Josh Shonibare scored his first Maidstone goal to salvage a draw against fellow strugglers Gateshead. A point does little for the Stones’ slim National League survival hopes but it’s better than nothing.
Shonibare’s header earned a share of the spoils after George Fowler’s own goal gave the Heed a half-time lead. Maidstone were the better side, denied by the woodwork twice in the first half, but a first league victory since November eluded them.
Sol Wanjau-Smith made his first start for the club after an injury-hit debut campaign at the Gallagher. He replaced Regan Booty in the only change from the midweek home defeat by Eastleigh.
The summer signing lasted 88 minutes before injury struck again - hopefully no more than an impact knock. Wanjau-Smith had an early effort blocked after James Alabi forced a mistake in the Heed defence, while Sha’mar Lawson saw a cracking first-time strike come back off the underside of the bar as Maidstone made a promising start.