The Rebels gained a point against fellow play-off contenders Maidstone though the reds shaded the game but unfortunately couldn’t score when they were on top in a game which ended 0 – 0. Jamie Brotherton’s groin injury meant he didn’t travel so John Lansdale started on the right.
The Rebels struggled to get into the game in the first 10 minutes when Maidstone were slightly on top and they had the games first attempt on goal when Alex Waugh shot but it was a comfortable save by Alan Mansfield. Worthing’s first attempt was from a Lansdale long throw which was flicked on by Glen Woodburn for Tom Lawley’s shot to be half blocked in the tackle and easily saved by Daren Hawkes.
Rebels had a couple of penalty shouts for handball and a foul by Hawkes but the referee declined to give anything. Unfortunately most people in the ground thought Mr Yeo had a very poor game giving some strange decisions against both sides.
Soon after Steve Davies persistence saw him get to the bye line and force a teasing cross across the 6 yard box. Indecision between goalkeeper and defenders enabled Lawley to poke the ball forward but unfortunately only against the left hand post. Lansdale forced Hawkes into a good save from a 25 yard free kick as the Rebels had the better of the game and were playing well. Seconds later Steve Metcalf had a header which Hawkes needed to push over the crossbar.
Maidstone came back into the game when Alex Flisher played in Alex Mills whose cross was eventually scrambled away from the danger zone. Mills’s long throws were causing a few problems for the Rebels with Ellis Green forcing a smart Mansfield save.
Further half chances fell to Lansdale whose shot was blocked following a strong Lawley run and to Metcalf following a Darren Budd corner. Mansfield produced two more good saves before the end of the half from Waugh and Flisher.
HT 0 – 0
Early in the second half both sides made substitutions with Sam Beswick replacing Waugh for the Stones and Tom Manton replacing Luke Gedling. Flisher was the primary attacking option for Maidstone but Piper was having a good game getting in key tackles and blocks to stop some of the crosses.
There were few good chances at either end with the Rebels crossing from open and dead play being a little disappointing especially from Lansdale.
Further substitutions were made by both sides with Ellis Green replaced by Baff Addae and Mike Huckett coming on for Davies.
Lawley came back into the game in the last 10 minutes with a couple of good runs. A foul ended one of them and from the resultant free kick, Lansdale shot but the wrong side of the post. Paul Kennett also played Lawley in as he was pushed up front but his left foot shot missed the target.
The Rebels would probably have been happy with a point at the start of the game but at the end could reflect on a couple of chances which if taken could have resulted in the full 3 points.
Rebels are at home to Walton & Hersham on Saturday.
FT 0- 0
Att 273
Mansfield, Piper, Metcalf, Kennett, Hurley, Woodburn, Lansdale, Gedling, Davies, Budd, Lawley
Subs – Manton (for Gedling), Huckett (for Davies), Charles, Pulling, Clack