Ramsgate vs Maidstone Utd

Ramsgate pulled a goal back in the 51st minute when Jacob Bland met a loose ball and arrowed a sweet strike into the net, giving the hosts hope of a comeback. But Maidstone absorbed the pressure and delivered the decisive blow twelve minutes from time.

Mark Boruk, who had entered the game from the substitutes' bench, finished off a counter-attack by finding the bottom corner to restore the two-goal cushion and kill off any Ramsgate revival.

Riley Court (Maidstone United) — A goal and an assist, with his first-half free-kick the standout moment of the match. His curling effort from 20 yards was the quality that decided the contest.

Ken Charles (Maidstone United) — Opened the scoring inside eight minutes and was a persistent threat, forcing Henly into multiple saves in the first half.

Mark Boruk (Maidstone United) — Came off the bench to seal the win with a clinical finish on the counter-attack in the 78th minute.

Jacob Bland (Ramsgate) — Scored the Rams' only goal with a well-struck finish in the 51st minute that briefly threatened a comeback.

Player of the Match: Riley Court — involved in Maidstone's first two goals with a decisive free-kick and the assist that started the move for the opener.

Maidstone's three goals came from open play, a free-kick and a counter-attack, demonstrating variety in their attacking threat. Ramsgate's solitary goal came from a loose ball situation in the box, reflecting the hosts' difficulty in breaking down a well-organised Maidstone defence. The Stones' 78th-minute counter-attacking goal, finished by substitute Boruk, was particularly telling — Elokobi's side managed the game effectively after Bland's goal had threatened to shift momentum.

Maidstone United maintained their 100% pre-season record with four wins from four, building momentum ahead of the 2026/27 National League South season, which begins on Saturday 8 August 2026. The Stones, managed by George Elokobi, will look to improve on last season's campaign in the sixth tier of English football.

Ramsgate, who compete in the Isthmian League Premier Division (Step 3), were playing their second pre-season friendly. The Rams will continue their preparations for the 2026/27 Isthmian Premier campaign.

Maidstone's quality told in the first half and they managed the game professionally after Ramsgate's brief second-half resurgence. Court's free-kick was the moment of genuine class, and the depth shown by Elokobi's squad — with substitutes like Boruk making an impact — bodes well for the season ahead. Ramsgate will take encouragement from their second-half performance but will need to tighten up defensively if they are to challenge in the Isthmian Premier.