Maidstone United 2 Weymouth 0 match report: Promotion-chasing Stones make it seven wins in eight National League South matches through captain Sam Corne’s first-half double

A quick-fire Sam Corne brace helped inspire promotion-chasing Maidstone to a home win against Weymouth on Tuesday night.

The midfielder’s goals came in the first 15 minutes - a header and a penalty - as the National League South game finished 2-0 to the in-form Stones.

Maidstone went ahead in only the third minute at the Gallagher Stadium in front of another huge crowd of 2,132. Captain Corne headed a right-wing cross from Paul Appiah past goalkeeper Harvey Wiles-Richards.

Three minutes later, a free-kick from home keeper Lucas Covolan almost picked out Matt Rush, with things already looking quite ominous for the Terras, who had won just one of their past five games before the encounter in Kent.

Weymouth created their first chance in front of the 31 supporters who had made the long midweek journey. Leo Hamblin produced a good left-wing run but saw his eighth-minute shot parried by Brazilian Covolan.

At the other end, Wiles-Richards got a touch on Chi Ezennolim’s shot.

But the 12th minute did see the home side awarded a penalty by referee Nathan Oakes, Corey Panter hauling down striker Sol Wanjau-Smith.

That allowed Corne to coolly convert from the spot to double their lead during an eventful first 15 minutes, as he became the club’s joint-top scorer for the season on 10 goals.

Weymouth were having the odd fleeting moment, too, though, even at this stage. Maidenhead loanee forward Harry Parsons curled narrowly wide of Covolan’s right-hand post from the edge of the area.

There was a slight delay shortly before the half-hour mark. Jephte Tanga went down, albeit he was fit to continue after treatment and finished the game, despite taking another whack late on.

Stones’ next opening was created by Ezennolim, who flashed a