Maidstone United 1 Torquay United 1 match report: John Gilbert’s early goal cancelled out by injury-time Jordan Young penalty as National League South clash ends level

Maidstone conceded an injury-time equaliser for the second week running as Torquay snatched a point at the Gallagher Stadium.

John Gilbert’s early opener looked set to be enough for an eye-catching victory for George Elokobi’s side.

But Jordan Young levelled from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of added time after a foul by substitute David Agbontohoma.

It was a game of few chances but Maidstone were once again well-organised, hardworking and tough to play against - great qualities to have in any league.

They’re also looking like a team quicker than many would have imagined possible given the high turnover of players, and can count themselves unlucky not to hold on.

Maidstone made one change to the side who drew 1-1 at Hemel Hempstead on the opening weekend, as Jephte Tanga came in for Jesse Nwabueze out wide.

There was a place on the bench for new signing Malachi Mbogba.

Maidstone have enjoyed an excellent record against the Gulls, winning 11 of the 13 meetings in all competitions since 2016, with just one defeat.

And they set about keeping that going against a side who are many people’s tip for the National League South title, breaking the deadlock in just the seventh minute.

As at Hemel last weekend, the goal owed plenty to the hold-up play of big Deon Moore after David Sesay launched the ball forward from right-back.

Moore held off his man and fed Dajon Golding down the right and he squared for Gilbert to sidefoot home.

Lexus Beeden blocked a shot from ex-Bromley man Louis Dennis as the Gulls looked for a quick response.

TJ Bramble threatened a second for the Stones but James Hamon recovered his ground to keep out the long-range strike after finding himself in no man’s land coming for a high ball.

There was a