Maidstone United 0 Barnet 0 match report: United end run of defeats against play-off hopefuls

Maidstone ended a run of seven straight National League defeats by drawing with Barnet.

There were no goals at the Gallagher Stadium but it was a solid performance from a Stones side who had the best chance of the match early in the first half.

Tom Hadler, George Fowler and Josh Shonibare returned as George Elokobi made three changes to the side beaten at Southend on Good Friday.

Yusuf Mersin, Mark Marshall and Sol Wanjau-Smith were the players to make way.

United may be down but fifth-placed Barnet had plenty to play for in their quest to secure a National League play-off place.

Swirling wind and rain made life difficult for both sides in a first half of few chances.

Maidstone were well in the game and had the best opening of the match in just the 12th minute.

Regan Booty played a lovely ball inside the Bees wing-back to Kevin Berkoe and his cross set up Josh Shonibare six yards out but the Stones striker couldn’t connect properly with his header.

Maidstone went close again on the half hour after Shonibare’s quick throw found wing-back Bivesh Gurung.

His cross was flicked towards goal by lively Charlton loanee Ryan Viggars, with Laurie Walker saving at his near post.

Barnet put several crosses and long throws into the box during the first half.

Their best effort saw Harry Pritchard’s header from a Danny Collindge long throw cleared off the line, with David Moyo firing the loose ball over.

Having relented towards the end of the first half, the wind and rain returned after the break, once again hitting the quality of the game.

Maidstone threatened to get in on goal but when Shonibare ran on to Deacon’s through ball but Bees keeper Laurie Walker was sharply off his line to gather.

Booty saw a shot blocked after combining