MATCH PREVIEW: Maidstone United vs Chippenham Town | National League South | Saturday 8th November
We travel to Kent in a week of ling awaydays.
Another Saturday brings match as we visit Kent, specifically Maidstone, for Match-week 16 of the league season.
The opposition
This iteration of Maidstone United was formed in 1992, out of the old Football League side with the same name. They forced themselves out of the Kent County League and Isthmian Leagues to reach Step 2 in 2015.
They were immediately promoted to Step 1 for 2016/17 and spent three consecutive seasons in that division before relegation back to the NLS. A 9th place finish and the Covid-19 abandoned season preceded a title win in 2022, the same season that we reached the playoff semi-final.
Back in the National League was perhaps a step too far for Maidstone at the time, with relegation back to the NLS at the first time of asking.
Since then, the Stones have finished in the playoff positions, a semi-final defeat in 2024, and a final defeat in 2025.
Familiar Faces
Hamzad Kargbo – Kargbo signed for Maidstone in September following his release from Newport County, during which time he had a short time on loan in north Wiltshire. He featured in eight league matches for us scoring twice, against Welling and Hemel Hempstead. Sadly Hamzad’s time with us was cut short due to injury, and we look forward to seeing him again on Saturday!
Sol Wanjau-Smith – Wanjau-Smith signed for us this summer from Bath City, but he spent a longer time with Maidstone, a previous permanent spell and spending the second half of last season back on loan in Kent. Overall, he made 68 league appearances for the Stones, and played a part in their historic cup run of 23/24.
Fixture History
Our first fixture with Maidstone United came in 2015 , in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Goals from Matt Bodkin & Jay May denied us what would have been a third 1st Round visit in the FA Cup.
Since then we have just one away win over the Stones, and just one goal away from home. Those coincided with each other, as just before Christmas in 2023 Jake Evans’ thunderstrike settled the match.
Our visit to Maidstone last season finished 3-0 to the hosts as goals from George Fowler, Wanjau-Smith and Shaq Coulthirst capped off a poor performance that day.
Supporter Information
We will be running live Radio Commentary via MIXLR- tune in from 2.50 for all of the action.
Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, representatives of the Royal British Legion (Maidstone branch) will lead Remembrance commemorations just before kick off.
Tickets are available both online and pay on the gate. Purchase tickets here
See you in Kent Blue Army 💙
