Maidenhead United 2 Maidstone United 1 match report: Stoppage-time penalty sees Stones edged by National League South play-off rivals

An injury-time penalty saw Maidstone beaten at National League South play-off rivals Maidenhead.

Riley Court appeared to have rescued a precious point after cancelling out Remy Clerima’s first-half header.

But the Stones slipped to a first defeat in six games when Josh Popoola scored from the spot in the second minute of added time.

Maidstone made two enforced changes to the side who beat Weston on Tuesday night, with Lenny Holden and Deon Moore replacing injured duo Nathan Harness and Mo Faal.

The sides were separated by goal difference in the final two play-off spots but Maidenhead were the more effective side in the first half.

They looked stronger than the Stones in key areas, a tough, physical side, with the direct running and creativity of Popoola in the final third.

The Magpies sat off Maidstone in the opening stages, inviting them to knock balls forward, knowing their backline would gobble them up.

The hosts - managed by ex-Margate player Ryan Peters - started to get on top - and a goal looked increasingly likely.

Liam Dulson hit the post from Popoola’s pass and Miles Welch-Hayes tested Holden low down following a recycled corner before breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute.

The goal came from another corner - after Josh Umerah’s free-kick came off the Maidstone wall - with Clerima nodding home from close range.

Moore worked Jordi Van Stappershoef soon after, while the Maidenhead keeper blocked with his legs after Jamie Yila exchanged passes with Moore on the edge of the box.

That proved to be Yila’s final contribution, replaced by John Gilbert in a tactical switch before half-time.

Former Stones defender Will De Havilland hit the outside of the post with a header and Dulson’s 25-yard drive forced a good save