Healy strike earns point
MAIDSTONE
The regular National South season ended the same way it started for Maidstone – with a Joe Healy goal. It seems a long time since Healy’s 30-yard stunner at Sutton on the opening day last August. That strike earned United’s goal-of-the-season award on Saturday night although it would surely have been pipped by the wonderful 10-man team goal against Bath, finished by Jay May, had it been captured on video. Healy, also named players’ player-of-the-year, earned Maidstone a point having trailed to an early Bishop’s Stortford penalty. It was a smart finish, too, hooking home from Alex Flisher’s long throw in the 52nd minute. Supporters’ player-of-theyear Jamie Coyle returned after two months out as one of five changes for Maidstone’s final league game. There was a first start for 16-year-old academy forward Jack Richards, with Callum Driver, Healy and Jack Paxman all returning. Richards along with left-back Bobby-Joe Taylor were the bright sparks. Boss Jay Saunders was impressed as he revealed Richards was in his thoughts for the play-offs. He said: “Giving young Jack a run-out was good for him and he fully deserved that. “For a 16-year-old he’s confident, always wants the ball and won’t shy away from anything. “I don’t think any of the boys were particularly shocked when I named him in the side.” Richards buzzed about playing behind Dumebi Dumaka, linking nicely with his teammates and always looking to bring others into play, chiefly Taylor, who swung over two or three crosses racing on from full-back. Maidstone were behind after 13 minutes. Manny Parry was penalised for handball after Frankie Merrifield played the ball on to his arm and Elliot Buchanan sent Lee Worgan the wrong way from the spot. The game had a low-key feel about it for a spell after the goal, Maidstone struggling to get going and lucky not to go two down when Merrifield’s pull-back found the unmarked Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson, who dragged his shot wide. United’s best move almost led to an equaliser, Paxman and Healy combining to release Taylor, whose cross was glanced inches wide by Flisher. Maidstone had a penalty appeal waved away just after the break, referee Anthony Da Costa ruling ball to hand from Coyle’s effort. Stones took charge after Healy’s goal, going close to a third through substitute May. Maidstone: Worgan, Driver, Taylor, Coyle ( Davies 73mins), Parry, Healy, Paxman, Flisher, Dumaka ( May 46mins), Richards, Karagiannis ( Bodkin 68mins). Subs not used: Banya, Sweeney. Attendance: 2,549.