Maidstone United 1 Folkestone Invicta 1 match report: Adam Lovatt’s opener for the visitors cancelled out by Ken Charles as National League South clash ends level

A cracking Kent derby between Maidstone and Folkestone ended all-square at the Gallagher Stadium on Tuesday night.

Half-time substitute Adam Lovatt edged Jay Saunders’ side in front early in the second half but United responded immediately through Ken Charles.

Maidstone will feel they should have won the game based on the number of chances they created but Folkestone had good opportunities themselves.

Derby games are often cagey affairs but this was anything but as two sides committed to attack set out to win the game in a frantic start.

There were big chances at both ends and the only surprise was to see an entertaining first half end goalless.

Maidstone hit the woodwork twice in the opening half, first when the influential Riley Court fed Tom Leahy, who struck the inside of the far post, and again as Court’s header from a George Fowler cross struck the bar after a nice move.

Much of Maidstone’s play went through Court, who was enjoying himself in the No.10 role.

He twice went through, including from a Ryan Hanson pass, but Ted Collins made the save, and Court also sent an effort just past the post from Leahy’s lay-off.

Collins made a double save late in the half, denying the lively Leone Gravata at the end of a fine run before blocking Ken Charles’ follow-up, and Charles also saw a shot at close range snuffed out by Invicta defender Jamie Fielding.

At the other end, Liam Smith lashed wide after the ball dropped following a free-kick before Donell Thomas came away with possession in midfield and released Aaron Cosgrave, who was thwarted in a one-on-one with Lenny Holden.

Holden was called into action again towards the end of the first half, getting down well to keep out Joe Pigott’s shot on the turn after Harvey