Match Preview: Maidstone United (A) - 28th March 2026

Photo courtesy of Fin Hall

By Josh Cole

AFC Totton travel to Kent this Saturday to take on Maidstone United for matchday thirty-nine of the Enterprise National League South!

Last time out, The Stags were beaten by a very good Worthing side. CLICK HERE to read the match report from that match.

MAIDSTONE UNITED – THEIR SEASON SO FAR:

August and the season started well for Maidstone, going unbeaten through their six fixtures which saw four draws and two wins, one of which was against us back on the 23^rd of August in a 0-1 win at The Snows Stadium.

September, however, was the complete opposite as they went winless in the four games, three defeats in the league to Weston-super-Mare, Horsham and Maidenhead as well as being knocked out of the FA Cup by Folkestone Invicta, from the division below. They also did not score a goal in any of these matches.

October started off better, with a win away at Dagenham & Redbridge (1-2) in the league and a victory in the Kent Senior Cup vs Herne Bay (0-3). Maidstone rounded out October with four ENLS games, which saw three wins and one draw.

Unfortunately, that form did not carry into November and they lost two Kent derbies in a row, losing 1-2 against Tonbridge and 1-0 away at Ebbsfleet. They bounced back with a 3-0 win against Chippenham and followed that up in the FA Trophy, beating Torquay 0-2. However, only won one out of their last three league games in the month, losing to Dorking and Enfield, both away, but beating Salisbury at home to finish the month.

December saw a real mix of league and cup fixtures, with The Stones playing four ENLS matches, winning two, drawing one and losing one. In the Kent Senior Cup, they beat Charlton U21’s but were knocked out of the FA Trophy on penalties by Yeovil the next Saturday.

It took 17 days into 2026 for Maidstone’s next match after the weather halted most team’s fixtures. With four league fixtures in January, Maidstone recorded one win, at home in a Kent derby against Ebbsfleet, two draws and one loss. Also, in this month their Kent Senior Cup run continued into the final after knocking out Ebbsfleet, 4-0.

February did not start too well, with losses against Slough (1-2), Eastbourne (3-1) and Chippenham (1-0) came before two draws against Chelmsford, away and Dorking at home, both ending 1-1. Maidstone ended the month much better than they started it, with two wins against Enfield Town, which was 8-0 and an away win at Salisbury, 0-1.

Into March, which has been a steady month so far as they continue to sneak up on the playoff places. The Stones have played five matches in the league, winning three and losing two, including last time out away at Chesham, 4-2.

LAST FIVE: MAIDSTONE UNITED

Vs Chesham United | Away | ENLS | Lost 4-2

Goalscorers: Jamie Yila 61’ & Christie Pattison 90+2’

Vs Farnborough | Home | ENLS | Won 1-0

Goalscorer: John Gilbert 73’

Vs Dagenham & Redbridge | Home | ENLS | Won 2-1

Goalscorers: Hamzad Kargbo 16’ & David Agbontohoma 21’

Vs Maidenhead United | Away | ENLS | Lost 2-1

Goalscorer: Riley Court 71’

Vs Weston-super-Mare | Home | ENLS | Won 2-1

Goalscorers: Muhammadu Faal 14’ & Jamie Yila 26’

LAST FIVE: AFC TOTTON

Vs Worthing | Home | ENLS | Lost 0-3

Vs Chesham United | Away | ENLS | Won 1-2

Goalscorers: Jaiden Bartolo 90+1’ & Tony Lee 90+6’

Vs Hemel Hempstead | Away | ENLS | Lost 2-0

Vs Weston-super-Mare | Away | ENLS | Lost 1-0

Vs Horsham | Home | ENLS | Won 3-0

Goalscorers: Dec Rose 50’, Malachi Linton 63’ & Jaiden Bartolo 68’

COMPARING THE STATS (all comps)

OPPOSTITION PLAYERS TO WATCH:

DEFENCE: LEO HAMBLIN

Leo Hamblin is a left-sided defender who joined Maidstone United in the summer of 2025, bringing with him valuable experience at National League South level despite his young age.

Hamblin rose through the youth ranks at Woking, progressing into the first team and making ten senior appearances for the Cards in the National League. He also gained early senior experience during his time at Woking through spells away from the club, including time with Hampton & Richmond Borough, helping him transition into men’s football.

Following his departure from Woking, Hamblin moved to Weymouth, where he established himself as a regular starter across two seasons. During his time with the Terras, he made over 75 appearances, becoming a consistent presence in defence and gaining considerable experience in step-two football. Across the 2023/24 campaign, he featured regularly as part of the Weymouth back line, underlining his reliability and durability over a long season.

Hamblin is a physically strong defender who primarily operates at left-back, while also being capable of playing centrally when required. Known for his energy, defensive work rate, and quality on his left foot, he offers both defensive stability and an attacking outlet down the flank.

MIDFIELD: RILEY COURT

The 19-year-old made 23 appearances last season, including nine starts, gaining valuable experience in the first team, and showing glimpses of his attacking potential. Still in the early stages of his career, Court demonstrated his versatility across the forward line, contributing with his pace, energy, and willingness to take on defenders.

Having progressed into the senior setup from the club’s development pathway, Riley is viewed as one of the club’s emerging talents and will be aiming to establish himself more firmly in the side over the coming season. With a full campaign of senior football now behind him, he will be looking to turn his appearances into consistent contributions in the final third.

ATTACK: JAMIE YILA

Yila has already gained valuable experience at National League South level, having featured for both Chelmsford City and Eastbourne Borough. During his time at step two, he showcased his ability to compete physically while contributing in advanced areas, developing his game against experienced opposition.

Known for his strength, direct running, and versatility, Yila can operate across a number of attacking positions, whether through the middle or in wider roles. His ability to carry the ball forward and link play makes him a dynamic option in the final third.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Referee - Morgan Conn

Assistant Ref 1 - Valentine Anekwe

Assistant Ref 2 - Andrew Tregoning

Fourth Official - Richard Joss

GO STAGS