Maidstone United 1 Farnborough 2 match report: Ken Charles’ debut strike in vain as hosts suffer defeat in National League South opener

Ken Charles scored on his debut but Craig Fagan’s first match as Maidstone United manager ended in defeat.

Charles pulled a goal back after Farnborough struck either side of half-time through Mason Bloomfield and Michael Reindorf.

But the Stones couldn’t force an equaliser and tasted defeat on the opening day of the National League South season.

New boss Fagan named six summer signings in the starting XI against a Boro side who included former Gillingham captain Max Ehmer in central defence.

The Stones made a bright start, forcing five corners in just over 10 minutes attacking a busy Genco Stand, without testing goalkeeper Lucas Thomas.

Farnborough began to work their way into the match and it took a goalline block from debutant Frankie Hvid to deny Tyler Frost the opener following a goalmouth scramble.

Maidstone carved out their first chance midway through the half when Riley Court released Leone Gravata, who cut inside from the left before working Thomas at his near post.

And there was another opening soon after as Charles charged down a clearance, with the ball dropping to Court, but the Boro defence did enough to knock him out of his stride as he tried to shoot.

Farnborough were looking dangerous in attack, however, and should have scored 10 minutes before the break after Frost robbed Leo Hamblin and fed Reindorf.

Lenny Holden got down well to deny Reinford and Frost hit the post from the rebound with a goal looking certain.

The visitors took the lead in the third minute of first-half stoppage time as Bloomfield met Sam Barratt’s right-wing cross with a firm header.

And they doubled their advantage three minutes into the second half, with ex-Dartford right-back Sam Okoye’s pass finished by Reindorf.

Tom Leahy saw a