Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 Maidstone United 0 match report: National League South clash at the Beveree ends all-square

Maidstone claimed a battling point at Hampton & Richmond in their final game before Christmas.

Both sides put plenty of effort into the game but neither could break the deadlock in a goalless draw at the Beveree Stadium.

There were chances for both teams and a point apiece was probably about right.

Nathan Harness, Taylor Foran and Deon Moore returned in place of Lenny Holden, George Fowler and Dajon Golding as George Elokobi made three changes to the side beaten on penalties at Yeovil in the FA Trophy last weekend.

The Stones’ best chance of a tight first half came in the opening seconds after Beavers keeper Matt Rowley made a mess of dealing with Nathan Harness’ long clearance.

The ball fell to Antony Papadopoulos, with Rowley stranded, but Hampton captain Alan Massey got back to block the shot with his head.

Soon after, Foran met a cross from central defensive partner Lexus Beeden but headed straight at Rowley.

The pair linked effectively in attack on that occasion but, more importantly, were doing their jobs at the back in dealing with a direct home side.

There were a couple more half-chances for Maidstone, Moore’s shot taking a deflection on its way out for a corner and Papadopoulos firing at Rowley from the edge of the box after a decent run.

Hampton’s best opening of the first half saw Reece Grego-Cox force a smart tip-over save from Harness after getting his head to a left-wing cross.

Maidstone enjoyed early second-half possession in Hampton territory, with the ball rolling away from Moore when well placed after latching on to a pass, and Papadopoulos firing wide after working space just inside the area.

A better chance followed when Moore’s lay-off from a Leo Hamblin cross found Papadopoulos at the back post but