made it 3-0 at half-time, before Hill, Welford (2, including a penalty) and Clarke Woodcock added to the lead in the second half.
Kings Hill hosts pulled a goal back nine minutes from time.
Lye will give his youngsters another run-out, against Southern Counties East League Erith & Belvedere at Homelands tonight (Thursday) (7.45pm). Admission is free.
United host last season’s FA Vase conquerors Eastbourne Town on Saturday (3pm) and meet Folkestone Invicta next Tuesday (7.45pm), also at Homelands.