Kent Merit Under-16 Boys Cup Final: Dartford 0 Maidstone United 1

A late winner by Paddy Flynn ensured Maidstone United triumphed in the Kent Merit Under-16 Boys Cup Final on Sunday.

A tense game took a twist in the second half when Dartford’s George Bishop collected two yellow cards in the space of three minutes.

That gave the initiative to Maidstone and while they didn’t create a host of chances in the

remaining 25 minutes, Flynn took the one golden chance that was presented to them.

Maidstone manager Tony Birchard let coaches Max and Ben MacDonald discuss their success.

“We played well, we came in earlier in the season as a collective and have turned the season around,” said Max.

“We lost 2-0 recently to them, the league champions, a fortnight ago so we were able to give it back to them.

“We changed shape and went from our usual four at the back to match them.”

Twin brother Ben added: “It was a close match, they fought really hard but the game changed when they had a player sent off.

“We have to give them credit but they’ve got to give us even more after we dug out a great result.”

Dartford started the brighter of the two teams even though a strong wind dominated proceedings at Whitstable’s Belmont ground.

The pace of Finley Williams down the right caused problems while tireless striker Davey Johnson held the ball up well.

Johnson did well to win the ball back before playing in Williams, whose touch took him wide and his eventual shot was deflected behind for a corner.

Williams was in again just before the half-hour but his fierce shot was well turned behind by keeper Lucas Brookman, who then produced another save a minute later to deny the same player.

Maidstone’s best chance of the first half arrived shortly after when Mark Boruk shot wide after being played in with just keeper